Apple iPhones are one of the most popular smartphones in the country. In 2022, more than 120 million people in the U.S. were using an iPhone. The phone’s simplistic design and user-friendly layout have contributed to the appeal of the device.
Each year, Apple debuts a new iPhone that boasts elevated features or different specifications; as these models become the must-have technology, earlier iterations become outdated. While iPhones are designed to maximize the user experience, these phones aren’t immune to glitches or tech issues. Thankfully, Apple makes it fairly easy to troubleshoot its phones and devices. For Apple diagnostics, iPhone tools and resources can help uncover problems related to the battery and other components.
Here’s how to troubleshoot an iPhone and run a diagnostics check, too.
Smartphones and cell phones aren’t impervious to glitching. Any tech device can experience issues related to performance; these issues might happen randomly or they could be tied to other problems with the phone or device.
Some Apple iPhone models make it fairly simple for users to uncover why their phone is experiencing problems. In the Settings app for certain iPhone models, users can access a diagnostics option by selecting Privacy & Security and opening Analytics & Improvements. Under this section, users will have the option to run a diagnostics check on their phone. However, not all models offer an internal diagnostics tool.
Newer Apple iPhones offer a more advanced repair option beyond a simple diagnostic check. According to MacRumors, back in 2022 Apple started allowing users to have access to a Self Service Repair function. To access this feature, users have to conduct a hard restart of their phone by holding the side button and the power button.
The site explains that when the phone is restarting, users need to press the volume buttons and then insert the lighting cable into the phone. When the Apple logo illuminates on the screen, the user should let go of the volume buttons. MacRumors explains that the user will see this message: “Diagnostics allow Apple to identify potential hardware and software issues with this device." Users can then choose to begin the diagnostics and will receive access to self-repair information like manuals and pricing information about replacement parts.
MacRumors notes that this diagnostic option, “…provides the repair manuals, parts, and tools necessary for fixing the display, battery, bottom speaker, camera, display, SIM Tray, and Taptic Engine.” Self Service Repair is designed to allow owners to do their own repairs, while Apple provides them with resources and a list of parts they will need (plus pricing). MacRumors notes that only the most recent iPhone models offer this repair option; the site includes a list of all the phones that can utilize the Self Service Repair.
Again, not all iPhones include an internal diagnostic tool that helps users uncover problems with their phones. In addition, only newer iPhone models offer the Self Service Repair option. How can owners of older iPhones run a diagnostics check?
If an iPhone model doesn’t include diagnostic tools, owners can download the Phonecheck app for free via the App Store. Phonecheck allows users to assess the functionality of their phone and uncover any issues. In addition, businesses can utilize the enterprise Phonecheck software that performs a vast checklist of diagnostic assessments on iPhone models.
Businesses that buy or sell phones can use Phonecheck to test the battery, speakers and other components and check the IMEI to ensure that it isn’t on the blacklist. Phonecheck also analyzes the authenticity of replacement parts within the phone and can determine if the phone is locked to a carrier or if it has possibly been unlocked in violation of the restrictions implemented by the manufacturer, software or carrier—this is called jailbreaking.
A report can be printed to show all the data related to the phone’s health. Businesses can attach this report when selling pre-owned or refurbished phones to provide peace of mind to buyers.
Not every phone owner wants to troubleshoot their device at home using software or internal tools. In addition, while Apple now provides the data and resources to let users repair their phone DIY, not everyone will be comfortable handling this type of project.
For those who don’t want to diagnose their own phone, Apple offers a few resources for guided assistance. When the phone is experiencing issues, users can contact Apple’s customer support via phone or online. Apple’s reps will walk the user through troubleshooting their device and help them determine the cause of their tech issues.
If online or phone support can’t solve the problem, they will likely advise the phone owner to take the device to either an Apple Store or a store associated with the phone’s service provider (i.e. AT&T, Verizon, etc.). An appointment might be necessary, however.
Some phone issues can be universal and are experienced by all phone brands. For example, smartphones can overheat, have trouble holding a complete charge or even run slowly from time to time. Here’s how to troubleshoot these basic problems.
Technology can overheat, and there are numerous reasons why a phone might suddenly feel incredibly hot and even shut down because of a high temperature. The most obvious culprit for an overheating phone is the external weather and temperature. A phone that is sitting out in direct sunlight is likely to overheat. When taking the phone outside on a hot day, keep it in a cool location. Try placing the phone in a bag, under a towel, etc.
When a phone is too hot, it will automatically shutdown. When the phone cools down, though, the user should be able to safely restart the device. While some sites might recommend placing an overheated phone in a freezer, be careful doing this—forgetting that a hot phone in the freezer could lead to other problems.
A phone can overheat for reasons other than the external temperature, though. Gaming too long or using the phone for an extended period of time also can cause the phone to run hot. Try closing out apps and giving the phone a break.
Viruses and malware can run in the background and bog down the phone; this can cause the phone to overheat. If closing out apps and shutting down the phone doesn’t solve the issue, users might consider making an appointment at an Apple Store or a store associated with the service carrier.
Another common issue with smartphones is related to operating speed. Users might notice that it takes longer to load an app or even see a change when playing a game or typing a message.
The simplest fix for a slow phone is to close out the apps and then reopen them. If the app is still slow, owners can try shutting down the phone and restarting it. This helps reset the phone.
A slow phone also could be caused from outdated software or even viruses/malware. Check the software for updates. If the phone is still having issues, it might be time to reach out to Apple online or via phone.
A phone that won’t hold a charge can be frustrating; a fast-draining battery also can cause a call to drop and the phone to simply shutdown. Why is the battery not charging or holding a charge?
Batteries don’t last forever, and it’s possible that the battery needs to be replaced. If the phone won’t hold a charge, though, there also could be an issue with the charging cable, the charging dock or even the outlet. Phone owners might need to try using a different cord or charger to determine the underlying issue.
Phone owners also could notice that the phone keeps making the active charging noise constantly. Once the phone is plugged into the charger and is actively charging, the alert noise associated with charging should only be heard once. If the noise keeps going on and off, there is a poor connection. Check the charging cable and the charger. Adjusting the cord in the charger or the phone should resolve the issue.
Some iPhones include internal diagnostic tools to help owners assess any issues with the components or performance of their phone. In 2022, Apple also provided resources via the phone to help owners make repairs to their device at home.
However, not all iPhones offer these tools. For older iPhones, owners might seek diagnostic support from Apple online, via phone or they can make an appointment at the Apple Store (or through their service provider’s store). The Phonecheck app also can help iPhone owners better understand any potential issues with their phone, and the enterprise Phonecheck software provides all the diagnostic tools for businesses to assess the functionality of devices.
While there are numerous options for iPhone owners to diagnose and troubleshoot their device, some problems are not universal to most smartphones. Sometimes a phone might overheat, run slow or even fail to hold a charge. Owners can typically handle these minor issues at home, and most issues can be resolved by shutting down the phone, restarting it or simply moving the phone out of direct sunlight (in the case of overheating). However, when a virus or malware infection is suspected, a trip to a pro is likely the best prescription for the device’s health.
