Justin Drake Carroll iPhone

5 Possible Reasons Your iPhone Keeps Freezing

You pull out your trusty iPhone to text a friend only to find the screen has frozen, again. Annoyed by the inconvenience you try turning it off to fix the problem. You turn your phone back on, and everything is working fine.

If your iPhone screen keeps freezing, it could be a sign that there’s a bigger problem.

A constantly freezing phone screen is more than an inconvenience. It makes it difficult for you to stay in touch with friends, family, or work. It can also be dangerous if you can’t call for help in an emergency.

The good news is you don’t need to go to your local Apple store or cell provider and get a new phone. You, or a professional, can fix many of the issues causing your screen to freeze.

If you’re tired of your freezing phone, then you must check out these five reasons why your iPhone keeps freezing and how to fix them!

1. Too Many Active Background Apps

The latest iPhone updates let you keep apps running in the background to make multitasking between them quick and easy. Most iPhone users, however, have a habit of leaving their apps running all the time.

The problem with leaving your apps running in the background is they can cause issues when you run a different app. Updating to a newer software can cause many background apps to crash or freeze if they’re not properly closed.

The Solution

If your iPhone screen keeps freezing on certain apps, you can force close apps to fix the problem. There are two ways to do this.

On an iPhone X or newer, navigate to the Home screen and swipe up from the bottom of the screen. All your open apps should show up on the screen. Scroll through and close the one you that froze by swiping it up.

If you use an older iPhone equipped with a Home button, you will have to double-click the button to view your open apps. Find the app or apps that keep freezing and swipe up to close them. Restart your iPhone after you’ve closed the background apps.

If your screen froze to the point where you can do nothing, you’ll need to force restart the phone. iPhone X users will need to:

  1. Press and release the volume up button
  2. Press and release the volume down button
  3. Press and hold the side power button until the Apple Logo appears.

iPhones with a home button will need to press and hold the volume down and Sleep/Wake side buttons at the same time. Release them when the Apple logo appears.

2. An Outdated iOS

iPhone iOS updates keep your phone secure and running smoothly. Unfortunately, many people are hesitant to update their operating systems due to bad experiences in the past. Outdated iPhone software can lower your phone’s performance and be the reason your iPhone screen keeps freezing.

Apple adds system improvements to prevent freezing and helps your iPhone run better than before. If you haven’t already, you’ll need to update your iPhone’s iOS.

The Solution

Navigate to the Settings app on your phone and select “General” to find “Software Update.” Press “Install Now” to install the latest available iOS. This process may take several minutes, and your phone will need at least 50% battery.

Another option is to connect your phone to your computer and update it through iTunes. A summary menu for your iPhone will appear where you can select “Update.”

3. Low Storage Space Available

Apps, photos, media, and more can quickly fill your iPhone’s storage space. Your iPhone will slow down and freeze when the storage space becomes too low. Check your iPhone’s available storage by navigating to “Settings,” “General,” and selecting “iPhone Storage.”

The Solution

If your iPhone storage is low, you’ll need to remove some media or apps to make more space. Your phone shows you a breakdown of what app or media is using the most space. Click on the app/s you rarely use and offload them to the Cloud or delete them.

4. Uninstall Buggy Apps

Buggy apps could be another reason your iPhone screen keeps freezing. Apple reviews and tests every app for quality and to ensure it meets developer guidelines before sending it to the App Store. Sometimes, Apple might miss a few smaller bugs.

If your iPhone only freezes when using a particular app, it’s likely the app is causing the problem.

The Solution

Your first option is to look for a new update for the app. Updating the app to the latest version should fix the problem. If the screen continues to freeze, try deleting the app and downloading it again from the App Store.

In some cases, the app can have a serious bug causing persistent screen freezes. You will need to delete the app completely and look for a different app offering similar features.

5. Low Battery Life

Keeping your phone’s battery charged will help prevent a freezing screen. When the phone battery gets too low, usually around 10%, your iPhone may freeze on a blank screen. This will sometimes happen before your phone shows the low battery image.

The Solution

Charge your iPhone. Connecting it to a power source will unfreeze your phone. Depending on the battery, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to over 20 minutes for your phone to work like before.

My iPhone Screen Keeps Freezing, What Else Can I Do?

Have you tried the above tips and tricks but still have issues with a freezing iPhone? The problems could be more complex.

Sometimes there are bugs in Apple’s iOS updates. Report the problem to Apple Support or your wireless carrier. Apple will fix most bugs in the next available software patch or a new version of the software.

Downloading a system monitor to your phone can help you watch for performance issues, memory usage, and system logs. You’ll be able to find what exactly is causing a problem and fix it. You’ll also be able to free up memory throughout the system monitor.

Don’t Struggle With a Freezing iPhone

If your iPhone screen keeps freezing, there are several great tips to fix it. Try any of the tips above to prevent your iPhone screen from freezing.

Are you still having problems with your iPhone screen continually freezing? Let us know! We have the knowledge and skills to get your iPhone working like new.

Justin Drake Carroll Phone FAQs

Why Does My Phone Keep Beeping? This Is What You Need to Know

Over 75 percent of Americans use smartphones, and if you’re one of them, you know the device can be great. But iPhones and Androids don’t come without problems.

One annoying issue is inexplicable phone beeping, and the problem could be small or large. The only way to find out is to try and fix it.

Keep reading for some answers to, why does my phone keep beeping?

Usage Change

Many things can cause a random phone beep, but you may be able to eliminate some reasons. If you know when the phone beeping started, you can determine what caused it.

For example, maybe you just updated the software on your phone. Or perhaps you just downloaded a new app.

