10 Common iOS 9 Problems & How to Fix Them

Apple's iOS 9 updates for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch bring new features but they've also brought some problems to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch owners. With those complaints in mind, we want to show you how to fix the common iOS 9 problems found on iOS 9.0, iOS 9.1, iOS 9.2, iOS 9.3, iOS 9.3.2, and the iOS 9.3.3 beta.

As we push deeper into the year, Apple continues to refine the iOS 9 operating system it rolled out back in September.

In 2016 we've seen several substantial updates including the iOS 9.3 update it delivered back in March. iOS 9.3 brought several new features, bug fixes and enhancements to iOS 9 users. It also, like all iOS updates, brought problems.

Apple's now on iOS 9.3.2 and it's also causing problems for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch owners.

iOS 9.0, iOS 9.1, iOS 9.2, iOS 9.3, and iOS 9.3.2 users are reporting problems with the operating system for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

Apple's extensive beta testing process has wiped out a ton of potential bugs but some problems have managed to slip through the cracks. This isn't surprising. iOS updates, even ones that go through a lengthy beta period, arrive with problems.

iOS 9.3.3 is in beta but a release date is unknown. It could be days or even weeks before we see this update roll out.

This means that those of you running into iOS 9 problems on iOS 9.0, iOS 9.0.1, iOS 9.0.2, iOS 9.1, iOS 9.2, iOS 9.2.1, iOS 9.3, and iOS 9.3.2 will likely have to find fixes on your own.

With that in mind, we want to help you take care of the issues that you're seeing on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.

This list of common iOS 9 problems comes with some fixes that have been passed down over the years. All of them are proven fixes and there's a good chance that you'll find the fix that you've been looking for right here.

These will work if you're on iOS 9.0, iOS 9.0.1, iOS 9.0.2, iOS 9.1, iOS 9.2, iOS 9.2.1, iOS 9.3, iOS 9.3.2, and the iOS 9.3.3 beta.

How to Fix iOS 9 Installation Problems

We're continue to see isolated installation issues including frozen downloads and an issue that's preventing users from swiping to update after installing the iOS 9 update on iPhone and iPad.

Neither is ideal. Fortunately, there are fixes for both of these issues.

Many users see the iOS 9 software update failed error.

If your iOS 9 download or installation locks up, you'll want to hold down the power button and the home button for 10 seconds. This typically jumpstarts the process.

How to Fix Slide to Update Problem

As for the other issue, we were able to fix the issue simply by unplugging our phone from the computer and iTunes. This isn't a guaranteed fix but it worked for us and it's a simple solution to try if you're unable to do anything when presented with a "Slide to Update" option.

If that doesn't work, you'll want to take a look at Apple's list of official fixes for this frustrating iOS 9 problem.

How to Fix iOS 9 Touchscreen Problems

If your device's screen stops responding after upgrading to a new version of iOS 9 update, there's no need to panic. At least not right off the bat.

We ran into this problem right after we installed the update on the iPhone 6. The problem prevented us from accessing any apps and it also prevented us from turning the phone off. Fortunately, we were able to fix it very quickly with a simple solution.

If your screen stops responding to touches and swipes, you'll want to hold down the power button and home button at the same time. Wait for the phone to reboot and then try to use your screen like you normally do.

If it doesn't work the first time, try it again until it works. It took three resets for our screen to start working again.

How to Fix iOS 9 Battery Life Problems

The iOS 9 update brings a tangible battery life boost to the iPhone. Some users might get up to an extra hour of battery life. While some users are seeing an increase, others are noticing abnormal battery drain on their device.

Battery issues are common, particularly right after a major system update like iOS 9. If your iOS 9 battery life isn't what you think it should be after installing iOS 9.3.2, wait a couple of days for the update to settle. Things tend to improve after two days or so.

If they don't, take a look at our list of iOS 9 battery life fixes and tips that will help you fix bad iOS 9.0, iOS iOS 9.1, iOS 9.2, or iOS 9.3 battery life.

How to Fix iOS 9 Wi-Fi Problems

We're already seeing complaints about broken Wi-Fi in iOS 9. This isn't at all surprising given that Wi-Fi problems are among the most common iOS problems. Fortunately, there are some proven fixes that could help you alleviate your iOS 9 Wi-Fi issues.

