iPhone randomly turning off when you need it most? What are the solutions for iPhone random shutdowns, and can you get the issue repaired without leaving the comfort of your own home? We are going to cover everything you need to know and help you get to the bottom of the issue in no time.
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For those with MacBooks, you can learn if you can get the battery repaired, if it’s worth fixing a MacBook screen, and things that all new MacBook users should know with the articles on our site.
Simple Solutions for iPhone Random Shutdowns
As much as we hate the random iPhone shutdowns, there are usually some straightforward solutions for this. Let’s start with some easy solutions first, then get into the fixes that you might otherwise want to avoid due to time, data loss, or unforeseen damages you would rather live not knowing about.
Force Restart Your Device
Sometimes a simple restart is all that’s needed to jumpstart the correct processes in your iPhone. Depending on the iPhone model you have, you will need to take different steps to force restart your device.
For iPhones that Support iOS 16 or Later
- Quickly press the volume up button and release
- Quickly press the volume down button and release
- Hold down the side button
- Release the side button when the Apple logo shows
For iPhones that Don’t Support iOS 16 (iPhones 6, 7, 8 and SE (1st Gen)
- iPhone 6 models and iPhone SE (1st Gen) – Hold down the home and sleep/wake button at the same time, then release the buttons when you see the Apple logo
- iPhone 7 – Hold down the sleep/wake button and volume down button at the same time, then release the buttons when you see the Apple logo
- iPhone 8 and iPhone SE (2nd Gen) – Quickly press the volume up button and release, then do the same with the volume down button. Hold down the side button, and release it when you see the Apple logo
Update iOS
Usually an iPhone will update without any issues, but sometimes things just don’t do right. If you are struggling to update your iPhone, you can update your iOS in Recovery Mode. To do this, you will need the latest version of iTunes on a Windows or Mac laptop/PC.
Follow these steps:
- Connect your Windows/Mac device to the phone
- Do a force restart (steps outlined in an above section) to get your phone in Recovery Mode
- Don’t let go of the buttons until the phone screen has the Recovery mode screen (a charging cable with an arrow pointed at a laptop)
- Select ‘update’ when the option to restore or update on your computer shows up
- Confirm, then follow the instructions given to you (it can take up to 15 minutes, so have some patience)
- Your phone will restart on its own once you’re done
If this doesn’t work, you can try updating your iOS in DFU Mode. This mode is more complex than Recovery Mode, and varies depending on the device model you have. Follow these steps to effectively go through the process – remember that this will wipe your phone, so back-up important data.
If this doesn’t work, you will need to get in touch with a professional like us, or Apple.
Check on the iPhone Battery
Devices that are low on battery might turn off abruptly – and often when you need it most. However, poor battery health is also to blame, and if your iPhone’s battery is old, it is likely to be degraded and unfit for use.
You can go into settings → Battery → Battery Health to go through all the information you need to know, and you will be told whether your battery is in good condition or not.
What Are the Solutions for iPhone Random Shutdowns
Now, let’s have a look at some more in-depth and potentially painful solutions for iPhone random shutdowns. Although we would like to avoid these, sometimes they are necessary for the health and life of your iPhone.
Clear the Storage
No one likes having to sift through apps and delete some, but sometimes it’s necessary. When your storage is too full, it isn’t uncommon for your iPhone to shut off randomly. To get around this issue, you need to create space by deleting apps and clearing up data. This can also come in the form of cache, but be careful of what you delete!
To do this, go to: Settings → General → iPhone Storage. From there, you can see how much storage different apps use, and delete apps that you don’t need and/or want.
When you’re done, make sure to empty the relevant “Recently Deleted” folder.
Check for Any Water Damage
Random iPhone shutdowns are often the result of water damage or moisture inside your phone. There’s a Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI) in the SIM tray slot, and you can use a light to see if it’s red. If it is red, then you should turn your iPhone off and leave it somewhere to dry. Do not try and charge your phone if there is liquid – even condensation – inside it.
Reset all Device Settings
If nothing else is working to resolve random iPhone shutdowns, you might need to get rid of all the settings on your iPhone and restore them to their default. This won’t get rid of the data like apps and images on your device unless you accidentally tap “Erase all Content and Settings”.
To reset all device settings, simply follow these steps: Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone (at the bottom) → Reset → Reset All Settings.
Restore from Back-up
Restoring your device to a previous back-up can jumpstart the software if there’s an issue. So, by restoring your device to a previous back-up, you might be able to resolve the glitch and get everything working as it should be again.
You will lose at least some of the data on your phone if you choose to restore from back-up, depending on when you last backed your phone up. However, this could be the solution you are looking for, so try restoring from back-up by:
- Open the latest version of iTunes on a computer
- Connect your iPhone to it
- Sign into iTunes
- Right-click the device under ‘summary’ in iTunes and select ‘Restore Back-up’
imFixed Can Help You
Random iPhone shutdowns can be incredibly frustrating, but there are solutions for you to try before bringing your phone in to the professionals. If none of the above options work, find your nearest trusted repair shop.
Find out how to solve tech issues at home, like iPhones that won’t turn on or detect a SIM card, won’t vibrate, update, or charge. We also look at why your device might not be holding charge, how to deal with water damage, how to fix speaker problems, and what you need to know about iPhone screen repairs.
If you need quality accessories for your devices, we have Apple chargers, screen protectors, and cases, as well as Android cases and holders, and a variety of headphones and adapters to suit your needs.
So, what are the solutions for iPhone random shutdowns? There are lots of things you can try, but if the problem persists, make sure to organise a visit to your local tech repair shop to get your iPhone working how it should be.
