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11 Common iOS 8.1 Problems & How to Fix Them

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Earlier this week, Apple pushed out its iOS 8.1 update for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. iOS 8.1 delivers new features but it also brings a laundry list of bug fixes for iOS 8 problems. And while it does fix a number of issues, iPhone and iPad users have discovered some iOS 8.1 problems in the days after its arrival. Here, we take a look at how to solve common iOS 8.1 problems on iPhone and iPad.

In late September, just a few weeks after iOS 8.0 came out of the beta program, Apple released iOS 8.1 beta. Apple did not attach a public iOS 8.1 release date to the beta leaving iPhone and iPad users wondering about the release date. Last week, Apple cleared it all up and announced an iOS 8.1 release date for Monday, October 20th.

In early October, Apple released iOS 8.1 to the public, bringing Apple Pay and a number of bug fixes to those running compatible devices. Apple Pay might be the focus of iOS 8.1 but the update is a massive bug fixer that has solved many of the initial iOS 8.0 problems that sprouted up in the weeks after the initial iOS 8 release and the release of iOS 8.0.2.

Fixes for iPhone 6 Plus problems with LTE.

Fixes for iPhone 6 Plus problems with LTE.

Of course, iOS updates, even massive bug fix updates like iOS 8.1, typically bring problems of their own and that’s exactly what has happened. iPhone and iPad users are reporting that while iOS 8.1 does deliver some key bug fixes, it also breaks features and settings inside iOS 8. We’ve heard from a number of iPhone and iPad users who are dealing with issues after upgrading from iOS 8.0.2 or below. And while the issues don’t seem to be widespread, there are some that are certainly more common then others.

With no iOS 8.1.1 release in sight, iPhone and iPad users dealing with iOS 8.1 problems are going to need to rely on temporary fixes to remedy those issues. And while we can’t say with one hundred percent certainty that the following fixes for iOS 8.1 problems are going to work for everyone, those dealing with bugs will still want to give them a shot.

How to Fix iOS 8.1 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.

iOS 8.1 on iPhone 6

Fortunately, there are quite a few things that iPhone and iPad owners can try should the device start experiencing heavy battery drain after the iOS 8.1 installation or in the weeks after its download. 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.

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 battery life and we highly recommend looking at them before performing a hard reset.

How to Fix iOS 8.1 Wi-Fi Issues

We’ve already heard about several iOS 8.1 Wi-Fi problems and we expect to hear about more before everything is said and done. This isn’t anything new. Apple’s discussion forums have been rife with complaints about iOS Wi-Fi issues for many years now. And while iOS 8.1 does come with a fix for one Wi-Fi problem, there’s a good chance that it’s not going to fix everything for everyone.

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.

iOS 8.1 fixes some iPhone 6 plus WiFi problems.

iOS 8.1 fixes some iPhone 6 plus WiFi problems.

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 wipe those out.

How to Fix iOS 8.1 Cellular Data Issues

We’ve also been getting complaints about cellular data issues on iPhones and iPads running iOS 8.1. Slow connections, no connections and other random problems have plagued some iPad and iPhone users for many years now and it looks like iOS 8.1 is no different.

To try and 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 in the past.

How to Fix iOS 8.1 Bluetooth Problems

Apple’s iOS 8.1 update arrived with a fix for some of the Bluetooth issues plaguing iPhone and iPad users on iOS 8.0.2 and iOS 8.0. However, iOS 8.1 failed to fix every single Bluetooth issue.

Bluetooth problems have given iPhone and iPad users headaches for years. And while iOS 8.1 appears to have alleviated some of the major headaches, it hasn’t eradicated them all.

iPhone-5

There doesn’t appear to be a cure all fix but we’ve heard about a few possible fixes that iOS 8.1 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.

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 upgrade.

How to Fix iOS 8.1 App Issues

We haven’t experienced any issues with applications after getting iOS 8.1 on board 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 already hearing complaints from iPhone and iPad users about app performance in Apple’s latest upgrade.

