How to Fix Your iPhone: 8 Easy Solutions

We use our phones for nearly everything—calling, texting, streaming music, checking your email, scanning QR codes...you get the picture. Therefore, when your Apple iPhone isn’t working, it’s difficult to stay connected with family and friends.

Thankfully, there are plenty of solutions for fixing your smartphone problems. Maybe that’s a simple phone reboot, a factory reset, or more drastic measures, you’ve got options. Sometimes, you can remedy your iPhone woes at home, while other issues might necessitate professional in-store help.

Whatever iPhone issues you're having, we’ve got you covered with this collection of troubleshooting tips. From frozen iOS handsets and battery issues to wet electronics or cracked screens, here’s how to fix your iPhone.

How to fix your iPhone

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How specifically you go about fixing your iPhone depends on what's wrong. If you know the problem, like a cracked screen or wet phone, you can address that issue. However, for more general smartphone issues—like freezing apps—you'll need to resort to trial and error.

1. Rebooting an iPhone 
2. Fixing a wet iPhone 
3. iPhone battery issues 
4. Cracked screen replacement 
5. Checking for iOS and app updates 
6. Fixing iPhone Wi-Fi woes
7. Factory resetting an iPhone 
8. Booting into recovery mode

Let's explore the top ways to fix your iPhone when it isn't working!

How to reboot your iPhone

In the information technology (IT) world, we often joke, “Have you tried restarting your machine?” But there’s a reason that quip exists: because turning it off and back on works. If your iPhone is stuck loading apps or unresponsive to your commands, we recommend turning your device off and back on. 

Is your iPhone stuck? Here’s how to force restart your iPhone:

1. Press and release the volume up button. 
2. Press and release the volume down button. 
3. Long press the power button. 
4. Release the power button once the Apple logo appears on-screen.

How to fix a wet iPhone

Generally, electronic devices and water don’t mix. But if your iOS device takes a swim, it may not be a total loss. Here’s what to do:

1. Power your device off immediately. 
2. Towel dry your phone as thoroughly as possible. 
3. Remove the battery, if possible. 
4. Immerse your phone in the rice container and set it in direct sunlight. 

The bag of rice trick genuinely works; many of us at WhistleOut, myself included, successfully resurrected various handsets using this method—even dating back to a time in high school when my sister dropped her flip phone in a glass of sweet tea (there, I’ve carbon-dated myself and provided clues as to my geographic region of origin). But if all else fails, bring your iPhone in for professional service where the experts can replace damaged components with quality Apple parts. 

Thankfully, most phones including iPhones have some degree of water resistance, and you can always pick up a waterproof phone case.

How to fix your iPhone battery

When your iPhone battery isn’t charging, don’t panic! Here’s what to do instead, like trying other cables and cleaning your charging port:

1. Try a different charging cable or wireless charger. Sometimes the issue is a bad cable or power brick. 
2. Check your charging port. Dirt and lint in your iPhone’s lightning port prove problematic. 
3. Clean out unwanted sediment using compressed air and toothpicks. 

Tip: Even if your charging port suffers physical damage, a wireless charger could be the solution to juice up your iPhone battery.

If your iPhone battery is draining fast, you can try closing apps, turning off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, or dialing back the screen brightness. However, sometimes the issue is just that your phone battery has lost capacity over time. 

You can replace your iPhone battery on your own (although it’s not as simple as it was in the days of removable batteries), or bring your phone to an Apple-authorized service provider for troubleshooting if all else fails. For a cheaper solution, you can always just lug around a portable battery pack.

How to fix a cracked iPhone screen

We’ve all been there: clumsily dropping a phone face-down on the pavement, picking it up, and seeing a spiderwebbed display staring back at you. Luckily, you’ve got multiple iPhone screen repair options. For tech-savvy do-it-yourselfers (DIYers), iFixit offers various guides, tools, and quality parts for screen replacements.

Not feeling very crafty? Leave it to the pros. Many computer repair stores such as uBreakiFix offer phone fixes. AppleCare+ subscribers can simply drop devices off at the Apple Store for troubleshooting. Often, phone insurance covers fractured phone displays under a cost-effective deductible.

How to update iOS and iPhone apps

Not all iPhone problems are hardware-related. Experiencing problems with a stuck iPhone or freezing apps? Software updates could solve your issues. Here’s how to update your iPhone:

1. Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update and download any available updates. 
2. Enable automatic updates by heading to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates, then toggling Download iOS Updates and Install iOS Updates. 

Additionally, we recommend automatic app updates. Some iPhone issues might actually be because of outdated apps. To update iPhone apps go to Settings > App Store > App Updates and toggle on updates.

