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8 Common iOS 8 Problems & How to Fix Them

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Apple’s iOS 8.0.2 update was released to fix lingering iOS 8.0.1 problems and iOS 8 problems. However, in the days since its release, we’ve heard numerous iPhone and iPad users complain about a slew of iOS 8.0.2 issues and here, we take a look at some of the most common iOS 8 problems and possible fixes for them.

On September 17th, after a stint in Apple’s beta program, the company released the iOS 8.0 update for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. As expected, the iOS 8 update delivered a number of big time changes including improvements to the Photos app, iMessage, battery usage, accessibility, and more. In addition to these features, the update also delivered iOS 8 problems to iPhone and iPad users.

We detailed many of these problems in the hours and days after the iOS 8.0 release date in our initial impressions and roundups. And ultimately, complaints about these various iOS 8 issues forced Apple to release a couple of bug fix updates in iOS 8.0.1 and iOS 8.0.2, updates aimed at squashing these initial iOS 8 bugs.

Apple’s first bug fix update was iOS 8.0.1, an upgrade that rolled out in late September and one that immediately caused problems for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users. Cellular connectivity died and Touch ID stopped working for thousands of users around the world. Apple pulled the plug on iOS 8.0.1 and promised to issue a fix.

A day later, Apple made good on its promise to fix those iOS 8.0.1 problems. In late September, Apple pushed out iOS 8.0.2, an update similar to iOS 8.0.1 but one that came with fixes for those iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus problems. Despite these bug fixes, iOS 8 and iOS 8.0.2 continue to cause problems for iPhone and iPad users and over the past few weeks, we’ve seen tons of complaints.

With an iOS 8.1 release date imminent, we could see some permanent fixes arrive in the near future. That said, iOS 8.1 probably won’t fix everything when it arrives. With that in mind, we wanted to share seven iOS 8 problems that we’ve been hearing about and offer eight potential fixes, some temporary, to those in need.

How to Fix iOS 8 Battery Life Problems

One of the issues that typically surfaces after every iOS update is battery drain. iPhone and iPad owners consistently complain about the negative impact that iOS updates have on their battery life and iOS 8 unfortunately has not escaped their ire.

iPhone and iPad owners have been complaining about iOS 8 battery life problems though it does not appear to be widespread enough to push Apple to offer a fix. If these problems were widespread, Apple would have acknowledged the problem and offered details about a potential fix. In other words, those of you dealing with issues will probably need to solve them on your own.

iPhone 6

Fortunately, there are quite a few things that you iPhone and iPad owners can try should your device start experiencing heavy battery drain after installing iOS 8, iOS 8.0.2 or any other iOS 8 update.

While there are a ton of things that people recommend, we think there are several key fixes that iPhone and iPad owners should try. These fixes range from small settings tweaks to changes in your daily use. All of them have the potential to fix bad iOS 8 battery life and we highly recommend looking at them before performing a hard reset.

How to Fix iOS 8 Wi-Fi Issues

For the past two years, Apple’s discussion forum have been rife with complaints about iOS Wi-Fi issues. iPhone and iPad users have complained about a wide variety of issues from grayed out Wi-Fi to unstable connections. Those issues persist inside iOS 8 and we’ve heard from a number of iOS 8 users dealing with these problems.

While there is no guaranteed fix for iOS 8 Wi-Fi issues, there are a few things that iPhone and iPad users can try before performing a factory reset, replacing a router, or taking the device to an Apple Store. These fixes have been passed down from the iOS 6 and iOS 7 updates and they’ve worked for many users in the past.

Speck CandyShell iPhone 6 Review - 2-X3

The first thing you’ll want to do is reset your networking settings. This is an extremely easy process though it could take a couple of minutes to complete. So, you’ll want to set aside some time to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible. To do this, open up your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and head to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

You’ll need your passcode and again, a few minutes of time because the phone or tablet is going to reboot itself. You’ll also want to track down your commonly used Wi-Fi passwords because this is going to force you to re-enter them.

If that doesn’t fix things, you can also try turning off Wi-Fi Networking. To do that, head to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services. After performing these two steps, you’ll want to reboot your phone. Once it’s rebooted, there’s a chance, again a chance, that your Wi-Fi will be working normally again.

How to Fix iOS 8 Bluetooth Problems

iOS 8 Bluetooth problems appear to be extremely common with many users complaining about problems when using the software in the car. We ourselves have run into iOS 8 Bluetooth issues with the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus and we’re hopeful that the iOS 8.1 update delivers some permanent fixes for these very visible problems.

