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10 Common iPhone XS Problems & How to Fix Them

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The list of iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max problems is starting to grow as we push into 2020.

The iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max have been on shelves for over a year now which means we’ve seen a ton of feedback from owners of the flagship devices.

iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max reviews are mostly good, but a variety of issues are plaguing the two devices.

We don’t know when Apple plans to release the next update for the two devices. The iOS 13.3 update is currently in beta, but it could be weeks before Apple pulls the software out of testing. For now, you’re on your own.

Fortunately, most issues can be fixed without an update from Apple or a visit to the Genius Bar. In this guide we’re going to take you through fixes for the most common iPhone XS issues. Our list of fixes includes remedies for Face ID issues, Wi-Fi problems, Bluetooth issues, and more.

How to Fix iPhone XS iCloud Restore Problems

If your new iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max gets stuck updating iCloud Settings you’ll need to perform a hard reset.

To force your iPhone XS to restart you need to:

  • Press Volume Up and let go.
  • Press Volume Down and let go.
  • Press and hold the side button until the Apple Logo appears.

At this point your device should reboot itself. Once it powers back on you’ll want to try the process again.

If you encounter iCloud Restore problems on your iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max you’ll want to create a local backup on your computer and then restore this backup to your phone.

If for some reason you can’t get your old iPhone’s data backed up, check out our list iCloud backup problems and fixes. Apple’s also released its own guide to iCloud backup issues and it’s worth a look if you can’t figure it out yourself.

How to Fix iPhone XS Face ID Issues

Like the iPhone X, the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max both come with Face ID unlock instead of Touch ID. Face ID lets you unlock your phone using your face and the device’s camera.

Face ID issues are extremely common and we’re also seeing problems popup for iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max users trying to set it up for the first time.

If your device isn’t registering your face for Face ID, make sure you’re scanning it in a well-lit room. You also might need to bring the iPhone XS closer to your face or bring it more level.

Some users are having trouble with the feature after setup is complete. If you’re having issues using your face to unlock your phone, make sure you’re actively looking at the screen. You need to give the phone attention in order for Face ID to work.

Over time, Face ID will learn your face so if you constantly change your look, there’s a chance you might have to scan your face again.

If your issues persist, we recommend getting in contact with Apple Support as you might have to take your phone into a Apple Authorized Service Provider or an Apple Store in order for them to run diagnostics.

How to Fix iPhone XS Bluetooth Problems

Some iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max users are noticing Bluetooth issues. Some users are unable to connect to their Bluetooth devices. If you can’t wait for Apple to release its next iOS 13 update, here are a few things you should try.

  • Go into your device’s Settings.
  • Go to Bluetooth.
  • Select the Bluetooth connection having issues using the “i” in the circle.
  • Tap Forget this Device.
  • Try reconnecting.

If you still can’t connect your iPhone XS to your Bluetooth device:

  • Go into the Settings app.
  • Go to General.
  • Tap Reset.
  • Tap Reset Network Settings. (This will cause your phone to forget known Wi-Fi networks so have your password handy)
  • Try reconnecting the iPhone XS to your Bluetooth device.

You might also try resetting your iPhone X’s settings to the factory defaults. To do this, head into Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. This will also cause the device to forget all stored Wi-Fi passwords.

You’ll also want to download Apple’s latest iOS update.

How to Fix iPhone XS Battery Life Issues

Most iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max owners are getting great battery life in the early going, but we’ve seen a few complaints about weird battery drain.

If your battery life suddenly takes a hit, it’s probably not a hardware issue. It’s most likely related to the software you’re running on your phone.

If you don’t know what to do, take a look at our list of fixes for bad battery life. It’ll guide you through the best ways to fix battery drain and maintain great battery life throughout the day.

How to Fix iPhone XS Wi-Fi Problems

It looks like more than a few iPhone XS users are dealing with Wi-Fi problems. Some users are having issues connecting to their network, others are complaining about slow speeds.

If your iPhone XS suddenly can’t connect to Wi-Fi or if you’re noticing slower speeds than normal, we’ve got a few things to try.

