12 Common iPhone Problems – How To Fix Them

As iPhones become an essential part of our daily lives, encountering occasional issues is inevitable. Whether it’s a frozen screen or battery drain, these problems can be frustrating. This guide provides straightforward solutions to 12 common iPhone problems, ensuring your device runs smoothly and efficiently.

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Frozen or Unresponsive Screen

Solution:

  • Force restart your iPhone by pressing and holding both the Home button and the Power button (for iPhone 8 and earlier) or the Volume Up button and the Power button (for iPhone X and later) until the Apple logo appears.

Battery Drain Issues

Solution:

  • Check for apps using excessive battery: Go to Settings > Battery.
  • Reduce screen brightness or enable Auto-Brightness: Settings > Display & Brightness.
  • Enable Low Power Mode: Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode.
  • Turn off Background App Refresh: Settings > General > Background App Refresh.

Storage Full

Solution:

  • Review and delete unused apps: Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
  • Offload unused apps: Enable Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Offload Unused Apps.
  • Delete old messages and attachments.
  • Use iCloud to store photos and videos: Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Photos > iCloud Photos.

Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues

Solution:

  • Toggle Wi-Fi off and on: Settings > Wi-Fi.
  • Forget and reconnect to the network: Settings > Wi-Fi > [Network Name] > Forget This Network.
  • Restart your router.
  • Reset network settings: Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

Bluetooth Connectivity Issues

Solution:

  • Toggle Bluetooth off and on: Settings > Bluetooth.
  • Forget and reconnect to the Bluetooth device: Settings > Bluetooth > [Device Name] > Forget This Device.
  • Ensure the Bluetooth device is fully charged.
  • Restart your iPhone.

App Crashes and Glitches

Solution:

  • Update the app: App Store > Updates.
  • Restart the app: Swipe up from the bottom and swipe the app away.
  • Reinstall the app: Delete it and download it again from the App Store.
  • Check for iOS updates: Settings > General > Software Update.

Restoring from a Backup

Solution:

  • Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi.
  • Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
  • Follow the setup process and choose Restore from iCloud Backup or Restore from iTunes Backup.
  • Select the backup you want to restore.

Sound and Audio Problems

Solution:

  • Check the volume level and mute switch.
  • Ensure Bluetooth is off if not using a Bluetooth device.
  • Clean the speaker and microphone openings.
  • Restart your iPhone.
  • Check for updates: Settings > General > Software Update.

iMessage and FaceTime Issues

Solution:

  • Ensure iMessage and FaceTime are activated: Settings > Messages > iMessage and Settings > FaceTime.
  • Toggle iMessage and FaceTime off and on.
  • Sign out and back into your Apple ID: Settings > [your name] > Sign Out.

Slow Performance

Solution:

  • Restart your iPhone.
  • Close unnecessary apps running in the background.
  • Free up storage space.
  • Update to the latest iOS version.
  • Reset settings: Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.

Touch Screen Sensitivity

Solution:

  • Remove any screen protectors or cases.
  • Clean the screen with a soft, lint-free cloth.
  • Restart your iPhone.
  • Adjust 3D Touch settings: Settings > Accessibility > Touch > 3D & Haptic Touch.

Overheating

Solution:

  • Avoid using your iPhone in direct sunlight.
  • Remove any case when charging.
  • Close unused apps running in the background.
  • Turn off unnecessary features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
  • If overheating persists, allow the iPhone to cool down before using it again.

Conclusion

By following these simple solutions, you can tackle most common iPhone problems with ease. Keeping your device updated and properly maintained will help prevent many issues from occurring in the first place. If you encounter persistent problems, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance. Stay connected and enjoy your iPhone experience with confidence!

How to use Voice Control on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch | Apple Support

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Voice Control enables navigation of iPhone and iPad using voice commands, aiding those with limited mobility. To activate, access Accessibility settings, then Voice Control, and set it up. Commands like “go home” or “open notes” are used for navigation, while overlays simplify interaction with on-screen elements. Overlays include names, numbers, and grids for precise control. Siri can activate or deactivate Voice Control. Additional commands and tips are available in settings or via Siri.

Summary:
– Voice Control facilitates device navigation via voice commands.
– Activated through Accessibility settings or via Siri.
– Offers overlays like names, numbers, and grids for enhanced interaction.
– Commands range from basic navigation to controlling specific app functions.
– Allows pausing or resuming with commands like “go to sleep” or “wake up.”

