Did you know that the first smartphone was created in 1994? As you might guess, it looked completely different than the phones you can buy today. Unfortunately, people still have to deal with phone problems even after all these years.
However, not everybody understands whether or not their issue stems from a hardware or software problem. Phone not working?
We’ve put together a brief guide that has all the information you need to know to get started on the right track.
1. Read the User Guide
Consult the user guide for your phone model and look up any troubleshooting tips or solutions that may help resolve the issue. You can usually find this information in the manual that comes with your phone or online.
The user guide may have a list of possible error messages that could appear and explain what each one means.
2. Check Battery and Connections
Make sure the battery is properly charged and all necessary cables/connectors are securely connected and not loose or damaged. Sometimes, an issue may be as simple as a loose connection or a dead battery.
Many battery-related problems are notably easy to resolve.
3. Reset Your Phone
Power off the device, unplug it from its charger if applicable, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on again to reset it.
It might sound simple, but sometimes a simple reset can fix common issues. This could be a helpful first step if you’re dealing with something like a software glitch or similar issue.
4. Update Software
Check for any pending updates to both your phone’s operating system as well as any installed apps and be sure to download and install them right away in order to benefit from any bug fixes or new features that may help address an existing issue you’re experiencing with your device. With modern smartphones, foregoing updates might lead to potential issues.
5. Clear Cache Data
Apps tend to store data in the form of temporary files called the cache, which can become corrupted over time and cause issues such as freezing or crashing of certain programs.
Deleting these manually via Settings > Storage can often help restore normal functioning once again. Cache data can be a major contributing factor to many software-related issues. This occurs on both Android and iOS devices.
6. Reset Network Settings
If your phone is having trouble connecting to wifi networks, try resetting your network settings by going into Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
This will delete any saved passwords or connections but should also clear up any connection issues you may have been experiencing due to glitches in the old settings data.
Resetting network settings can also be a great way to fix wifi problems without more drastic measures.
7. Troubleshoot Apps Individually
If a particular app is giving you trouble (such as crashing constantly), try closing out other applications running in the background. You can also update it manually via the app store, clearing its cache data separately, etc.
This can often pinpoint a more specific source of an error that you may have otherwise overlooked.
What Are Common iPhone Problems?
Common iPhone problems include battery draining quickly, difficulty connecting to wifi networks, slow app performance, and touchscreen issues. If you continue to experience any of these issues after trying the steps mentioned above, it may be best to contact Apple Support for further assistance.
Other issues might include software glitches and hardware damage. For example, if the screen is cracked or you’ve dropped it in water, physical repair may be necessary to address the issue. With any luck, however, the steps mentioned above should help you troubleshoot the most common phone-related issues without having to take further measures.
What Are Common Android Problems?
Android phones experience many of the same issues that iPhones do. However, Android devices are also more prone to certain issues such as malware and viruses, which can be difficult to troubleshoot.
Android devices are more susceptible to malware because of the large number of third-party apps available on Google Play. Make sure you only download trusted applications from verified sources and be sure to update them regularly for optimal security.
There are also a larger number of Android phones in circulation compared to iPhones. Since these two phones have different operating systems, hackers often write malware to target Android phones since there are more of them.
What Should I Do if the Above Tips Don’t Work?
Getting in touch with a professional technician or service center can often be the best course of action if the tips above don’t fix your issue. If you have a newer phone, some manufacturers may offer repair services that can help restore it to working condition.
In other cases, seeking out a professional technician who specializes in smartphone repairs may be the best option. Often, these technicians will have access to parts and tools that can help diagnose and fix the issue you’re having. Just be sure to research their past reputation.
This will provide insight into what experience you will get.
Dealing With Phone Problems Is Easier Than It Seems
Although managing phone problems might seem daunting, these simple steps should help you identify the source of the issue and get it fixed quickly. With a bit of patience and effort, you can easily troubleshoot issues that you experience.
Looking for more information on how we can help? Feel free to reach out to us today.
