FAST FIXES FOR iPHONE
Keeping your iPhone updated, and ensuring it unlocks reliably
45 Can’t update to or from iOS 15
Check your iPhone is supported at apple. co/3sHqk5j. Ensure it has over 50% battery, ideally is on charge, and has a good Wi-Fi connection. It needs a minimum of 5GB free space. Try forcequitting Settings by swiping up (or double-pressing the Home button) and dragging the Settings app card to the top. A few seconds later try Settings again. Failing that, shut your phone down, leave it a minute, and turn it back on. Consider connecting it to a Mac or PC and installing there.
46 An iOS update gets stuck
Connect its charger. If it does nothing for over 20 minutes, turn it off, leave it a minute or two, then turn it back on. Opening Settings may let the update resume normally. If it doesn’t, reset network settings in Settings > General > Reset, or in iOS 15, Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset. A full reset is the nuclear option as it reverts all settings to defaults.
47 Face ID won’t work
Update to the latest iOS. Tap Settings > Face ID & Passcode. After entering the passcode, check all is set up correctly. You could set up an alternative appearance to help. Check the two camera lenses in the notch on the display are clean, and avoid covering them when using the phone in landscape mode. If you wear clear or tinted glasses, it’s often better to set up your main or alternative appearance with them on, but if they block infra-red, remove them. You can also reset Face ID and set it up again.
48 Unable to make any FaceTime calls
Check service status at apple. com/support/systemstatus and network connection, both speed and that no firewall is limiting internet access. Dropped calls, poor video or sound are typical of a slow connection. Tap Settings > FaceTime to ensure it’s turned on. If it can’t be, tap Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and check that the camera and app aren’t blocked. In Settings > General > Date & Time check Set Automatically is on. Turn your iPhone off, wait 30 seconds or so, turn it back on and try FaceTime again.
49 Touch ID won’t work
Update to the latest iOS. Clean your fingertip, ensuring it’s dry and free from oils, and warm, not icy cold. With a lint-free cloth, clean the Home button sensor. Trim or remove any case or screen protector so the metal ring surrounding the button is clear for the fingertip to touch. Check Settings > Touch ID & Passcode is set up correctly, and try enrolling a different finger. If nothing helps, and you can’t turn Touch ID on, the button may be broken and need repair.
50 You can’t use Personal Hotspot
Check it’s available in Settings > Personal Hotspot. If not, that may be due to limitations of your network provider or plan. Choose whether to limit it to devices signed into your iCloud account, or let others join, and check the password. Restart both devices and try again. Ensure both are running the latest OS; if an iPhone 12 or later, enable Maximum Compatibility, which can impair internet performance and Wi-Fi security. Reset network settings in Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.