How to restart your iPhone or iPad if it’s frozen on the Apple logo | Apple Support

To turn off your iPhone, if it has Face ID, press and hold the side button and either volume button until the sliders appear, then drag the power off slider. If it has a home button, press and hold the side button until the sliders appear, then drag the power off slider. To turn it back on, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. For more iPhone tips, subscribe to the Apple Support YouTube channel or watch another video.

Summary:
– To turn off an iPhone with Face ID, press and hold the side button and either volume button until sliders appear, then drag the power off slider.
– For iPhones with a home button, press and hold the side button until sliders appear, then drag the power off slider.
– To turn on the iPhone, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. – For more iPhone tips, subscribe to the Apple Support YouTube channel.
– Alternatively, watch another video for additional assistance.

iPhone Messages Swipe Left Swipe Right

iPhone Messages Swipe Left Swipe Right

Depending on which direction you swipe a message conversation or a particular reply will determine what you can do.

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Swipe Conversation

Swiping a conversation to the left allows you to mark the conversation as unread.

Swiping a conversation to the right allows you to mute a conversation or delete a conversation.

Swipe conversation
Swipe conversation

Muting a conversation means you won’t get a ‘ding’ or vibration when a new message is added to the conversation. You will still get new messages, just no notifications.

Deleting a conversation does what it is – mostly. If you tap Edit near the top you can Show Recently Deleted.

From there you have the options to Delete, Recover, Delete All or Recover All.

Recover conversation
Recover conversation

Swipe Message

You can swipe a message within a conversation left to reply to that particular message no matter where it is in the conversation. If you decide you do not want to reply to a particular message, then tap anywhere outside of the response.

You can swipe a message within a conversation right to see when that particular message was sent.

Swipe message
Swipe message

With that said, keep on swiping in the free world.

iPhone Do Not Disturb While Driving

iPhone Do Not Disturb While Driving

Create a Driving Focus. Configure the Driving Focus. Enable the Driving Focus to come on automatically or manually. Drive and not receive notifications from your iPhone while driving.

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Create Driving Focus

A Focus is an Apple feature that allows you to customize your devices and silence calls and notifications. You can turn in on and off in the Control Center or by telling Siri “Hey Siri, enable my Driving Focus“.

Go to your iPhone Settings > Focus and click on the + sign in the upper right hand corner to create a Focus for driving it you haven’t already done so.

Create Focus
Create Focus

What do you want to focus on?

Tap the Driving Focus.

Scroll down and click on Customize Focus.

Customize Driving Focus

You have the following options to configure:

  • People – who you want to allow to notify you and who you want to silence notifications from
  • Auto-Reply – who you want to auto-reply to and what you want to say
  • Customize screen – choose a lock screen to turn on to help limit distractions
  • While driving – when to activate Driving Focus; either automatically, when connected to car bluetooth or manually

People

By default no one is allowed to notify you when Driving Focus is on.

You can specify who to silent notifications from and who you want to allow notifications from.

Driving Focus notifications
Driving Focus notifications

You also have the option of choosing who to allow calls from: Everybody, Allowed People Only, Favorites, Contacts Only.

The other option is to Allow Repeated Calls or not. If enabled, then the second call from the same person within three minutes will not be silenced.

In my mumble opinion, allowing someone to notify you while you have the Driving Focus on defeats the purpose of having the Driving Focus.

Auto-Reply

Auto-Reply gives you the option to send a pre-typed message to either:

  • No One
  • Recents
  • Favorites
  • All Contacts

Below that you can specify a message to send. The default message is “I’m driving with Focus turned on. I’ll see your message whenI get where I’m going.”

If you do send an auto-reply message, the person who is trying to notify you will choose to notify you anyway if send “urgent” as an additional message.

Customize screen

This is where you get to choose a lock screen for yourself when you are in Driving Focus. The intention is to help minimize distractions. Choose wisely.

This is an option where you can pick a Lock Screen you already have created or a new one.

While Driving

Choose how Driving Focus is turned on.

  • Automatically – automatically activated based on motion detected
  • When Connected to Car Bluetooth
  • Manually – manually from the Control Center… or “Hey Siri, enable Driving Focus”
  • Activate With CarPlay – will be turned on automatically when connected to CarPlay.
Hey Siri, turn on Driving Focus
“Hey Siri, turn on Driving Focus”

Top 6 Brain-Boosting Apps for iPhone Users

In today’s fast-paced world, keeping your mind sharp and agile is more important than ever. Whether you’re looking to improve your memory, boost your concentration, or enhance your problem-solving skills, brain games can be a fun and effective way to achieve your cognitive goals. With a plethora of brain training apps available, iPhone users have access to some of the best tools right at their fingertips. Here are the top 6 brain-boosting apps that promise to enhance your cognitive abilities and keep your mind in top shape.