You may not always know what caused the beeping, but try to think of when it began. Then, you can narrow down the potential issues. Whether you have a new or old iPhone or Android, technology can be unpredictable.

So knowing how your phone normally runs can also help you determine when something goes wrong. If you need help, you can contact a professional.

However, you may not always know when your iPhone beeps for no reason. If you haven’t made any updates or changed your app usage, you can go through a few steps to determine potential causes.

Always On

When it comes to using your phone, think about if you ever turn it off. If you keep your phone on all of the time, it may get tired.

Turning off your phone can give you a break from the beeping, and it can give your phone a break from running. If you still need to be aware of the time or use an alarm, you can set one on your computer.

However, even turning your phone off for a minute can be helpful. Restarting your device may be the perfect solution to your phone beep issues.

In the future, consider turning your phone off once a week. You can use that time for other activities, and you can come back to your phone with a new perspective.

App Issues

If restarting your phone doesn’t fix the problem, one of your apps might be the culprit. Think about any recent app downloads or updates you had. If you downloaded or updated one, you can start with that program.

Continue to any other recent updates and downloads. To find these apps, you can visit your App Store or Google Play history. You can use that list of apps to test which is the issue.

Start by force closing the app. On an iPhone, double click the home button, and swipe up on the app you want to close. Android users can go into settings, then click on Application Manager the Downloaded. Click Force Stop to close the app.

You can also consider deleting the app and reinstalling it. If there’s a new update for the app in question, update it.

Too Many Notifications

You may be wondering, why does my phone keep beeping randomly? If that’s the case, your apps may not be the issue. When the beeps are at random, you could be getting some sort of notification.

Some notifications, like text messages and phone calls, are nice. However, if you have a lot of apps, you may get a lot of notifications that make your phone beep.

If this is the case, you can go into your settings and learn how to fix random notifications on iPhone and Android. You can go through each app and determine what alerts you want and what you don’t.

Doing this can be an easy way to minimize your phone beeping, and you can still get essential messages. As you download new apps, take note of when they ask to send notifications.

Then, you can choose which apps can send alerts.

Cache Partition Issues

Android users have yet another potential cause of phone beeping. You may need to wipe the cache partition on your phone to fix the issue.

To fix wipe the cache partition, turn off your phone. Hold the volume up, power, and home keys at the same time until the phone vibrates.

Then, you can release the power key. You can release the other keys when you see the System Recovery screen. Next, you’ll need to use the volume down to select Wipe Cache Partition.

Select it with the power key, then wait until you see Reboot System Now. Finally, you can turn on the phone to see if it is still beeping. If not, the cache partition solved your phone beep problem.

Need a Full Reset

If nothing seems to work, you may need to perform a full factory reset on your phone. A full reset will adjust all of the settings to what the device had when you got it.

Before you do the reset, make sure you backup your device to the cloud. Resetting to factory settings will delete your data, so you should have access to it somewhere.

Once you have a backup, you can go into your settings and reset your device to factory settings. After you reset the device, you can see if the phone beeping has stopped.

If so, you can restore the latest backup to your device during the setup process. But if you still have problems, you may need to take your phone to a professional.

Then, you can make sure you have tried every possible option. If you can’t do anything else, you can upgrade to a new device.

Why Does My Phone Keep Beeping?

Your smartphone can do a lot of things, from checking the time to browsing the internet. But sometimes, things can go wrong, you may wonder, why does my phone keep beeping?

It could be as simple as getting notifications, but you may need to reset your device.

Are you having trouble with your smartphone? Visit us in Virginia Beach or at a store near you.

Justin Drake Carroll Android Phone

Sync Error on Your Android? 7 Tips for Fixing the Problem

If your Android sync is not working it can be frustrating. You may be waiting for an important message or an email to come through and all your get is a heart-sinking sync error. 

Your Android phone’s ability to sync is an essential function, and if it is not working then it really affects how useful your phone is. 

Sync issues may point to much bigger problems with your phone, however, in the majority of cases, when syncing is not working on Android devices it can be fixed in a matter of minutes. 

If you’re currently experiencing sync errors on your Android, then here are seven top tips for fixing the problem. 

1. Make Sure That You Have a Connection

In order for your phone to sync with the server and download any emails and other messages, you’ll need to have a connection to the internet. This can either be through Wi-Fi or through mobile data. 

Before you panic about your phone not working, check that you have a strong enough connection for your phone to download messages. 

Your phone may be showing that it has a connection to a mobile network, for example, it could say 4G or 5G next to the signal strength bars. However, if you’ve used all of the data on your monthly plan, you won’t be able to make use of this data. 

Get in touch with your provider to ensure that you have enough data to be able to sync your device, alternatively, find a Wi-Fi network that you can connect to. 

2. Check That Sync is Enabled

The cause of your phone not being able to sync maybe that your sync has become disabled. This could have happened because of an update, or it may have been altered by accident. 

Try re-enabling the option to sync your phone to try and fix it. 

Alternatively, if you arrive at the sync settings and notice that they are switched on, try turning them off and back on again. By disabling and re-enabling your sync settings, you may be able to trigger your sync into working again. 

To access your sync settings, head to Settings and then Sync. 

3. Reboot Your Device 

Sometimes a process may have stalled on your device. To get it working again, you could try simply rebooting your phone. 

Turning your phone off and back on again might be all that you need to do to flush out the problem that you’re experiencing.

4. Update Your Phone

Depending on the age, make, and model of your Android device, there may be an update available. 

Android operating systems will vary dramatically and many manufacturers will have their own operating systems working on top of the stock version of Android. This could mean that your updates will come through at different times than other Android. 