If you run into Wi-Fi problems on iOS 9, you'll want to reset your Network Settings. To do this, head into Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This process can take a few minutes to complete and after it's done, your device will have forgotten known Wi-Fi passwords so make sure you have your password handy.

If that doesn't solve your issue, forget your Wi-Fi networks and reconnect to them. To get that done, go into your Settings > Wi-Fi > Select your connection > Tap Forget this Network at the top of the screen. Reconnect if you can.

If those fixes don't work, take a close look at your router. We recommend unplugging it for a good minute or so then plugging it back in. If that doesn't help, see if there is a firmware update for your router. Each router is different so you'll need to consult your manual on how to do this.

If none of these fixes work for you, you can head here for some other potential fixes. Apple's also got its own guide available as well.

How to Fix iOS 9.1 Touch ID Problems

Many iOS 9 users are complaining about issues with Touch ID. Some are saying that the update has caused problems with accuracy while others are saying that their fingerprints no longer work to open up their device.

These issues might require a direct fix from Apple but there are some things you can try if Touch ID starts acting up.

How to Fix Touch ID Failures

If Touch ID suddenly stops working, try re-training your fingerprints. Before doing this you'll want to make sure you that dirt and sweat are removed from the Touch ID sensor and that oil is removed from your hands.

Next. go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode > Enter your Passcode. On the next screen swipe from right to left on each fingerprint to delete them. When this is complete you can tap on Add a Fingerprint… to re-train Touch ID.

How to Fix Touch ID Problems in App Store

If you're unable to use Touch ID in the App Store, try this fix. First go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode > Enter your Passcode. Then turn off iTunes & App Store. Reboot your iPhone or iPad. Go back to Touch ID & Passcode in Settings and turn iTunes & App Store back on.

How to Fix Touch ID If It's Not Working at All

If it stops working, try resetting the phone by holding down the home button and the power button for 10 seconds or until the phone restarts.

If that doesn't work, you might want to try a factory reset as this has been known to dislodge major Touch ID problems. The instructions can be found at the bottom of this page.

How to Fix iOS 9 Data Problems

We're also seeing iOS 9 users complain about issues with cellular data. We've seen the list of complaints grow in the months since the iOS 9 release.

This is another common iOS problem and one that should affect various iOS 9 users in the weeks to come. Cellular data issues can be tricky but there are a few known fixes for them.

If you're sure that these issues don't have anything to do with an outage, either at Apple or device's service provider, you'll want to first try restarting your device. Power it down, slide to turn it off, and reboot it. It's simple but it has squashed cellular issues in the past.

If that restart doesn't help, try toggling Cellular Data off and on in your device's Settings. To do that go into Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > Toggle Off. After you toggle it off, toggle it back on and see if that doesn't help.

If that doesn't work, try flipping Airplane Mode on for 30 seconds before turning it back off again. Airplane Mode kills all connections on your device. The Airplane Mode function can be found at the top of your Settings

If the problem is with LTE, try shutting LTE off for a few minutes. To shut it down, go into Settings > Cellular > Enable LTE > Off. Flip it back on when ready.

How to Fix iOS 9 Bluetooth Problems

Bluetooth issues are among the most common iOS problems and we're not surprised to see them affecting iOS 9 users after the iOS 9.3.1 and iOS 9.3.2 releases.

Like cellular data problems, these can be a little tricky to fix because of the sheer number of Bluetooth devices out there. Here are a few things to try.

The first thing you'll want to do is reset your device's Network Settings. To get that done go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Your device will forget the Bluetooth device and you'll now have to reconnect.

If that doesn't dislodge your problem, you'll want to try forgetting the Bluetooth connection. To do that go to Settings > Bluetooth > Select your connection using the circular blue i tab > Tap Forget this Device. Try reconnecting.

You can also try resetting all of your settings. This has worked for us in the past and there's a chance it will work for you. To reset all of your settings go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. This process could take a few minutes and after it's done, your device's settings will be restored to factory defaults. In other words, have your Wi-Fi passwords handy.

If you are seeing Bluetooth problems in the car, you'll want to consult your car's manual so that you can restart the connection. This could be a little time consuming for some of you so make sure you set aside some quiet time to do it.

Forget the connection and then try reconnecting to the car. If that doesn't help, you might want to try bringing it into a dealer or car specialist to take a look.