While there doesn’t appear to be a cure all, an Apple discussion forum puts forth few different fixes for these issues. Users have singled out “Reset All Settings” as a solid fix. It hasn’t worked for everyone but there are a ton of people that are claiming success after using it.

To do this, open up your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and head to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. This is going to take a bit of time and you’re going to lose a ton of your saved settings but again, it seems to be fixing Bluetooth issues for many people so it’s certainly worth a try if you’re experiencing headaches.

How to Fix iOS 8 App Issues

We’ve been hearing a lot of complaints about applications crashing and freezing in iOS 8. Apple’s not going to be fixing these issues and it’s going to be up to third-party developers to take care of any random problems with their apps inside iOS 8. There are a few things that iOS 8 users can try to make things more stable though.

iPhone-6-pair

First, make sure applications are updated. App updates with support for iOS 8 have been trickling out since launch. Many of you iPhone and iPad owners out there are terrible about updating apps and that’s a habit you need to break right now. Those who don’t like doing this will want to turn on automatic App Store updates because it will keep apps updated automatically and ensure that they are always on the latest version with the latest bug fixes.

How to Improve iOS 8 Performance on the iPhone 4s

Performance for many iPhone 4s users has taken a hit after installing the iOS 8 update. And while it’s a shame, it isn’t too surprising given how old the device is and given Apple’s track record when it comes to new updates for older devices. iOS 8 has been very buggy, and slow, for iPhone 4s users though there are some things that you can try to alleviate those issues ahead of iOS 8.1.

iPhone-4-4s

We’ve outlined a number of different strategies including reducing animations and pretty effects, resetting your settings, or restoring back to factory settings. There is no cure all for the iPhone 4s though before performing a factory reset or going crazy, you’ll probably want to wait for the iOS 8.1 update. It’s said to be coming with some major improvements.

How to Fix iOS 8 Landscape Issues

One of the biggest issues that we’ve outlined in our iOS 8 reviews is an issue wherein the iPhone (mainly the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus) gets stuck in landscape mode after shifting to portrait. This is a huge problem, especially when using the camera app. It’s an issue that’s affecting a number of other iOS 8 users as well so we want to offer up some advice.

While we can’t offer a cure all fix, we can offer a temporary solution. Instead of throwing the phone against a wall, simply lock the orientation of the phone in portrait. This way, when you turn the phone when using an app like the camera, it won’t shift to landscape mode, get stuck, and potentially ruin your footage.

To lock it in portrait, pull up Control Center from the bottom of the phone, look for the lock in the top right corner, and hit that. This will lock it up so that it won’t move out of portrait mode. It’s a temporary fix for an issue that’s driving some iPhone users (including us) insane.

How to Fix iOS 8 iMessage Problems

We’ve been running into a number of iMessage problems in the days after the iOS 8 release. Some problems, like the apps inability to mark new messages as read, are new. Others, like an issue wherein messages come hours late, are not. Fortunately, there are some fixes that are worth trying, fixes that have actually helped to alleviate our own iOS 8 iMessage problems.

Many users can install iOS 8.0.2 without a problem, but there is a potential for frustration.

Many users can install iOS 8.0.2 without a problem, but there is a potential for frustration.

The first thing to try is toggling iMessage off an on. If that doesn’t work, try rebooting the phone. If neither of those work, it’s time to reset the device’s network settings. To do that, head into Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. The phone will reboot, and while you’ll lose your stored Wi-Fi networks, reentering a Wi-Fi password is a small price to pay for working iMessages.

How to Fix iOS 8 Problems If Nothing Else Works

If none of this works and you can’t find a solution on Apple’s discussion forums, we have two recommendations. First, take the iPhone or iPad to a Genius Bar at your local Apple Store. They’ll help you diagnose the problem.

If you can’t or don’t want to do that, it might be worth performing a factory reset. Factory resets will wipe your device clean and it has worked wonders for older devices in the past.

To do that choose Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. This will wipe everything from the iPhone or iPad, so make a back up before you do this, even though we recommend not installing from a restore. Setting up all of your accounts and apps is time-consuming, but it may be the fastest way to fix bad iOS 8 problems.

53 Comments

53 Comments

  1. Barbara Beiderbeck

    10/07/2014 at 6:10 pm

    How can I go back to the setting I had before I updated to iOS 8? I wish I hadn’t changed. I don’t want your help in fixing it, just get me back to what I had. I had nothing but trouble with my Ipad

  2. Stefanie

    10/08/2014 at 10:12 am

    I hear YOU! It mentions that 4s is an “older phone” and would “understandably have problems”. We have had ours at our company for 2 years- I know technology outdates fast, but thats a lot of phones to replace if you are talking about a company or part of it. I also have a 4s as a personal phone. If it is still working perfectly well, I dont consider it “old” just because they have newer models!! I want to be a good steward of my resources and not throw things out because there is a newer model!

