Digital Pulse Brief / Device help
Phones & Tablets.
Troubleshooting a phone or tablet? Explore practical iPhone, Android and iPad guides for connection problems, charging issues, app errors, storage and settings — with straightforward steps and clear cautions where they matter.
Practical troubleshooting
Phone & tablet guides.
Browse the newest help articles below. More will appear here as they’re published.
We’re preparing our first iPhone, Android and tablet troubleshooting guides. They’ll appear here as soon as they’re published.
Phone and tablet troubleshooting
Start with the symptom, not a reset
An iPhone, Android phone or tablet can show the same warning for very different reasons. Before trying a long list of fixes, identify whether the trouble involves power, an app or a connection. These starting checks help you describe the issue without putting your photos, accounts or settings at risk.
A phone that will not charge
Try a compatible cable and known-working power source, and look for visible damage around the connector. Avoid pushing objects into the port or using equipment that looks damaged. If the device is unusually hot, swollen, wet or physically damaged, stop charging it and seek qualified advice. A charging problem is not always a battery problem.
An app that suddenly stops working
Note whether one app is affected or several. Look for an update through the official app store and check if the service itself is having trouble. Before uninstalling, make sure photos, drafts, chats and authenticator data are backed up or synced; not every app restores local information after reinstallation.
Mobile data, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth issues
Compare the same activity using another connection or device. If Wi-Fi fails on every phone in the home, changing one phone’s settings may waste time. If only an accessory fails to pair, check its charge and whether it remains connected to another device. Explore our Wi-Fi & Bluetooth help for a focused starting point.
When to use official help: Account recovery, suspected compromise, hardware damage and warranty work should follow the manufacturer’s current instructions. See Apple’s iPhone support or Android Help. We cannot inspect your device through this website.
Not sure where to start? Explore all tech topics. Want to understand how we research our guides? Read our editorial policy. You can also suggest a phone or tablet problem for future coverage.