Common iPhone 5 Problems & How to Fix Them
Apple’s iOS 8.0.2 update was released to fix lingering iOS 8.0 problems and iOS 8.0.1 issues on iPhone 6. However, in the days since its release, we’ve seen iPhone 5 users continue to complain about a slew of iOS 8.0.2 issues. Here, ahead of Monday’s iOS 8.1 release, we take a look at some of the most common iOS 8 problems in addition to potential fixes.
How to Fix iPhone 5 Battery Life Problems
One issue that typically surfaces after every iOS update is abnormal battery drain. iPhone and iPad owners of all shapes and sizes consistently complain about the negative impact that iOS updates have on their battery life and iOS 8 unfortunately has not escaped their wrath. iPhone 5 users, in particular, have been very vocal about a dramatic decrease in battery
While the complaints about iPhone 5 battery life are numerous, users should not expect Apple to deliver a permanent fix inside iOS 8.1 or any other iOS 8 update. Unless there is a widespread issue, and while the complaints are numerous these issues don’t appear to be impacting a majority of iPhone users, Apple typically doesn’t react. There’s also a good chance that the battery drain on the iPhone 5 isn’t being caused by iOS 8. Third-party apps have a way of wrecking havoc on an iPhone’s juice.
Fortunately, there are quite a few things that iPhone 5 owners can try if the device starts experiencing heavy battery drain after iOS 8.0, iOS 8.0.2 or even next week’s iOS 8.1 update.
While there are a ton of things that people recommend, we think there are several key fixes that iPhone 5 users should try. These fixes range from small settings tweaks to changes in daily overall use. All of them have the potential to fix bad iOS 8 battery life and we highly recommend looking at them before performing a hard reset on the iPhone.
How to Fix iPhone 5 Wi-Fi Issues
Apple’s iOS Wi-Fi issues date back several years though the company still hasn’t rolled out a cure all fix for them. It probably never will. iPhone and iPad users have complained about a wide variety of issues from grayed out Wi-Fi to unstable connections. Those issues persist inside iOS 8 and we’ve heard from a few iPhone 5 users who have experienced them.
There is no guaranteed fix for iPhone 5 Wi-Fi issues but there are a few things that users can try before performing a factory reset, replacing a router, or taking the iPhone down to an Apple Store. These fixes have been passed down from the iOS 6 and iOS 7 updates and they’ve worked for numerous iPhone users in the past.
The first thing iPhone 5 users will want to do is reset network settings. This is an extremely easy process though it could take a couple of minutes to complete. iPhone 5 users will want to set aside some time to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible. To do this, open up the iPhone 5 and head to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Users will need the passcode and again, a few minutes of time because the phone is going to reboot itself to complete the changes. Those performing this fix will also want to track down commonly used Wi-Fi passwords because this process will force users to enter them.
If that doesn’t fix things, users can also try turning off Wi-Fi Networking. To do that, head toSettings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services. After performing these two steps, iPhone 5 owners will want to reboot the phone. Once it’s rebooted, there’s a chance that Wi-Fi will be functioning normally again.
How to Fix iPhone 5 Bluetooth Problems
iOS 8 Bluetooth problems are among the most common iOS issues as users continue to complain about problems when using the software in the car. We ourselves have run into iOS 8 Bluetooth issues with the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus and we’re hopeful that the iOS 8.1 update delivers some permanent fixes for those devices.
While there doesn’t appear to be a cure all, we’ve heard about a few possible fixes that iPhone 5 users and owners of other iOS 8 powered devices will want to try. Users have singled out “Reset All Settings” as a solid fix. It hasn’t worked for everyone but there are a ton of people that are claiming success after trying it on their iPhone 6.
To do this, open up the iPhone 5 and head to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. This is going to take a bit of time and users will lose all saved settings but the pay off is that it seems to be fixing Bluetooth issues for many people. It’s certainly worth a try in the days leading up to Apple’s iOS 8.1 release.
