Top iPhone issues and how to solve them

Owning an iPhone and keeping up with the latest updates can be enjoyable as well as beneficial but sometimes the latest improvements can also mean the latest problems to solve. The good news is that most can be easily fixed. Below we look at five of the most common problems and how to solve them.

1. iOS 10 Installation

It seems that every installation of the latest iOS update is problematic and it is suggested that it will remain so. Installation failing because it freezes and fails to complete is a common issue. If installation is halted and frozen, resetting the handset may solve the problem. This is done by pressing the Home and Power buttons at the same time (for iPhone 7 and 7 Plus it will be the Volume Down and Power button). Within 10 seconds the handset should power down and then turn itself on again. This will complete the restart process. After this the handset should be able to complete both the download and installation of the update.

Image Source: Pixabay

2. GPS Doesn’t Work

A common problem for iPhone 6 users is GPS apps not working, being inaccurate or running slowly. Possible solutions are: ensure that Location Services is on with Settings > Privacy > Location Services. Also check that other important relevant settings have not been toggled off.

3. Problems with Charging

If the handset is plugged in, power switched on at source and the lightning symbol beside the battery icon is not present, there will be no charging. Check the hardware – handset, cable and power outlet – is not damaged. If all is well, try restarting the handset. Use the recommended buttons, eg Power and Home or others, to start the restart process. Once restarted, the software that has perhaps failed to recognise the handset is connected to a power source may correct itself and allow charging. More guidelines here.

4. iCloud Restoration Issues

Initially a problem for iPhone 7 and 7 Plus users, iCloud restore seems to have settled down, but for those who encounter problems restarting may be the answer. Do this the same as for installation problems described above. Then check and see if restoration can be achieved normally. If not, it may be wise to create a backup of files on a computer. The restoration process can then be achieved by using these backups.

5. iOS 10 and reduced battery life

Updates to the operating system caused battery life problems and whilst the latest updates may help there are some simple steps that can be taken to prolong battery life. By turning off the apps that run and update in the background you can prolong battery life. Go to Settings>General>Background App Refresh and turn it off. Do the same with Motion and Fitness and other apps like TripAdvisor that you do not need to run and update all the time. Likewise, only turn on Wi-Fi when it’s needed. Brightness also costs power, so keep it under control.)