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Kevin Shaw

Kevin Shaw is a seasoned tech journalist based in Los Angeles with a penchant for all things Apple. He started writing about Apple products in 2007 and it's been a love affair ever since. He has spent over a decade testing and writing about iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other Apple products. In his spare time, he likes nothing more than catching up with the latest news and sports podcasts on the beach.

How to fix iPhone microphone not working after iOS 18 update

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Several users have reported that their iPhone’s microphone is not working properly after iOS 18 update. If the iPhone’s microphone isn’t working at all — or the audio it’s capturing is muffled, fuzzy, or unclear — that can lead to a lot of frustration. This article explains what you can do if your iPhone microphone is not working in iOS 18.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • If your iPhone microphone is not working on iOS 18, there are steps you can take to troubleshoot and solve the problem.
  • Your iPhone has three mics, so make sure all three of them are not blocked or obscured in any way.
  • You should also test your mic, disconnect other audio devices, and ensure all your apps have permission to use the mic in Settings.

The speakers and microphones are an important part of your iPhone. If microphone is not working, you may experience various sound issues. For example, Siri may not be able to detect your voice; other people may not be able to hear you during a phone call or you may not be able to record audio. The cause of these problems may be the microphone. Here are the most common methods you can employ to resolve iOS 18 microphone problems.

How to fix iOS 18 microphone problems

1. Make sure the microphones are clear of any blockages

Are the microphones blocked, obscured, or dirty? That could be keeping them from picking sound.

Your iPhone has three different microphones built into the device. Microphones are small round openings. Here is where they are located:

  • The first one is located on the bottom of your phone. This one is used for calls.
  • The second one is located on the front side at the top of your iPhone, embedded into the earpiece, right next to the selfie camera. This one may be used for, along with others, capturing audio when recording videos. This microphone is also used to pick up voice commands.
  • And the third one is located on the back side of the device, built into the rear camera. Again this one is used for capturing audio when recording videos.

You should clean all of these microphones for the best results. To do so, remove your iPhone case and screen protector if it’s affecting the microphones in any way. Then check to see if they’re dirty. If necessary, carefully use a small, dry soft-bristled brush to clear away any lint, dirt, or grime.

2. Test the microphone

It’s easy to test the mics to see if they’re working normally:

  • Test the mic for phone calls. Open the Voice Memos app and record a short memo, talking into the microphone at the bottom. Play it back and see if it sounds clear.
  • Test the speakerphone mic. Open the Camera app and record a video while speaking into the mic at the top of the iPhone. Play it back and see if it sounds clear.

If the audio is unclear, it’s likely you have a hardware problem with your iPhone, so contact Apple’s customer support for additional service.

3. Disconnect any audio accessories

It’s possible that your iPhone is trying to use the microphone in an accessory like headphones, earbuds, or a portable speaker for input instead of its built-in mic. If that accessory is far away, the audio may become distant or muffled. The easiest way to solve this problem is to make sure no accessories are plugged into your iPhone and to turn off Bluetooth. Head over to Settings > Bluetoothand see if any mic-equipped earbuds, headphones, or speakers are actively connected. If they are, power down those accessories, or temporarily disconnect them in the Bluetooth menu by tapping the i (info) button next to them and choosing Disconnect.

4. Make sure your app has permission

If you are having a microphone issue when you are trying to use a specific app (such as Skype, Meet,Messenger, Zoom, WhatsApp, etc), it’s possible that the app doesn’t have permission to use the mic. You can grant the app microphone access. Head over to Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone. Scroll down the list of apps and make sure any app which needs the mic has permission by swiping the appropriate button to the right.

5. Restart the phone

If you’ve gotten this far and the microphone is still not working properly, you might have a glitch that’s best resolved by turning your iPhone off and then back on again. That can flush out any corrupt data or glitchy software that might be causing your microphone to fail to work properly. Restart your iPhone and then test your microphone again.

6. Reach out to Apple customer support

If your microphones are still not working, it’s possible that there is a serious hardware problem with your iPhone. You should seek help from Apple customer service.

How to fix iMessage not working on iPhone after iOS 18 update

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This article explains how you can fix iOS 18 iMessage problems.

iMessages are texts, photos, and video messages that are sent between iPhones, iPads, iPod touches, or Macs using Wi-Fi or a cellular network. iMessages are encrypted and have a signature blue color.

You might have problems trying to send iMessages on your iPhone running iOS 18. For example, you might see a red exclamation mark next to an iMessage you want to send, indicating your message did not send. You might also see an alert saying “not delivered”. Sometimes, your messages might be delivered as regular text messages (green bubbles), instead of iMessages (blue bubbles). Furthermore, you might also have problems receiving iMessages that your friends send to you. You may not receive iMessages on your iPhone at all.

Another common issue iPhone users face is iMessage activation. Some iPhone users may see a “waiting for activation” or “An error occurred during activation” when they want to turn on iMessage.

If iMessage isn’t working on your iPhone running iOS 18, you’re losing out on a couple of key advantages that iMessage has over ordinary SMS text messaging.

iMessages are sent and received as ordinary internet data, so they don’t count against your cellular text plan. They’re also encrypted from end to end, synchronize across all your Apple devices, and let you see when the other person is typing.