How to fix iPhone Wi-Fi issues

iPhone problems when connecting to Wi-Fi can burn through your data. Remember, even if you’re on an unlimited plan, there’s usually a deprioritization threshold. Here’s how to troubleshoot your iPhone Wi-Fi connectivity:  

1. Head to Settings > Wi-Fi and make sure it’s enabled. 
2. Select your Wi-Fi network name to diagnose any connection issues. 
3. Re-connect by navigating to Settings > Wi-Fi > [Wireless network name] > Forget This Network.
4. Then, tap your Wi-Fi name and log back into your wireless network. 
5. Reset your iPhone’s network settings if you still can’t connect by going to Settings > General > Reset Network Settings. Note that this resets all of your Wi-Fi passwords, VPN settings, and more, so it’s a last-chance option. 

Is Wi-Fi still not working? Your router or modem could be the culprit. Try these simple wireless networking fixes, from checking network cables to monitoring internet outages.

How to factory reset an iPhone

Suffering from a frozen iPhone? With an unresponsive iOS device, consider a factory reset. This comprehensive troubleshooting step wipes your entire iPhone, and you’ll lose all apps, photos, and videos. Therefore, we recommend backing up your iOS device to iCloud or another service beforehand. To factory reset your iPhone:

1. Open the Settings menu. 
2. Tap General > Transfer or Reset iPhone. 
3. Hit Erase All Content and Settings. 
4. Input your iPhone PIN and Apple ID password. 
5. Wait and watch as your iPhone restarts fully refreshed.

For a less intrusive fix, try simply clearing app caches.

How to use iOS recovery mode

If you’re unable to restore or update your iPhone, try putting your iOS device into recovery mode:

1. Fire up Finder on a macOS computer running Catalina or newer. If you’re using Movaje or older or a Windows PC, open iTunes. 
2. Connect your iPhone using a USB cable. 
3. Press and release the volume up button, press and release the volume down button, then press and hold the side button. Wait until the recovery mode screen appears, then release the side button. These button presses will only work with the iPhone 8 and newer. 
4. Locate your phone with your computer using Finder or iTunes, then select Update or Restore. Hit Update to attempt reinstalling software without erasing all of your saved content. Alternatively, pick Restore to completely erase and factory reset your phone.

What is iPhone insurance, and is it worth it?

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Phone insurance appears pretty attractive. Like health, home, or auto insurance, mobile device protection plans promise comprehensive coverage in the event of loss, theft, or major damage. You’ll have a deductible or out-of-pocket threshold you’ll need to meet before an insurance provider covers the remainder.

Benefits vary by phone insurance plan but often include screen replacements for a low deductible, battery replacements, and other goodies. However, insurance is only worth it if you file a claim—otherwise, you’re shelling out money each month for unused service. While $15 or so a month might seem small, that quickly adds up.

If you're generally careful with your tech devices, we suggest saving your money and getting a solid case and screen protector. Should you need a battery or screen swap, that one-time cost is typically less than expected. However, if you're notorious for your butterfingers and always breaking iPhone screens, insurance could be right for you.

Phone repair from carriers

Some cell phone companies—both major carriers and MVNOs—offer cell phone repair services. For instance, Verizon’s Total Mobile Protection phone service gives you select benefits like free replacement smartphones, unlimited screen repairs, and battery replacements.  

Similarly, T-Mobile provides phone repairs in select stores. You’ll need its Protection<360> to utilize this service. On the other hand, AT&T does not, though Big Blue does partner with Asurion for repairs and insurance. If you want to get your device serviced at a brick-and-mortar location, you can use our store locator to find one.

How to trade in your iPhone

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If your phone is in decent working order or even unfixable, you can often trade it in. While you'll get more money if your device is functioning properly, any amount is better than nothing. We recommend the aptly named Trademore for trading in your iPhone. In our Trademore review, we liked its savings on smartphones, variety of device choices for purchase or trade, and unlocked as well as carrier-specific phones.

However, we'd have preferred a larger Android selection. Whether you want to trade in your iPhone or buy a new one without breaking the bank, Trademore is a great choice.

Trade in your device at Trademore

The best iPhones on the market

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Unable to sort out your iPhone problems? Consider replacing your device entirely. We recommend the iPhone 15 series for most people. In our iPhone 15 review, we liked its newfound USB-C connectivity, beefy A16 Bionic processor, and great 48MP camera. However, we found it didn’t improve a ton over the iPhone 14 Pro, and that the best specs were relegated to the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. The last-gen iPhone 14 or even 13 series is still great and often discounted, while the iPhone SE 3rd gen (2022) is a solid budget pick. 

Once you've fixed your iPhone or snagged a new handset, try customizing your iOS device with the best places to download iPhone wallpapers. You can also learn all about your new handset in our ultimate iPhone guide, from troubleshooting tips to the basics.

How to fix your iPhone: FAQs

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Is it worth fixing my iPhone?

How much money does it cost to fix an iPhone?

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Can you fix an iPhone by yourself?