iPhone Troubleshooting Mechanical Issues
Troubleshooting Home button or Touch ID issues
Troubleshooting SIM card issues
Troubleshooting Taptic Engine or haptic feedback issues
Troubleshooting alert messages
Troubleshooting button or switch issues
Troubleshooting Home button or Touch ID issues
Identify issues
Note: This procedure is for iPhone models with Home buttons. Check tech specs to verify iPhone features.
Read the linked article if you notice any of the following issues:
The Home button doesn't respond
Can’t feel taptic feedback when pressing the Home button
Unable to read a fingerprint
Unable to enroll a finger in Touch ID settings
Unable to make a purchase using Touch ID
Use the Home, side, and other buttons on your iPad
If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article, continue to the next section.
Try quick troubleshooting steps
Not everyone may be able to use the fingerprint scanner feature. Some people lack the impedance needed to activate biometric sensors, which is normal and not a service issue. If possible, try to activate a functioning device with Touch ID to verify whether you're among this small group of users.
Clean the iPhone. Clean dirt or debris from the Touch ID sensor with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Ensure that your fingers are clean and dry.
Note: Moisture, lotions, sweat, oils, cuts, or particularly dry skin may affect fingerprint recognition. Certain activities can also temporarily affect fingerprint recognition, including exercising, showering, swimming, cooking, and other conditions.
Check for obstructions, such as a screen protector around the Touch ID sensor and ring.
Refer to steps and support resources in Troubleshooting Quick Checks.
Note: Service isn't recommended for issues with a specific finger or fingers. If you have an issue with specific fingers, be aware that in some cases Touch ID may be unable to match those fingers consistently. The cause is usually the readability of the specific fingerprint. You can try to enroll the finger later or use a different finger for Touch ID. If you’re unable to enroll any fingers on the device, then the Touch ID sensor may have a service issue.
Run manual and diagnostic tests
If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article or trying the quick troubleshooting steps, run these diagnostic and manual tests to help isolate the cause of the issue:
Test a single click and double click on the Home button.
Press and hold the Home button for Voice Control or Siri.
With the display off, press the Home button and verify that the display turns on.
When you press the Home button, verify that the haptic feedback simulates a physical button press.
Rest your finger on the Home button while you press the Home button or side button to wake the device. When a user who has an enrolled fingerprint is recognized, the device should unlock.
Open and inspect the iPhone
If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following support articles or running diagnostics tests, refer to the iPhone repair manual to open and inspect the iPhone. A damaged or out-of-place part may be causing one of the issues.
Inspect all relevant internal flex cables and connectors for damage or tampering, such as a film or foreign material blocking a connector.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.
Replace the part
If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following the previous steps, replace the display.
After the repair is completed, turn on the device and verify display, Home button, and Touch ID functionality.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.
Troubleshooting SIM card issues
Identify issues
Note: This procedure is for iPhone models with SIM trays. Some iPhone models, such as iPhone 14 and later models purchased in the United States, don't have a physical SIM card and SIM tray. These models have an eSIM. Check tech specs to verify iPhone features.
Read the linked articles if you notice any of the following issues:
“Invalid SIM card installed” appears
“No SIM card installed” appears
“Different SIM detected” appears
Learn which size SIM card your iPhone or iPad uses
Remove or switch the SIM card in your iPhone
If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article, continue to the next section.
Try quick troubleshooting steps
Ensure that the iPhone has an active plan with a wireless carrier.
Ensure that the SIM card is authorized for use with the iPhone. A non-Apple authorized carrier SIM card may cause SIM alert messages. Inserting a SIM card that isn’t the SIM used for the current iPhone activation may cause SIM alert messages.
If a “Locked SIM” message in the iPhone status bar appears, use the personal identification number (PIN) to unlock the SIM.
Ensure that the correct SIM tray is installed in the iPhone.
Note: SIM trays vary slightly in size and shape.
Refer to steps and support resources in Troubleshooting Quick Checks.
Run manual and diagnostic tests
If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article or trying the quick troubleshooting steps, run these diagnostic and manual tests to help isolate the cause of the issue:
Use a SIM removal tool to eject the SIM tray. Ensure that the tray ejects. If ejecting the tray is difficult, replace the SIM tray.
Inspect the SIM tray for damage. If it’s damaged, replace the SIM tray.
Ensure that the SIM tray is correct for the iPhone model. If it’s incorrect, replace the SIM tray.
Remove the SIM card by using a SIM removal tool to eject the SIM tray. Ensure that the SIM card is flush with the tray during reinstallation. If inserting the SIM tray is difficult, replace it.
Open and inspect the iPhone
If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following support articles or running diagnostics tests, refer to the iPhone repair manual to open and inspect the iPhone. A damaged or out-of-place part may be causing one of the issues.
Inspect all relevant internal flex cables and connectors for damage or tampering, such as a film or foreign material blocking a connector.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.
Replace the part
If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following the previous steps, replace the SIM tray.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.
Troubleshooting Taptic Engine or haptic feedback issues
Identify issues
Read the linked article if you notice the following issue:
iPhone doesn’t vibrate when expected
Use the side button, Home button, and other controls on your iPhone
If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article, continue to the next section.
Try quick troubleshooting steps
Restart the iPhone. If the iPhone doesn’t restart, try to force restart the iPhone.
Refer to steps and support resources in Troubleshooting Quick Checks.
Run manual and diagnostic tests
If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article or trying the quick troubleshooting steps, run these diagnostic and manual tests to help isolate the cause of the issue:
On an iPhone with a Ring/Silent switch, move the switch toward the display so the orange indicator isn’t showing—the Ring position. On models with an Action button, ensure that the device is set to Ring with the Action button or Control Center.
Use another phone to call the iPhone.