How to Fix iPhone 5 Random Reboots
We’ve heard about occasional random reboots on the iPhone after the arrival of iOS 8. And while we ourselves have only seen the issue on iPhone 6, iPhone 5 users have stumbled into random resets as well.
The only permanent cure is going to be an iOS update and iOS 8.1 isn’t guaranteed to fix things. Fortunately, after years of dealing with these issues, we have some tips to try and minimize this extremely random issue. These fixes helped when we saw them in iOS 7 last year and they have helped to tone them down in iOS 8.
First, try restarting the iPhone 5. This helped us when we encountered random reboots on the iPhone in iOS 7. We also recommend performing a reset on all settings. To do that,Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. It also might be worth it to uninstall recent apps if the problems just started. If nothing helps, iPhone 5 users will simply have to wait for iOS 8.1 or whatever is next.
How to Fix iPhone 5 Keyboard Lag
We’ve encountered the occasional keyboard lag on the iPhone 5 when shooting off an email or iMessage. There are a few things iPhone 5 users can try to solve these problems should they pop up during email or messaging.
First, try turning off Documents & Data in iCloud. To do this, Settings > iCloud > Documents & Data. If everything returns to normal, it should be okay to flip that back on. If that doesn’t work, try resetting all settings. To do that, General > Reset > Reset All Settings.
How to Fix iPhone 5 Cellular Data Issues
We’ve heard complaints about cellular data issues on the iPhone 5 and other iOS 8 devices. Slow connections, no connections and other random problems have plagued some iPhone users in the days since its release.
To try and fix these, first try restarting the iPhone 5. This has worked for us in the past. If that simply fix doesn’t work, try toggling cellular data on and off. This also has had a positive effect on our connectivity. To do that, Cellular > Cellular Data > Toggle Off.
Finally, if none of that works, try flipping Airplane Mode on, waiting 30 seconds, and then flipping it off. This, like the other fixes, has worked to dislodge cellular data issues in the past.
How to Fix iPhone 5 Problems If Nothing Else Works
If none of this works and Apple’s discussion forums aren’t helping, we have two recommendations. First, take the iPhone or iPad to a Genius Bar at the local Apple Store. They’ll help diagnose the problem, if they can.
Those that can’t or don’t want to go that route will want to consider performing a factory reset. Factory resets will wipe the iPhone 5 clean though it has worked wonders for devices in the past.
To do that choose Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Again, this will wipe everything from the iPhone or iPad, so make a back up before doing this, even though we recommend not installing from a restore. Setting all of this up will be extremely consuming, but it may be the fastest way to fix bad iPhone 5 problems.
Some people have run into a dreaded blue screen of death bug which seems to be related to specific apps. If you are using Pages, Keynote, or Numbers and you are in a document editing, then pressing the Home button can cause the iPhone 5S to crash to a blue screen, which is generally followed by a reboot. Some people are reporting this issue with other apps as well, and in severe cases it is causing a reboot loop. There’s a theory that the iPhone 5S is afflicted because it has a 64-bit processor trying to run 32-bit software (it’s the first 64-bit phone). Developers are already updating apps to work with the new processor more fluidly and Apple will likely release an update to fix it at some point, but in the meantime there’s no solution, only workarounds that have worked for some people.
Workarounds:
Always make sure you back out of documents before tapping that Home button.
Disable iCloud sync for the iWork apps by going to Settings > iCloud > Documents & Data, and sliding Pages, Keynote, and Numbers to off.
Try to use apps that have been updated to take advantage of iOS 7. Apple has not updated Pages, Keynote, or Numbers. You can tell
If the problems are constant, or frequent to the point of impeding your experience, please contact Apple customer service.
A lot of people are reporting that the sensors in the iPhone 5S are wildly inaccurate. We mentioned in our iOS 7 tips that you can access a spirit level (Apple calls it an inclinometer) by swiping left in the Compass app, but it turns out that it’s not working correctly. In fact, the compass, accelerometer, and gyroscope have also been malfunctioning for some people. The level of fault varies, but it does seem to be an issue that’s specific to the iPhone 5S.
