iPhone not working after update? Fixes for every common problem
A lot of what looks broken after an update settles down within a day or two. Here is what to wait out and what to fix.
What is normal for the first two days
- Faster battery drain and a warm phone while it re-indexes.
- Slight lag in Photos and search.
- Apps asking you to sign in again.
The fix
8 fixes, in order
- 1
Leave it charging on Wi-Fi overnight.
- 2
Force restart.
Press Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
- 3
Update all apps.
App Store › your picture › Update All. Old apps often crash on new iOS.
- 4
Check for a bug fix update.
Settings › General › Software Update. Apple often fixes early bugs within weeks.
- 5
Free up storage if it is nearly full.
- 6
Reset network settings for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or cellular trouble.
Settings › General › Transfer or Reset iPhone › Reset › Reset Network Settings.
- 7
Reset all settings.
Same menu, Reset All Settings. Your data stays, but settings return to default.
- 8
Restore with a computer.
If it is stuck or will not start, put it in recovery mode and choose Update in Finder or iTunes first.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my iPhone so slow and hot after the update?
After a big update, the iPhone re-indexes photos, search and apps in the background. This normally ends within 48 hours if you leave it charging on Wi-Fi overnight.
Can I go back to the old iOS version?
Usually not. Apple stops signing older versions a week or two after a release. Waiting for the next bug fix update is the practical option.
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