To find out whether there is an update that you can download, open up Settings and tap About Phone, and then tap System Update. 

Updating your device can take a lot of battery power and data so make sure that you’re connected via Wi-Fi and that your device is plugged into the mains. 

Once you have updated your operating system, you should restart your device. 

5. Update Your Apps 

If you have specific apps that are failing to sync then there may be a problem with the app. It may be that the app’s developers already know that there is a problem and have already worked on a solution. 

To update the apps in question, head to the Play Store and under the menu on the side click on My Apps & Games and select the app that you would like to update. 

Once you get to the app, select it and hit Update. 

Alternatively, you could update all of the apps on your device in one go by hitting Update All at the top of your My Apps page. 

6. Check to Make Sure the Server isn’t Down

Google and many of the app makers take downtime very seriously. Many will go out of their way to make sure that their services never go down. There are times when there might be a service outage. This is usually due to unforeseen circumstances. 

To find out if a service is down, you could use Down Detector. This website carries information about whether there are outages on any major sites. It’ll highlight the specific type of problems that people are reporting, and where these outages are. 

If you know that the problem is with the app’s servers, then you know that you need to wait for them to come back online and your sync function should start to work again. 

7. Check Your Time and Date Settings

On your Android device, it is advisable that you have the time and the timezone both set to update automatically. If you don’t have these set, it can affect your sync function. 

To do this, open up your Settings and press Additional Settings and then Date & Time

If you are unable to set your device to automatically update the time and date settings, you can manually set these. It is essential that you make sure that the right time and date are set though, or you will continue to see the error message ‘sync is currently experiencing problems.’ 

What Else Might Cause Your Sync Error?

If you have tried all of these things and you are still experiencing the same sync error message, then you may need to uninstall the specific app that is not updating and reinstall it. 

If the sync error is occurring across multiple apps you could try to clear the cache or check that your battery performance is not affecting the ability to sync your device. 

Still, having problems? It may be a more severe problem that will take a bit more digging to fix.  Why not let us take a look at it? Get in touch today to find out how we can help you. 

Justin Drake Carroll Broken Screen

A Step by Step Guide on How to Apply a Screen Protector

It might not be an exaggeration to say our phones are our babies. We use them to store our important data and share them. We use them to communicate with family and friends. 

One way we can protect our “baby” is by knowing how to apply a screen protector. Using a protector prevents scratches from general use or accidental falls.

Screen protectors continue to rise in consumer demand, and you wouldn’t be a true phone owner without one. If you somehow don’t have one, it could be because you have no clue how to install it.

You’ve come to the right page. You can learn how to do it here. 

How to Apply a Screen Protector

Believe it or not, the first thing you want to consider in applying a screen protector is the location. It doesn’t have to be any place fancy. Just make sure you’re in a spot that doesn’t have a lot of dust. 

It’s not a true requirement, but life might suck if you find a few specks of dust after applying it. Even turning off your air conditioner or fan makes a difference. 

You should wash your hands beforehand too. That way, you can ensure an oil- and smudge-free installation. 

Clean the Screen

Once you find a great location free from dust and wind, you can clean your screen without reinviting dust. If you have a screen protector kit, most come with a cleaning pad. If you don’t have one, any micro-fiber cloth will do. 

Avoid other materials for your screen as they may scratch your mobile device. Tissues or paper towels are also a no-no because they can leave particles behind.

If you run into areas that are hard to wipe away with the cloth alone, use a bit of moisture. Breathing on the screen is fine or adding some water to the cloth. However, refrain from using anything with chemicals. 

Open the Screen Protector Package

Now is the fun part. You can open your package and figure out how to install it. 

It may seem a bit confusing at first, but it’s easy. Just make sure you don’t remove the protective film until the end.

Some packages may provide stickers that tell you where and when to remove the tape. There are usually two protective films.

As a basic rule of thumb, the film adhesive for the phone is removed and added on the “phone” side. Then, the second film for the outside of the phone that you touch is removed. 

Adjust the Screen Protector to Your Mobile Device

Whether you have a tablet, android, or iPhone, screen protectors can be a nightmare if it’s not installed the right way. This is one part of the process most people have trouble with. 

You want to make sure the screen protector is even on the screen and matches the edges and any buttons. It would be unappealing to the eyes if the protector is crooked.

There’s also an increased chance of scratching your phone on the part where it’s missed. Keeping the screen protector film on will make adjusting it to your mobile device easier. 

Once you achieve the position you like, remove the first film that you apply to the screen (inside). It helps to apply the protector up to down while applying pressure on the outside of the protector until you finish. 

Get Rid of Any Bubbles

Sometimes, no matter how well you adjust the screen protector to your mobile device, you may notice some air bubbles. You will see that it’s trapped between your phone and the protector. 

The good thing is there is a way to get rid of it without starting over. All you have to do is use the plastic squeegee that comes with the package. You should push away bubbles towards the closest edge.

Don’t be afraid to use a bit of force. You can move back and forth to clear the bubble, but it’s actually more effective to stroke in a single direction. 

If you don’t have a tool to help release the bubbles, a credit card also works. You know that you are doing it right when you see the bubble getting smaller until it vanishes. 

Wipe the Screen Again (Then Again) 

You can pat yourself on the back because you’re basically done. At this point, you should have one film protector left on the outside of the screen. You can remove the outer film after wiping it. 

Doing so will prevent any new particles that may have got on the screen as you worked away. Just a second or two is good. Once you remove the film, there’s nothing left to do other than giving your device a final wipe down. 

If you inspect your device, it should be transparent and free from dust and fingerprints. Beautiful. 