All of these features only work with other iPhone users. But if iMessage is not working on iOS 18 — and your messages appear in green bubbles with other Apple users — it’s time to troubleshoot.

How to fix iOS 18 iMessage problem

Try the troubleshooting steps below in order. Please test iMessage to see if you’ve fixed your issue after trying each step.

1. Quit the Messages app and then open it again

The first thing to do when iMessage is not working on your iPhone is close and reopen the Messages app. It’s possible iMessage is not working because of a minor software glitch, which can usually be fixed by closing the Messages app. Here’s how:

  1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to reveal the app switcher.
  2. Find the Messages app – you can swipe left or right. When you find it, swipe it up to close it.

2. Make sure you have a working internet connection

If your iPhone isn’t on Wi-Fi or cellular data, you won’t be able to send or receive iMessages. Please make sure that your iPhone is connected to a cellular data or Wi-Fi network. You can easily check this. Launch Safari on your iPhone and visit GeeksPit.com. Does our website load? If not, you may mean that your device is not connected to the Internet, causing your iMessage problem. Here is what you can do:

  • Turn on Airplane Mode, wait 10 seconds, and then turn it off (Settings > Airplane Mode)
  • If you are using a VPN service, disable it and try again (Settings > VPN)
  • Restart your Wi-Fi modem/router by unplugging it from the power outlet and then plugging it in again.

3. Figure out whether the problem is on your end or someone else’s

Keep in mind that an iMessage failure can be caused by a problem with your iPhone — or with the person you’re exchanging messages with.

Is iMessage failing with only one iPhone user or with every iPhone user you text with? If necessary, send a short text message to several people and see whether the problem is limited to one person or to everyone.

If I message doesn’t work with only one person, make sure that the recipient has an Apple device. Make sure that iMessage is enabled on the recipient device.

4. Make sure iMessage is set up for your iPhone

You probably know that iMessages use a blue message bubble. If you send one or more messages and they appear in green bubbles, then that means the messages were sent using SMS instead.

There are a few reasons why this might have happened. You might be sending the message to a non-Apple device. Only Apple devices support iMessage, so this isn’t unusual. But it’s also possible that iMessage might be turned off on your phone or the recipient’s device. To see if it’s disabled on your own phone, follow the steps below:

  1. Start the Settings app and tap Apps. Scroll down and tap Message.
  2. Make sure the switch labelled iMessage is turned on.
  3. If iMessage is turned off, turn it on by swiping the button to the right.

5. Turn off iMessage and then turn it on again

If you are still having this problem, turn off iMessage, restart your iPhone and then turn iMessage on again. Here is how:

  1. Start the Settings app and tap Apps. Scroll down and tap Messages.
  2. Turn iMessage off by swiping the button to the left.
  3. Restart your iPhone, then turn it on again.
  4. Go back to the Settings app, tap Message, and turn iMessage back on by swiping the button to the right.

When you turn iMessage back on, it may take some time to reactivate again. This is normal. If the activation is unsuccessful, see this article: iMessage Says Activation Unsuccessful, How to Fix.

6. Make sure your software is up to date

Make sure that your iPhone is running the latest iOS version. Check for an iOS and if there is an update, update your iPhone. Here is how:

  1. Start the Settings app and tap General.
  2. Tap Software Update.
  3. If an update is available, tap Update Now, then follow the onscreen instructions.

7. Check the date and time

Incorrect date and time can interfere with iMessage. Please ensure that the date and time are set correctly for your time zone. Here’s how:

  1. Start the Settings app and tap General.
  2. Tap Date & Time.
  3. If the date and time are incorrect. Update them so that they are correct.
  4. Also, make sure Set Automatically is turned on.

8. Sign out and back in to iMessage

If iMessage still isn’t working on your iOS 18 device, sign out entirely and then sign back in. Here’s how:

  1. Start the Settings app and tap Apps. Scroll down and tap Messages.
  2. Tap Send & Receive.
  3. Tap your Apple Account.
  4. Tap Sign Out.
  5. Now sign back in by going to Settings > Apps > Messages > Send & Receive.

9. Check if iMessage is down

The next step is to check the system status for iMessage. You should do this especially if you start having this problem suddenly. It is possible that Apple is experiencing downtime with its iMessage services. You can find out if iMessage is down. Here is how:

  • Open Safari and visit Apple’s System Status page.
  • Locate iMessage in the list of services.
  • If you see a green circle next to it, this is Apple is saying that iMessage services are up and running from their end. This means that your iMessage problem is on your end.
  • If you see a red, yellow, or anything other than green circle next to iMessage, this means that iMessage services are disrupted and not running. The problem is on Apple’s end. Just wait and Apple will fix it.

10. Reset your network settings

Issues with network connectivity can also cause problems with iMessage, and often times restoring your iPhone’s network settings back to factory defaults can resolve an issue with iMessage. Please note that doing so will also reset your Wi-Fi passwords, VPN settings, etc. Here is how you can do this:

  1. Start the Settings app and tap General.
  2. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  3. Tap Reset.
  4. In the pop-up window, tap Reset Network Settings and follow the onscreen instructions.

11. iMessage still not working?

If none of these troubleshooting steps help, you might want to contact Apple for expert support.