    • Doug

      10/09/2014 at 8:57 pm

      You can recycle your iphone responsibly. Your right though it does seem that technology marches on faster then it should. I do have to say when you bought your 4s it was already a year old. So the tech is 3 years old. That is very old in terms of cell phone tech. I get your point though, that apple should just leave the older phones on the older software, although you would get this whole group of people who would bitch because they cant run iOS 8 on their 3 year old iPhone.

  3. Leah

    10/09/2014 at 2:59 am

    I have tried everything. From downgrading back to iOS 7 (still had the same problems that I experienced, will be listed below) and then restoring my iPhone from the computer and downloading the new iOS 8.0.2 to fix the problem (what Apple recommended). Before all of that, I even erased my whole entire phone. Nothing is working. I have an iPhone 5c. If that helps.. I don’t have any idea on what to do with this phone. Is it never going to work? Or do I need to take it to an Apple store? There is one about an hour from me (reason why I haven’t gone there in the first place). My main problems I am have is iMessage not activating, wifi switching from 3G and back, and my date & time on my phone is not changing. I keep changing it back to the actual date and time and after that it just won’t move and will stay at the time I set it to. It’s so ANNOYING. I am very tech savvy, and this has dumbfounded me. I have never experienced anything like this with a technical decice, nor have I ever had any such problems like this with Apple before. I’m glad I’m not the only one still having problems though even after the huge “fix” since iOS 8.0.2 has been released.

  4. Mark Griffin

    10/09/2014 at 3:54 am

    Megabus website will now not allow bookings from Safari since IOS 8

  5. Dottie Sepelyak

    10/09/2014 at 4:30 pm

    how do I get rid of the three dots on my contacts phone numbers and get their phone numbers back

  6. doug

    10/09/2014 at 8:43 pm

    Taking your device to the genius bar will do nothing aside from what has been covered. These are issues that apple needs to resolve. They wont though if only a minirity is affected. Minority being 10k out of millions lol. It sucks but apples not the only ones to engage in this. If you got to a genius bar (not reccommended) or call apple care (way better option), you will most likley just be asked to try the normal reset peocedure. Reset network, all settings, restart, hard restart, update, restore the device as a new device with a computer and the free itunes app. If that doesnt work your sol until the next update and it could still not be fixed.

    Third party app issues should be addressed by the third party app maker. Dont bother apple because facebook runs like shit. Bother facebook, or google and dont let them tell you its up to apple it really isnt. Apple provides the hardware, facebook/google have to make their sw work on it.

    • Liz

      10/29/2014 at 2:17 pm

      This poster speaks the truth. I’ve been through exactly what they say and still can’t send photos on my new iphone 6. I’ve had iphones since the iphone 4….never any problems. So angry!!

  7. Doug

    10/09/2014 at 8:50 pm

    I dont understand what the beta testing is for? It seems they dont catch shit!!

  8. Tanya Marlow

    10/10/2014 at 1:47 am

    This is helpful. Is anyone else having the problem that iphone 4s now no longer do cut and paste reliably?

    • an1searchbert

      10/20/2014 at 2:13 pm

      Yes, this is a big problem for me. It is also happening on an iPad 2.

  9. asif

    10/10/2014 at 6:58 am

    salaam sir my WiFi not on during working WiFi if off iPhone WiFi switch is off and now after long struggle it is not working tell me pls solution

  10. MartinF

    10/11/2014 at 3:26 am

    This all just shows what a bag of complete and utter sh*te Apple products are. I have been poncing about trying to sort out my 5S for two days now and I’m still no nearer AND I’ve lost my backup in the process despite supposedly doing a backup before updating my IOS. Talk about the Emperor’s new clothes!!! Gimick ridden, over-priced unreliable SHITE.

  11. Jeff

    10/11/2014 at 3:21 pm

    When I look at pictures now they will not change from portrait to landscape and yes my lock is off

  12. Murray Snudge

    10/11/2014 at 3:35 pm

    The most satisfying fix is to chuck the junk off Beachy Head.

  13. Ruth

    10/11/2014 at 3:40 pm

    Safari crashes after just a second or too. I don’t see that listed above.

  14. Cesar

    10/12/2014 at 12:46 pm

    Yes. My iPhone 4s says that I have no service in my SIM card but I do and Im on t-mobile but I think the update to iOS 8.02 mad it not work . And what can I do to fix the problem ?