Help When You Need It 

When you buy an android or an iPhone, you want to extend the longevity as much as possible. One of the cheapest ways you can do this is by learning how to apply a screen protector. 

Although installing a screen protector isn’t too complex, it still may not be easy for everyone. If you are looking for a place where you can get a professional to install it for you or get a repair done, contact us.

We have several locations, such as Virginia Beach, and would be more than happy to help you. We are pleased to say we also offer a low price guarantee to all of our customers. We will match or beat any of our competitor’s prices. 

Justin Drake Carroll Uncategorized

My AirPods Won’t Connect!: Bluetooth Troubleshooting Advice

Did you recently purchase a pair of AirPods? Are you having problems connecting your AirPods to some of your devices? Despite selling over 60 million units in 2019, the Apple AirPods still does not come with its issues. 

Some of the common problems users complain of include the AirPods’ battery life, as well as the Automatic Ear Detection feature. But perhaps the most annoying problem involves connectivity. 

Sometimes, your AirPods won’t connect for some reason. When this happens, the bigger problem is failing to address the matter. 

But how do you exactly solve problems with AirPods on connection? We’re here to help. Continue reading below for a comprehensive troubleshooting guide.

Using the Wrong Version

Before you take your AirPods or iPhone for repairs, you need to check first if you’re using the right iOS version. This is one of the most common reasons why your AirPods won’t connect to your devices. 

Whether you’re using AirPods for the first time or trying it out on a new device, you want to make sure you meet the minimum system requirements.

If you bought the first generation of the AirPods and you wish to pair it with your iPhone or iPad, the latter must be running on iOS 10 or later. In case you’re using the second generation of AirPods, your device must feature iOS 12.2 at the very least.

To check and update your software, open the “Settings” app on your device. Hit “General” then select “Software Update”. From there, you can see the iOS version that is running on your device. 

The page will also tell you if you need an update or if you’re running the latest version. If it’s the former, then update your device accordingly. 

Basic Troubleshooting When AirPods Won’t Connect

If your software is up-to-date and your AirPods connection failed, you can start with the basic troubleshooting. Begin by troubleshooting your Bluetooth. Check your iPhone or iPad and see if you enabled the Bluetooth.

Swipe down from the upper-right corner of your device to open the Control Panel. From there, check if the Bluetooth icon is lighting up in blue. Alternatively, you can go to the “Settings” app and check the Bluetooth menu.

If your Bluetooth connection is on but the AirPods still don’t work, check if the latter has enough battery. If you see that the battery is empty or low, replace the AirPods in their case and charge them for at least an hour.

If these methods still don’t work, try restarting your iPhone or iPad. If still to no avail, then you may need to restart your AirPods. To do this, unpair the AirPods from your Apple device then open the “Settings” app on your device.

Hit the “Bluetooth” option then tap the “i” beside the AirPods entry. Tap “Forget this Device” to remove them from your device.

Thereafter, put your AirPods back inside the charging case. Close the lid and wait for about 30 seconds before opening it again. 

At the back of the case, press and hold the setup button. You want to hold the button until the status light flashes in amber color. The amber light should flash a few times then a flashing white light should follow.

Connection Problems With Your Mac

Sometimes, your AirPods may not want to connect with your Mac desktop or MacBook. This happens every once in a while especially if you’re using an older Mac. Thankfully, troubleshooting for Mac is roughly the same as the steps for your iPhone or iPad.

Check if your Mac is using the proper iOs version. First-generation AirPods require macOS Sierra or any later version to work. Meanwhile, second-generation AirPods will only run on macOS 10.14.4 or later. 

If the AirPods still don’t pair, perform the basic troubleshooting options for iPhones.

When One of Them Doesn’t Pair or Sync

There will also be times when one of your AirPods will not sync. If this happens, the first thing to do is to return both AirPods inside the charging case. Wait for about 10 seconds then give them another try.

If it doesn’t work, repeat the process. But this time, connect and disconnect the Bluetooth on your device before removing the AirPods from the charging case.

If nothing changes, reset your AirPods accordingly. 

iCloud Syncing Issues

In case your AirPods are giving you problems syncing with your iCloud, log out of your iCloud account then sign back in. This method works most of the time. 

Alternatively, you may press and hold the setup button at the back of the charging case. Hold the button until you see the light flashing orange. When you see the light flashing, hold it for another 30 seconds before releasing it.

That Nagging Static Sound

Sometimes, the problem may not involve connecting or syncing to your device. Instead, the problem can be a nagging static sound. Many reasons may cause you to hear this annoying sound. 

But the most common of which is interference. This is likely the case if you notice the static sound happening in one specific place. To solve this, you need to identify the device that is creating interference and move it to another place.

Another possible cause of interference is your Wi-Fi connection. You will notice the static sound, especially during calls. If this is the case, there is not much you can do but to turn off the Wi-Fi whenever you’re making calls.

Finding the Missing AirPods

If one day you find yourself misplacing your AirPods, you can use the Find My iPhone tool to find them. However, this will only work if your AirPods are still on. 

To enable this, login to your iCloud account and hit “Find iPhone.” Go to the top of the screen and click “All Devices.” Hit “AirPods” to reveal where they are.

Alternatively, you can hit “Play Sound” to enable a beeping sound from the AirPods.

Learn More About Your Apple Devices

Knowing what to do when your AirPods won’t connect is paramount for any AirPods owner. Learning how to troubleshoot your device will help you maximize its performance. And if you’re a big Apple user, there are lots of other things you must learn.

