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9 Common iOS 8.1.1 Problems & How to Fix Them

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Apple’s iOS 8.1.1 update is now live for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users around the world and it delivers bug fixes for iOS 8 problems and performance enhancements for older devices. It’s also causing some problems for some iPhone and iPad users. Here, we take a look at how to solve some of the common iOS 8.1.1 problems we’re seeing in the hours after release.

Over the last two months, Apple’s released a number of iOS 8 updates aimed at curbing the problems that iOS 8.0 delivered to iPhone and iPad users. iOS 8.0.1, iOS 8.0.2 and iOS 8.1 all arrived with bug fixes on board though, as we’ve pointed out, all three delivered some problems of their own. With iOS 8 and iOS 8.1 issues still causing problems for iPhone and iPad users, Apple’s delivered another update to iPhone and iPad users around the world.

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Apple’s new update is iOS 8.1.1, a bug fixer that comes to iPhone and iPad a few short weeks after the company surprisingly dropped it into the beta program. The update’s release into the beta was a surprise because incremental iOS updates typically aren’t dropped into beta. Beta is almost always reserved for much larger updates, updates like iOS 8.0 and iOS 8.1. Apple, it seems, didn’t want to take any chances after the debacle that was iOS 8.0.1.

So for several weeks Apple, and its developer partners, poked and prodded the iOS 8.1.1 update ahead of its public release. Earlier this week, Apple deemed the update fit for public consumption. Right on cue, the company started rolling out the iOS 8.1.1 update for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

iOS 8.1.1 delivers bug fixes and performance enhancements though we’ve started to see some iPhone and iPad users complain about various issues on Apple’s discussion forums and social media. Most of these issues don’t appear to be widespread though that doesn’t mean that iPhone and iPad users won’t encounter various issues in the future.

With that in mind, we want to take a look at some of the iOS 8.1.1 problems that have popped up and some of the problems that have the potential to pop up for iPhone and iPad users in the future. With an iOS 8.2 update in the beta, and a release date unknown, iOS 8.1.1 users will need to rely on third-party fixes for their iOS 8.1.1 problems.

How to Fix iOS 8.1.1 Installation Problems

iPhone and iPad users always run into installation issues when trying to upgrade to new iOS updates. We’ve gotten a few complaints about the iOS 8.1.1 installation process so we want to outline some steps to take to dislodge these installation issues to get the ball rolling again.

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If the iPhone or iPad gets stuck during the iOS 8.1.1 installation, users will want to perform a hard reset by holding down the power button and home button at the same time for a few seconds until the device restarts. This typically gets the update’s juices flowing again. If it doesn’t continue automatically, it may simply start over.

How to Fix iOS 8.1.1 Battery Life Problems

While we haven’t seen the usual outpouring of complaints about iOS battery life, we have seen several iPhone and iPad users complain. iOS battery drain, or at least perceived iOS battery drain, is one of the most common problems to emerge in the wake of an iOS upgrade and so it’s no surprise that iPhone and iPad users are noticing issues.

There are quite a few things that iPhone and iPad owners can try should a device start experiencing heavy battery drain after the iOS 8.1.1 installation or in the days and weeks after the installation process completes. Battery life issues won’t necessarily pop up right at the start and will often times emerge in the days, weeks and months after an update’s arrival.

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While there are a ton of things that users 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 8.1.1 battery life and we highly recommend looking at them before performing a hard reset.

How to Fix iOS 8.1.1 Wi-Fi Issues

We’ve already heard about several iOS 8.1.1 Wi-Fi problems and we expect to hear in the days and weeks ahead. This isn’t anything new. Apple’s discussion forums have been rife with complaints about iOS Wi-Fi issues for many years now.

There is no guaranteed fix for iOS 8 Wi-Fi issues but 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.

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

Users will need the passcode and a few minutes of time because the phone or tablet is going to reboot itself after the process completes. Users will also want to track down commonly used Wi-Fi passwords because this process is going to erase the device’s memory.

How to Fix iOS 8.1.1 Cellular Data Issues

We haven’t heard about any iOS 8.1.1 cellular data issues yet but those typically don’t emerge for several days. All previous versions of iOS 8 delivered cellular data problems to iPhone and iPad users so we expect to hear about some in the days and weeks ahead. After all, slow connections, no connections and other random problems have plagued some iPad and iPhone users for many years now.

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To fix these, users should first try restarting the iPhone or iPad. This has worked for us in the past. If that simple fix doesn’t work, try toggling cellular data on and off. This also has had a positive effect on our connectivity. To do that, Cellular > Cellular Data > Toggle Off. It’s a quick process and one that should return things to normal assuming connectivity isn’t down in the area.