  15. Aravind

    10/12/2014 at 7:01 pm

    Hi Guys,
    im facing a new problem in my iphone 5. if 2 or more than miss call comes in lock mode i cant get the passcode screen. i goes to a blur mode. after restarting only it shows the passcode screen

    • Bimal

      08/01/2015 at 7:19 am

      I am also facing the same problem !!!

  16. Priya

    10/13/2014 at 3:04 am

    I lost my photographs after iOS 8.2 update. It’s a disaster!!! Is there a way I can get back my pictures

  17. Angelina

    10/13/2014 at 7:39 am

    Ugh! I hate the new ios8.0.2 software! My phone has been going haywire ever since I updated it! I have no volume for aps or texts….onlyy rongtone. I went to bed woth 100% battery life and woke up late because my phone died and so my alarm didn’t go off SMH! Come on Apple! This is SOOO rediculous! I can get a Metro if I want a questionable phone

  18. Will Newcomb

    10/13/2014 at 7:50 am

    DO NOT DO ‘Reset All Settings’! It will delete all your iCloud data. It’s a recognised bug. I lost all my iWork data and 18 months of Pleco language flashcards 2 weeks ago. Still waiting for a fix.

  19. Bob Caster

    10/13/2014 at 4:18 pm

    Please fix ios8 problems soon.

  20. Ruth

    10/13/2014 at 4:57 pm

    I put my pics on iCloud and didn’t lose any, but then I have more than one device on iCloud. My problem with Safari crashing was fixed by reset and don’t restore. I made sure all my apps were on my cloud and I didn’t have any other data to save. I did have re set everything up and redownload my apps.

  21. KC

    10/13/2014 at 7:55 pm

    Yes, having app crashes, camera freezing and crashing, and cut and paste issues. Plus everything is slower. Such a mess!!

  22. Evelyn Love

    10/16/2014 at 8:56 am

    How can I update all my apps on the iPad if I can’t get WIFI at all? It has been off and on for a month now but not at all for the past two days – all since the IOS 8 update.

  23. Jaime

    10/18/2014 at 7:00 am

    “Apple, it just works”
    Now brought to you in meaningless marketing, inaccurate, annoying joke form.
    New accurate marketing?, “Apple, we couldn’t give a f*#k about you, as long as you’ve dropped big $$ on our hardware.”

  24. Peter Larsen

    10/18/2014 at 1:25 pm

    This is not necessary. Try investigating iTunes update instead. iTunes update instead of OTA update fixed all this on my iPhone 5. Had also a lot of ” other ” 3.7 gb that didn’t disappe, after OTA update and a total reset and delete all dat, from settings on the phone. iTunes fixed it.

  25. Mubeen

    10/18/2014 at 2:35 pm

    M also have a 4s after update ios 8 my cell phone back cemra is not working properlly it Held again n again for a few mints juat work like a second n stop for mints.

  26. Janet Merritt

    10/19/2014 at 5:41 am

    I know how to fix my iPad problems, buy an android.

  27. Andrew

    10/19/2014 at 5:48 am

    @Will Newcomb – No sh*t. The article suggests resetting the network settings, not restoring the phone. 90% of problems are caused by users not restoring properly, spotty connectivity while downloading updates or just not updating your iTunes software.

  28. Andrew

    10/19/2014 at 5:52 am

    @Janet Merritt – The Android OS has app and basic operations issues all the time. If you truly believe they don’t, you’re either very ignorant or are in denial. Neither are perfect.

  29. Will Newcomb

    10/19/2014 at 6:00 am

    @Andrew: I was having trouble with delays in Pleco app and Apple Support engineer on the phone instructed me to do a Reset All Settings. It did cure the Pleco problem but created far more by deleting stuff on iCloud.

  30. tj

    10/19/2014 at 7:56 am

    This damn iphone 6 is driving me up the wall… stupid thing keeps dropping off wifi even though my boyfriends phone is connected, so there’s nothing wrong with the wifi signal it’s just my **** phone. I’m stuck using his Android tablet now instead… reading all about these ios issues that aren’t just me! I also have been reading about others with similar hardware issues, seems I’m not the only one with a creaky top left screen and already getting scratches even though I’ve been super careful with it… despite wanting to throw it at the wall ugggghhhh

  31. Marko

    10/19/2014 at 2:47 pm

    Need a help!

    Cant connect to hotell Holiday inn wifi network any Apple devices (iphone 6, ipad mini, MacBook pro).

    It’s connect to wifi network but stuck on loginn page on Safari?

    All devices have latest software.

    Anybody know any solution?