Discover more about Apple devices by checking our different blog posts. We share tips like extending your iPhone’s battery and keeping your devices germ-free.

Justin Drake Carroll Apple, iPad, iPhone

Troubleshooting Tips on What to Do When Siri Stops Working

Any iPhone user can probably attest to the wonder that is Siri. We may have gotten used to her presence, but we can always be grateful to her when she helps us out.

Siri is incredibly efficient and can help us with our tasks. She saves us time when we need to get things done.

But what would happen if all of a sudden, Siri stops working?

There is a likelihood of this happening. If it does, you want to figure out how to remedy this issue so that you can get her back on task once again.

We’ve created this simple guide on how to troubleshoot your iOS device when Siri stops working.

What to Do When Siri Stops Working

If you notice that Siri isn’t up to her usual self or stops working altogether, you don’t have to worry.

Here’s what you can do to get her back on track:

1. Causes

First, you need to diagnose the causes of why Siri is not working. This may be a simple fix that can get her back in no time.

It can be as simple as you not speaking clearly. If you mumble, have a sore throat, or do not enunciate clearly – Siri may not recognize your commands. If for some reason, you are putting on an accent, she may not realize that you are talking to her.

Other causes can be a poor Wi-Fi connection. If there are any other issues with your iPhone, such as slow performance – this can affect Siri’s performance. If your iOS device is on low battery mode, Siri will be disabled.

2. General Fixing

If Siri still isn’t working, here are some general troubleshooting tips you can take.

The first is to always restart your iOS device. Simply turn it off and wait a minute or two before turning it on. Sometimes, this alone is enough to get Siri running once again.

The next is to check the strength of your Wi-Fi connection. If it is poor, you may have to adjust it separately. If you can connect to a more stable Wi-Fi connection, go ahead and do so.

Another option is to deactivate Siri, wait a minute or two, and then reactivate her. She may start working immediately – she probably needed some rest!

You also need to make sure your Location Services are turned on in your settings. You also need to make sure that Airplane Mode is off in case you had it on previously.

3. Advanced Issues

Now let’s look at some of the advanced issues to troubleshoot to get Siri working!

The first step is to look at the Dictation option on your iOS device. Go to your settings and turn Dictation on if it isn’t already. If it is, turn it off and wait for two minutes before turning it back on.

You also want to check the microphones of your iOS device. If they have gathered dust, you may need to thoroughly clean them before you can expect to use Siri again. If you have a screen protector or cover that obscures the microphones, you may need to remove these in order to have the microphones properly function.

Siri operates on a server. You may have to check in to the Siri Servers to see if Siri is having issues. If so, then you’ll, unfortunately, have to wait for Apple to fix the issues before you can use Siri again.

You can also reset your iOS device’s factory settings. Before you do, make sure that you have a backup of all of your data and files. When you restore your factory settings, everything will be deleted and your iOS device will have to be set up from the start once again. You will get a chance to re-install and set up Siri in the process.

If none of these steps work, then you have two other options:

You can first take your iOS device to a Genius Bar at your closest Apple Store. One of the Geniuses can help you get Siri back on track. You can also use the Apple Support app to connect with a Genius who can help you remotely troubleshoot your device. 

If this option does not work, then you may want to consider getting your iOS device repaired. If you are an iPhone user, then you should definitely consider taking it for repair.

4. Siri is “kind of” Working

Has Siri ever responded to your communique with a text as opposed to speaking to you? We describe this as Siri “kind of” working.

Here’s what you need to look into if this is happening:

First, check if your device is muted. This happens if the switch on the side of your device has been toggled to the “muted” position. All you have to do is toggle it once again and Siri will audibly respond to you.

You also need to make sure that the Voice Feedback feature in Siri’s settings is turned on. Otherwise, she will continue responding via text.  

Siri also operates with a different volume control option. You want to check that Siri’s volume is turned up and is not on mute. 

5. “Hey Siri”

If Siri is not responding to you when you say “Hey Siri,” there are different ways to solve this issue.

Having Siri installed doesn’t necessarily mean that the “Hey Siri” function will work. Go to your Siri settings to set it up. When recording yourself saying “Hey Siri” make sure you speak clearly. You need to, more or less, say “Hey Siri” in this same manner for her to recognize you.

Sometimes “Hey Siri” will not work if your iOS device is locked. It may not also work if your iOS device is lying flat on its front.

Finally, if your iOS device is on Low Power Mode, then the “Hey Siri” function will not work at all.

Siri’s Here to Help

Now that you know what to do when Siri stops working, you can prevent any further issues with her.

To learn more about how to troubleshoot your devices, check out our other content.

Justin Drake Carroll iPhone

iPhone Overheating Constantly? 7 Important Steps You Should Take

If you are an iPhone user or wish to purchase an iPhone soon, we encourage you to do so. It is truly one of the best smartphones available.

But there is one issue that can happen with your iPhone: it can overheat and it can overheat often.

So what do you do if you experience iPhone overheating? 

Unfortunately, there is a likelihood that your iPhone will overheat and can get seriously damaged over time. You want to make sure that you can avoid this possibility.

So how do you do this?

We’ve put together this guide to teach you how to prevent your iPhone from overheating.

The Guide to Prevent iPhone Overheating

If you notice that your iPhone has been overheating, you want to look after it before it gets seriously damaged.

Here’s what you need to do to look after your iPhone and prevent it from overheating:

1. Keep it Out of the Heat

The first step is an obvious one. You need to make sure that your iPhone is always out of the heat. Luckily your iPhone can withstand temperatures of up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. But we still advise that you keep your iPhone outside of the heat as much as possible.

