Broken Phone or Bad App? Troubleshooting Smartphone Glitches

Apr 19, 2019

Do you have a broken phone, or is an app causing the problems you’re currently experiencing?

Sometimes it can be hard to tell whether smartphone problems are hardware- or software-related. Whatever the cause may be, it can be frustrating and costly, especially if you jump the gun and replace your phone when you don’t need to.

Some of the most common problems that occur with smartphones, tablets and other devices can be traced back to apps that users have added.

Smartphone Battery Problems Related to Apps

Device batteries can be a constant source of frustration because they never seem to last as long as we need them to. If you’re constantly attached to a wall outlet or battery pack, it seems to defeat the purpose of having a smartphone. But, before you decide to replace your battery – or your entire device – make sure the constant drain isn’t being caused by an app.

Some of the most popular apps, such as Facebook and Pokémon Go, are notorious for their power use. But most apps will drain your device battery unnecessarily if they update in the background.

Check to see if any of your apps are running in the background and, unless you need them to update when you aren’t using them, turn that function off. If you’re still experiencing problems, try turning off one app at a time for a day or two and see if you notice any difference in how quickly your battery drains.

Unexpected Phone Resets & Shutdowns Related to Apps

The iPhone has a history of experiencing sudden, unexpected and repeated shutdowns and resets due to app-related glitches. For example, Apple had to issue an urgent iOS update recently to address an app-related problem that caused users phones to reboot over and over. In that instance, the apps in question used push notifications to remind users to take a medication or to get their steps in for the day.

If you’re experiencing reboots, shutdowns or related glitches with your device, install any operating system updates that are pending. Next, check to see if your apps need to be updated.

If these steps don’t resolve the glitches, consult with a smartphone repair expert to continue troubleshooting the problems.

Apps Causing Your Phone to Run Slow or Freeze

If your smartphone is running slow or freezing up, you may think you have a hardware problem.

These issues can be caused by a bad network connection, memory management problems or a lack of storage space on your device. But, more often, freezing and painfully slow operation are related to apps that you have installed.

Try closing all apps and rebooting your device. If you’re still having the problem, install any operating system and app updates that you have available. If you’re still having the same problem, back up your device and perform a factory reset. Before you install any apps, check to see if your device is still freezing or running slow.

If the problem is gone, you can rest assured it was being caused by an app. Reinstall your apps one by one, checking for the problem each time. If the issue comes back, its safe to assume that the last app you installed is the guilty party.

If the problem persists even after a factory reset, it’s time to seek the help of a seasoned smartphone repair pro. In Utah, trust your electronic devices to the experts at FixIT Mobile | Bad Apple. We offer quick turnaround and budget-friendly prices for iPhone repair as well as Android, Samsung, HTC, LG and more.