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Lumosity

Description: Lumosity is one of the most well-known brain training apps, offering a variety of games designed to enhance cognitive skills such as memory, attention, flexibility, speed of processing, and problem-solving.

Key Features:

  • Over 40 games for cognitive training
  • Personalized tracking and training insights
  • Daily challenges and progress tracking

Download Here

Lumosity
Lumosity

Elevate

Description: Elevate focuses on improving cognitive skills like focus, processing speed, and comprehension through personalized training programs. It includes over 40 games tailored to enhance various cognitive abilities.

Key Features:

  • Customizable training programs
  • Detailed performance tracking
  • Adaptive difficulty progression

Download Here

Elevate
Elevate

Peak

Description: Peak offers a wide range of mini-games aimed at improving mental agility, concentration, problem-solving skills, and emotional control. It provides personalized brain workouts to help users track and improve their cognitive functions.

Key Features:

  • 40+ games developed by neuroscientists
  • Personalized training plans
  • Performance and progress tracking

Download Here

Peak
Peak

Memorado

Description: Memorado offers games designed to improve memory, concentration, and reaction time. It includes over 420 levels across 14 different games, with personalized statistics to track progress.

Key Features:

  • 14 games with 420+ levels
  • Personalized training statistics
  • Additional meditation sessions for relaxation

Download Here

Memorado
Memorado

BrainHQ

Description: BrainHQ provides a series of scientifically designed exercises to improve cognitive skills like memory, attention, brain speed, and people skills. The app adjusts to your performance to ensure continuous cognitive challenge.

Key Features:

  • 29 exercises with personalized adjustment
  • Progress tracking and performance analysis
  • Developed by neuroscientists

Download Here

BrainHQ
BrainHQ

NeuroNation

Description: NeuroNation offers personalized brain training with scientifically developed exercises aimed at improving memory, attention, and logical thinking. The app includes detailed performance tracking and regular updates with new exercises.

Key Features:

  • 27 exercises with 250 levels
  • Personalized training plans
  • Regularly updated content

Download Here

NeuroNation
NeuroNation

Conclusion

Staying mentally sharp doesn’t have to be a chore. With these top 6 brain-boosting apps for iPhone, you can challenge your mind, track your progress, and enjoy a variety of fun and engaging games. From personalized training programs to scientifically designed exercises, these apps offer something for everyone. Download one (or all!) of these apps today and start your journey towards better cognitive health and improved mental agility. Your brain will thank you!

iPhone Email Reply Attach Photo

iPhone Email Reply Attach Photo

Open the Photo App. Copy the photo you want to include in an email replay. Reply to the email. Paste in the photo.

Do it in that order, thank me later 👍

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Get The Photo

Go to the Photo App and find the photo you want to include. Click the box with an up arrow in the bottom left corner. Copy the photo.

Or, you could also take a photo and copy from there.

Copy photo
Copy photo

Reply To The Email

If you are using the Gmail app on your iPhone, tap the arrow icon near the bottom of the screen.

Tap Reply or Reply All.

Email reply

Paste The Photo In The Email

Type your reply and…

Tap in the email where you would like the photo to be.

Choose Paste and the photo will appear in the location you tapped.

Send the email!

Edit email
Edit email

6 Must-Have Apps For iPhone Users

As technology continues to evolve, it brings with it tools and applications that can significantly enhance the daily lives of elder iPhone users. From staying connected with loved ones to managing health and safety, the right apps can make a world of difference. In this article, we have curated a list of six must-have apps that are designed to cater to the unique needs of seniors. These apps are not only user-friendly but also offer features that promote independence, well-being, and peace of mind.