How to fix iPhone not ringing after iOS 18 update

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Is your iPhone not ringing after iOS 18 update? This article explains how you can troubleshoot this issue.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • If your iPhone won’t ring after iOS 18 update, it may be a volume or settings issue that can be easily resolved.
  • You can fix an iPhone that’s not ringing on iOS 18 by increasing the volume and turning off Focus mode.
  • You should also make sure your iPhone is not in silent mode.
  • If all else fails, you should try resetting the iPhone — just make sure to back it up first.

These days, missing an important phone can be devastating.

It becomes even more frustrating when you know you had your iPhone with you — but for some reason, your phone isn’t ringing for incoming calls.

Fortunately, there are a variety of solutions to fix iPhone ringer issues on iOS 18.

Why is my iPhone not ringing on iOS 18?

If your iPhone isn’t ringing on iOS 18, there are several possible culprits:

  • The speaker is damaged.
  • Silent mode is turned on.
  • Focus mode is turned on.
  • You blocked the phone number.
  • You silenced all unknown callers.
  • There’s a problem with a ringtone.
  • Your iPhone is stuck in headphone mode.

How to fix iPhone not ringing on iOS 18

If your iPhone is not ringing after iOS 18 update, try these 15 fixes — from turning off Focus mode to resetting your device.

1. Turn off Focus mode

The first thing you should always do if your iPhone isn’t ringing is to check the Focus feature. Focus is an iPhone feature that lets you block all notifications except from specific people or apps. If your iPhone is in Focus mode, incoming calls will go straight to voicemail without ringing. Here’s how to make sure Focus mode is turned off:

  1. Swipe down from the top right corner of your screen to open the Control Center.
  2. Look at the rectangle next to your brightness controls — if it says Do Not Disturb, Driving, Sleep, or something similar, it’s turned on. Tap this button to disable your Do Not Disturb or Focus mode.

2. Check that your iPhone isn’t stuck in Bluetooth or headphones mode

Your iPhone can occasionally get stuck in headphone mode, making your device believe headphones are plugged in even when they’re not, and muting the speakers.

To get your iPhone out of headphone mode, simply unplug or disconnect your headphones.

3. Check to see if CarPlay is on

Your iPhone won’t ring when it’s connected to CarPlay – the ring will be sent to your car’s speakers instead. If you want the phone to ring, disconnect CarPlay by following the steps below:

  1. Open the Settings app and tap General.
  2. Tap CarPlay.
  3. Tap your car, then disconnect it.

If you are using wired CarPlay, simply unplug the phone from the car’s USB port.

4. Make sure your phone isn’t connected to a Bluetooth device

Another way your iPhone might ring but still not get your attention: The audio might be playing through a connected audio device, like headphones, earbuds, or a portable speaker.

You might end up hearing nothing depending on the level of ringer volume and where these accessories are located when you get a phone call.

You can ensure there are no connected Bluetooth devices, or simply toggle Bluetooth off and then turn it back on again. Any devices will disconnect and the ringtone should play through the iPhone’s speaker. Here’s how:

  1. Swipe down from the top right of the screen to bring up the Control Center.
  2. Tap the **Bluetooth **icon in the top left.
  3. Wait about five seconds.
  4. Turn Bluetooth back on again (or, if you prefer, simply leave it off).

5. Update iOS

iOS updates routinely contain fixes to iPhone bugs and glitches. Try updating your iPhone to the latest version of iOS 18 and see if this solves your issue.

6. Turn off Silent Mode

As a general rule, Silent Mode disables all ringtones and notification alerts, so while in this setting, your phone won’t notify you about phone calls or text messages.

It’s entirely possible that you have entered Silent mode by accident and that’s why you’re iPhone isn’t ringing.

Here’s how to turn off Silent mode on your iPhone.

  1. Locate the Ring/Silent switch on the side of your phone.
  2. Flip the Ring/Silent switch upward to turn off Silent mode. Youll know silent mode is turned off when you no longer see the band of orange at the top of the switch.

On iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, you can turn off Silent mode by going to Settings > Sounds & Haptics, then turning off Silent mode.

7. Turn off calling on other devices

In some instances, setting up your Mac, iPad or another iPhone to receive phone calls can interfere with your iPhone’s ability to ring when a call comes in. To see if this is the bug that has bitten you, disable calls on other devices. Here’s how:

  1. Open your iPhone’s Settings app and scroll down to tap Apps. Tap Phone.
  2. In the Calls section, tap Calls on other devices.
  3. Toggle off the switch next to Allow Calls on Other Devices.

8. Turn off call forwarding

Your iPhone includes a simple call forwarding feature that lets you redirect all incoming calls to a different number.

When you set up call forwarding, your iPhone won’t ring and all of its calls will go to another phone. If you set up call forwarding temporarily, it’s easy to turn off so your iPhone gets calls again.

Here’s how to turn the feature off.

  1. Open your iPhone’s Settings app and scroll down to tap Apps. Scroll down again and tap Phone.
  2. In the Calls section, tap Call Forwarding.
  3. Tap the toggle switch next to Call Forwarding to turn it off.

9. Disable "Silence Unknown Callers" setting

The iPhone has a feature called "Silence Unknown Callers." When this is turned on, your phone won’t ring for calls from numbers you haven’t saved.

