Updating your iPhone can bring significant improvements, such as enhanced security features, new functionalities, and smoother performance. However, there’s a downside that many users encounter: apps that stop working properly after an update. If you’ve recently upgraded your device’s operating system and find your favorite apps malfunctioning, you’re not alone. This article addresses the common reasons apps may misbehave post-update and offers effective solutions to get everything back on track.
Understanding the Issue: Why Apps Stop Working After an Update
When you update your iPhone, various underlying changes in the operating system can affect how apps interact with the device. Here are some of the most common reasons for app issues after updating:
1. Compatibility Issues
After a major update to iOS, older apps may not be fully compatible with the latest software. App developers usually update their apps to support new OS features, but there can be a gap where the app is not optimized for the latest version of iOS.
2. Bugs in the New Update
While Apple usually does a thorough job with their software updates, there can still be bugs that slip through the cracks. These bugs can cause apps to behave unpredictably, leading to crashes or failures to open.
3. Insufficient Storage Space
Sometimes, after an update, your iPhone may become low on storage space, causing apps to lag or not function properly. Having enough storage is crucial for apps to operate smoothly.
4. Corrupt App Data
If an app’s data becomes corrupted during the update process, it may fail to work correctly. This corruption can happen due to several reasons, such as interruptions during the installation or incomplete downloads.
Common Symptoms of Apps Not Working After an Update
Once an iPhone update has been installed, users may experience various issues with their apps. Here are some typical symptoms that suggest an app is not functioning properly:
1. Apps Crashing or Closing Unexpectedly
If an app crashes immediately after opening it or continues to close on its own without any prompts, it’s a clear sign of a problem.
2. Apps Freezing or Lagging
A noticeable lag when opening or navigating through apps can indicate compatibility or performance issues.
3. Apps Failing to Launch
An app may fail to launch entirely, showing a splash screen before closing again.
4. Features Not Working
Certain functionalities within an app may become unresponsive or fail to perform tasks as intended.
Effective Solutions to Fix Apps Not Working on iPhone After Update
If you are facing issues with your apps after an iOS update, don’t worry! There are multiple solutions you can try to resolve these problems. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your applications back in working order:
1. Restart Your iPhone
One of the simplest, yet most effective troubleshooting steps is to restart your iPhone. This can fix temporary glitches that may be affecting app performance.
Steps to Restart Your iPhone:
- Press and hold the power button until “slide to power off” appears.
- Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.
- After about 30 seconds, press the power button again to turn it back on.
2. Update Your Apps
Developers regularly release updates to ensure compatibility with the latest iOS version. Check if your apps have available updates:
Steps to Update Apps:
- Open the App Store.
- Tap on your profile icon at the top right corner.
- Scroll down to see pending updates and tap “Update All” or “Update” next to specific apps.
3. Check for New iOS Updates
If issues persist, it may be worth checking if Apple has released any small updates to fix bugs present in the larger update.
How to Check for New iOS Updates:
- Go to “Settings.”
- Select “General.”
- Tap “Software Update.”
- If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it.
4. Free Up Storage Space
Low storage can cause apps to misbehave. To check your available storage and free up space if necessary:
How to Check Storage Space:
- Open “Settings.”
- Tap on “General.”
- Select “iPhone Storage” to see a breakdown of how space is used.
Consider deleting unused apps or large files.
5. Reinstall the Problematic Apps
If specific apps are still not working, try deleting and reinstalling them.
Steps to Reinstall Apps:
- Press and hold the app icon until the options appear.
- Select “Remove App” and then “Delete App.”
- Go to the App Store, search for the app, and reinstall it.
6. Reset All Settings
If nothing else solves the issue, a more comprehensive fix could be to reset all settings on your iPhone. This will revert all personalized settings to their defaults without deleting your data.
How to Reset All Settings:
- Navigate to “Settings.”
- Tap “General.”
- Scroll down and tap “Transfer or Reset iPhone.”
- Tap “Reset” and then select “Reset All Settings.”
7. Contact Apple Support
If problems persist after trying all the above remedies, it may be time to seek help from Apple. They can provide additional support tailored to your specific situation.
Preventing App Issues After Future Updates
While it can be frustrating to deal with app issues after an iPhone update, there are steps you can take to minimize these problems in the future.
1. Read Release Notes Before Updating
Before installing a new iOS update, take the time to read the release notes provided by Apple. These notes often include important information regarding known bugs and app compatibility.
2. Backup Your iPhone Regularly
A good backup strategy can save you from losing vital data if anything goes wrong after an update. Utilize iCloud or iTunes for backups.
3. Keep Apps Updated
Regularly updating your apps can ensure they’re functioning properly with the latest iOS features and security enhancements.