Unless it is absolutely necessary, do not leave your iPhone outside lying directly in the sun. If your iPhone is in your home, you want to adjust your home’s temperature to avoid it from overheating. We recommend keeping it from 60 degrees Fahrenheit to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Of course, your iPhone should be kept away from your toaster, microwave, etc., or anywhere else that generates immense heat.

Your iPhone can get warm over time. This is normal and nothing to worry about. But if it begins to overheat and you receive a warning on your screen, you need to be careful and take action immediately.

2. Do Not Overcharge

If your iPhone remains charged for a very long time, it can greatly overheat.

One popular habit that many iPhone users do is charging their phones overnight. However, when this happens you are charging your iPhone longer than it needs to be. Long after your iPhone has reached ‘100%’ it is still plugged into its charger.

Not only can this cause issues for your battery life, but it can also cause your iPhone to overheat if it becomes a repeated and frequent habit. Only charge it while you are awake so that you can take it off the charger once it has been fully charged.

You also only want to charge the iPhone only when the battery is running low. If the battery is at 80%, you do not need to put it for charge again until it reaches 100%

3. Background Refresh

One of the features that your iPhone has is the background refresh. It automatically refreshes your iPhone’s applications when you are not using them. It makes sure that you always have the latest update of your applications.

But this can, of course, be very taxing on your iPhone. It can be especially taxing depending on the high number of applications that you have. This constant background refresh will eventually cause your iPhone to overheat.

We suggest going to your settings and turn off your background refresh option. You should only update your apps when you want to. When you do update your apps, make sure you are not doing anything else on your iPhone. You want to allow your iPhone to not be overused.

4. Free Up Your iPhone

You want to make sure that you do not use your iPhone excessively. It is a powerful machine but needs a break. 

If you find that you do not use or seldom use an application, you may want to delete it altogether. Every now and then, you should transfer your media (photos, videos, audio, etc.) to your computer or cloud storage system. Then, you should delete them from your iPhone. This way, your iPhone will have more storage space and will not be overused.

You also want to make sure that you clean up emails, text messages, WhatsApp messages, etc., to free up space on the iPhone.

5. Keep Your iPhone Cool

You also want to make sure that you are taking the steps to keep your iPhone cool. 

Here is what you should do:

  • Turn off your iPhone overnight
  • Do not turn it on again in the morning until you actually need to use it
  • Keep your iPhone in cool temperatures; keep your home as cold as you can handle it
  • Remove your iPhone from its case every now and then and let it rest
  • Use your iPhone as sparingly as possible
  • If possible, do not use your iPhone at all for one day every now and then; keep it turned off

If you give your iPhone a rest every now and then and take the precautions to keep it cool, it will be less susceptible to overheating.

We would also suggest that you contact Apple Support or go to the Genius Bar at your local Apple store if any of the above precautions are not working. They may be able to provide you with additional precautions to keep your iPhone cool.

6. Bring it in For a Fix

If you find that your iPhone still overheats after taking all the necessary precautions, you should bring it in for a fix.

When bringing it in for a fix, it may be that there are internal hardware issues that need to be repaired. These internal hardware issues are what is causing the overheating.

At worst, you may need to have your iPhone replaced altogether. That is why we suggest that you take the necessary precautions to prevent your iPhone from overheating. If these precautions don’t work, then you should immediately bring it to us for repair. We want to make sure we can fix it before the problem continues to persist. 

Look After Your iPhone

Now that you know how to deal with iPhone overheating, you’ll be able to look after your iPhone much better.

To learn more about how to troubleshoot your devices, check out our other content.

Justin Drake Carroll Apple

Why Is Only One AirPod Working?

People are so attached to their AirPods that they spend over half a billion per year replacing them. If you’re experiencing issues with your AirPods not working, you may have thought about replacing them.

The good news is that you may not have to. You can sometimes solve the problem on your own. Even if you can’t, it’s often far less expensive to have them repaired.

Have you recently asked yourself, “Why is only one AirPod working?” If so, it’s time to troubleshoot the problem.

Let’s dive in and cover the most common reasons that your AirPods might not be working right.

Why Is Only One AirPod Working?

It’s frustrating to put in your AirPods and press play only to hear sound out of one earpiece.

What are some common reasons one AirPod might not work? For one, it may not have charged all the way. To eliminate this possibility, place both AirPods back in the charging case and make sure they’re getting a charge.

Another quick fix is to make sure they’re both clean and no dirt or lint is blocking the speaker. Wipe them down with a soft cloth and dry cotton swab.

If neither of these quick fixes has done the trick, it could be a hardware issue. If troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the problem, you may want to contact Apple support or reach out to a tech repair company.

First, let’s look at some quick fixes.

Checking the Stereo Balance

If your left or right AirPod is not working, the problem could sometimes be with your stereo balance. While this setting helps people with hearing impairments, it can also lead to one headphone playing sound while the other plays nothing.

On your iPhone, go to “Settings” and “Accessibility.” Find the “Hearing” section and choose “Audio/Visual.”

Make sure the slider under “Balance” is in the middle. If it’s not, adjust the slider here.

Reset Your AirPods

Sometimes the fastest fix with technology is to restart the device. Here’s what you need to do to reset a pair of AirPods:

  1. Open up your settings and select “Bluetooth”
  2. Tap the “i” icon located beside your AirPods
  3. Choose to “Forget This Device”
  4. Return your AirPods to their case and charge for 30 seconds
  5. Hold the setup button for a few seconds until the status light flashes white
  6. Place your AirPods next to your phone or device and open the lid to reconnect
  7. Set up AirPods by following the instructions on the screen

Once you’ve completed the above steps, test your AirPods to see if they both work. Can you hear out of both of them? If not, keep troubleshooting.