You’ll still hear rings for numbers you have saved in your Contacts list, numbers you’ve called or texted before, and "Siri Suggestions" — usually phone numbers that you’ve seen in an email or text message recently.

If your iPhone isn’t ringing when numbers you haven’t saved call, Silence Unknown Callers may be turned on. Here’s how to turn it off.

  1. Open your iPhone’s Settings app and scroll down to tap Apps. Scroll down again and tap Phone.
  2. Near the bottom of this page, tap Silence Unknown Callers.
  3. Tap the toggle switch next to Silence Unknown Callers to turn it off.

10. Make sure the number isn’t blocked

The reason your iPhone isn’t ringing on iOS 18 could simply be that you blocked the number. Here’s how to check if you blocked the contact and unblock it:

  1. Open your iPhone’s Settings app and scroll down to tap Apps. Scroll down again and tap Phone.
  2. Near the bottom of this page, tap Blocked Contacts.
  3. Find the number you wish to unblock and swipe right on it.
  4. Tap unblock.

11. Check custom ringtones

If the iPhone won’t ring for a specific caller and that person isn’t blocked, then check to see if a custom ringtone you assigned to them isn’t working.

You can change a contact’s ringtone through the Phone app. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Phone app and tap the Contacts tab at the bottom.
  2. Select the contact whose ringtone you want to change, then tap Edit in the top right corner of the contact’s page.
  3. Tap Ringtone, then select a non-custom ringtone from the list of available options.

Now do a test call to see if your iPhone still won’t ring.

12. Check your iPhone’s volume

If you are still having this problem, make sure the ringer volume is set high enough for you to hear — otherwise, your iPhone might ring and you simply won’t even know. Here’s how to increase the ringer volume on your iPhone:

  1. Open your iPhone’s Settings app and tap ”Sounds & Haptics.”
  2. In the Ringtone and Alerts section, drag the slider to the desired volume level.
  3. Turn off Change with Buttons to lock the ringer and alert volumes.

13. Restart your iPhone

If your iPhone is still not ringing, you should try restarting your iPhone. This resets your phone’s memory and clears temporary caches, which can solve temporary glitches with ringtone and alerts.

To restart an iPhone XR or later:

  1. Hold down the side button and volume up button or volume down button.
  2. When the **power slider **appears on your screen, drag it to the right to turn your phone off.
  3. When the iPhone completely shuts off, hold down the side button to turn it back on.

To restart an iPhone SE (2nd generation) or later:

  1. Hold down the side button.
  2. When the power slider appears on your screen, drag it to the right to turn your phone off.
  3. When the iPhone completely shuts off, hold down the side button to turn it back on.

If the problem persists, try the tips below.

14. Restore Your iPhone to Factory Default Settings

Restoring your iPhone to factory default settings should be the last thing you do to fix an iPhone not ringing issue because when you restore your iPhone, you’re deleting everything installed or changed on it since it was first purchased. In the process, it should also fix any ringer issues. Just make sure you have a recent backup before you reset your iPhone.

15. Get your iPhone serviced

If none of those troubleshooting steps solved the problem, you should contact Apple customer support for further help. It’s possible that you have a hardware problem — for example, the iPhone speaker might be damaged. This isn’t something you can fix on your own, so enlist the help of Apple.

How to fix iPhone not sending text to android after iOS 18 update

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Several users have said that they are unable to send text messages to Android after iOS 18 update. In this article, I will show you how to fix this problem.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • If your iPhone is not sending texts to Android phones after installing iOS 18 update, there are a number of ways to troubleshoot the problem.
  • To fix the problem, make sure that your iPhone is configured to send SMS and check that the Android’s phone number isn’t registered with Apple’s iMessage system.

There are two main players: iPhones running iOS 18 and non Apple phones (including Samsung, HTC, LG, Huawei, Xiaomi, etc) running Android.

A lot of issues can cause this factor. And we understand that you want to fix this problem. In this article, we explain how you can troubleshoot this problem.

Why is my iPhone not sending messages to android on iOS 18?

  • You might be having trouble texting an Android phone on iOS 18 because your iPhone has no service.
  • Your iPhone is not configured to send SMS.
  • The Android’s phone number could be registered with Apple’s iMessage system.

Here are ten ways to troubleshoot if your iPhone isn’t sending texts to Android users in iOS 18.

How to fix iPhone not sending texts to an Android phone in iOS 18

Please try the steps below. Please ensure to check the Messages app after each step to see if texts sending to Android contacts starts working.

1. Check the Number You’re Texting

If you’re trying to send a text message from your iPhone to an Android user, but they aren’t receiving it, the first thing you should do is make sure you’re sending the message to the correct number.

Often, many people tend to ignore small mistakes like this, and mistyping a digit or two of a phone number could be the reason your message isn’t getting delivered.

Confirm the recipient’s phone number to ensure you have the correct contact details. If the contact number is correct, the recipient might have blocked your phone number.

2. Close and reopen the Messages app

Another solution for your iPhone not sending texts to Android phones is to restart the Messages app. Here’s how:

iPhones With Face ID

  1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the app switcher. You should see all of your apps represented as cards.
  2. Swipe side-to-side through your apps until you find the Messages app.
  3. Swipe Messages up and off the top of the screen to close it.
  4. Tap the app icon to reopen it.

iPhones Without Face ID

  1. Double-press the Home button. This starts the app switcher, where you should see all of your apps represented as cards.
  2. Swipe side-to-side through your apps until you find the Messages app.
  3. Swipe Messages up and off the top of the screen to close it.
  4. Tap the app icon to reopen it.