4. Use Only Trusted Apps
Stick to apps from reputable developers and the App Store. Avoid downloading apps from untrusted sources, as they may lead to compatibility issues and security vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
Experiencing apps that stop working on your iPhone after an update can be a significant inconvenience. However, by understanding the factors that contribute to these issues and employing the right solutions, you can ensure your device remains efficient and fully functional.
Follow the steps outlined in this article to troubleshoot your device effectively, and keep the tips in mind to prevent issues following future updates. With a little effort, you can enjoy all the features your iPhone offers without disruption. Always remember, if problems persist, reaching out to Apple Support can often be the most effective solution.
What should I do first if my apps are not working after an iPhone update?
If you notice that your apps are not functioning properly after an iPhone update, the first step you should take is to restart your device. A simple reboot can often resolve temporary glitches caused by the update. To restart your iPhone, press and hold the power button until you see the slider to power off your device. Once it has powered down, wait a few moments before turning it back on.
If restarting your device does not solve the issue, consider checking for app updates. Companies often release updates to ensure compatibility with the latest iOS version. Go to the App Store, tap on your profile icon, and scroll down to see if any updates are available for the apps that aren’t working. If there are updates, install them and see if that resolves the problem.
Why won’t some of my apps open after the iOS update?
There are several reasons why certain apps may fail to open after updating your iPhone’s iOS. One common cause is app incompatibility with the new iOS version. Developers may need more time to release updates that make their apps compatible with the latest system features. In such cases, it’s crucial to check for updates to the affected apps in the App Store, as these updates can fix bugs and enhance functionality.
Another reason could be that the app cache or data has become corrupted during the update. If this happens, you can try deleting the app and reinstalling it from the App Store. This process often clears out any stale data and allows the app to function correctly on your updated iPhone.
How can I fix apps that keep crashing after the update?
If your apps are crashing frequently, one solution is to check for any available updates for these specific apps. Developers may release patches that address bugs or stability issues that arise after an iOS update. To do this, open the App Store, tap your profile picture, and scroll to see any pending updates. Install them and revisit the apps to see if their performance improves.
If updating the apps doesn’t resolve the crashing, you can also try clearing your iPhone’s memory by closing all open apps. Double-click the home button or swipe up from the bottom (on newer models) to see your open applications. Swipe up on the apps to close them, and then reopen the problematic app to see if it behaves better.
Is it necessary to reset my iPhone to fix app issues after an update?
Resetting your iPhone is typically considered a last resort for fixing app issues after an update. Before opting for a factory reset, it’s advisable to try less drastic measures, such as clearing app caches, updating apps, or even performing a soft reset. These steps often resolve minor bugs and performance issues without the need to reset the device.
If all else fails and your apps are still malfunctioning, you may then consider a factory reset. Before proceeding, ensure you back up your data, as this process will erase all content on your device. After performing a reset, you can set up your iPhone as new or restore it from a backup, potentially fixing any app-related issues caused by the update.
What if my apps are missing after the update?
If you find that some of your apps are missing after updating your iPhone, it’s possible that they were removed during the process due to compatibility issues. To check if they are simply hidden or offloaded, swipe down on your home screen to access the search function. Type the app’s name to see if it appears in the search results. If it does, you can tap to reopen it.
If the apps are outright missing, you may need to download them again from the App Store. Open the App Store, navigate to the Purchased tab under your account, and look for the apps you want to reinstall. This should allow you to recover any apps that were removed during the update seamlessly.
Are there any specific settings I need to check after an update to ensure my apps work?
After an iPhone update, it’s wise to check your app permissions and settings to ensure everything is configured correctly. Go to Settings, then Privacy & Security, and review the permissions granted to each app. Sometimes updates may reset specific permissions, causing apps to misbehave. Ensure that the relevant permissions, such as location, notifications, or background app refresh, are enabled for the apps that are causing trouble.
Another important setting to consider is your internet connection. Some apps require a stable internet connection to function correctly, especially those that rely on cloud services or real-time data. Verify that your Wi-Fi or cellular data is working properly and that the apps are allowed to use these networks under the Settings > Cellular menu.
Could my iPhone’s storage space affect app functionality after an update?
Yes, insufficient storage space can significantly impact the functionality of your apps after an iPhone update. When an update is installed, it often requires additional storage for temporary files, and if your device is running low on space, some apps may not function correctly. You can check your storage by going to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see how much space is available.
If you find that your storage is almost full, consider deleting unused apps, photos, or other large files to free up space. Alternatively, you can enable the ‘Optimize Storage’ option for photos and videos to save space without removing your files. Once you’ve managed your storage, revisit the affected apps to see if their performance has improved.