Update the AirPods

If resetting the device didn’t work, make sure the software is updated. Updates often have bug fixes that eliminate problems like one AirPod not connecting or working at all.

AirPods should update on their own if they’re in their charging case and that case is connected to a power source. You also must have them beside your phone while it’s connected to the internet.

There isn’t a way to manually update AirPods, but they’ll update once you connect them to your phone or tablet. You can do this by following the steps outlined above. 

If you haven’t used your AirPods in a while they may need updating. To find out if they need updating, you first need to check the firmware version.

To Check the Firmware Version

Connect your AirPods to your device. To do this, place the AirPods inside the charging case and open your settings on your iPhone.

Select “General” and “About” from here. Select your AirPods from the list of devices. You should see the firmware information listed.

To find out if you have the latest version, you can look it up online.

If you’re using an outdated version, follow the steps mentioned above to update your device. Remember, you need to have your AirPods in the charging case while the case is connected to power. They’ll update once you pair them with a device connected to the internet.

Once you’ve done all that, your AirPods should automatically install that latest update.

If you can’t get them to connect, follow these tips to pinpoint the issue.

Testing Another Pair

To make sure the problem is with your AirPods and not your phone, it helps to test another pair of headphones.

Do these have the same problem?

If you can hear out of each side with these headphones, you’re dealing with an AirPods problem.

If you can’t hear out of one side again, the issue is with your phone settings. Use our above tips and if they don’t work, try resetting your phone settings.

To do this, simply open your settings and go to “General” and then “Reset.” From this point, all you have to do is choose “Reset All Settings.”

Contacting Apple Support

A quick message to Apple support can often resolve your issue. If you’ve tried the above troubleshooting tips and nothing worked, it doesn’t hurt to reach out to Apple.

They may have more suggestions for you to try before you decide to repair or replace your AirPods.

Taking Your AirPods to a Tech Repair Shop

Have you had your AirPods for less than a year? If so, they may still be covered under the limited warranty. If you’ve had them for longer than that, you’ll either have to repair or replace your headphones.

Since they’re costly to buy, many people choose to take their malfunctioning AirPods to a repair place to have them fixed.

If you’re worried about paying too much, find a shop that offers a price-match guarantee. You’ll often find it’s cheaper than replacing your AirPods.

Fixing the Issue

Why is only one AirPod working? In many cases, the answer to this question is because your AirPods need a charge or an update.

If you’re still having troubles like only hearing the sound on one side, it’s time to consider the fact it’s a hardware problem.

Let us help you fix your AirPods so you can start listening again. Contact us or visit one of our many locations today.

Justin Drake Carroll iPhone

iPhone Won’t Connect to WiFi? Here Are 5 Things You Should Try

Two of Apple’s iPhones held the number one and two spots for the most popular phones in the world in 2019.

When you add in the fact that 82% of American teenagers own an iPhone, it’s fair to say that the iPhone is here to stay.

We’ve come to rely on our smartphones so much that it can be really frustrating when they aren’t functioning properly.

One of the most common problems is when your iPhone won’t connect to WiFi. Here are five things to try if you ever find yourself in this situation.

1. Reboot Your iPhone

One of the first things you can try if your WiFi won’t connect to your phone is to perform a soft reset, or in other words, reboot your phone. It’s entirely possible that your iPhone is just experiencing a temporary issue that could be affecting its wireless functions.

Rebooting your phone can help because it dumps junk files that can include corrupt network data that are stored along with other network caches.

Once you’ve turned your phone off and then on again, go to the Settings and then WiFi and give connecting to your WiFi another shot. If you’re still having WiFi connection problems, you can move onto the next solution.

2. Turn the WiFi off and Then on Again

If you’re WiFi won’t work on the iPhone, and turning the phone off and then on again didn’t help, you can try toggling the WiFi off and then on again. This can refresh the wireless functions of your phone.

In order to do this, you’ll want to go to your phone’s Settings. Select WiFi and then turn the WiFi off.

Reboot your iPhone, and when it’s back on you’ll return to the Settings menu. Click on WiFi and toggle the switch to turn it back on.

Now that your WiFi is enabled again, see if you can connect your phone to the WiFi. You’ll likely have to reenter the network password if the network is secured, so make sure that you’re entering the correct password.

3. Check the Router

It’s possible that your iPhone not connecting to WiFi is not an issue with your phone at all, but with your specific network. If you’ve noticed that your phone will connect to some networks but not a certain network, you should take a look at the router.

If the router is yours to mess around with, you might want to unplug it and plug it back in and see if that fixes the problem. If that still doesn’t work, head into the router’s settings to reboot or resit it.

Routers differ by their manufacturers, so you’ll want to look up your specific manufacturer to learn how to reboot your router in the settings.

4. Delete Saved WiFi Networks

WiFi connection problems could result from corrupt WiFi networks being stored on your phone. To eliminate this as a possible cause, you’ll want to “forget” or delete all of the saved WiFi networks, including the network you’re trying to connect to.

You can do this by going to the WiFi section of the Settings screen again. You’ll want to make sure that the WiFi is turned on so that you can see all of the available networks.

Next to the name of the WiFi network you want to forget, tap the information (i) icon. Do this for all of the saved WiFi networks.

Now, reboot your iPhone. Once your phone is back on, go into the WiFi section of Settings once more to turn the WiFi back on. Click on the network that you want to connect to, and select Join or Connect.

You’re now reconnecting to the network as if you’ve never connected to it before. You’ll need the password if it’s a secured network.