3. Configure your iPhone to send SMS messages

You won’t be able to send text to Android if you haven’t enabled the Send as SMS option on your iPhone. So, turn it on to send SMS to Android from your iPhone. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Settings app and tap Apps.
  2. Scroll down and then tap Messages.
  3. Turn on Send as SMS by swiping the button to the right.

4. Toggle Airplane mode

One of the most common reasons iPhone can’t send text to Android is because of a glitch with your cellular connection. You can generally fix this by toggling it off and then back on again. To do this, enable and disable Airplane Mode. You can toggle your iPhone’s Airplane Mode on and off from the Control Center.

  1. To reveal the Control Center on iPhone with Face ID, swipe down from the top right corner of the screen. If you’re on iPhone without Face ID, swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
  2. Tap on the Airplane Mode icon, which is represented by a plane inside a circle. When the icon is orange, Airplane Mode is enabled; when it’s grayed out, it’s disabled.

Quick tip: You can also turn Airplane Mode on or off by opening the Settings app and tapping the toggle for Airplane Mode.

5. Restart the iPhone

Sometimes, the problem is related to a software problem on your iPhone, but toggling Airplane mode didn’t do the trick.

In a situation like this, try turning your iPhone off, wait a minute, and then turn it back on again. Restarting the phone can flush out any misbehaving software or corrupted data and restore it to full operation.

Considering there are different iPhone models out there, here are the ways you can restart them all:

iPhones with Face ID

  1. Press and hold down the side button and either the volume up button or volume down button.
  2. When the power slider appears, swipe the power button inside it to the right.
  3. After the iPhone has completely shut down, press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears.

iPhones without Face ID

  1. Press and hold down the side button.
  2. When the power slider appears, swipe the power button inside it to the right.
  3. After the iPhone has completely shut down, press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears.

6. Ask the Android owner to deregister iMessage

This problem can catch a lot of people off-guard. If the Android user previously had an iPhone and transferred the SIM card to an Android without changing the phone number, that phone number may still be registered as an iPhone in Apple’s database, and so when iPhone users text a number that’s still in the iMessage system, the text goes to iMessage and can’t be delivered to the Android phone. The solution? Ask the Android user to deregister his or her phone number from Apple’s iMessage system.

7. Check for iOS updates

If you are still having trouble texting an Android phone, ensure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. iOS updates routinely contain fixes to iPhone bugs and glitches. Here’s how to make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap Software Update.
  4. At this point, your iPhone will check if an update is available. When one is found, tap Update Now.

8. Check for a carrier settings update

Carrier settings update may potentially fix this problem, so see if there is any pending update that need to be installed. Here’s how:

  1. Connect to a cell phone or Wi-Fi network of your choice.
  2. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  3. Tap General.
  4. Tap About. Should an update be available, you’ll be able to do so from this screen.

9. Reset your network settings

If you’ve tried everything else and you can’t send text messages to Android phone, you might need to reset your iPhone’s network settings.

Save this as a last resort, because this troubleshooting step will erase all your network settings, including saved Wi-Fi network passwords and paired Bluetooth devices, so in some ways it’ll be like you have a new iPhone again.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Select Transfer or Reset iPhone at the bottom.
  4. Tap Reset.
  5. In the menu that appears, tap Reset Network Settings.

10. Contact your carrier network or Apple Support

If you’ve tried all the other troubleshooting options in this list and one or more Android users aren’t getting your texts, contact your carrier to ensure that the network isn’t experiencing outages, that your account is in good standing and your service operational, and that your iPhone isn’t blocked from sending text messages.

You might also need to contact Apple Support for further help or visit your nearest Genius Bar.

How to restart, force restart, or reset any iPhone model

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Learn how to restart or force restart your iPhone — and what to do if restarting doesn’t fix the issue.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • To restart an iPhone, hold down the side button and one of the volume buttons, then drag the Slide to power off slider when it appears onscreen.
  • If restarting doesn’t work, you can trigger a "force restart" by pressing Volume Up, Volume Down, and then Power.
  • As a last resort, you can fix almost any glitch by resetting your iPhone.

You shouldn’t have to turn off your iPhone very often. If you’re not going to use it for a few hours, it’s not worth the hassle (and minuscule battery life savings) to shut it down.

But, if you know you’re not going to use your phone for a couple of days, or on a very long international flight, and you want to save every last ounce of battery life, shutting it down can be an effective option.

And if your iPhone is so bugged that you can’t even restart it, a force restart works just as well. This method "forces" your iPhone to turn off, even if it’s frozen.

Here’s how to restart or force restart any iPhone — and what to do if restarting doesn’t fix the issue.

How to restart an iPhone

The exact steps to restart your iPhone will depend on what model you have.

Quick tip: The button we call the Power button is also sometimes called the Lock button or the Side button.