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, simple fixes.

iPad Air 2 vs iPad mini 3

First, make sure applications on the iPhone or iPad are updated. App updates with support for iOS 8 have been trickling out since launch. Many iOS users are horrible about updating apps and that’s a habit that can, and should, be broken immediately.

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 Fix iOS 8.1 Random Reboots

Random reboots have plagued iPhone and iPad users for a number of years now, we ourselves have experienced them, and it looks like iOS 8.1 is causing some random issues for iPhone and iPad users.

As we’ve pointed out, the only permanent cure is going to be an iOS update and iOS 8.1.1 isn’t guaranteed to fix things. Fortunately, after years of dealing with these issues, we have some tips to try and minimize this extremely random issue. These fixes helped when we saw them in iOS 7 last year and they have helped to tone them down in iOS 8.

iPhone 6 Plus Problems - 4

First, try restarting the iPad. This helped us when we encountered random reboots on the iPhone and iPad in iOS 7. We also recommend performing a reset on all settings. To do that, Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.

It also might be worth it to uninstall recent apps if the problems just started. If nothing helps, iPhone and iPad users will simply have to wait for iOS 8.1.1 or whatever is next from Apple.

How to Improve iOS 8.1 Performance

We’ve seen some dips in performance after installing iOS 8.1 and we’ve heard that we’re not alone. Fortunately, there are a few things that could return the device to form.

Back 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. If nothing works, users will want to try these before performing a factory reset.

How to Fix iOS 8.1 AirDrop Problems

iOS’ AirDrop is a quick way to share files across devices. It’s also a feature that’s been troublesome for some users in the past. We ourselves have encountered AirDrop problems inside iOS 8.1 though we were able to solve them with a simple solution.

iPhone and iPad users experiencing issues with AirDrop, including the inability to send files or discover users, will simply want to try toggling AirDrop to Everyone. To do that, pull up Control Center from the bottom of the screen and change the setting from Off or Contacts Only to Everyone. With this setting turned on, we were able to share files across all devices using iOS 8.1 with no problem at all.

Users will also want to ensure that the device is signed into the proper iCloud account. If it’s not, the feature won’t work.

How to Fix iOS 8.1 Keyboard Lag

Keyboard is a common iOS problem that’s endured through many iOS updates. We’ve already encountered the occasional keyboard lag on the iPad and iPhone when shooting off an email or iMessage and we imagine that others will as we move away from the iOS 8.1 release. Thankfully, there are some simple fixes to try before throwing the phone against a wall or installing Swype.

iPhone-6 copy

First, try turning off Documents & Data in iCloud. To do this, Settings > iCloud > Documents & Data. If everything returns to normal, it should be okay to flip that back on. If that doesn’t work, try resetting all settings. To do that, General > Reset > Reset All Settings. Again, like all these fixes, it’s not guaranteed to work.

How to Fix iOS 8.1 iMessage Issues

iOS 8.1 fixed many of our iMessage problems though there’s always a chance that they will return. In fact we’ve heard from iPhone users who claim that iMessage is still broken in iOS 8.1.

For those experiencing issues after installing iOS 8.1, there are some fixes that are worth trying, fixes that have actually helped to alleviate our own iMessage problems in the past. 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 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.

iPhone-5-2

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 problems on the iPad or iPhone.

44 Comments

44 Comments

  1. erin

    10/22/2014 at 11:22 pm

    My iphone 5c is stuck in extended and I have tried verything to get it back to verison’s network! I’m not sure if because of this that i may not be getting calls or texts. I don’t know I just need this problem fixed asap! It’s driving me crazy!

  2. Zelda

    10/23/2014 at 4:05 am

    I am unable to download iOS 8.1 on my Iphone 5s. It is unresponsive if I click on the agree button of the Terms and Conditions.

  3. Pat

    10/24/2014 at 10:03 am

    I installed iOS 8.1 and now my camera won’t work with my various apps like WhatsApp and Bank apps. How do I fix this please? My i5 instructs me to turn on camera access in the apps…but it’s already on. Reboot didn’t help.