Potential solution:
Your only option right now is to take the iPhone 5S back to the Apple Store and ask for a replacement, but be warned, many customers who have done exactly that are reporting that their replacement iPhone 5S has the same issues. It’s not clear if this is a hardware or software fault. If it is software-related, we expect an update to fix it, but until Apple acknowledges the issue, it’s a mystery.
A lot of people have been complaining about the Home button clicking loudly and the Power button rattling when the iPhone 5S is shaken. People who went to get replacements, or tested other iPhone 5S handsets, found the exact same rattle and click was present. It’s just the way they’re constructed. Some people have reported a louder thudding rattle which could be caused by a loose battery.
Potential solution:
Your only real option here is to take your iPhone 5S into an Apple Store and show them. If it is a loose battery then they’ll be able to fix it, if not then you may have to learn to live with the ‘noise.’
Some people have complained of a typing lag after updating to iOS 7.1, with each letter taking about five seconds to show up on screen.
Solution:
Resetting the phone by holding down the sleep/wake and home buttons would usually do the trick. If it doesn’t, go to Settings>General>Reset>Reset Keyboard Dictionary
Apple’s messaging feature has long been a source of frustration, with complaints mostly concentrated on its inability to recognize non-Apple devices. With the iPhone 5S, the feature has actually gotten worse, which is actually a surprising development considering how buggy it was in the first place. Aside from vanishing text messages, a number of people have reported that they have been unable to send iMessages.
Solution:
If you’re an iMessage loyalist, you can restart your phone and hope for the best. If not, we would advise you to cut your losses and just send regular text messages. The answer to your problems can be found at Settings>General>Reset>Reset Network Settings.
After upgrading to iOS 7.1, some people complained that they can no longer use personal hotspots.
Solution:If your phone has this issue, we’re afraid to say that you’re out of luck. Currently, there is no fix available. Apple’s support staff and carriers around the world seem to have a problem pinning down the source of the malfunction, and have instead resorted to passing the blame on each other.
Bug: Touch ID not working for iTunes purchases
Apple was quick to address this issue with a bug fix. The problem was that the iPhone 5S would not accept the user’s fingerprint to authenticate an iTunes purchase and would insist on them entering their password.
Solution:This was fixed in the 7.0.1 update. Make sure you have it by going to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone 5S. You can also hook up your iPhone 5S to your computer and check under Devices in iTunes and then tap Check for Update.
The iPhone 5S’ iBeacon is a location feature that alerts apps when you approach or leave a location. The problem with it is it continues working even after you’ve closed an iBeacon-enabled app, which may be annoying if you don’t like being tracked.
Solution:
There doesn’t seem to be any workaround for disabling iBeacon. If you want to shut it down, you’ll have to turn off location services on your phone altogether.
A few people have reported their iPhone 5S overheating. This is usually related to the battery and goes hand-in-hand with rapid battery drain. In rare cases it could be caused by a hardware fault, but it’s more likely to be iOS 7 and/or a specific app. There are a couple of things worth trying to identify and fix the issue.
Potential solutions:Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button to reboot your iPhone 5S and then pay close attention to what you are doing when it next overheats. You might be able to identify the app or service causing the problem. You could also try an app like System Activity Monitor ($2) to see if you can find the culprit.
Backup and restore your iPhone 5S and then be choosy about what you reinstall on it.
If you still can’t find the problem then head to an Apple Store to make sure there’s no hardware fault
A lot of people have run into issues with the microphone not picking up their voice clearly. They can’t record voice notes in a specific app, or they can’t be heard during calls. There are a couple of possible causes for this.
Potential solutions:Make sure that you have removed the protective film from the screen.If the problem is with a specific app then make sure it has permission to use the microphone in Settings > Privacy > Microphone.It’s possible that your case is interfering with the noise cancelation feature. Try using the iPhone 5S with the case off, or head into Settings > General > Accessibility and turn Phone Noise Cancelation off to see if it makes a difference.If your problem persists, contact Apple customer service.