Restart an iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, or iPhone 16

  1. Hold down the side button and one of the volume buttons until a set of sliders appear onscreen.
  2. Drag the Slide to power off slider all the way to the right.
  3. Wait about 30 seconds for your iPhone to completely power down. It may not take that long.
  4. Once the screen is completely black (i.e. there’s no glow), hold the side button until you see an Apple logo.
  5. Let go of the button, and wait for the homescreen to appear.

Restart an iPhone SE, iPhone 8, or earlier

  1. Hold down the power button until a set of sliders appear onscreen.
  2. Drag the Slide to power off slider all the way to the right.
  3. Wait about 30 seconds for your iPhone to completely power down. It may not take that long.
  4. Once the screen is completely black (i.e. there’s no glow), hold the power button until you see an Apple logo.
  5. Let go of the button, and wait for the homescreen to appear.

How to force restart an iPhone

When your iPhone’s screen is black or frozen and not responding, a normal restart might not work for the simple reason that your iPhone has gotten itself in such a state that it fails to recognize you holding down the power and volume buttons — or your silent prayers. If your iPhone is unresponsive and won’t restart the usual way, then a force restart can bring it back to life. Fear not: a force-restart does not erase anything on your iPhone.

Again, the steps will change depending on which iPhone you own.

Force restart an iPhone 8, iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generations), iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, or iPhone 16

  1. Press and release the volume-up button.
  2. Press and release the volume-down button.
  3. Press and hold the side button until the screen turns off and then turns back on. You can release the side button when the Apple logo appears.

Force restart an iPhone 7

Press and hold both the volume-down button and the side button until you see the Apple logo.

Force restart an iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone 6, or earlier

Press and hold both the sleep/wake button and the home button until you see the Apple logo.

How to reset an iPhone

If you’ve restarted and force restarted your iPhone but it’s still not working, resetting the device to its factory settings may solve the problem. For details on how to factory reset your iPhone, see this Apple support article.

How to reset the network settings on your iPhone

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Learn how to reset network settings on your iPhone and what happens when you do.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • To reset the network settings on your iPhone, navigate to the "Reset" menu in the Settings app.
  • A network settings reset will erase all internet and network-related data stored on your iPhone.
  • Turning Airplane Mode on and off, restarting your iPhone, restarting your router, and reconnecting to WiFi can help resolve internet connectivity issues without having to do a network settings reset.

An internet connection is vital to many of the iPhone’s features and functions, from sending emails to checking the weather. If you find that your iPhone isn’t able to access the internet, even if it looks like it’s connected to WiFi or mobile data, a network settings reset may be necessary.

Here’s everything you need to know about resetting your network settings on iPhone.

What happens when you reset your network settings on iPhone

This is not a complete removal of your settings and content. But the following will occur:

  • Your saved Wi-Fi names and passwords will be deleted.
  • Custom DNS settings, if any, will be deleted.
  • Cellular preferences will be removed. Your cellular data usage will be reset (Settings > Cellular > Usage).
  • Bluetooth preferences will be deleted. All of your saved paired connections will be removed.
  • If you are using a VPN, your VPN settings (server names, passwords, etc.) will be deleted.
  • Your iPhone name (Settings > General > About) will be reset to the default, which is iPhone.

What Reset Network Settings does not do

  • Your content will not be deleted. This means that, for example:
    • Your photos, videos, files or folders, etc., will stay.
    • Your email and email accounts will stay.
    • Your messages will stay.
  • Your other settings will not be changed. These include, but are not limited to:
    • Home screen layout.
    • Location and privacy settings.
    • Apple Pay cards.
    • Your app settings.
    • Your iCloud or Apple ID settings.
    • Your sound settings (notifications, etc.).
    • Display settings (wallpaper, etc.).
  • Phone calls, the ability to send texts or iMessages, and other classic telephone services are not affected. These are already pre-configured.

When to Reset Network Settings

All reset options, including the network one, are a last resort after you have done other troubleshooting steps (I list some below) without success. The most common reason for resetting network settings is to fix network connection problems. These may include, but are not limited to:

  • If you cannot connect to Wi-Fi. For example, if you cannot use services that require an active Internet connection, such as browsing the web or using FaceTime.
  • If you are having cellular issues. For example, if you see no service, searching or SOS on your screen.
  • If you cannot make or receive phone calls.

What to try before you reset your network settings

Before you reset your network settings, first try  completing a few troubleshooting steps. Some of the general strategies for fixing network problems include:

  • Turning your iPhone off and on
  • Turning Airplane mode on and off.
  • Updating to the latest version of iOS
  • Restarting your modem or router.
  • Forgetting and reconnecting to your WiFi network.

How to reset network settings on your iPhone

Finally, if you’re still having issues connecting to the internet, reset your network settings.

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  4. Tap Reset.
  5. Tap Reset Network Settings.
  6. Enter your passcode if prompted, then tap Reset Network Settings to confirm your choice.

Reset Network Settings to Fix Connectivity Problems on Your iPhone

Whether you’re facing issues with your Wi-Fi or cellular data connection, you can reset your iPhone’s network settings to fix the problem within seconds. It only takes a couple of minutes and is a quick process.

This solution is effective most of the time, but remember that doing this will remove all the saved Wi-Fi networks and paired devices, and you will have to connect to them again manually, which will take some time.