Finally, if none of that works, try flipping Airplane Mode on, waiting 30 seconds, and then flipping it off. This, like the other fixes, has worked to dislodge cellular data issues as well.

How to Fix iOS 8.1.1 Bluetooth Problems

iPhone users are still complaining about Bluetooth problems, even after making the move to iOS 8.1.1. Bluetooth problems have given iPhone and iPad users headaches for years. And while iOS 8.1 alleviated some of the major headaches it, and iOS 8.1.1, have apparently failed to eradicate them all.

There doesn’t appear to be a cure all fix but we’ve heard about a few possible fixes that iOS 8.1.1 users will want to try. iOS 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 trying it on their iPhone. It should work for Apple’s iPad as well.

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To do this, open up the device and head to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. This is going to take a bit of time and users will lose all saved settings but the pay off is that it seems to be fixing Bluetooth issues for many people. It’s certainly worth a try if Bluetooth keeps acting up after Apple’s iOS 8.1.1 update.

How to Fix iOS 8.1.1 App Issues

We haven’t experienced any issues with applications after getting iOS 8.1.1 on board our devices but that doesn’t mean that we won’t in the future. Issues with third-party applications are among the most common iOS problems and we’re getting complaints from iPhone and iPad users about app performance in Apple’s latest upgrade.

Here’s the deal. iPhone and iPad users can’t rely on iOS updates for app fixes. Instead, users will need to rely on third-party developers (the makers of the app) and some useful changes to bad habits.

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Make sure applications on the iPhone or iPad are updated. App updates with support for iOS 8 have been trickling out since launch. iPhone and iPad users who are forgetful or lazy will want to turn on automatic App Store updates because it will keep apps automatically behind the scenes. Auto updates will ensure that they are always on the latest version with the latest bug fixes. To do that, head into Settings > iTunes & App Store > Toggle Updates on.

How to Improve iOS 8.1.1 Performance

iOS 8.1.1 is supposed to improve performance on the iPhone 4s and iPad 2, but as we’ve pointed out, it doesn’t improve performance for all users.

When iOS 8.0 first came out, we outlined a number of different strategies including reducing animations and pretty effects, resetting settings, or restoring back to factory settings.

These fixes are for the iPhone 4s but they will help with all versions of the iPhone and iPad as well. Keep in mind, there is no cure all for performance issues on the iPad or Apple’s iPhone.

How to Fix iOS 8.1.1 iMessage Issues

Apple’s iOS 8.1 update fixed many of our iMessage problems though there’s always a chance that they will return. Those experiencing issues after installing iOS 8.1.1 should know that there are some fixes that are worth trying, fixes that have actually helped to alleviate our own iMessage problems in the past.

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The first thing to try is toggling iMessage off and on. If that doesn’t work, try rebooting the tablet. 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 iPad or iPhone will reboot, and while the stored Wi-Fi networks will be lost, reentering a Wi-Fi password is a small price to pay for working iMessages.

How to Fix iOS 8.1.1 Problems If Nothing Else Works

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

Those that can’t or don’t want to go that route will want to consider performing a factory reset. Factory resets will wipe the device clean which is going to add more work. It does have the potential to iron out problems, especially on older devices.

To do that choose Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Again, this will wipe everything from the iPhone or iPad, so make a back up before doing this. Again, setting all of this up will be extremely consuming, but it may be the fastest way to fix bad iOS 8.1.1 problems on the iPad or iPhone.

26 Comments

26 Comments

  1. Matt Littledyke

    11/20/2014 at 9:52 am

    Nothing about an email issue I have had recently where it doesn’t recognise my password when I try to send a message and now after trying to restart it it will not log back in properly even after I have changed the password

  2. ant'o'lux

    11/20/2014 at 11:06 am

    So let me get this straight. Most of this article is to tell people how to fix issues that havent emerged yet?
    This is pure genius and genius is the new retard.

    Sent from my iPooped 9s 0i812

  3. allen

    11/22/2014 at 1:20 pm

    hi I have auto updates enabled and since going to os 8.1.1 there has been a problem with pop up just appearing at random it drives me crazy most seem to come from the app store, I have an iphone5 and ipad4

  4. Tom

    11/24/2014 at 3:38 am

    I hate these adds poping up

    • Molly

      11/29/2014 at 9:32 am

      Me too. I’d never buy a product that rudely interrupted my reading.

  5. Karl

    11/24/2014 at 1:40 pm

    Have noticed the messages don’t rotate now. The screen is stuck in Landscape Mode. Every update brings a new problem, surely it cant be that hard to test before release?

  6. Me

    11/24/2014 at 4:39 pm

    The update affects Spotlight search. It’s not working anymore. We are now expected to manually find apps on our cluttered iphone/iPad screens.

