How to fix an iPhone 7 Plus that is not responding or gets stuck after installing iOS version 11.4 update [Troubleshooting Guide]

Apple periodically releases software updates ast its way of keeping iOS devices at their optimum performance. Some updates bring in new features while others with bug fixes. Nonetheless, there are instances when an update tends to cause device issues to arise. This usually occurs when an update is not successfully installed and gets corrupted. The transpiring symptoms may vary depending on the cause. But often times, they occur as minor errors like lags, freezes, and apps crashes. That fact that these problems are attributed to software errors makes them possible to fix by end-users.

Highlighted below are among the potential solutions and suggested workarounds to deal with relevant post update issues on the iPhone 7 Plus. Read on to find out what to do if your iPhone suddenly stops responding or gets stuck after updating to iOS version 11.4. Begin troubleshooting whenever you’re all set.

Before we move on to our troubleshooting, if you are looking for a solution to a different issue, make sure you drop by our troubleshooting page as we’ve already addressed some of the most common problems reported by our readers. Find issues that are similar with yours and use the solutions we suggested. If you still need our help after that, then feel free to contact us by filling up our iPhone issues questionnaire.

First solution: Force restart.

A force restart refers to a simulated battery removal procedure that is used to forcibly shut down then restart the iPhone system. It’s an alternative method to restart an unresponsive device like when your iPhone screen gets stuck and won’t respond to touches. This reset works the same as a soft reset when it comes to clearing cache and bad data from the internal memory and thereby eliminates minor errors that caused the system to glitch. Background apps that went rogue from the update are also cleared in the process. This will not affect any data on your iPhone storage, thus won’t require backup creation. If you haven’t already, then follow these steps to force restart your iPhone 7 Plus:

  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.

If your device restarts and responds after a force restart, perform the second and third solutions. Otherwise, reset or restore your iPhone 7 Plus on a computer through iTunes.

Second solution: Install pending app updates.

Although the symptom instigated after installing an update, it doesn’t always denote that the update is to blame. In some cases, rogue apps are the culprit. Apps can go rogue when a new system update is installed. This may have something to do with the new system requirements that are no longer met. For apps to work properly, they must meet the minimum system requirements of the devices. But since the iPhone system is updated, it’s possible that the minimum system requirements are changed and so some apps are no longer supported. This is when system conflicts and errors begin. Unless you’ve set your device to auto-install updates, it would be necessary to install pending app updates manually. Here’s how:

  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.

Don’t forget to restart your iPhone after installing all pending app updates. Doing so will refresh the operating system and clear the internal memory from corrupted cache and data.

Third solution: Reset all settings.

Some updates are programmed to override device settings automatically. If this happens, there’s a higher chance to end up having some settings conflicts. It can happen because not all devices are configured in a similar way test devices are configured. So the update may work smoothly on certain devices but not on others. In this case, resetting all settings can help. By doing so, you can restore all system settings to their default or original values and then configure necessary options accordingly.

  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.

After the settings reset, trigger your iPhone to reboot (soft reset) to refresh the memory and apply the new settings changes.

Fourth solution: Factory reset/master reset.

A master reset or complete system wipe out would be necessary if the problem persists after performing all previous procedures. You’re likely dealing with a more complex system error, which could only be remedied by restoring the system defaults. This can be a tedious task because you’ll end up losing all your critical data and proceed with the initial setup process. On the positive note, any system errors, bugs, and malware will be cleared.

If your iPhone 7 Plus screen is already responsive, then you can carry out a master reset through Settings. Otherwise, you will need to use iTunes on a computer.

To reset your iPhone to factory defaults via settings menu, follow these steps:

  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.

To reset your iPhone through iTunes on a computer, secure a Windows PC or Mac computer then follow these steps:

  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.

Follow the rest of the given instructions to complete the reset in iTunes. If this doesn’t work, then performing an iOS restore would be your final option.

Fifth solution: Restore your iPhone 7 Plus in iTunes.

There are two iOS restore you can try on through iTunes. You can start with a recovery mode restore. If that won’t help, then you may have to consider performing a DFU mode restore. Both these iOS restore procedures are carried out through iTunes so you’ll need to secure a computer beforehand. Then connect your iPhone to the computer using the Lightning cable or USB cable that came with it. Also ensure that you’re using the latest version of iTunes software and a later or latest version of computer operating system. Either Windows or Mac OS will do for as long as it meets the system requirements for your iPhone 7 Plus.

A more detailed walkthrough on how to perform an iPhone restore in recovery mode and DFU mode can be found on our iPhone 7 Plus Troubleshooting page. Just navigate to the tutorials section and find the correct header.

Seek more help

Reporting the issue to Apple Support is a must if the problem persists after exhausting all possible means to fix it on your end. It could be a more complex system bug that caused your iPhone 7 Plus system to crash and requires a fix patch. If calling technical support is not an option for you, then you can just take your iPhone to the nearest Apple Genius bar in your place and have it diagnosed thoroughly by an Apple technician instead.

Connect with us

If you need more help with the use of certain functions and features of the new 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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