iOS 16 problems: common bugs and solutions

The new iOS 16 update brings a plethora of new features to the iPhone. But what a major update is often good for are bugs and errors. In this article, we’ll discuss the common iOS 16 problems — and their solutions.

iOS 16 issues

In general, the more changes there are in the software, the more bugs the update brings. Unfortunately, iOS 16 is no different. Users complain about crazy notifications, an update that hangs, duplicate photos not showing up and more.

iOS 16 update fails

For some people, the iOS 16 update hangs after applying. This can be solved by deleting the update file:

1. Open the Settings app and tap “General”;
2. Tap “iPhone Storage”;
3. From the list, tap iOS 16.0 and choose Uninstall Update.

Restart iPhone and try installing iOS 16 again. Check if Wi-Fi is working and make sure the battery is at least 50 percent full, otherwise the software won’t install.

I don’t see the iOS 16 update

Have you already gone to ‘Settings>General>Software Update’, and do you not see the update there?

First, check if your iPhone has iOS 16 support. The update is available for iPhone 8 and newer. You can see which device you have under ‘Settings>General>About’.

Have you previously installed the test version (beta) of iOS 16? Then you may need to delete the profile before you can install the iPhone update. You can do this in ‘Settings>VPN and device management’.

If this still does not solve the problem, perform a forced restart. You can read how this works in the article Reset iPhone. Then try updating again.

My battery runs out faster

Do you feel that your iPhone battery is draining faster since iOS 16? You are not alone. Fortunately, this problem is only temporary: with major updates, your device performs all kinds of processes in the background, so that the battery life is a few days shorter than you are used to.

Usually the battery life is back to the old level after a few days. Still want to do something to last longer with your iPhone? Then check out these iPhone battery tips.

Folder with duplicate photos is not displayed

The Photos app has a new feature that makes it easy to find and merge duplicate photos. You do this by scrolling down in the Albums tab and tapping ‘Duplicate parts’.

Many users complain that they do not see the folder. That could be for two reasons. The first is that your iPhone isn’t done indexing your Photos library yet. It may then take a while before the duplicates are discovered.

Another possible cause is that you simply don’t have the duplicate photos. The folder ‘Duplicate parts’ is then not shown. You can make sure you have a duplicate photo on iPhone by duplicating an image. Open the image, tap the three dots in the top right and choose Duplicate.

I can no longer turn the lights on or off in the Home app

This is not an iOS 16 bug, but a deliberate adjustment. You can quickly switch a lamp on or off by tapping the icon to the left of a button. If you tap the rest of the button, a slider will appear to change the strength. Previously, you had to press a button longer for this.

The time is shown differently

If you install the update, you will immediately notice that the font of the time and date has been changed. Not your taste? Here’s how to go back to the old styling:

1. Long press the lock screen;
2. Tap ‘Edit’ at the bottom;
3. Tap the clock;
4. Select a different font. The second one from the top left is the closest to the previous font.

I can’t add battery percentage

With iOS 16 it’s finally back: the battery percentage in the status bar! You must activate the option first, which you do via ‘Settings>Battery’.

Don’t see the option? You can, because strangely enough, the feature isn’t there for all iPhones. With an iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini you do not have the option. Possibly because Apple found the resolution too low there, or the screen too small.

Notifications appear over each other

There are many complaints about the new notifications, which are now shown at the bottom and in a stack. Apple does this to make room for the widgets on the lock screen. Another advantage is that it makes the iPhone a little easier to operate with one hand.

Fortunately, you can set the notifications to be shown in a list view as usual. Go to ‘Settings>Notifications’ and select ‘List’ at the top.

Wifi keeps dropping out

Among people with a relatively old iPhone, one of the common iOS 16 problems is that Wi-Fi drops regularly. You can fix this by reconfiguring your Wi-Fi networks:

1. Open the Settings app;
2. Go to ‘General>Transfer or Reset iPhone’;
3. Select ‘Reset’;
4. Select ‘Restore network settings’.

Then reconnect to Wi-Fi network. The problem should now be resolved.

Any other iOS 16 issues?

Have you spotted any other iOS 16 problems yourself? Let us know below in the comments.