That’s it for iPhone 5S problems and fixes right now, but i will update this article with new issues and solutions as they arise. Please share your own experiences in the comments.
Apple’s iOS 8.0.2 update was released to fix lingering iOS 8.0 problems and iOS 8.0.1 issues on iPhone 6. However, in the days since its release, we’ve seen iPhone 5 users continue to complain about a slew of iOS 8.0.2 issues. Here, ahead of Monday’s iOS 8.1 release, we take a look at some of the most common iOS 8 problems in addition to potential fixes.
What do you do if you have an iPhone 5S problem and you want it fixed right now? You don’t want to go to an Apple Store unless you really have to, the support forums are difficult to search, and your go-to family or friend tech geek is otherwise engaged. Fear not. We’re here to help, and hopefully we can get your smartphone back to its best, or at least point you in the right direction.
How to Fix iPhone 5 Battery Life Problems
One issue that typically surfaces after every iOS update is abnormal battery drain. iPhone and iPad owners of all shapes and sizes consistently complain about the negative impact that iOS updates have on their battery life and iOS 8 unfortunately has not escaped their wrath. iPhone 5 users, in particular, have been very vocal about a dramatic decrease in battery
While the complaints about iPhone 5 battery life are numerous, users should not expect Apple to deliver a permanent fix inside iOS 8.1 or any other iOS 8 update. Unless there is a widespread issue, and while the complaints are numerous these issues don’t appear to be impacting a majority of iPhone users, Apple typically doesn’t react. There’s also a good chance that the battery drain on the iPhone 5 isn’t being caused by iOS 8. Third-party apps have a way of wrecking havoc on an iPhone’s juice.
Fortunately, there are quite a few things that iPhone 5 owners can try if the device starts experiencing heavy battery drain after iOS 8.0, iOS 8.0.2 or even next week’s iOS 8.1 update.
While there are a ton of things that people recommend, we think there are several key fixes that iPhone 5 users should try. These fixes range from small settings tweaks to changes in daily overall use. All of them have the potential to fix bad iOS 8 battery life and we highly recommend looking at them before performing a hard reset on the iPhone.
How to Fix iPhone 5 Wi-Fi Issues
Apple’s iOS Wi-Fi issues date back several years though the company still hasn’t rolled out a cure all fix for them. It probably never will. iPhone and iPad users have complained about a wide variety of issues from grayed out Wi-Fi to unstable connections. Those issues persist inside iOS 8 and we’ve heard from a few iPhone 5 users who have experienced them.
There is no guaranteed fix for iPhone 5 Wi-Fi issues but there are a few things that users can try before performing a factory reset, replacing a router, or taking the iPhone down to an Apple Store. These fixes have been passed down from the iOS 6 and iOS 7 updates and they’ve worked for numerous iPhone users in the past.
The first thing iPhone 5 users will want to do is reset network settings. This is an extremely easy process though it could take a couple of minutes to complete. iPhone 5 users will want to set aside some time to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible. To do this, open up the iPhone 5 and head to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Users will need the passcode and again, a few minutes of time because the phone is going to reboot itself to complete the changes. Those performing this fix will also want to track down commonly used Wi-Fi passwords because this process will force users to enter them.
If that doesn’t fix things, users can also try turning off Wi-Fi Networking. To do that, head toSettings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services. After performing these two steps, iPhone 5 owners will want to reboot the phone. Once it’s rebooted, there’s a chance that Wi-Fi will be functioning normally again.
How to Fix iPhone 5 Bluetooth Problems
iOS 8 Bluetooth problems are among the most common iOS issues as users continue to complain about problems when using the software in the car. We ourselves have run into iOS 8 Bluetooth issues with the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus and we’re hopeful that the iOS 8.1 update delivers some permanent fixes for those devices.