How to fix iPhone Not Sending Text Messages after iOS 18 update

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If your iPhone won’t send text messages after iOS 18 update, these troubleshooting tips and fixes will get you back to texting fast.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • To fix an iPhone that won’t send text messages on iOS 18, first try restarting it or checking for updates.
  • Check if you’ve been blocked by the recipient, or if your carrier is having network issues.
  • You should also make sure your SIM card is installed properly.

Many people depend on the Messages app as their main form of communication, so not able to send SMS messages might means you won’t be able to communicate partners, friends, or family. Below, we’ll go through all the solutions you should try when your iPhone isn’t sending SMS after iOS 18 update

Why is my iPhone suddenly not sending text messages after iOS 18 update

If you are having trouble sending texts on your iPhone after upgrading to the latest iOS 18 update, it could be that something is wrong with your phone, the recipient, or the mobile service provider.

Fortunately, fixing the problem is usually pretty easy.

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h2>How to fix an iPhone not sending text messages after iOS 18 update/h2>

There are a variety of potential solutions here, and it may be hard to gauge which one will actually address your situation. If that’s the case, try going through these steps one-by-one — chances are you’ll eventually come across something that works for you.

1. Try improving your connection quality

The first thing you should do is ensure that you have a decent signal — without network connectivity, you might not be able to send texts until a stable connection returns. The status bar on your iPhone is usually a good enough indicator — if cellular is down to a single bar, “SOS only,” or “no service” for example, you may need to walk or travel until you find a place with two bars or better. Usually at least the texts should go through with a single bar.

If the signal is good and the messages still aren’t going through, move on to the next troubleshooting step.

2. Restart The Messages App

If your iPhone can’t send text messages in iOS 18 first try restarting the Messages app. On many occasions, I have managed to fix issues related to messages by closing and reopening the Messages app. So, you should give this nifty troubleshooting tip a chance.

  • If your iPhone has a Home Button: Double-press the Home button -> Find Messages in the app switcher and swipe it up.
  • On iPhone without the Home Button: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the App Switcher -> swipe left/right to find Messages and swipe it up.
  • Now, launch Messages and try sending texts again.

3. Check that both Send as SMS and MMS Messaging are enabled

While these are usually set up automatically on iPhone, the wrong settings will cause texts to fail.

  1. Open the Settings app and tap Apps.
  2. Scroll down and tap Messages.
  3. Make sure Send as SMS and MMS Messaging are toggled on.

4. Restart your iPhone

Restarting your iPhone may potentially solve caching issues or stuck processes. So, it would be wise to give soft reset a chance to show its magic as well.

  • To restart iPhone with a Face ID including iPhone 16: hold down the side button and one of the volume buttons until a set of sliders appear onscreen. Drag the Slide to power off slider all the way to the right. To turn your iPhone back on, hold down the side button until you see the Apple logo.
  • To restart iPhone with a Home Button including iPhone SE (iPhone SE 3rd generation): hold down the power button until a set of sliders appear onscreen. Drag the Slide to power off slider all the way to the right. To turn your iPhone back on, hold down the power button until you see the Apple logo.

5. Check for iOS update

If the restart didn’t work, you should check if there is a pending iOS update.

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap Software Update.
  4. If an update is available, tap Update Now.

6. Check for carrier settings updates

These are rare, and you’ll normally be prompted to install them automatically, but if you’re missing one your cellular service may not work as intended, if at all.

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap About, and if there’s an update, you should be prompted to install it within a minute or so. Wait at least a couple of minutes before bailing.

7. Check your SIM card

Next make sure that your iPhone’s SIM card is properly installed.

You can pop out the SIM tray using the SIM ejector tool that came with your iPhone or by unwinding a small paperclip pushing it into the tray’s eject hole.

If the card was physically out of place, that was likely the cause of the problem.

8. The recipient blocked your messages

If your text messages aren’t going through to a particular recipient, it could very well be that they have blocked your number. There’s no easy way to find out since you don’t get an alert when someone has done this. However, there are a few ways to check.

Try the following and keep an eye out for red flags of being blocked:

  • Call the person: If your call goes to voicemail, it means they haven’t blocked you. However, if it tells you that the person you’re trying to call is unavailable, even after multiple calls at different times of the day, there’s a chance they may have blocked you.
  • Text someone else: Try texting other people to see if they are receiving your messages. If they are going through to everyone else except this one person, then chances are, you have been blocked.

9. Your texts were flagged as spam

If too many people have reported your text messages as spam, which can happen if you’re using the number to text customers a lot, carriers could blacklist your number. That means every time you try to text a number belonging to those carriers, their spam filters will prevent your message from going out.

Depending on the severity of the spam reports, your number could be temporarily or permanently banned from texting.

10. Contact your carrier

Sometimes, if you’re unable to send a text message on iPhone, it could be that your mobile service provider is experiencing issues with their SMS service. Call them to find out if that is the case and when you can expect normal service to be restored so you can try sending the text messages again.

11. Reset your network settings

Resetting your network settings is a last-ditch attempt before seeking help from Apple, but it might be your last chance for getting those messages out.

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  4. Select Reset.
  5. Tap Reset Network Settings.

See also: 10 Fixes for an iPhone Not Receiving Text Messages

How To Spot Fake Apple AirPods Pro (second-generation)

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Knockoff version of AirPods Pro 2 are prevalent on secondhand market sites like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace.