If you’re seeing slower than normal download speeds, try resetting your device’s network settings.

  • Go to the Settings app.
  • Tap General.
  • Tap Reset.
  • Tap Reset Network Settings.

You also might want to resetting your iPhone XS’ settings to their factory defaults. From the same menu tap Reset All Settings.

Next, check your router and your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for an outage. Check DownDetector for reports about your ISP because there could be an outage in your area. You can also check in with your provider’s customer service reps.

If you’re sure there isn’t an outage, it’s time to take a look at your router. Unplug your router for a minute and plug the power cord back in.

If you can’t access the router you’re using or if it’s working normally, head into your settings and try these solutions.

First, you’ll want to toggle Wi-Fi off and on again to see if that jumpstarts the connection.

If it’s still giving you problems, you’ll want to force your iPhone XS to forget the Wi-Fi network giving you issues.

  • Go into Settings.
  • Tap Wi-Fi.
  • Select your connection by tapping the “i” in the circle.
  • Tap Forget this Network at the top of the screen.

If you haven’t already, you’ll want to download Apple’s latest iOS 13 update.

How to Fix iPhone XS Cellular Data Problems

iPhone XS users are also running into cellular data issues.

If you’re seeing a “No Service” symbol and you can’t connect to your service provider, restart your phone. This typically fixes the issue, at least temporarily.

If that doesn’t work, check your service provider for outages. You’ll want to check Down Detector and look for reports on social media. You also might want to contact your service providers customer service line.

If you’re positive it has nothing to do with an outage, flip on Airplane Mode for 30 seconds before turning it off. Check your cellular connection again.

If Airplane Mode doesn’t help, try toggling Cellular Data and/or LTE off and on.

  • Go into Settings.
  • Tap Cellular.
  • Tap Cellular Data Options.
  • Tap Enable LTE.
  • Toggle it Off.

If you want to shut off Cellular Data completely without turning your other services off you’ll want to:

  • Go to Settings.
  • Tap Cellular.
  • Tap Cellular Data.
  • Toggle it off.

Toggle it back on and check your connection.

You’ll also want to download Apple’s latest iOS 13 update.

How to Avoid iPhone XS Screen Burn-in

The iPhone XS and iPhone XS Plus both utilize OLED displays. They’re beautiful, but they’re prone to burn-in issues.

When Apple released the iPhone X in 2017 it noted that the device’s OLED display can cause “image persistence” and/or “burn-in” over time.

This means you might see a static image (app icons, for instance) burned into the screen if the device’s display is left on for long periods of time. It’s a common issue with OLED screens and it could impact your iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max if you aren’t careful.

Apple can’t fix this issue with a software update, but there are ways to make sure you never encounter screen burn-in on your new device.

First you’ll want to adjust the time it takes your iPhone XS’ screen to turn off when you aren’t using it. To do this:

  • Go to Settings.
  • Go to Display & Brightness.
  • Go to Auto Lock.
  • Pick a shorter time.

You’ll also want to keep an eye on your screen brightness. Reducing the brightness can help keep screen burn-in to a minimum. There are a few ways to do that:

  • Pull up Control Center from the top right of the screen and adjust it manually via the slider.
  • Turn on Auto-Brightness by heading to Settings > General > Accessibility > Display Accommodations.

How to Fix iPhone XS Sound Issues

Your iPhone XS stereo speakers should produce loud, crisp audio. However, if your sound starts to crackle or sound muffled, here are a few things to try.

The first thing to do is restart your iPhone XS. You can also try performing a hard reset if the regular way doesn’t alleviate the issue.

If you’re still noticing the issue, try turning Bluetooth off and on. If the device’s sound is still missing or distorted, make sure you don’t have debris blocking the speaker grille or the device’s Lightning port.

If you start noticing a sudden drop in call quality, restart your device. You’ll also want to check the device’s receiver to make sure it’s not blocked by debris or your screen protector. The receiver is that little slit located at the top of the screen near the front-facing camera.

