How to fix an iPhone 7 that keeps crashing, shutting down randomly after updating to iOS version 11.4.1 [Troubleshooting Guide]

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Random crashes and reboots in smartphones are usually due to memory problems like when the device is running low on memory space. Such problems typically occur as wear-and-tear symptoms, after several months or years of regular usage. However, these symptoms can also occur earlier and unexpectedly when triggered by some factors like malware infiltration, errant applications, and faulty updates to name some.

That said, even high-end smartphones including iPhones can give into these problems at any time. If ever you will encounter the same issue on your iPhone 7 after installing a new update to iOS, I have mapped out some simple solutions for you to try on. These are standard procedures and workarounds used to clear post-update errors that caused your iPhone to act up suddenly. Read on if you need more inputs on how to troubleshoot the issue.

For those who are looking for a solution to a different problem, drop by our troubleshooting page for we have already addressed some of the most common issues with this phone. Browse through the page to find issues that are similar with yours and use the solutions we suggested. If they don’t work for you or if you still need our help, contact us anytime through our iPhone issues questionnaire.

First solution: Force restart.

A force restart is an alternative to a soft reset and carried out when your device becomes unresponsive or stuck. It works by force closing all errant applications, particularly background apps. It also dumps cached files and corrupted data from the internal memory and phone system from an update. If you haven’t done so yet, then follow these steps to force restart your iPhone 7:

  1. Press and hold both the Power button and Volume Down button for about 20 to 30 seconds.
  2. Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears then allow your phone to boot up completely.

Allow your device to complete the restart process and refresh apps and system functions. You won’t lose any important information from doing so because it does not affect internal data. That said, no need to back up files.

Second solution: Install pending updates for apps.

Apps also require update to remain bug-free and stable. Developers usually pushed minor updates soon before or after a new iOS update roll-out to keep their apps able to work with the new iOS platform. If you haven’t updated your apps yet, then you can manually check for any pending app updates from the App Store and then install them on your iPhone 7 with these steps:

  1. Tap the App Store icon from the Home screen.
  2. From the App Store main screen, tap the Updates icon at the bottom right. A list of apps with pending updates then shows up on the screen.
  3. Tap  the Update button next to an application to update individual apps.
  4. Tap the Update All button on the upper right of the screen, to install multiple app updates simultaneously.

Wait until all apps are finished updating then reboot your iPhone again to apply new app changes accordingly.

Third solution: Reset all settings on your iPhone 7.

If the new iOS update somehow altered your device settings automatically, then it’s possible that some system settings ended up being invalid or incorrectly configured. In that case, resetting the system settings would be necessary to erase all recent system settings changes and errors. Then you can manually enable necessary features and configure options properly according to your previous preferences, before the update brings you this trouble. Here’s how:

  1. Go to Settings-> General-> Reset menu.
  2. Select Reset all settings option. This will clear system settings including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and others without affecting data.
  3. If prompted, enter the correct passcode for your device.
  4. Tap to confirm all settings reset.

Reboot your iPhone when the reset is finished then continue to set up your device. This reset will not affect any data saved on your phone’s internal memory, hence won’t result to data loss.

Fourth solution: Factory reset your iPhone 7 (master reset).

Among the last options and possible solutions you can try on when dealing with complex software issues is a master reset. This will erase your iPhone completely and restore it to its factory defaults or original state. Any tough bugs and complicated errors caused by the new iOS update will also be cleared in the process. Just don’t forget to back up all your important data beforehand for safekeeping. Once you’re all set, follow these steps to factory reset your iPhone 7 through settings menu:

  1. Tap Settings from the Home screen.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Scroll to and tap Reset.
  4. Select the option to Erase all content and settings.
  5. If prompted, enter your device passcode.
  6. Then tap to confirm master reset.

If a factory reset through settings couldn’t be carried out, then you can use iTunes and reset your iPhone on your computer instead.

  1. Connect your iPhone to the computer using the supplied USB cable or Lightning cable.
  2. Open iTunes on your computer.
  3. Click the iPhone icon.
  4. Click the Restore iPhone button.
  5. If prompted to automatically check for updates, click Check then follow the onscreen instructions.
  6. Read the iTunes alert message and click Restore. Then follow the rest of the onscreen instructions to complete the reset in iTunes.

A factory reset usually takes care of the problem for as long as it’s software-related. But if it still failed to fix your iPhone, then you can proceed and take chances in iOS restores.

Fifth solution: Restore your iPhone in iTunes (recovery mode restore).

A recovery mode restore puts your device in recovery mode and then restore it through iTunes. This is usually needed when dealing with major system errors that could not be remedied by a factory reset. To get this done, you will need to use a Windows PC or Mac computer that’s running on a later if not the latest operating system and has the latest version of iTunes software installed. Once you’ve got the equipment ready, follow these steps to continue and carry out a recovery mode restore on your iPhone 7:

  1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using the supplied USB connector or Lightning cable and then open iTunes.
  2. While your iPhone is connected, do a force restart by pressing and holding on the Side/Power button and Volume Down button simultaneously for a while. Do not release the buttons when the Apple logo appears because you will need to put your device in recovery mode. You can release the buttons as soon as you see the Connect to iTunes screen.
  3. When prompted with the option to Update or Restore, select Restore.
  4. Wait while iTunes attempts to reinstall iOS and download the software for your device. The download usually takes 15 minutes.  If the download exceeds 15 minutes, your iPhone will exit the Connect to iTunes screen. If that happens, just let the download finish and then go back to the previous steps to get to the Connect to iTunes screen and enter recovery mode again.

After the Restore completes, you can proceed and set up your iPhone again. Enable your network connections and other necessary features to use them again on your device. If it still failed to work as intended, then you may proceed to a DFU mode restore. This would be the last-ditch solution you can try to fix your device. Should you wish to continue, you can refer to a more detailed tutorial on how to use DFU mode and how it works on your iPhone 7 found on our troubleshooting page.

Seek more help

Report the issue to your carrier or Apple Support if the problem persists and you’ve already run out of options to try on your end. It could be a more complicated post-update issue that requires a fix patch. Or you can also take your iPhone to the nearest Apple Genius bar in your area and have it examined by an Apple authorized technician instead. Random crashes and unexpected shutdowns are also symptoms of hardware damage, so it’s possible that your device needs service.

Connect with us

If you need more help with the use of certain functions and features of the Apple iPhone 7 smartphone, feel free to visit our Tutorial Page. There you can find a list of how-to contents, step-by-step tutorials, as well as answers to FAQs regarding iPhone 7. If you have other concerns or encountered some troubles while using the phone, you can reach us through this form. Just be sure to tell us more details of the problem or device issue(s) you may have and we will be more than happy to assist you further.

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