Even the latest version of Apple’s mobile operating system still has flaws. Here are some iOS 11 problems and ways to fix them.
Apple’s latest mobile operating system, iOS 11, launched on September 19, and early adopters were quick to report several crucial bugs. The public and developer betas have been out since June, but it’s clear even the final version isn’t glitch-free.
We’ve searched a variety of forums for the biggest problems people are experiencing on their iPhone or iPad since the update. To help make the transition easier for you, here are the most common iOS 11 problems and potential solutions on how to deal with them.
MacRumors has reported that Apple has acknowledged a bug affecting the mics in some iPhone 7 and 7Plus models. According to an internal document given to Apple Authorized Service Providers, some users may experience issues regarding a greyed-out speaker button which may keep the affected customers from being heard during phone calls.
The document advises Apple’s service providers to first instruct users to disconnect any audio accessories. If that does not fix the issue then should run audio diagnostics. Affected devices will display messages reading “device could not detect dock” or “accessory not supported.”
The document says that if the affected iPhone 7 is no longer under warranty, the service provider may request an extension for this particular issue.
Workaround: Try removing any audio accessories from your device. If that doesn’t work then your best bet will be to go to an authorized Apple repair shop.
With iOS 11, you can scan QR codes with your camera app and then tap on the banner notification for the code. But according to a report by Infosec, a bug within the operating system is allowing users to change the URL that it redirects to. Infosec demonstrated this by creating a QR code with an unsuspicious hostname which pulls up a notification to “Open ‘facebook.com’ in Safari.”
The URL embedded within the QR code is “https://xxx@facebook.com:443@infosec.rm-it.de/” but if you tap open the site, the code will instead direct you to “https://infosec.rm-it.de/”. This could be because the URL parser in the camera app can’t detect the hostname the same way Safari does — which means the hostname in the notification banner is different than what the browser opens up.
Infosec mentioned the bug was already reported to Apple’s security team back in December 2017. But as of March 26,2018, the QR code issue has yet to be resolved.
Workaround: Until Apple releases a software update to fix the bug, we recommend holding off on using the feature within the camera app. For now, you could download a third-party QR code reader in the App Store instead.
First spotted by Italian site Mobile World, a new iOS bug was causing iMessage and other apps to crash by sending a specific character in Telugu — an Indian language. It will not only block access to the Messages app but also to apps like Facebook Messenger, Gmail, and Outlook for iOS. Regardless of which app the character is displayed in, it will close out each time you try to open it. If someone sends you the symbol and iOS shows it in a notification, then Springboard will be blocked entirely. The bug also affects Macs and Apple Watches.
Apple has released a fix for the issue in iOS 11.2.6. Plans to release a fix for the Apple Watch or the Mac have yet to be announced.
Solution:
There have been multiple complaints about notifications suddenly disappearing from the lock screen. On Apple’s forums, one user explained that even with her iMessage notifications enabled to show on the lock screen, in history, and as banners, her notifications still disappear from the lock screen after about 10 seconds. Even after swiping up to show recent notifications, they aren’t there.
The thread originally started back in October, but one user recently commented that he is experiencing the same issue. Even though Apple released iOS 11.2.2 on January 9, it seems this is an issue that wasn’t addressed.
Workaround:
Some iPhone users — particularly those with an iPhone 6S — have been experiencing Touch ID issues. On Apple’s forum, users found the home button was no longer working for them after updating their software to 11.2.1.
Prior to trying out different solutions, you should make sure the Home button itself is clean and dry. You can do so by using a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe off any dirt or debris.
Potential solutions:
With iOS 11, some users have found that their contacts are not showing up correctly. On Apple’s forums, one user noticed all the contact names in the phone app showed up as phone numbers when someone called. Rather than displaying the correct contact, it would suggest names by listing it as “Maybe:” followed by a name. Another user experienced the same issue when receiving text messages instead.
Potential solutions:
According to AppleToolBox, some users have been reporting issues with the Control Center. After downloading iOS 11, people have found that the buttons are freezing and unresponsive.
Potential solution:
With the update to iOS 11.2, some Sprint users reported that they are no longer able to use the Wi-Fi calling feature, according to MacRumors. This problem seems to only affect Sprint users who updated to iOS 11.2 and updated their carrier settings to 31.0. We’ve reached out to Sprint and will update the story if it provides any further details.
Workaround:
Some iOS 11.1 users have been noticing an issue where the letter “i” switched to an “A” followed by a symbol. Apple acknowledged the problem and offered a workaround while it hammered out a more permanent fix, which has now come in the form of a software update.
With any iOS update also comes battery issues. Being able to handle iOS 11 isn’t a problem for the next-generation iPhone 8,8 Plus, and X, which all include an A11 Bionic chip. But for those of you with an older processor, you might find your battery dying more quickly than it used to. On Apple’s forums, multiple users have been complaining that their batteries have been draining extremely fast since downloading iOS 11.
Apple also recently confirmed it does slow down older iPhones in order to better handle the power output that aging batteries can offer. In an effort to ease angry customers, it now offers owners of an iPhone 6 and later models a battery replacement for $29 — $50 less than what it would normally cost — through December 2018.
Potential solutions:
Not only have users on Apple’s forum been complaining about their devices getting extremely hot, but some claim to have experienced serious swelling causing their iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus to burst open. Due to what appears to be the battery swelling from gases inside, the expansion places pressure on the display causing it to pop open. While having the device burst open does help to avoid a fire, you’ll still want to make sure your device doesn’t overheat.
Potential solutions:
Apple originally warned users with iOS 10.3 that it will soon drop support for 32-bit apps. With iOS 11, the change is official and any 32-bit apps on your phone will refuse to launch. You’ll instead receive a pop-up notification letting you know the developer needs to release a 64-bit update for it to work.
Workaround:
A common problem users have been experiencing with iOS 11 is their apps freezing or quitting unexpectedly.
