How to Fix Basic Issues with iPhone or iPad

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Like any complex and sophisticated machine, you may encounter problems with your iPhone. In most cases, though, troubleshooting and fixing them is a straightforward affair. This guide will go over a few things you can try to get your iPhone working again.

Make sure to test your iPhone after performing each one of these steps. Any one of these steps may individually resolve your performance issue altogether. If you feel like a particular step has resolved your issue, feel free to skip to the end of this guide.

Stock image of an iPhone powering on.

2. Introduction

The most common way to resolve issues on your iOS mobile device is to reboot it. Sometimes iOS or the apps running on your mobile device can become unstable - rebooting your iOS mobile device gives it a chance to start up fresh and can resolve many issues on its own.

3. Restart

Powering off an iPhone.
  1. Hold down the lock/power button.
  2. Slide to power off when prompted.
  3. Wait until the phone is off.
  4. Hold down the lock/power button until you see the Apple logo.

4. What Issue Are You Having?

In order to proceed, we need to determine what type of issue you are having with your iPhone.

5. Resolving Performance Issues on Your iPhone

Show Me HowClicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.

6. Repair Issues with Apps on Your iOS Smartphone

Show Me HowClicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.

7. How to Update Your iPhone

Show Me HowClicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.

8. How to Connect Your iPhone to Wi-Fi

Show Me HowClicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.

9. No Service or Searching on Your iPhone

Show Me HowClicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.

10. Soft Reset

Since the iPhone uses a non-removable battery, this process can be used to simulate a "battery pull" when the device is unresponsive, frozen or doesn't power on. Performing a soft reset will not remove any data or information from your device.

  • On an iPhone X, iPhone 8, or iPhone 8 Plus: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Then, press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
  • On an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold both the Side and Volume Down buttons for at least 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo.
  • On an iPhone 6s and earlier, iPad, or iPod touch: Press and hold both the Home and the Top (or Side) buttons for at least 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo.
Various iPhone models. Illustration.