While there doesn’t appear to be a cure all, we’ve heard about a few possible fixes that iPhone 5 users and owners of other iOS 8 powered devices will want to try. Users have singled out “Reset All Settings” as a solid fix. It hasn’t worked for everyone but there are a ton of people that are claiming success after trying it on their iPhone 6.
To do this, open up the iPhone 5 and head to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. This is going to take a bit of time and users will lose all saved settings but the pay off is that it seems to be fixing Bluetooth issues for many people. It’s certainly worth a try in the days leading up to Apple’s iOS 8.1 release.
How to Fix iPhone 5 App Issues
We’ve been hearing a lot of complaints about applications crashing and freezing in iOS 8. iPhone 5 users haven’t been as vocal as iPhone 6 users but that doesn’t mean that app problems don’t exist.
Apple’s not going to be fixing these issues and it’s going to be up to third-party developers to take care of any random problems. This means that fixes, permanent ones, could take awhile. Fortunately, there are a few things that iPhone 5 users can try to make the app experience far more stable both ahead, and after, the iOS 8.1 release.
First, make sure applications on the iPhone 5 are updated. App updates with support for iOS 8 have been trickling out since launch. Many iPhone users are horrible about updating apps and that’s a habit that can, and should, be broken immediately.
iPhone 5 users who are forgetful or lazy will want to turn on automatic App Store updates because it will keep apps automatically updated and ensure that they are always on the latest version with the latest bug fixes. To do that, head into Settings > iTunes & App Store > Toggle Updates on.
How to Improve Performance on iPhone 5
Our iOS 8 experience on the iPhone 5 has been fairly stable and the phone is as fast as it was in iOS 7.1.2. That said, we’ve heard from some iPhone 5 users who are noticing a drop in performance.
There are some ways to speed up the performance on the iPhone 5 should it get a little choppy. We’ve outlined a number of different strategies including reducing animations and pretty effects, resetting settings, or restoring back to factory settings. These fixes are for the iPhone 4s but they will help with the iPhone 5 as well.
Here’s how to get better iOS 8 performance on iPhone 5.
Keep in mind, there is no cure all for performance issues on the iPhone 5 or any other iPhone. If nothing works, users will want to try these before performing a factory reset. There’s also a slight chance that Apple’s iOS 8.1 update could help fix things though that’s far from guaranteed.
How to Fix iPhone 5 Landscape Issues
One of the biggest issues that we’ve outlined in our iOS 8 reviews is an issue wherein the iPhone gets stuck in landscape mode after shifting to portrait. This is a huge problem, especially when using the camera app. It’s an issue that’s affecting a number of other other iPhone users as well and we want to offer some simple fixes for it.
While we can’t offer a cure all fix, we can offer a temporary solution. Instead of throwing the iPhone 5 against a wall, simply lock the orientation of the phone in portrait. This way, when the iPhone 5 is utilizing an app like camera, it won’t shift to landscape mode, get stuck, and potentially ruin the footage that is being shot.
To lock it in portrait, pull up Control Center from the bottom of the phone, look for the lock in the top right corner, and hit that. This will lock it up so that it won’t move out of portrait mode. It’s a temporary fix for an issue that’s driving some iPhone users (including us) crazy. Our hope is that iOS 8.1 fixes this issue once and for all though that is not guaranteed.
How to Fix iPhone 5 iMessage Problems
We’ve been running into a number of iMessage problems on the iPhone 6 and on the iPhone 5. Some problems, like the Messages app’s inability to mark new messages as read, are new. Others, like an issue wherein messages come hours late, are not. Fortunately, there are some fixes that are worth trying, fixes that have actually helped to alleviate our own iPhone 5 iMessage problems in the past.
The first thing to try is toggling iMessage off and on. If that doesn’t work, try rebooting the phone. If neither of those work, it’s time to reset the device’s network settings.
To do that, head into Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. The phone will reboot, and while the stored Wi-Fi networks will be lost, reentering a Wi-Fi password is a small price to pay for working iMessages.
We’ve been hearing a lot of complaints about applications crashing and freezing in iOS 8. iPhone 5 users haven’t been as vocal as iPhone 6 users but that doesn’t mean that app problems don’t exist.
