iPhone: Hardware troubleshooting

iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S

iPhone 5

All models

See this article for troubleshooting steps.

1. If you have left the display's clear protective-plastic film with which iPhone shipped on the device, remove it.
2. If you are using a third-party iPhone case, make sure it is not covering:
   • The bottom mic on iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS
   • The main microphone or top microphone on iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S
   • The bottom mic near the headset jack, the mic in the receiver opening, and the mic near the rear camera on iPhone 5
3. Try making some calls without the case to see if a caller can now hear you more clearly.

See this article for troubleshooting steps.

1. Inspect the headset jack for debris and clean if necessary.
2. Connect the headset and make sure the connector is pushed in all the way.
3. Check the volume setting. Adjust the volume by pressing the volume up and down button on the left side of the iPhone.
4. If you are trying to listen to music and cannot hear any audio, make sure that the music on iPhone is not paused. Try squeezing the headset microphone to resume playback. Additionally, from the Home screen you can choose iPod > Now Playing, then tap Play.
5. Make sure the latest version of iTunes is installed on the computer that you are syncing the iPhone with (songs purchased from the iTunes Store using earlier versions of iTunes won't play).
6. Try another Apple headset (some third-party headsets require an adapter to be used with original iPhone).
7. Try a different song or video.
8. Check to see if the iPhone alert sounds or other iPhone sound effects exhibit the same audio issues.
9. Disconnect the headset from the iPhone and see if sound comes from the built-in speaker.

Important: Only original iPhone can be charged from a FireWire-based power source. If iPhone is connected to a computer that's turned off or is in sleep or standby mode, the battery may drain.

1. Verify that the outlet being used is working.
2. Try another USB power adapter if available.
3. If no other USB power adapter is available, try connecting to a high-power USB 2.0 port (not a keyboard). The computer must be turned on and not in sleep or standby mode.
4. Try another USB cable if available.
5. Also refer to iPhone and iPod touch: Charging the battery.

If you see the image below, charge the phone with an iPhone USB power adapter for at least 15 minutes.

You should see this image when iPhone begins to charge:

If the screen still displays the low-battery icon, try turning iPhone off and then on again.

If the issue persists, try resetting the iPhone while connected to the iPhone charger.

1. Click ( www.apple.com/batteries/iphone.html) for tips on how to prolong iPhone's battery life.
2. Try turning iPhone off and then on again.
3. Connect iPhone to iTunes and restore iPhone.
4. If the screen shows a low-battery image, the battery is low on power and needs to charge for up to ten minutes before you can use it.
5. When charging iPhone, make sure to leave it charging until it is fully charged. You'll know the battery is fully charged when the battery icon in the upper-right corner of the screen looks like this .
   Note: When charging using a computer, don't connect iPhone to a keyboard. Also, the computer must be turned on and not in sleep or standby mode. If iPhone is connected to a computer that's not turned on or is in sleep or standby mode, the iPhone battery may drain.

Note: Charging with a FireWire-based power source is not supported, except on original iPhone.

• iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch (4th generation): Keeping device within acceptable operating temperatures
• Keeping the original iPhone within acceptable temperatures

1. Verify that the Sleep/Wake button functions. If it does not function, inspect it for signs of damage. If the button is damaged or is not functioning when pressed, seek service.
2. Check if a Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI) is activated or there are signs of corrosion. Learn about LCIs and corrosion.
3. Connect the iPhone to the iPhone's USB power adapter and let it charge for at least ten minutes.
4. After at least 15 minutes, if:
   • The home screen appears: The iPhone should be working. Update to the latest version of iOS if necessary. Continue charging it until it is completely charged and you see this battery icon in the upper-right corner of the screen . Then unplug the phone from power. If it immediately turns off, seek service.
   • The low-battery image appears, even after the phone has charged for at least 20 minutes: See "iPhone displays the low-battery image and is unresponsive" symptom in this article.
   • Something other than the Home screen or Low Battery image appears, continue with this article for further troubleshooting steps.
5. If the iPhone did not turn on, reset it while connected to the iPhone USB power adapter.
   • If the display turns on, go to step 4.
   • If the display remains black, go to next step.
6. Connect the iPhone to a computer and open iTunes. If iTunes recognizes the iPhone and indicates that it is in recovery mode, attempt to restore the iPhone. If the iPhone doesn't appear in iTunes or if you have difficulties in restoring the iPhone, see this article for further assistance.
7. If restoring the iPhone resolved the issue, go to step 4. If restoring the iPhone did not solve the issue, seek service.