5. Restore Your iPhone to Factory Settings

This is your last resort method, but if all other avenues have been exhausted you might have to restore your iPhone to its factory defaults.

Before doing this, you should also try a few more things:

  • Toggle airplane mode on and off
  • Update the carrier settings
  • Reset network settings
  • Make sure your operating system has the latest updates
  • Update the router firmware
  • Disable any VPN you’re using
  • Disable WiFi networking services
  • Set a Custom DNS
  • Try using WiFi assist

If none of these or the previous four solutions work, you might have to start from scratch. Luckily, you’ll be able to back up your data so all is not lost.

Restoring your iPhone to the factory settings means that absolutely everything will be wiped off your phone including customized settings, contacts, downloads, photos, and personal information. This is why you’d definitely want to back up your files before restoring your phone. Since you aren’t able to connect to WiFi, you’ll want to use iTunes to backup your phone.

Is it simply time for you to get a new smartphone altogether? If so, check out our store to see our wide selection of devices.

iPhone Won’t Connect to WiFi: One of the Most Common iPhone Problems

We rely on our phones so much every day that having them malfunction can be disastrous. One of the most common problems is that an iPhone won’t connect to WiFi, which can be a real issue if you were depending on it for internet access. Luckily, this is often something that can be fixed easily if you know a handful of simple tricks.

Do you have an iPhone or other smartphone that needs to be repaired? Find a store near you so that we can solve any smartphone problems you might have!

Justin Drake Carroll Water Damage

Tips and Tricks on How to Tell If Your Phone Has Water Damage, and What to Do About It

You stand up from the toilet when plunk! Your phone falls out of your pocket and lands in the bowl. You’re fast to pull the phone out but you’re worried that it might have sustained some kind of water damage.

You’re not sure how to tell if your phone has water damage but your device is acting kind of weird since the incident. The touch screen isn’t responsive and the speaker is acting a little strange.

These are indeed two obvious signs that something’s wrong. Keep reading to learn what all the signs are and how to fix your phone if it’s undergone some water damage.

How to Tell If Your Phone Has Water Damage

If you’ve dropped your iPhone in the toilet take off the case right away and find your SIM tray. Most of the time it’s going to be on the right side of the phone somewhere. 

Once you’ve found it, use a SIM removal tool to press into the hole on the bottom of the tray and pull it out. If you don’t own a SIM removal tool, a straight paper clip will work as well. 

Take a flashlight and shine it into the SIM slot. If you see red in the slot this is a bad sign. It means that it’s taken on quite a bit of water damage. 

Checking your Android phone for water damage is pretty much the same process unless it has a removable battery. If this is the case, the water damage indicator will be somewhere on the battery. 

Other signs of water damage on a phone include a wide array of hardware issues. The touch screen may act strangely and even open apps. 

The microphone or speaker might not work as it should. You could have problems opening up web browsers and other applications. Sometimes the phone displays an actual error message.  

What to Do About it?

Now that you know for sure that your phone has water damage, what can you do about it? Before you take it to your local repair shop, there are a few things you can try to dry out your phone. 

Take the Phone Apart 

When we say take the phone apart, we don’t mean take a screwdriver to it and dismember the phone. What we mean is that you should take out anything that’s removable. 

Remove the battery if you’re able to along with the SIM card and SD card. Lay them on a paper towel to dry off. 

Dry the Exterior

While the removable parts of your phone are sitting out to dry, take a dry cloth to the rest of your phone. You want to be a little gentle about this. 

If you move the device around too much while you’re drying it out, you may push the water deeper into the phone. 

Try a Vacuum

Speaking of water deep in the phone, there are places where a paper towel isn’t going to be able to reach. For these stubborn areas, you can actually use a vacuum cleaner. 

The vacuum can suck little droplets of water out of the phone without doing any real damage to the device. Make sure that you use one of the smaller attachments on your vacuum cleaner for this purpose and again, try not to move it around too much. 

Dry it Out 

There are quite a few methods you could use to absorb the remaining moisture in the phone. You could just leave it out on a counter but that’s not as effective as putting it into a bag full of rice. 

Rice is something that you probably have up in your cabinet and if you don’t it will be pretty cheap for you to pick some up. Leave your phone in the bag of rice for two to three days so it can do its job of absorbing moisture. 

If you don’t have rice on hand, silica gel packets will work as well. Once your phone has been sitting in either rice or silica gel packets for a few days take it out, put it back together, and try turning it on. 

What Not to Do!

It’s important to also know what you shouldn’t do when your phone is exposed to water. First of all, don’t attempt to turn it on or plug it in. This might fry some of the electrical components. 

Don’t push any keys. If you do, it might force the water deeper into the phone. You don’t want to blow into the phone or jostle it too much for the same reason. 

You shouldn’t expose your phone to excessive amounts of heat so avoid using a blow dryer to dry it out. 

How to Avoid Water Damage in the Future 

Of course, the best way to avoid water damage is to prevent it from happening in the first place. No matter how waterproof a phone claims to be, prolonged exposure to water will damage it. 

Give the phone a little boost by investing in a waterproof case. If all else fails, make sure that you always back up your data. This way, if your phone does take a plunge into a toilet and can’t be fixed, you still have all your data. 

Save Your Phone from Water Damage 

Not sure how to tell if your phone has water damage? You’ll know when you take the SIM card out. The red indicator will inform you. 

If you can’t find the indicator, your phone will tell you in other ways in the form of hardware issues. If you act fast enough and follow this guide, you’ll be able to save your device. 

Have your repair efforts proven ineffective? Let us take a look at it. Go here to schedule your phone repair today.