Apple’s not going to be fixing these issues and it’s going to be up to third-party developers to take care of any random problems. This means that fixes, permanent ones, could take awhile. Fortunately, there are a few things that iPhone 5 users can try to make the app experience far more stable both ahead, and after, the iOS 8.1 release.
First, make sure applications on the iPhone 5 are updated. App updates with support for iOS 8 have been trickling out since launch. Many iPhone users are horrible about updating apps and that’s a habit that can, and should, be broken immediately.
iPhone 5 users who are forgetful or lazy will want to turn on automatic App Store updates because it will keep apps automatically updated and ensure that they are always on the latest version with the latest bug fixes. To do that, head into Settings > iTunes & App Store > Toggle Updates on.
How to Improve Performance on iPhone 5
Our iOS 8 experience on the iPhone 5 has been fairly stable and the phone is as fast as it was in iOS 7.1.2. That said, we’ve heard from some iPhone 5 users who are noticing a drop in performance.
There are some ways to speed up the performance on the iPhone 5 should it get a little choppy. We’ve outlined a number of different strategies including reducing animations and pretty effects, resetting settings, or restoring back to factory settings. These fixes are for the iPhone 4s but they will help with the iPhone 5 as well.
Here’s how to get better iOS 8 performance on iPhone 5.Keep in mind, there is no cure all for performance issues on the iPhone 5 or any other iPhone. If nothing works, users will want to try these before performing a factory reset. There’s also a slight chance that Apple’s iOS 8.1 update could help fix things though that’s far from guaranteed.
How to Fix iPhone 5 Landscape Issues
One of the biggest issues that we’ve outlined in our iOS 8 reviews is an issue wherein the iPhone gets stuck in landscape mode after shifting to portrait. This is a huge problem, especially when using the camera app. It’s an issue that’s affecting a number of other other iPhone users as well and we want to offer some simple fixes for it.
While we can’t offer a cure all fix, we can offer a temporary solution. Instead of throwing the iPhone 5 against a wall, simply lock the orientation of the phone in portrait. This way, when the iPhone 5 is utilizing an app like camera, it won’t shift to landscape mode, get stuck, and potentially ruin the footage that is being shot.
To lock it in portrait, pull up Control Center from the bottom of the phone, look for the lock in the top right corner, and hit that. This will lock it up so that it won’t move out of portrait mode. It’s a temporary fix for an issue that’s driving some iPhone users (including us) crazy. Our hope is that iOS 8.1 fixes this issue once and for all though that is not guaranteed.
How to Fix iPhone 5 iMessage Problems
We’ve been running into a number of iMessage problems on the iPhone 6 and on the iPhone 5. Some problems, like the Messages app’s inability to mark new messages as read, are new. Others, like an issue wherein messages come hours late, are not. Fortunately, there are some fixes that are worth trying, fixes that have actually helped to alleviate our own iPhone 5 iMessage problems in the past.
The first thing to try is toggling iMessage off and on. If that doesn’t work, try rebooting the phone. If neither of those work, it’s time to reset the device’s network settings.
To do that, head into Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. The phone will reboot, and while the stored Wi-Fi networks will be lost, reentering a Wi-Fi password is a small price to pay for working iMessages.
How to Fix iPhone 5 Random Reboots
We’ve heard about occasional random reboots on the iPhone after the arrival of iOS 8. And while we ourselves have only seen the issue on iPhone 6, iPhone 5 users have stumbled into random resets as well.
The only permanent cure is going to be an iOS update and iOS 8.1 isn’t guaranteed to fix things. Fortunately, after years of dealing with these issues, we have some tips to try and minimize this extremely random issue. These fixes helped when we saw them in iOS 7 last year and they have helped to tone them down in iOS 8.