This can include bright or dark pixels, lines in video, or sections of video missing.

1. Try turning iPhone off and then on again.
2. Verify the issue is not content related, by viewing different content.
3. If the image is too dark, adjust the brightness. In General Settings choose Brightness and Wallpaper and slide the slider.

• Remember that photos, webpages, and applications will not change viewing-orientation modes when iPhone is lying flat. Hold iPhone vertically to switch between portrait and landscape modes or vice versa.
• Verify that rotation lock is not on.
• To test, open the Calculator application while holding the iPhone vertically (portrait mode). The standard calculator should appear. Then rotate the iPhone to a horizontal position (landscape mode), and the scientific calculator should appear.

Note: Certain apps and features may support only one mode, landscape or portrait. For example, the Videos app plays video in landscape mode, and Reminders uses only portrait mode. Not all applications on iPhone use landscape mode.

See this document for troubleshooting Multi-Touch display issues.

1. Toggle the ringer switch to see if the unit vibrates. If it does, it could be that iPhone is getting power, but is not displaying any image.
2. Try turning iPhone off and then on again.
3. While connected to the iPhone charger, try to reset the iPhone.
4. If the low-battery screen appears, charge the iPhone.
   

The ambient light sensor brightens the display when using the iPhone in brightly lit environments, and dims the display in low light. To test this sensor, do the following:

1. If the iPhone is in a protective case, remove it from the case. If there is a protective film on the display, remove the film.
2. Verify that the Auto-Brightness setting (Settings > Brightness and Wallpaper) is set to ON, and that the Brightness level is set near the middle of the slider.
3. Press the Home button to return to the Home screen and then press the Sleep/Wake button to lock the iPhone.
4. In a bright environment, cover the top third of the iPhone to block the light, then press the Sleep/Wake button or the Home button to wake the phone. Slide the slider to unlock the phone.
5. Notice the brightness of the screen and application icons; they should be somewhat dimmed.
6. Remove the cover from the top of the display and in a few moments the display should get brighter.

1. Try turning iPhone off and then on again.
2. If the iPhone will not turn off, try to reset it.
3. If that doesn't work, try restoring the device.

1. If the iPhone is in a protective case, remove it from the case.
2. If there is a protective or antiglare film on the display, remove the film.
3. Clean the screen, especially around the receiver, with a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth.
4. Try turning iPhone off and then on again.

1. Verify mute or speaker have not been activated, just prior to placing your ear over the receiver.
2. While on a call hold your hand over the top third of the display, and verify that the screen is locked or goes to sleep.
3. Try turning iPhone off and then on again.

First, see the iPhone Call and Connection Assistant for troubleshooting steps.

No cell signal strength anywhere

Intermittent service in an area with good coverage

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues

Interference while in carrying case

1. Try turning iPhone off and then on again.
2. From the Home screen Tap Settings and turn airplane mode on. When airplane mode is on, appears in the status bar at the top of the screen, and no cell phone, radio, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth signals are emitted from iPhone.

To learn more about Airplane mode, see this article.

See this article: iPhone: Troubleshooting No Service.

See these articles for help with troubleshooting this issue:

• iOS: Not recognized in iTunes for Mac OS X
• iOS: Not recognized in iTunes for Windows
• iOS: Troubleshooting USB connections

Review this article: iOS: Unable to update or restore.

1. To lock the phone, press the Sleep/Wake button. Note: By default, if you don't touch the screen for a minute, iPhone locks automatically.
2. To unlock iPhone, press the Home button or the Sleep/Wake button, then slide the slider.
3. If either of the above steps don't work, try turning iPhone off and then on again.
4. If the iPhone will not power off, reset it.
5. Try to lock or unlock the phone.