Listen to the iPhone and feel it while it’s ringing. The iPhone should emit a ringtone and vibrate.
On an iPhone with a Ring/Silent switch, move the switch away from the display so the orange indicator is showing—the Silent position. On models with an Action button, ensure that the device is set to Silent with the Action button or Control Center.
Listen to the iPhone and feel it while it’s ringing. The iPhone should vibrate but not emit a ringtone.
End the call.
Open and inspect the iPhone
If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following support articles or running diagnostics tests, refer to the iPhone repair manual to open and inspect the iPhone. A damaged or out-of-place part may be causing one of the issues.
Inspect all relevant internal flex cables and connectors for damage or tampering, such as a film or foreign material blocking a connector.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.
Replace the part
If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following the previous steps, replace the Taptic Engine.
After the repair is completed, turn on the device and verify Taptic Engine functionality.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.
Troubleshooting alert messages
Identify issues
Read the linked articles if you notice any of the following issues:
Temperature alert message appears on device display
Device or power adapter becomes unusually warm during use
Other alert message appears on device display
If your iPhone or iPad gets too hot or too cold
If you see a liquid-detection alert on your iPhone
About emergency and government alerts on iPhone
About the 'Trust This Computer' alert message on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
If an 'Accessory may not be supported alert' appears on your Apple device
If an alert says Face ID has an issue on your iPhone or iPad Pro
If you see a Cellular, Ultra Wideband, or Apple Pay Issue message after an iOS update or restart
Try quick troubleshooting steps
Read the alert to determine the issue. Many alerts provide additional information or links to resolve the issue. Refer to relevant support articles for more information about the alert.
When the device is in use or charging, it's normal for it to get warm. The exterior of the device acts as a cooling surface that transfers heat from inside the device to the cooler air outside. Refer to If your iPhone or iPad gets too hot or too cold if a temperature alert is seen.
Note: Occasional temperature alerts are normal behavior and not necessarily a service issue. Low or high temperature conditions might cause the device to change its behavior to regulate its temperature, and this may include displaying a temperature alert message. Persistent temperature alerts appearing while the device is used in normal temperature conditions may be a service issue.
Important: If the device has been exposed to high-temperature conditions, turn the device off, remove any covers or cases from the device, move it to a cooler environment, and allow it to cool down before continuing to troubleshoot the issue.
Restart the iPhone. If the iPhone doesn’t restart, try to force restart the iPhone.
Refer to steps and support resources in Troubleshooting Quick Checks.
Run manual and diagnostic tests
If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article or trying the quick troubleshooting steps, run these diagnostic and manual tests to help isolate the cause of the issue:
While using the device, determine if the temperature warning screen continues to appear persistently:
Ensure that the device isn't currently exposed to low or high temperature conditions and is between 0 to 35 degrees Celsius (32 degrees to 95 degrees Fahrenheit).
Verify that the device screen continues to display a persistent temperature alert.
If a persistent temperature alert continues to be displayed after the device reaches normal temperature, then service the device.
Run the Mobile Resource Inspector (MRI) diagnostic suite. Check diagnostic results to verify the presence of temperature warnings. If you're unable to run MRI because the device is displaying a persistent temperature alert, service the device.
If the alert resulted from connecting an accessory to the iPhone with a cable, disconnect and reconnect the cable to ensure a good connection to the device. Disconnect and reconnect the connector in both orientations. Retest to determine if alert message issue is resolved. If the alert message persists, service the device.
Open and inspect the iPhone
If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following support articles or running diagnostics tests, refer to the iPhone repair manual to open and inspect the iPhone. A damaged or out-of-place part may be causing one of the issues.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.
Replace the part
If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following the previous steps, replace the enclosure in iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and iPhone 16e models.
After the repair is completed, turn on the device and verify overall functionality.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. For other models, you can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.
Troubleshooting button or switch issues
Identify issues
Read the linked article if you notice any of the following issues:
Side button not working
Volume buttons not working
Ring/Silent switch not working (on models with a Ring/Silent switch)
Action button not working (on models with an Action button)
Camera Control not working (on models with Camera Control)
"Not working" includes the following symptoms:
Unresponsive button
Unresponsive scroll
No Haptic feedback when pressing button
Unable to press button
Too difficult to click
Poor tactility or button feel
Intermittent or unexpected button response
Unusual clicking sounds
Accidental button press
Accidental button scroll
Button sunk in, misaligned, loose, or rattling
Button has physical damage
Use the side button, Home button, and other controls on your iPhone
If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article, continue to the next section.
Try quick troubleshooting steps
Remove any covers or cases from the device before troubleshooting, to verify that the actual button or switch is being activated.
Restart the iPhone. If the iPhone doesn’t restart, try to force restart the iPhone.
Clean the iPhone. Clean dirt or debris from the areas around all buttons and switches with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Ensure that your fingers are clean and dry when operating all buttons and switches.
Note: Moisture, lotions, sweat, or oils on fingers may affect button operation.
If the issue can be isolated to the Taptic Engine (vibe motor), go to Troubleshooting Taptic Engine or haptic feedback issues.
Refer to steps and support resources in Troubleshooting Quick Checks.
Run manual and diagnostic tests
If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article or trying the quick troubleshooting steps, run these diagnostic and manual tests to help isolate the cause of the issue:
Open and inspect the iPhone
If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following support articles or running diagnostics tests, refer to the iPhone repair manual to open and inspect the iPhone. A damaged or out-of-place part may be causing one of the issues.
Inspect all relevant internal flex cables and connectors for damage or tampering, such as a film or foreign material blocking a connector.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.
Replace the part
If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following the previous steps, replace the enclosure in iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and iPhone 16e models.
After the repair is completed, turn on the device and verify button and switch functionality.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. For other models, you can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.