Your iPhone is an incredible tool, but like any gadget, it isn’t perfect. From apps freezing mid-task to mysterious battery drains, there’s no shortage of challenges iPhone users face. The good news? Most issues are easy to diagnose and resolve with the right knowledge and tools.
This guide covers five of the most common iPhone issues and how you can fix them, or when it might be time to turn to an expert for assistance.
1. iPhone Battery Draining Too Fast
There’s nothing worse than your iPhone battery dropping to 10% halfway through the day. If this happens to you regularly, don’t panic. Battery drain is a common problem with modern smartphones, including the iPhone.
Steps to Fix It
- Check Battery Usage: Go to Settings > Battery to identify which apps are consuming the most power. If you notice “Background Activity” for any app, consider turning off background app refresh.
- Enable Low Power Mode: Found under Settings > Battery, this mode reduces power consumption by disabling unnecessary background processes.
- Update iOS: Outdated software can drain your battery due to inefficiencies in energy management. Make sure you’re running the latest iOS.
- Repair or Replace the Battery: If none of these solutions help, your battery could be degraded. Visit an Apple Store or a certified technician to test and replace it.
When to Call an Expert
If you see unexpected shutdowns or the battery health percentage (found under Settings > Battery > Battery Health) is below 80%, professional help is often the best route.
2. Frozen or Unresponsive Screen
Your screen freezes mid-chat or refuses to respond just as you’re trying to answer an important call. Frustrating, right? Here’s how to address it.
Steps to Fix It
- Force Restart: For iPhone 8 and later, press and release the Volume Up button, then press and release the Volume Down button, followed by holding the Side Button until the Apple logo appears.
- Free Up Storage: Low storage can lead to lag and unresponsiveness. Check your available space under Settings > General > iPhone Storage and delete unwanted apps or files.
- Update Problematic Apps: If the freeze happens while using specific apps, consider updating them to the latest version.
When to Call an Expert
If your screen remains unresponsive after multiple force restarts or becomes stuck frequently, this could indicate a deeper software or hardware issue, and you’ll need professional assistance.
3. Wi-Fi Not Connecting
Your iPhone keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi despite a strong signal, or it won’t connect at all. This issue can be especially frustrating for remote workers or streamers.
Steps to Fix It
- Forget the Wi-Fi Network: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the information icon (i), and select Forget This Network. Then reconnect and re-enter the password.
- Restart Devices: Restart both your iPhone and router. Often, rebooting clears temporary bugs preventing connectivity.
- Reset Network Settings: Navigate to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will also remove stored Wi-Fi passwords, so note them beforehand.
- Update iOS: Connectivity issues are sometimes fixed with the latest iOS patch.
When to Call an Expert
If multiple devices work fine on the same network but your iPhone doesn’t, or if resetting network settings doesn’t work, there might be a hardware issue with your phone’s antenna. Time to contact an Apple technician.
4. iPhone Running Slowly
Is your iPhone taking forever to load apps? Whether it’s lagging animations or painfully slow browsing, a sluggish phone can ruin your experience.
Steps to Fix It
- Close Background Apps: Swipe up from the bottom of your screen and close unnecessary apps.
- Delete Unnecessary Files: Videos, photos, and old app data can hog storage and slow your phone. Use Settings > General > iPhone Storage to clear space.
- Disable Auto-Background Activities: Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and turn off non-essential apps.
- Restart Your iPhone: A regular reboot clears temporary system glitches.
When to Call an Expert
If none of these tips help and your iPhone slows to a crawl consistently, it could be due to a hardware issue like a failing CPU or storage drive. Seek expert advice.
5. App Crashes or Won’t Open
Apps that crash the second you open them or don’t open at all can ruin your productivity. Luckily, this issue is relatively easy to resolve.
Steps to Fix It
- Update the App: Check the App Store for updates to ensure you’re running the latest compatible version.
- Reinstall the App: Uninstall the problematic app, restart your phone, and reinstall it from the App Store.
- Check Compatibility: Some apps may no longer support older iOS versions. If this is the case, update your software under Settings > General > Software Update.
When to Call an Expert
If the issue persists across apps and a factory reset doesn’t fix it, there may be an underlying software corruption or hardware problem that requires expert help.
Is It Time for Expert Help?
While minor iPhone issues are often fixable with some troubleshooting, persistent or severe problems might require professional intervention. Apple Stores and certified repair centers are equipped to handle everything from faulty antennas to degraded batteries. Don’t skip on expert advice when it could save your device.
If you’re struggling with any of the issues listed above and need a helping hand, consider reaching out to an Apple specialist for guidance and repairs.