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Magnifying Glass + Flashlight

Magnifying Glass + Flashlight
Magnifying Glass + Flashlight

Pill Reminder by Medisafe

  • Description: A medication management app that helps seniors keep track of their medication schedules, dosages, and reminders.
  • Link: Medisafe on the App Store
Pill Reminder
Pill Reminder

FaceTime

  • Description: Built-in on iPhones, FaceTime allows elders to stay connected with family and friends through video calls.
  • Link: FaceTime is pre-installed on iPhones.
FaceTime
FaceTime

Libby, by OverDrive

  • Description: An app that lets users borrow eBooks and audiobooks from their local library, making it easy for seniors to read or listen to books.
  • Link: Libby on the App Store
Libby, by OverDrive
Libby

Emergency: SOS

  • Description: A safety feature built into iPhones that allows seniors to quickly call for help and alert emergency contacts in case of an emergency.
  • Link: Emergency: SOS is a built-in feature on iPhones.
Emergency: SOS
Emergency: SOS

Apple Health

  • Description: This built-in app tracks health metrics, such as steps taken, heart rate, and other important data, helping seniors monitor their health.
  • Link: Apple Health is pre-installed on iPhones.
Apple Health
Apple Health

Conclusion

Embracing technology can open up new avenues for staying connected, staying healthy, and staying safe. The six apps highlighted in this article are essential tools that can help elder iPhone users navigate their daily routines with greater ease and confidence. Whether it’s through video calls with family, managing medications, or ensuring safety in emergencies, these apps provide invaluable support. By incorporating these must-have apps into their daily lives, seniors can enjoy a more enriched and empowered experience with their iPhones.

How To Spot A Scam Email

How To Spot A Scam Email

Check who sent the email, check who received the email, check what the email is about (hint: money).

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Spam Versus Scam Email

There is a difference. Spam email is unwanted but not necessarily trying to get something from you – at least not directly. A scam email is both unwanted and trying to get something from you.

Here is an example of a scam email.

scam email
Scam email

I am calling this a scam email because it is unwanted and they want something. In this case, they want you to call them.

On the surface it might not seem like it.

My first thought when seeing this email (which I found in the Spam folder – thank you Yahoo), was “I didn’t pay $538.38 for Norton Antivirus”.

The logical thing to do is want to find out out this.

Conveniently, there is a phone number listed that you can call. How nice – not!

I can almost guarantee that if I call that number, there is someone on the other end of the phone just waiting to scam me.

Likely they will want to know my bank account number…


Here is an example of a spam email.

spam email
Spam email

Why am I calling this a spam email?

Even though the sending email looks right and my email address is right, I did not sign up to receive information from a congressman from New York.

Check Who Sent The Email

Getting back to the first scam email. Notice that the email is from someone named Cristina Lopez with the email address abdullahinasiru6443@gmail.com.

In theory, this email was sent regarding payment to Norton Antivirus.

Don’t you think that the email would be from an email address that includes norton and not from gmail?

That is the first thing to check – does the email sender look legitimate.

In this case, no, I would not expect this to be sent from a free gmail address.

Check Who Received The Email

Obviously the email was sent to you – but is that what shows up in the email address?

Check that your email address shows up in the To: field.

In this case, my correct email address is used. I can’t use this as a way to determine that this is a scam or spam email address.

Also, they referenced my name correctly. Again, can’t use this as a way to determine that this specific email is bad.

Check What The Email Is About

Sometime these scam or spam emails are not very clear on their purpose.

Check if money is mentioned – directly or indirectly.

In this case, money was mentioned, specifically that I had paid a certain amount. Of course, this catches my attention because I don’t recall making a payment to Norton AntiVirus for 5 years of support service.

If I thought this was a legitimate email I likely would call the number in the email.

Spam Folders

Still, it is a good idea to occasionally review the emails in the spam folder to verify them. If you find an email in your spam folder that should not be there, you can mark it as not spam and the system will learn from that going forward.

Most major email service providers do a good job identifying spam emails and filtering them out of your primary inbox.

Spam / Scam Email Examples

Scam email
Scam email

This is a scam email. Look at the email address used to send this email (hotmail.com), the email did use my correct email address – so that doesn’t identify this, the subject matter is about money.

Even though the email does not directly ask for money – not yet at least. It does ask for personal information… I could imagine they might use that information to apply for a loan using your credentials.

Lets be honest with ourselves – do you think MRS ESTHER GYAN is going to send your 500,000.00 British Pounds?

PayPal Scam Email

Paypal scam email
PayPal scam email

Fortunately, these don’t show up anymore. Maybe PayPal has figured out how to block these from even being sent. The last time I received an email like this was 7 July 2020.

This is a difficult one to spot as a scam. The giveaway is the email address: vets@pinevalleyanimalhospital.com. If this was legitimate, you should expect the email to come from paypal.com.

The scam is that the sender wants you to click the “Login now” button.

That takes you to a page that looks like the PayPal website, but it is not.

If you enter in your PayPal email and password, what happens next is the sender has your login credentials that they will use to login to your PayPal account and do what they will.