  4. Bgf

    10/24/2014 at 1:40 pm

    Good God almighty … I’m laughing my gargling ass off … You got to be shitting me right? You might as well say”pull your eyeballs out of your eyesockets” as a solution, and, btw, it may or may to fix your problem. Somebody please run me over with their kenworth semi.

  5. Kjl

    10/25/2014 at 1:25 am

    This is hilarious!! We pay out all this money for a “decent phone” stuck on a contract now with a 5c that’s comes with more problems than it’s worth, gain a cool phone with sh*t loads of probs and expect me to become a tech geek who wants to do all these updates,perform tests and updates etc!! Wtf!? Seriously APPLE sort it out! It’s unacceptable!

  6. Mikey S (@Mikey__S)

    10/25/2014 at 3:19 am

    This really helped me thanks. I was so excited about being able to see all my incoming SMS as well as imessages on my Mac – so was very frustrated when I couldn’t get them to connect up. I tried several work throughs posted in various places – but it was only when I ‘reset all settings’ and signed back into my apple account did I actually manage to get it working.

    Thank you

  7. Abbas Djavadi

    10/25/2014 at 7:04 am

    It’s not fair to blame the user for bugs in iOS 8.1. The other day I bought a new iPad 4th generation. I was prompted to install 8.1 (from 8) which I did. Since then my new iPad is slow. Som apps including the Facebook app can’t be installed. It’s stuck in the middle. Interesting. It seems Apple is aware of these problems and complaints. But they don’t send a new release to fix existing bugs. Don’t they care or is it too complicated?

  8. Liza

    10/25/2014 at 6:33 pm

    I have a new iPhone 6. I have updated to Yosemite and iOS8.1. My phone 6 won’t back up after a restore from a 4S backup. I did update the 4S to iOS 8 but I reverted to iOS 7.1.2 because it wouldn’t back up to iTunes. So I have 7.1.2 on my 4S and 8.1 on my 6.

    When I set up the iPhone 6 as a “new” iPhone it would back up to iTunes. However when I imported an old back up from my 4s (which runs 7.1.2), the new iPhone wouldn’t back up to either iTunes or iCloud.

    I’m don’t want to update my iPhone 4S to iOS 8 again because it didn’t work when I tried it before and I don’t know if Apple is still verifying downgrades to 7.1.2.

    I don’t want to set the phone 6 up as a completely new phone because I want to import my data and texts from my iPhone 4.

    Maybe duplicating a backup and changing its name would work. Any suggestions how I could do this?

    I’ve been an AppleMac user since 1991. I’m rapidly becoming frustrated. I always thought I was a rusted on Apple supporter but this problem has frustrated me and I’m looking at other technologies.

    Don’t tell me to change the cable or reboot or try a restore. Been there. done that. no use. I want a real solution to a real problem.

  9. Tania Batista Machado

    10/25/2014 at 7:26 pm

    hello dears, im desperate cos wifi is not wrking anymore on my iphone 4s, already done everyhing ,and its not working , i already did follow all the steps but unfortunatly nothing is working , the icon of wifi is not working, i dont know what i have to do, this happened n friday night25/10/2014

    guys i need your help, pls

    i did reset all , i reset completed my iphone 4s , and nothing is working

    thank yo in advance

    Tania Batista machado

    • Kate96

      10/30/2014 at 8:46 pm

      I had the same issue a few months ago. It is a hardware issue (as apple determined mine was anyway). Ring them up, tell them what the issue is and they may replace it. With mine, I paid $40 to have a new/refurbished phone sent to me in replacement of mine. it was that simple. Give them a ring :)

  10. Dannie

    10/26/2014 at 6:33 am

    Since update 8.1 on my 4s my battery id empty in 4 hours on 8.0.2 it held over 18 hours do please fix this

  11. ericgavz

    10/26/2014 at 2:16 pm

    hi I updated my iphone to iOs 8.1 about an hour ago and my phone stuck Up only in apple logo. and did a lot to try to restart but cannot work.