  7. Ben

    11/24/2014 at 8:34 pm

    I muted the sound in an App and following this, it stayed mute in every app except youtube. When I went to settings>sound, the sound was clearly up, and also enabled on each app. Did a hard reset, no fix, took it to genius bar, new ipad.

  8. Josh

    11/25/2014 at 11:50 am

    Downloaded IOS 8.1.1 and now all of a sudden no cellular network. Tried the resets, tricks and nothing works. Emailed apple and even let them run diagnostics on my phone over wifi. Nothing. Matter of fact they havent even responded since then. I’m surprised no one else is having this problem?

    • Hussein Najee

      11/27/2014 at 4:44 am

      Have the same problem and iPhone support could not help. Let me know if you resolved the issue and how

  9. Cj

    11/26/2014 at 3:55 pm

    Why waste our time asking for a password to update an app? Never did before; some sort of security “enhancement”?

  10. Suroj'j j

    11/28/2014 at 5:01 pm

    I try to reset all setting. But still cannot pairing the Bluetooth. Can any suggestions.

  11. timz

    11/29/2014 at 6:18 am

    my led backlight is flickering now with 8.1.1 and iphone 4s, is there any fix for this issue

  12. snkrsfx

    12/01/2014 at 11:37 am

    This writer has rambled on and on. Perhaps you should just get to the points without dragging everyone on with all the bable.

    • Tamara

      12/08/2014 at 1:05 am

      Agreed! I had that exact thought while reading and reading AND reading… Get to the point already.

  13. Gregg Telson

    12/04/2014 at 5:39 pm

    Since updating my iPhone 5s to 8.1.1 I am experiencing frequent freezing of applications, then that app will close. My fiancé is experiencing the same with her iPhone 5c. Is there a fix for this issue?

  14. Tom

    12/05/2014 at 4:02 am

    Just got the iphone 6 did the 8.1 download know I can’t retrieve my voice mail went to att store they said its a apple software problem. If they come up with these up dates they should make sure there are no bugs. Tom R

  15. graymattersoftheheart

    12/05/2014 at 5:45 am

    My ipad 6 was messed up after the upgrade, so my daughter helped with the fix through Apple.
    She went to settings…general…reset…reset all. Stopped the bugs. However, the only problem I have now is my Day One app is whipped clean. I don’t know how to retrieve the information back and I have years of important information stored there. Anyone have any suggestions on retrieving it I would be extremely grateful.

    • PamGS

      12/23/2014 at 10:37 am

      If you have backed up your iPad to your computer or iCloud, you should be able to restore it from a backup. Have you tried this yet?

      • graymattersoftheheart

        12/24/2014 at 2:49 am

        It shows that I have back up, but I am totally inexperienced in doing this step..and I don’t really know what to do.. When I looked at the data in my Day One, it shows that it is there and not lost.

  16. Mom

    12/06/2014 at 5:45 am

    I updated 8.1.1 on iPad now it froze with red iTunes bar and won’t reboot.

  17. Bob

    12/06/2014 at 6:01 am

    I fixed my iOS 8.1.1 wifi issues. Smashed the iPad to pieces. No more Apple products for me

  18. Sara

    12/07/2014 at 12:05 am

    My phone has started suddenly freezing and then boom it spazzes out and starts typing and opening random apps. Oh, and the keyboard stops working! I have a 5c… I even did a reset on my phone (with the restore…) wondering if doing a cold reset without a restore point would help. My phone is 10months old in great condition, minus this bug! It didn’t start until I had 8.1.1 for about 2-3weeks… Ugh :/

  19. Mark R

    12/07/2014 at 11:35 am

    Own iPhone 4s and one day out of the blue, my iPhone froze up and gave me no other choice when it said I had to update IOS to 8.1. Hadn’t done a backup in awhile but no choice but to reset entire phone to update to 8.1. Lost settings, pictures, apps, having Wifi issues now and the list goes on. Never had a problem till that day, but I don’t think Apple is giving us a choice to upgrade…what happened to me will happen to all n u won’t have a choice. Make ur backups NOW people!

  20. James

    12/08/2014 at 6:37 pm

    My iPhone 5c has a problem with the mic for iMessage when I send a voice text. My voice sounds scribbled and far. When I use the front camera it has the same problem. When I use the back camera it works fine. Voice memos are fine also so idk why it’s messed up.

  21. Charla

    12/27/2014 at 3:40 am

    My iMessage won’t work after I had to reset my iPhone and this didn’t help at all. It keeps saying “Waiting for activation” when it should’ve been activated hours ago. I’ve been trying to fix it for 8 hours and it won’t fix. Why is it doing this? (iPhone 5 btw)

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