Roger Fingas
In recent days a growing number of iPhone owners on T-Mobile U.S. have been impacted by seemingly random crashes and reboots, without any clear indication as to why or how to solve the problem, according to reports and comments on social media.
Typically the problem manifests with an iPhone briefly flashing a blue screen before resetting, according to anecdotes shared with AppleInsider, as well as posts on sites such as Twitter and MacRumors. This can happen as frequently as every 10 to 30 minutes, even if a phone isn't actively in use.
Some users have reported that disabling Wi-Fi Calling can fix the so-called "blue screen of death," while others have scored success with a hard reset, and at least some T-Mobile support staff are recommending the latter option. An AppleInsider contact had no luck with disabling Wi-Fi Calling and ultimately had to get a replacement phone.
So far neither Apple nor T-Mobile staff have come up with a definitive explanation. One theory has involved memory problems, but if so it's still unknown why only T-Mobile subscribers would be affected. One possibility is that the issue involves LTE, as some Engadget readers have managed to temporarily fix their phones by disabling VoLTE (voice over LTE), or simply shutting off LTE entirely.
Affected iPhone models include at least the 5s, 6, and 6 Plus. The issue is also impacting multiple versions of iOS 8 through iOS 8.3.
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Wesley Hilliard
AppleInsider Staff
Andrew Orr
Amber Neely
William Gallagher
30 Comments
Not likely to be VoLTE either, or Verizon phones would be affected too.
Not to mention the 5S wouldn't be affected.
I've had the blue screen problem with Three in the UK. It seems to be when I'm doing intensive tasks. Ive had it a few times when quickly scrolling through WhatsApp messages after i'd clicked play on a video or audio link.
Personally I find it hard to believe this is a carrier issue, but what do I know!
News flash: It's not just on T-Mobile, I use AT&T and my device has rebooted a few times as well.
BSOD-gate. I hope they find a root cause soon.
I was hit with this on my T-Mobile iPhone 6. Started Wednesday morning -- with my phone just sitting on my desk, unused, I would see it flash a blue screen and reboot every 15 minutes or so.
I did a Reset All Settings. Didn't fix it.
Tried turning off Wifi Calling. Also didn't fix it.
Finally did the hard reset (home button/sleep button) Wednesday night, and haven't had the problem since.