The new AirPods Pro.  

Fake AirPods Pro 2 can be difficult to spot, given that Apple uses a minimalist design that’s fairly easy to replicate. Some fakes with poor packaging and sub-standard quality are easier to identify, while others are more sophisticated, even mimicking the AirPods Pro’ software features. Either way, if you suspect your second-generation AirPods Pro aren’t original, there are a few ways to verify this.

What to know:

  • The easiest way to spot fake AirPods Pro 2 is just to pair them to your iPhone. When fake AirPods Pro are paired, iOS will alert users that their headphones aren’t genuine.
  • Verify the serial number at checkcoverage.apple.com. If your AirPods Pro 2 are fake, the website will throw up an error message.
  • Carefully lookat the packaging of the AirPods box, and if you notice spelling mistakes, double spaces, printing issues, and pixelation in photos, the AirPods Pro aren’t genuine.

Check Apple’s device coverage website

The easiest way to check if your AirPods Pro 2 are fake is by entering their serial number on Apple’s website.

To find the serial number, open the AirPods Pro case and check the underside of the lid. If you still have the AirPods Pro packaging, the serial number will be printed next to the bar code.

You can also check the AirPods Pro serial number on your iPhone or Mac. Here’s how to do it on iPhone:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap Bluetooth.
  3. Look for the AirPods Pro under My Devices.
  4. Tap the ‘i’ next to the AirPods Pro to view the serial number.

If you have a Mac, follow these steps to find the serial number:

  1. Make sure your AirPods Pro are in your ears and connected to your Mac.
  2. Click on the Apple logo in the menu bar and select System Settings.
  3. Scroll down to find your AirPods Pro in the list.
  4. Click on them to see the serial number.

Once you’ve obtained the serial number, head over to checkcoverage.apple.com. If your AirPods Pro are genuine, it should show the model number, purchase date, and any warranty information. You’ll be asked to enter a valid serial number if the serial number doesn’t exist.

Check for setup and battery animations on iPhone

Original second-generation AirPods Pro will display a pop-up menu on an iPhone or iPad screen when connecting them. If you don’t see this menu, it’s pretty much a guarantee that your AirPods Pro 2 are fake. Here’s how to pair AirPods Pro with iPhone:

  1. Enable Bluetooth on your iPhone.
  2. Open the AirPods Pro case with the earbuds inside and hold it close by.
  3. A setup menu will appear on the screen with a Connect button.
  4. If you’ve already paired your AirPods Pro with your iPhone, open the charging case with the AirPods Pro inside and hold it next to the phone. After a few seconds, a menu will appear on the screen showing the remaining battery level of each AirPod and the charging case. You can also go to Bluetooth in iPhone Settings and tap the ‘i’ next to the AirPods Pro. If the AirPods Pro are currently connected, this menu should display an image showing the battery level of the AirPods Pro and case, along with other settings. 

If the AirPods Pro aren’t connected, there should be information about them in the About section, including the model name, model number, serial number, and warranty information. While in this section, check if there’s an option to view the AirPods Pro in the Find My app. Genuine AirPods Pro can be viewed on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and even Apple Watch in the Find My app.

Inspect the AirPods Pro and their case

The AirPods Pro earbuds, case, and packaging design can tell you a lot about whether they’re fake. The second-generation AirPods Pro are white, so if yours are any other color, they’re definitely not from Apple.

When looking at the second-generation AirPods Pro case, there shoot be a lanyard loop on the right side. Moreover, there should be a status light in the front. In addition, the AirPods Pro cases should have a button at the back. This pairs the AirPods with a Mac, Apple TV, or non-Apple device. The pairing button should sit flush with the case.

The charging port is another dead giveaway. Apple uses a Lightning port on second-generation AirPods Pro. If your AirPods Pro 2 have a USB-C or micro USB port, they’re definitely fake.

There’s also a speaker at the bottom of the case to help you locate it when lost.

Inspect the packaging

The quality of the packaging also says a lot about second-gen AirPods Pro. Carefully look at the packaging of the AirPods box, and if you notice spelling mistakes, double spaces, printing issues, and pixelation in photos, the AirPods aren’t genuine.

Apple includes documentation in the AirPods Pro box, so check if a manual, safety information, and warranty are included. A Lightning to USB-C cable should also be in the box. Four sets of ear tips should also be included.

Check for a verification alert on iPhone

Starting with iOS 16, when you attempt to pair a set of counterfeit AirPods Pro, an alert will appear that lets you know that Apple was unable to verify the buds as legitimate. This will help anyone buying a set of AirPods if they are able to test them on their iPhone before paying.

Inspect Airpods for missing features

Another way of spotting fake second-generation AirPods Pro is by checking if they’re missing a feature or function that should be available. Wireless charging support, for example, must be present on the AirPods Pro 2. If the charging case for these AirPods doesn’t support wireless charging, it’s a fake.

Another feature you should check out for on AirPods Pro 2 is the onboard volume controls. You can increase or decrease volume by sliding a finger up or down the capacitive "force sensor" section of the stem that you’d normally press for music controls. This works on either earbud, and you’ll hear a little click sound in that ear as you adjust volume. This feature is usually missing from the fakes.