  12. Canadian ipod user

    10/26/2014 at 6:53 pm

    I tried to download the new update on my iPod and it froze after I agreed to the terms and conditions. I was still able to use my iPod but it never did download the update. Then I happened to plug my iPod into my computer (pc running Windows) and my iTunes recognized that my iPod needed to be updated and the problem was solved.

  13. Eimear

    10/27/2014 at 5:45 am

    Thanks for your advice my son was going crazy that his ipad mini wifi wasn’t working after the update. All fixed now. Thanks again.

  14. Angiee

    10/27/2014 at 10:18 am

    I don’t know if my problem is a bug or my phone isn’t working but my Siri isn’t working but my speaker is. I asked Siri a question but the line didn’t move and it popped up a help screen saying what I can say when I was literally screaming into the speaker so I thought it was my microphone So I recorded a video and the sound was perfect so I don’t know if I should go to the store and use my insurance or just wait Til the next update what should I do???!!!

  15. Karen

    10/27/2014 at 10:26 am

    So disappointed with 8.1 update. Now have significant wifi issues with my iPad, can’t connect or when finally connected dropping off the network. Without connectivity why would I need an iPad? Apple needs to fix these issues and stress their next update before release. I am now using an android phone for reliability and my older laptop with Microsoft.

  16. [email protected]

    10/27/2014 at 1:13 pm

    I have an I phone 4s that kept rebooting so as suggested by you I reset all setting now the phone wont restart. it has the apple logo on the screen but no progress bar.. Any ideas ????? Please !!!

  17. Wendy

    10/28/2014 at 6:46 am

    Conducting the 8.1 upgrade on my iPad was akin to asking strangers to knock the wind out of me with a swift punch in the stomach. What a can of worms I opened up(!) Wi-Fi “No Service”, SEVERE lag-time on keyboard. Vanished apps.

  18. hayley

    10/28/2014 at 12:42 pm

    I updated my iPhone and now it won’t even turn on keeps staying on the Apple sign then goes to a blue screen

  19. Levi

    10/28/2014 at 3:19 pm

    when trying to install the new update on my ipad air it completely froze and comes up qith a itunes icon with arrow and lightning to usb cable underneath what do i do its complete useless!!!!!:(

  20. Raino

    10/28/2014 at 5:02 pm

    After updating my iPad to an 8.1, now the iPad is stuck with an iTunes logo. Can’t go pass it. Any help would be greatly appreciated….thanks

  21. Abby

    10/28/2014 at 6:27 pm

    I know I’m gonna sound like a white girl but for me some apps won’t load like Instagram it says “can’t refresh feed” so any solutions?

  22. DeepEnd (Paul)

    10/29/2014 at 5:18 am

    My iPad is now a paperweight after 8.1

  23. Laverne Wilson

    10/29/2014 at 7:15 pm

    I tried loading IOS8.1 on my iPAD and now it won’t work at all. The screen shows the plug like it needs pluging in and the iTunes icon. What’s wrong?

  24. Michel

    10/30/2014 at 8:20 am

    I have I pad 2 ,16 GB , wifi and cellular when I update it to iOS 8.1 and turn my cellular data on , to try it , the icon disappeared and I want to turne it off again but I can not

  25. Moshe Feder

    10/31/2014 at 10:39 am

    I’m having two issues so far.

    First, I’m randomly getting a distorted keyboard, typically both larger than normal and out of position. Sometimes this keyboard extends off-screen so that some keys are inaccessible.

    Second, in Pages, when I touch the text to make a selection, the magnified area is sometimes displayed at a right angle to the underlying text, making it hard to read.

  26. Murali

    10/31/2014 at 10:55 pm

    I can’t even shuffle between calls in a conference. I have a serious WI-FI Issue. This iPhone 6 really a worst release from Apple ever.

  27. Missy

    11/01/2014 at 9:46 am

    We are ready to chunk my husband’s iPad. He just downloaded ios8 and now he can’t send out emails. He has rebooted numerous times. Nothing.
    Any suggestions

  28. joop

    11/01/2014 at 2:53 pm

    I lost most of my wifi functionality after upgrading to 8.1. My ipad is useless now ;-(

  29. Ejennn

    11/02/2014 at 6:09 pm

    My certain battery percentages don’t work. 60%, 54%, 30%, 27% and 15% never show on my iPhone. Every single time this happens for like a year now and it pisses me off. What should I do???? A little help here???????