1. If the Home button is slow to respond when exiting one application, try another application.
2. If the issue exists only in certain applications, try removing and reinstalling those applications. For further assistance in installing and troubleshooting applications see this article
3. If the issue continues, Try turning iPhone off and then on again. If the iPhone will not restart, try resetting it.
4. If the issue is still happening, try to restore the iPhone
5. Seek service is the issue is still occurring.

1. Put the iPhone to sleep.
2. Wait a couple of seconds.
3. Press the Home button.
4. iPhone should wake up.
5. If iPhone does not wake up, then iPhone should be serviced.

1. If the screen shows a closed lens or black image, force quit the Camera app.
2. If you do not see the Camera app on the Home screen, try searching for it in Spotlight. If the camera does not show up in the search, check to make sure that Restrictions are not turned on by tapping Settings > General > Restrictions.
3. Ensure the camera lens is clean and free from any obstructions. Use a microfiber polishing cloth to clean the lens.
4. Third-party cases can interfere with the autofocus/exposure feature and the flash (iPhone 4 only); try removing the case if you have image-quality issues with photos.
5. Try turning iPhone off and then back on.
6. Tap to focus the camera on the subject. The image may pulse or briefly go in and out of focus as it adjusts.
7. Try to remain steady while focusing:
   1. Still images: Remain steady while taking the picture. If you move too far in any direction, the camera automatically refocuses to the center. Note: If you take a picture with iPhone turned sideways, it is automatically saved in landscape orientation.
   2. Video: Adjust focus before you begin recording. After recording begins, you cannot readjust focus until you stop recording. Exiting the Camera application while recording will stop recording and will save the video to the Camera Roll. Note: Video-recording features are not available on original iPhone or iPhone 3G.
8. If your iPhone has a front and rear camera, try switching between them to verify if the issue persists on both.

See About iPhone, iPad, and iPod accessories and Troubleshooting iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch accessories for troubleshooting information.

1. Verify the headset being used is compatible with the iPhone.
2. Verify there is no debris in the headset jack.
3. Insert the stereo headset and play audio using the iPod app. Verify both left and right channels are functioning.
4. Press the center button to see if it can pause and resume audio.
5. Make a phone call and see if the microphone is working.
6. If the issue persists, try another headset.
7. If the issue persists with another headset, have the iPhone serviced.

1. Third-party Bluetooth headsets may not be compatible with all iPhone models. Before troubleshooting or setting up service, check the product's website and verify that the headset is compatible with your iPhone.
2. Make sure iPhone is set to play sound through the headset. Tap Audio Source and choose iPhone Bluetooth Headset.
3. Make sure the headset and iPhone are charged.
4. Turn the headset off and on.
5. Try turning iPhone off and then on again.
6. On iPhone, make sure Bluetooth is turned on: In the Home screen, choose Settings > Bluetooth and turn Bluetooth on.
7. In the Bluetooth settings pane, verify that the headset is discoverable. (For third-party Bluetooth headsets, refer to the manual for instructions on setup, headset discovery, and default security codes. For the Apple Bluetooth Headset, press and hold the headset button until you hear five quick, high beeps in the earpiece. The status light repeatedly flashes green when the headset is discoverable.)
   • When the headset appears in the list of Bluetooth devices, tap to pair the iPhone with the headset.
   • If the headset does not appear, ensure it is discoverable and not currently paired with another phone.
   • If prompted by the iPhone, enter the security code "0000" and tap connect.
8. If the iPhone still does not pair with the headset, remove all records of other Bluetooth paired devices. Choose Settings > Bluetooth and tap the . Then choose "Forget this device".
9. Try turning iPhone off and then on again.
10. Try a known-good Bluetooth headset.
    • If the issue is solved with a known good headset, the issue is with original headset.
    • If the issue is not solved with a known good headset, and the settings are correct on the iPhone, replace the iPhone.
    • Verify the headset in question works on the replacement phone.

See this article for more information.

See this article for more information.

Contact Apple Support.