You can also try removing your case or switching LTE from Voice & Data to just Data to see if that helps. To do that:

  • Go Settings.
  • Tap Cellular.
  • Tap Cellular Data Options.
  • Tap Enable LTE.
  • Tap Data Only.

If your iPhone XS microphone suddenly stops working or starts randomly cutting out, try restarting your phone. This typically fixes the problem.

If the microphone is still wonky you can try restoring your phone from a backup. If restoring doesn’t work, you’ll want to get in touch with Apple because it might be a hardware problem.

How to Fix iPhone XS Performance Issues

If you’re dealing with abnormal amounts of user interface lag, freezes, lockups, or general underperformance, please take a look at our list of fixes for performance issues.

How to Fix iPhone XS Wireless Charging Issues

If wireless charging stops working and you’re using a case to store credit cards or security passes, you’ll want to remove those before charging your phone. You also might try taking your case off and trying it that way.

If you’re using a third party accessory to charge your iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max, make sure the charger is Apple certified. You can do that via Apple’s website.

4 Reasons Not to Install iOS 14.8.1 & 11 Reasons You Should

Install iOS 14.8.1 for Better Security

Install iOS 14.8.1 for Better Security

If security is important to you, think about installing iOS 14.8.1 right away.

The iOS 14.8.1 update brings 12 new security patches to the iPhone. You can read about all of them over on Apple's site

If you want to better protect your iPhone and its data, you'll want to install the iOS 14.8.1 update in the near future. 

If you missed iOS 14.8, you'll get its security patches with your upgrade. You can learn more about them right here

If you missed iOS 14.7.1, you'll get its patch with your upgrade. If you want to learn more about iOS 14.7.1's security update, check out its support page.

If you missed iOS 14.7, you'll get its 31 security patches with your upgrade. You can learn more about those on Apple's website

If you skipped iOS 14.6, you'll get the update's 38 security patches with your iOS 14.8.1 update. If you're curious about the particulars, you can read about them right here.

If you skipped iOS 14.5.1, you get the update's two security patches on board. You can read about them over on Apple's website. Both are related to WebKit. 

If you missed iOS 14.5 you'll get its patches with your upgrade. You can read more about those changes over on Apple's website.

iOS 14.5 also brought Apple's new App Tracking Transparency which lets you control which apps are allowed to track your activity across other companies' apps and websites for ads or sharing with data brokers.

If you skipped iOS 14.4.2, you get its security patch with iOS 14.8.1. You can learn more about that patch over on Apple's website as well. 

If you missed iOS 14.4.1, you get its patch with your upgrade to iOS 14.8.1. You can read about that patch right here.

If you skipped iOS 14.4, you get the update's patches with your upgrade. You can learn more about iOS 14.4's security patches right here

If you skipped iOS 14.3 you'll get its nine security updates with your upgrade. You can read more about them on its security site

iOS 14.3 also included a new privacy information section on App Store pages that includes a developer-reported summary of the app’s privacy practices.

If you skipped iOS 14.2, your iOS 14.8.1 update includes 24 additional security patches. You can learn more about the patches on Apple's security website

If you're still running iOS 13, iOS 14.8.1 includes iOS 14.0's security updates. 

iOS 14.0 brought 11 new security patches to the iPhone. If you're interested in the exact nature of these improvements, you can read about them over on Apple's website.

In addition to those patches, iOS 14 comes with some security and privacy upgrades including improvements to Home/HomeKit and Safari. 

For instance in Safari, you can now tap the Privacy Report button to better understand how websites handle your privacy.

With iOS 14 on board you can now get information on the App Store that will help you understand the privacy practices of apps before you download them. 

There is also a new recording indicator that will appear at the top of your screen whenever an app is using your microphone or camera. You can see if an app has used them recently in Control Center.

Researchers also discovered that Apple brought a new "BlastDoor" sandbox security system to iOS 14. The system is meant to prevent attacks from occurring via the Messages app. 

You can read more about "BlastDoor" right here

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