First, try restarting the iPhone 5. This helped us when we encountered random reboots on the iPhone in iOS 7. We also recommend performing a reset on all settings. To do that,Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. It also might be worth it to uninstall recent apps if the problems just started. If nothing helps, iPhone 5 users will simply have to wait for iOS 8.1 or whatever is next.
How to Fix iPhone 5 Keyboard Lag
We’ve encountered the occasional keyboard lag on the iPhone 5 when shooting off an email or iMessage. There are a few things iPhone 5 users can try to solve these problems should they pop up during email or messaging.
First, try turning off Documents & Data in iCloud. To do this, Settings > iCloud > Documents & Data. If everything returns to normal, it should be okay to flip that back on. If that doesn’t work, try resetting all settings. To do that, General > Reset > Reset All Settings.
How to Fix iPhone 5 Cellular Data Issues
We’ve heard complaints about cellular data issues on the iPhone 5 and other iOS 8 devices. Slow connections, no connections and other random problems have plagued some iPhone users in the days since its release.
To try and fix these, first try restarting the iPhone 5. This has worked for us in the past. If that simply fix doesn’t work, try toggling cellular data on and off. This also has had a positive effect on our connectivity. To do that, Cellular > Cellular Data > Toggle Off.
Finally, if none of that works, try flipping Airplane Mode on, waiting 30 seconds, and then flipping it off. This, like the other fixes, has worked to dislodge cellular data issues in the past.
How to Fix iPhone 5 Problems If Nothing Else Works
If none of this works and Apple’s discussion forums aren’t helping, we have two recommendations. First, take the iPhone or iPad to a Genius Bar at the local Apple Store. They’ll help diagnose the problem, if they can.
Those that can’t or don’t want to go that route will want to consider performing a factory reset. Factory resets will wipe the iPhone 5 clean though it has worked wonders for devices in the past.
To do that choose Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Again, this will wipe everything from the iPhone or iPad, so make a back up before doing this, even though we recommend not installing from a restore. Setting all of this up will be extremely consuming, but it may be the fastest way to fix bad iPhone 5 problems.
Blue screen of death
Some people have run into a dreaded blue screen of death bug which seems to be related to specific apps. If you are using Pages, Keynote, or Numbers and you are in a document editing, then pressing the Home button can cause the iPhone 5S to crash to a blue screen, which is generally followed by a reboot. Some people are reporting this issue with other apps as well, and in severe cases it is causing a reboot loop. There’s a theory that the iPhone 5S is afflicted because it has a 64-bit processor trying to run 32-bit software (it’s the first 64-bit phone). Developers are already updating apps to work with the new processor more fluidly and Apple will likely release an update to fix it at some point, but in the meantime there’s no solution, only workarounds that have worked for some people.
Workarounds:
Always make sure you back out of documents before tapping that Home button.
Disable iCloud sync for the iWork apps by going to Settings > iCloud > Documents & Data, and sliding Pages, Keynote, and Numbers to off.
Try to use apps that have been updated to take advantage of iOS 7. Apple has not updated Pages, Keynote, or Numbers. You can tell
If the problems are constant, or frequent to the point of impeding your experience, please contact Apple customer service.
Faulty sensors
A lot of people are reporting that the sensors in the iPhone 5S are wildly inaccurate. We mentioned in our iOS 7 tips that you can access a spirit level (Apple calls it an inclinometer) by swiping left in the Compass app, but it turns out that it’s not working correctly. In fact, the compass, accelerometer, and gyroscope have also been malfunctioning for some people. The level of fault varies, but it does seem to be an issue that’s specific to the iPhone 5S.
Potential solution:
Your only option right now is to take the iPhone 5S back to the Apple Store and ask for a replacement, but be warned, many customers who have done exactly that are reporting that their replacement iPhone 5S has the same issues. It’s not clear if this is a hardware or software fault. If it is software-related, we expect an update to fix it, but until Apple acknowledges the issue, it’s a mystery.
Noisy and rattling buttons
A lot of people have been complaining about the Home button clicking loudly and the Power button rattling when the iPhone 5S is shaken. People who went to get replacements, or tested other iPhone 5S handsets, found the exact same rattle and click was present. It’s just the way they’re constructed. Some people have reported a louder thudding rattle which could be caused by a loose battery.