Note well: the pinevalleyanimalhospital.com is a legitimate site. Whoever sent this email is simply using that address as the sending email to give themselves a sense of legitimacy.

PayPal scam email
PayPal scam email

Just like the other example, a PayPal scam email intended to get your PayPal login credentials from you.

This time, a little bit easier to identify with the email address: mysender-rvayrp4p@5nqvy43g.eahf5

The scam is to click the “Confirm Now” button and get your login credentials.

7 Basic Troubleshooting Tips for iPhone Users

Knowing basic troubleshooting tips for your iPhone can save you time and frustration. Here are some common issues you might encounter and simple steps to resolve them.

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1. iPhone Frozen or Unresponsive

Description: Your iPhone screen is frozen and not responding to touch or button presses.

Solution: Force Restart Your iPhone:

  • iPhone 8 and later:
    1. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
    2. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
    3. Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
  • iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:
    1. Press and hold both the Volume Down button and the Sleep/Wake button.
    2. Continue holding until you see the Apple logo.
  • iPhone 6s and earlier:
    1. Press and hold both the Home button and the Sleep/Wake button.
    2. Keep holding until you see the Apple logo.

Explanation: Force restarting your iPhone will refresh the system and clear any temporary issues without affecting your data. This is often the quickest way to resolve a frozen iPhone.

2. Wi-Fi Connection Problems

Description: Your iPhone cannot connect to Wi-Fi or the connection is unstable.

Solution: Fix Wi-Fi Issues:

  1. Toggle Wi-Fi off and on in Settings.
  2. Forget the Wi-Fi network and reconnect:
    • Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
    • Tap the info icon (i) next to the network name.
    • Select “Forget This Network” and then reconnect.
  3. Restart your router.
  4. Reset Network Settings:
    • Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
    • Note: This will delete saved Wi-Fi passwords.

Explanation: These steps help to refresh your connection and resolve any network conflicts.

3. Battery Draining Quickly

Description: Your iPhone’s battery life is significantly shorter than expected.

Solution: Optimize Battery Life:

  1. Check battery health in Settings:
    • Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health.
  2. Enable Low Power Mode:
    • Go to Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode.
  3. Identify battery-draining apps:
    • Go to Settings > Battery and check the Battery Usage by app.
  4. Adjust settings for better battery life:
    • Lower screen brightness.
    • Turn off Background App Refresh (Settings > General > Background App Refresh).

Explanation: Monitoring battery health and managing settings can help extend battery life.

4. Apps Crashing or Not Opening

Description: Apps frequently crash or fail to open.

Solution: Refresh App

  1. Close and reopen the app:
    • Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle.
    • Swipe up on the app to close it.
  2. Check for app updates in the App Store.
  3. Restart your iPhone.
  4. Reinstall the problematic app:
    • Delete the app and reinstall it from the App Store.

Explanation: These steps refresh the app and can resolve most common issues.

5. No Sound or Low Volume

Description: There is no sound during calls, media playback, or volume is too low.

Solution: Restore Sound and Volume:

  1. Ensure volume is turned up and silent mode is off:
    • Use the volume buttons on the side of your iPhone.
    • Check the silent switch above the volume buttons.
  2. Check sound settings:
    • Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics.
  3. Clean speaker and microphone openings:
    • Use a soft brush to remove any debris.
  4. Restart your iPhone.

Explanation: Simple checks and cleaning can often resolve sound issues.

6. iPhone Won’t Charge

Description: Your iPhone does not charge when connected to power.

Solution: Check and ensure all components are clean

  1. Check the charging cable and adapter for damage.
  2. Clean the charging port:
    • Use a toothpick or small brush to remove any debris.
  3. Try a different cable and power source.
  4. Force restart the iPhone while connected to power.

Explanation: Ensuring all components are clean and undamaged can help identify the cause of charging problems.

7. Cannot Download or Update Apps

Description: Unable to download or update apps from the App Store.

Solution: Check internet connection

  1. Check internet connection.
  2. Ensure there’s enough storage space:
    • Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
  3. Sign out and back into the App Store:
    • Go to Settings > [your name] > iTunes & App Store > Apple ID > Sign Out.
    • Sign back in.
  4. Restart your iPhone.
  5. Update iOS to the latest version:
    • Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

Explanation: These steps address common issues with app downloads and updates.

Conclusion

Understanding these basic troubleshooting tips can empower you to resolve common iPhone issues on your own. Trying these simple steps can save you time and help you maintain the smooth operation of your device. If problems persist, don’t hesitate to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for further assistance.