  30. Alison

    11/03/2014 at 8:23 am

    Wow, the “Reset all settings” really cleaned-up all my lag issues.

    My iPad 3 feels new and responsive again. Thanks so much with getting this info out !

  31. Alan H

    11/03/2014 at 11:18 pm

    Apple need to re-open the downgrade option to iOS 7, and keep it open. and publicise the fact! My iPad air is also now just a paperweight.

  32. Yvi

    11/04/2014 at 7:09 am

    I tried loading IOS8.1 on my iPAD and now it won’t work at all. The screen shows nothing.What’s wrong?

  33. Tillu

    11/07/2014 at 6:38 am

    Hi .. After upgrading to iOS 8.1 my iPhone 4s randomly goes to sleep even after having enough power on it like 70%. My setting menu to sometimes wont come on when I need to set a few things .. Comes on as a white screen .. Need to power off and restart for it to come back to life .. Also my keyboard clicks randomly comes on and off when ever it feels like .. Plz help Apple company ..

  34. Alex

    11/07/2014 at 1:50 pm

    Pls help!!! I’ve tried everything from reset and erase all data and make iPhone factory settings.. I have the latest firmware 8.1 Iphone 6. My keyboard still having huuuuuggggeeee LAG :( I’m very disappointed

  35. Shanice Choate

    11/08/2014 at 7:16 am

    Has anyone lost the ability to use the power/sleep button? Mine just quit working about a day after I did the latest update. Does anyone have any ideas on how to fix this?
    I don’t like the Accessibility button, and I’ve tried letting it completely die, be dead throughout the night, then plugged it in when I woke up. So far that hasn’t worked.

  36. M

    11/09/2014 at 1:30 am

    You could have just said to do a general reset, as this seems to be your default answer to every problem.

  37. Larry

    11/10/2014 at 4:07 am

    Steve Jobs where are you ! What has happened to “Quality Control”. 4 of us have an i5s, 2 of us upgraded and 2 did not. The 2 that upgraded have lost about 60 % of text and voice coverage in outlying areas while traveling and the 2 that did not upgrade are at 100 %. I was told it was app interference from my phone….WHAT?

  38. Matt

    11/13/2014 at 10:11 pm

    Thanks updates were not working on my iPad switch it off and on again worked thanks to you I did it now my updates are coming through as before ! Simple but effective thanks for the advice appreciated Matt ….

  39. Bruce Trost

    11/14/2014 at 7:17 am

    I have upgraded both an Ipad 3rd gen and and Ipod 4th gen and both now have issues with “other” data taking up the majority of the storage. This was after several “unknown errors” during the update and having to reset and reinstall, etc… On my Ipad the “other” data takes up 33 gb. Don’t know what to do as I don’t know how to adjust “other” data. So my 64 gb ipad is now a 30 gb.

  40. Rosey

    11/15/2014 at 11:50 am

    Why don’t the geniuses tell you it’s going to f with your keyboard, appearance and functions in safari, and be slow on top of it all? I despise the new keyboard with its snarky smiley face (something I never use) and teensy 123 button. They need to be more “transparent” in what their alleged “upgrade” does.

    Oh yea, and how about in notes now, used to be you copied from a website and it pasted without pics and hyperlinks. Now you get it all, using up unessessary data…hmmmmm….do I smell collusion?

  41. Phil Giralte

    11/16/2014 at 3:22 pm

    You failed to mention issues with Apple apps, like Safari and Mail, especially on ipad2. Safari freezes, loads a page with no links operable, keyboard adds extra space, fails to autocapitalize, mail opens to non-default account instead of main screen displaying all accounts.

  42. dildar

    11/21/2014 at 7:52 am

    Stick logo after updated iPhone 6

  43. Shahrukh

    12/27/2014 at 4:08 am

    i dont send any messege in messese App please tell me solution

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