Many issues could cause an iPhone to have problems. Users might notice that the touchscreen isn’t properly responding, the battery isn’t charging or the phone is overheating. These could be issues related to software or apps in the phone. However, malfunctioning hardware also could cause some of these issues.
While software refers to the phone’s operating system (i.e. iOS, Android, Microsoft, etc.), hardware for phones include the touchscreen, GPS functions, camera, fingerprint functions, etc. When phone users are experiencing issues with any of these features, here’s how to get your iPhone hardware tested and, hopefully, remediate the issues:
Some, although not all, iPhones offer internal diagnostic tools and capabilities that enable users to uncover issues with their phone. These tools can be found by tapping the Settings icon/app, choosing Privacy & Security and then selecting Analytics & Improvements near the bottom of the screen. This selection will bring up an option to run a diagnostic check via Apple.
Since not all iPhone models offer this tool, users might discover that an internal diagnostic test isn’t an option for them. However, there are other ways to test the different hardware components of the phone.
For those who don’t have access to internal diagnostic tools, Apple offers a support line or a customer support chat online. Depending on the issue with the phone, calling or chatting could help the user uncover the problems with their phone.
When chatting or using the customer support line, an Apple representative will walk the user through the process to check diagnostics on their phone. In addition, Apple also offers a customer support app; download the app via Apple’s App Store.
To find support online, visit Apple’s website and select the Support tab at the upper right hand corner of the webpage. Choose the phone icon from the product selection to see all available support options. Individuals also can login using their Apple ID.
Apple can provide support via an online chat. However, some issues might not be repairable remotely. If the support tech cannot remediate the issue, they will likely advise the user to take the phone to either the nearest Apple Store or to a store associated with the individual’s service provider (i.e. AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.).
Businesses and independent sellers can use Phonecheck’s enterprise software to run a thorough diagnostic evaluation on an iPhone. Phonecheck offers an 80+-point diagnostic test to assess all the phone’s components including the speaker, microphone, battery, and even the touchscreen.
The program operates on either a PC or a Mac; simply plug the phone into the computer and initiate the diagnostics. Phonecheck will provide data related to each component, and the program also checks the IMEI for each scanned device. If the phone is on a blacklist, Phonecheck will find it. In addition, businesses also can determine if the phone has been unlocked via jailbreaking or if any parts are not authentic. Jailbreaking and unbranded parts could impact the warranties or cause other issues.
Phonecheck will provide data related to service carriers, too. The phone could be locked to a specific carrier, and businesses will need to let potential buyers know this detail about the phone.
All diagnostic data from the evaluation can be compiled into a report that businesses can include with the phone. This report provides peace of mind to buyers and helps them better understand the features of the phone, too.
It isn’t uncommon for even the newest phone models to experience the occasional tech glitch. Phones can overheat, run slower or even lock up; these issues might have nothing to do with major problems with the software or hardware. In fact, some issues can be easily remediated with a few simple solutions.
If the user is having issues with the touchscreen, camera or even the microphone, here are a few easy DIY hacks to try and fix the glitches:
If the touchscreen or other functions seem to be glitching, try restarting the phone. For many iPhones, restarting the phone requires holding down the button on the far right of the device. This will show a screen that asks the user if they wish to power down the device. Once the device is turned off, the user can push the same button to restart the phone. In many cases, a simple shutdown can help fix a simple malfunction.
Is the screen locking up or the touchscreen isn’t responding? Instead of conducting a simple shutdown, try doing a force restart. Apple explains that this requires the user to hold and then quickly release the volume up and volume down buttons and hold and release the side button. Apple notes that the user should only let go of the side button when they see the Apple icon.
A force restart should help to reset the device. If this doesn’t remediate the issues, though, users might need to contact Apple support.
One of the simplest solutions to handle a glitching function is to close out of it. If the camera seems to have issues, close it and then reopen the camera. Users might even restart the phone. These tips might help to resolve simple issues related to the phone’s functions. Again, though, if nothing seems to resolve the issues, Apple support might be the next step.
If the camera, microphone or speakers are not working properly, check the settings. Users can assess the settings of each function by tapping the Settings icon. Scroll down through the list of options until the user finds the component they need to assess. Tap the selection and then review the data and settings. The user might discover that the settings are impacting functionality.
While some common hacks can help iPhone users remediate a glitch with hardware, sometimes repairs are necessary. If a touchscreen is damaged or cracked, it needs to be repaired especially when the damage impacts the functionality of the screen. Damage also could lead to issues with other phone components.
Repairing the hardware should be handled by a professional; in the case of iPhones, repairs that utilize parts that are not branded or authentic to Apple could void existing warranties. When Apple resells a phone as refurbished, for example, the company only repairs those phones with authentic Apple parts.
While an independent company could charge much less to repair or replace a phone screen or other hardware component, if those repairs void the warranty, is saving money worth the loss of a warranty for the phone? In addition, a screen that isn’t authentic to Apple also could lack complete functionality.
The phone’s battery isn’t considered a piece of ‘hardware,’ but it is vital to the phone. When a phone ages, the battery could start to deplete more quickly. Should phone users invest in a new battery? In some cases, a new battery could be worth the cost; this is especially true if a phone is a newer model.
For new model iPhones, the battery might be under warranty. If it’s failing prematurely, Apple might replace it for free.
A battery that doesn’t hold a charge or that depletes quickly, though, also could have other issues. For example, viruses and malware run can drain the battery and these phone health issues also could cause the device to overheat. If the owner suspects a virus or malware, make an appointment with either the Apple Store or a store associated with the service provider; a service tech can run diagnostics tests to find viruses and malware.
An older phone that has a failing battery might simply need to be upgraded. Tech becomes outdated quickly. Replacing the phone might make more sense than trying to fix an outdated model. Plus, newer models typically offer improved capabilities like better camera resolution, a larger screen, etc.
While there could be underlying issues that cause a battery to deplete faster, a damaged charging cable or broken charging port also could be the culprit. The charging mechanisms might not properly function and, thus, the phone cannot be fully charged. Users might check the cable, the charger and even the outlet if they notice that their battery isn’t fully charging.
In addition, if the phone is constantly eliciting the charging alert noise, this could be a sign that the cable isn’t fully plugged into the charger or that the charger might be slightly pulled out of an outlet. Check the cord and the charger when the charging alert goes off and on repeatedly.
iPhones can experience issues that might be easily remediated by restarting the phone, closing out of specific features, performing a force restart or even by adjusting the settings of specific features. However, sometimes the phone’s hardware needs to be repaired by a pro; when repairing an iPhone, owners need to do their homework. Some techs don’t use authentic Apple parts and components, and this could mean a voided warranty.
For businesses or sellers who need to assess all the functionalities of an iPhone, Phonecheck provides an 80+-point diagnostic test that provides insight to all the phone’s components and features. Sign up today to explore the program.