    Thanks fir your help

  32. CJ

    10/20/2014 at 8:55 pm

    I have iOS 6 and the settings menu isn’t giving me the option to download 8. I rly need the update for my GarageBand app (you can now use all instruments for free and I write music so that would be so helpful to me) so could someone help please? Super frustrated rn.

  33. DeEek Johnson

    10/21/2014 at 12:47 am

    I upgraded My 4s to to iOS 8.02 And have now lost my wifi and the battery dies quickly. How can Apple not address this problem that thousands of 4s users are experiencing. We should vote with our feet and purchase an android!

  34. Jain

    10/22/2014 at 7:18 am

    I got iOS 8.0.1 today on my iPod and it is frozen on my lock screen it won’t let me do anything not even power off plzzzzz help

  35. Ted

    10/22/2014 at 11:17 pm

    What a load. My 4s was working fine and dandy. I made the mistake of upgrading to 8 and a host of issues followed. I upgraded to 8.1 in hope that some of the issues may have been addressed, and it only got worse. Wifi connectivity issues, the battery reports 20 plus percent remaining and it just suddenly shuts down. Apps that no longer launch, etc. etc. This is obviously Apple’s ploy to get me to move to an Iphone 5 or 6. I’m done. Off to get a a new phone that isn’t Apple!

  36. Susan

    10/23/2014 at 7:11 pm

    After installing 8.1, my iPhone 5 messaging capabilities are hampered. The camera locks up erratically if I am trying to take a picture within a text message to someone. Also I am able to delete some portions of old texts at first, then that capability disappears. I have to turn the phone off, wait, and turn it back on. Then I can do a few more pictures within a message/deletes of select comments in a text. Any fix for this?

  37. Heath

    10/26/2014 at 9:11 am

    Several weeks of issues with phones and my iPad2 now. The iPad stopped charging and is presently useless (tried everything recommended). The iPhone is glitchy. Hate to say this Apple but after 4 iPhones and 2 iPads I’m feeling that the days of my consumer dollars going your direction are coming to an end. Sure glad I held off buying a Mac laptop.

  38. Britknee

    10/27/2014 at 8:33 am

    After the 8.0.2 update my wifi connection keeps logging out and when I push it to activate it again, it asks for my password and I enter it, it says it’s incorrect when it’s not. I reset the network settings and it didn’t fix it.

  39. Lars Flindt Pedersen

    10/29/2014 at 8:35 am

    I have huge problems to get my keyboard working, when I have voiceover on. Its a iphone 5 and its a huge problem because I’m blind and I can only use my iPhone with the keyboard. Its works and connects without voiceover and its same problem with my husbands iPhone 5S. If anyone has a solution I will be ever thankful.

  40. aysh

    10/30/2014 at 2:51 am

    there is a battery problem with i phone 4 i think it is due to back cover so tell me what should i do

  41. Parker Shannon

    10/31/2014 at 8:13 am

    I have a mobile website — http://www.foreignmotorworks.com/m/ — that opens in some iPhone 5’s with iOS 8.1 and doesn’t open in other iPhone 5’s with iOS 8.1. Has anybody else run into this problem?

  42. Colin

    10/31/2014 at 9:11 am

    I pad up dated to iso8 and now the hdmi lead has sound only , no video was ok before update Samsung much better !

  43. Jackie

    11/01/2014 at 3:17 pm

    my issue since the new update on my Apple iPhone 4s is that my battery runs down a lot faster, and every time I try to do something, get on the web get on facebook etc: everything freezes up it is so frustrating

  44. Tara Ferrier

    11/06/2014 at 7:10 pm

    My problem is that when I plug my iphone5 in at night to charge,now that i have downloaded ios8 it dings every time the percentage charge indicator increases-I can’t tell you how annoying this is-how can I turn the ding off!!!@!??????????

  45. Joe

    11/07/2014 at 1:01 pm

    The apps crashing problem is driving me nuts. The suggestion was to get the latest from the 3rd parties. Well, the apps crashing are Apple’s apps! Maps, Find Friends, Fine iPhone, etc.

    Come on Apple! This is exactly why people switched to your products. You took quality control seriously and put out a superior product, not his kind of garbage.

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  47. Mr Anderson

    12/13/2014 at 4:25 pm

    Help!! I was downloading the it’s 8.1 update when my Internet connection dropped. When it came back up, the Apple symbol and the loading bar were frozen. So I powered off my iPad and restarted it. When it came on, it had an iTunes symbol, an arrow below it, and below that, the USB charger symbol. So I plugged in the charger but nothing has happened. What do I do????

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