Potential solution:
Your only real option here is to take your iPhone 5S into an Apple Store and show them. If it is a loose battery then they’ll be able to fix it, if not then you may have to learn to live with the ‘noise.’
The 5-second typing lag
Some people have complained of a typing lag after updating to iOS 7.1, with each letter taking about five seconds to show up on screen.
Solution:
Resetting the phone by holding down the sleep/wake and home buttons would usually do the trick. If it doesn’t, go to Settings>General>Reset>Reset Keyboard Dictionary
Problem: iMessage not working
Apple’s messaging feature has long been a source of frustration, with complaints mostly concentrated on its inability to recognize non-Apple devices. With the iPhone 5S, the feature has actually gotten worse, which is actually a surprising development considering how buggy it was in the first place. Aside from vanishing text messages, a number of people have reported that they have been unable to send iMessages.
Solution:
If you’re an iMessage loyalist, you can restart your phone and hope for the best. If not, we would advise you to cut your losses and just send regular text messages. The answer to your problems can be found at Settings>General>Reset>Reset Network Settings.
Can’t use personal hotspots
After upgrading to iOS 7.1, some people complained that they can no longer use personal hotspots.
Solution:If your phone has this issue, we’re afraid to say that you’re out of luck. Currently, there is no fix available. Apple’s support staff and carriers around the world seem to have a problem pinning down the source of the malfunction, and have instead resorted to passing the blame on each other.
Apple was quick to address this issue with a bug fix. The problem was that the iPhone 5S would not accept the user’s fingerprint to authenticate an iTunes purchase and would insist on them entering their password.
Solution:This was fixed in the 7.0.1 update. Make sure you have it by going to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone 5S. You can also hook up your iPhone 5S to your computer and check under Devices in iTunes and then tap Check for Update.
Annoying: iBeacon continues working
The iPhone 5S’ iBeacon is a location feature that alerts apps when you approach or leave a location. The problem with it is it continues working even after you’ve closed an iBeacon-enabled app, which may be annoying if you don’t like being tracked.
Solution:
There doesn’t seem to be any workaround for disabling iBeacon. If you want to shut it down, you’ll have to turn off location services on your phone altogether.
Glitch: Overheating and battery drain
A few people have reported their iPhone 5S overheating. This is usually related to the battery and goes hand-in-hand with rapid battery drain. In rare cases it could be caused by a hardware fault, but it’s more likely to be iOS 7 and/or a specific app. There are a couple of things worth trying to identify and fix the issue.
Potential solutions:Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button to reboot your iPhone 5S and then pay close attention to what you are doing when it next overheats. You might be able to identify the app or service causing the problem. You could also try an app like System Activity Monitor ($2) to see if you can find the culprit.
Backup and restore your iPhone 5S and then be choosy about what you reinstall on it.
If you still can’t find the problem then head to an Apple Store to make sure there’s no hardware fault
Problem: Microphone not working
A lot of people have run into issues with the microphone not picking up their voice clearly. They can’t record voice notes in a specific app, or they can’t be heard during calls. There are a couple of possible causes for this.
Potential solutions:Make sure that you have removed the protective film from the screen.If the problem is with a specific app then make sure it has permission to use the microphone in Settings > Privacy > Microphone.It’s possible that your case is interfering with the noise cancelation feature. Try using the iPhone 5S with the case off, or head into Settings > General > Accessibility and turn Phone Noise Cancelation off to see if it makes a difference.If your problem persists, contact Apple customer service.
That’s it for iPhone 5S problems and fixes right now, but i will update this article with new issues and solutions as they arise. Please share your own experiences in the comments.
TEJWANT GOSAL
who loves everything about technology. He is devoted to everything that is tech-related
and tries the best to produce useful and quality BLOGS about mobiles,
and tries the best to produce useful and quality BLOGS about mobiles,
