Apple
iPhone 12 Problems: 5 Things You Need to Know
Problems are plaguing iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max users.
iPhone 12 users are complaining about a wide variety of issues ranging from minor bugs to serious performance issues.
And while some of these issues will likely be resolved by Apple in future updates, more problems will popup as people put more wear and tear on their devices.
In the guide below, you can learn about the current state of iPhone 12 issues, potential fixes for these problems, places to find feedback, and what’s next from Apple in terms of iOS updates.
Table of Contents
iPhone 12 Problems
If you’re having issues activating your phone, check Apple’s System Status page. If you don’t see a green symbol next to iOS Device Activation, you’ll want to wait until it’s green and then try activating the phone again.
If it’s green and the process still isn’t working, make sure you have a SIM card inserted in your iPhone. If you’re receiving a “No Sim” or “Invalid SIM” error, you’ll want to head to this guide for assistance.
We’re also hearing about the following issues:
- Face ID problems
- Issues with first and third-party applications
- Exchange problems
- iCloud issues
- Visual voicemail problems
- SIM card issues
- Bluetooth issues
- Issues with the touchscreen
- Charging problems
- Wi-Fi issues
- Sound problems
- Excessive battery drain
Owners of the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12, both of which employ a design with aluminum edges, are reportedly seeing discoloration on the chassis.
On top of that, iPhone 12 users are complaining about 5G/LTE issues. Some users are saying cellular service is dropping unexpectedly while on-the-go.
iPhone 12 Performance
If you’re thinking about buying an iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, or an iPhone 12 Pro Max, or if you already own one, you’ll want to monitor feedback from those who have adopted these devices. This feedback will alert you to potential issues with the hardware and software.
We recommend keeping an eye on YouTube, Apple’s discussion forums, social media sites like Twitter, and sites like the MacRumors forums for ongoing feedback about the phones.
If you’re thinking about moving to Apple’s iOS 17 firmware, or if you’ve already made the move, take a look at our guide that covers the latest version of the software.
We’ve also released a quick review that covers the performance of the most up-to-date version of iOS 17, iOS 17.6.1.
How to Fix iPhone 12 Problems
If you run into a problem, there’s no need to panic. There’s a good chance you’ll be able to avoid taking your new device into an Apple Store or your local carrier store for assistance.
First, take a look at our list of fixes for the most common iPhone 12 problems. It will take you through fixes for common issues like broken Bluetooth and busted Wi-Fi.
We’ve also released some tips to help you improve performance and a guide that could help you improve your phone’s battery life if you start noticing abnormal drain.

If you can’t find a fix for your issue(s) in our guides, you’ll want to check Apple’s discussion forums and see if someone has a fix for your problem(s).
If you can’t find anything there, it’s time to get in touch with Apple. You can get in contact with Apple Support via the company’s website.
If you’d rather explain your issue in person, you should take your phone into your local Apple Store and see if they can diagnose your problem. If you’ve got an Apple Store in your area, you’ll want to schedule a Genius Bar appointment.
How to Downgrade iPhone 12’s Software
If you’re dealing with software problems on your iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, or iPhone 12 Pro Max, you can try downgrading to the previous version of iOS if the option is available.
If you’re unfamiliar with the downgrade process our iOS downgrade guide will walk you through everything you need to know before you make the move.
What’s Next for the iPhone 12
If your phone is struggling on iOS 17.6.1 or an older version of iOS, you’ll be on your own for a bit.

iOS 17.6.1 was the last known iOS 17 update in Apple’s pipeline and it’s unclear if the company will push a new version to iPhone 12 users before the release of iOS 18.
We may see Apple push iOS 17.6.2, but there’s no guarantee. Keep an eye out as we push through the month.
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