How to Fix iOS 9 App Problems

If you're running into issues with third-party applications after installing an iOS 9 update, you'll want to try a few things before throwing your phone against a wall or deleting the app entirely.

First, see if there is a recent update for your app. Developers have been rolling out iOS 9 support updates that could help. We've downloaded a number of them and we haven't run into any major problems with our apps. Make sure you read reviews on the App Store first though.

If that doesn't work, try reinstalling the application. This has worked for us and many others in the past and it's worth a shot. Make sure your data is backed up before you do this though.

If that doesn't work, contact the developer and tell them about your problem so that they can address it in a future update.

How to Fix iOS 9 App Store Problems

We've been seeing complaints about problems with the App Store and downloading updates. This is obviously a big problem and it's one that appears to be affecting iOS 9.0, iOS 9.1, iOS 9.2, and iOS 9.3 users as well.

There are two known fixes for the problem though they aren't guaranteed to work for you. The first requires a reset. To do this, hold down the power button and home button. Users are saying that got rid of the issue.

Others are saying that they've been able to rapidly tap "Update" on an app before the "Open" symbol appears. Some have said that they've had to tap upwards of 10 times for it to work but that it worked in the long run.

We've also seen this issue on older iOS updates and the issue simply went away after a short period of time. So if nothing works, be patient.

How to Improve iOS 9 Performance

If you are dealing with performance issues like lag, you'll want to consult our list of tips to improve the fluidity of iOS. These strategies are aimed at the iPhone 4s but they should come in handy across all iOS 9 powered devices.

How to Fix iOS 9 iMessage Problems

We're also seeing problems with iMessage after the iOS 9.3.2 update. These are extremely common and we will almost certainly see iMessage problems continue well into iOS 9's lifespan.

If you're seeing problems with Messages, the first thing you'll want to do is toggle the feature off and on again.

Go into your Settings > Messages > Toggle iMessage off then back on. This fix has worked for us in the past and it's the first thing you'll want to try out.

If that quick fix doesn't work, reboot your device.

And if a reboot doesn't work, head into your settings and reset Network Settings. Head into Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will cause your device to forget your connections so make sure you have your Wi-Fi passwords handy.

How to Fix iOS 9 Problems If Nothing Else Works

If you're dealing with an iOS 9 problem that's not listed here, you'll want to head to Apple's discussion forums and look around. Users there are typically very helpful, and knowledgeable, and that's a great place to start.

If you're still experiencing Apple Music problems on iOS 9, you'll want to head to the Apple Music discussion forum.

If those resources don't help, you have some other options. First, you can downgrade to an older version. This option is only be open for a limited time so you'll need to move fast. Apple typically keeps it open for one to two weeks.

If nothing works, you can resort to a factory reset (or a restore from a backup). This will wipe everything on your phone or tablet and return it back to the way it was when you first bought the device.

To perform a full on factory reset on iPhone or iPad, Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. This should only be used as a last resort.

If you can't fix the problem with any of those, take your device into an Apple Store. Schedule an appointment at the Genius Bar and see if the geniuses there can't diagnose your problem.

If you don't want to do that, get in contact with Apple Support via Twitter.

4 Reasons Not to Install iOS 9.3.2 & 5 Reasons You Should

Install iOS 9.3.2 If You Use Night Shift

One of iOS 9.3's most impressive features is called Night Shift. If you've used f.lux, you're familiar with this feature. If you aren't, here's what Night Shift is all about. 

Night Shift changes the color temperature of your screen. Colors become warmer after sunset and they adjust back to cooler more natural colors in the morning. So what does this mean for average iOS users?

The bright blue light that comes from your screen at night can interrupt your circadian rhythms making it harder to fall asleep. With Night Shift enabled, your iPhone's or iPad's display will automatically adjust using your location and time of day. 

There's a convenient way to disable Night Shift via the Control Center menu that you access swiping up from the bottom of the display. The video below is a demonstration of the feature.

The iOS 9.3.2 update improves Night Shift in that it allows you to use it with Low Power Mode on. Low Power Mode is accessible through Settings > Battery and it temporarily reduces power consumption in an effort to save you battery life.

On iOS 9.3.1, you aren't able to use Low Power Mode and Night Shift at the same time. On iOS 9.3.2, you can. So if you use these features, iOS 9.3.2 is probably worth a download for that feature alone. 

Source: 10 Common iOS 9 Problems & How to Fix Them