iPhone Troubleshooting Mechanical Issues
Troubleshooting alert messages
Troubleshooting ambient light sensor, proximity sensor, or compass issues
Troubleshooting button or switch issues
Troubleshooting Home button or Touch ID issues
Troubleshooting SIM card issues
Troubleshooting Taptic Engine or haptic feedback issues
Troubleshooting alert messages
Identify issues
Read the relevant support 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
Relevant support articles
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
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.
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, iPhone 16e, and iPhone 17e 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 ambient light sensor, proximity sensor, or compass issues
Note: This issue is also found in iPhone Troubleshooting Display Issues.
Identify issues
Display doesn’t adjust to varying light environments while auto-brightness is on
Compass doesn’t function as expected
Screen stays on during a call when the iPhone is held to your ear
Screen immediately turns off when making a call
Try quick troubleshooting steps
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:
The proximity sensor detects when the iPhone is held to your ear and immediately turns off the display to save power and prevent unintended touches. To check the proximity sensor, answer a call on the affected iPhone. Then cover the top of the display. The display should turn off, and it should turn on again when you uncover the display. If it doesn’t turn off and on as expected, continue troubleshooting.
Open and inspect the iPhone
If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by 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 following part in the listed iPhone models:
If the MRI Ambient Light Sensor Test fails, replace the display in all iPhone 7 and later models.
If the MRI Compass Sensor Test fails, replace the following part in the listed iPhone models:
After the repair is completed, turn on the device and verify that the display, ambient light sensor, proximity sensor, and compass are functional.
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 relevant support 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
Relevant support article
If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article, continue to the next section.
Try quick troubleshooting steps
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 and later 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.
Troubleshooting Home button or Touch ID issues
Identify issues
Read the relevant support 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
Relevant support articles
If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article, continue to the next section.
Try quick troubleshooting steps
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 relevant support articles if you notice any of the following issues:
“Invalid SIM card installed” appears
“No SIM card installed” appears
“Different SIM detected” appears
Relevant support articles
If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article, continue to the next section.
Try quick troubleshooting steps
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 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 relevant support article if you notice the following issue:
iPhone doesn’t vibrate when expected
Relevant support article
If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article, continue to the next section.
Try quick troubleshooting steps
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 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.