Chosen Solution
Hi In an attempt to avoid buying a new phone, I bought a factory refurbished iPhone7 online (not direct from Apple). It was OK for about 2 weeks, then I think what happened was a software update rolled through, and now it’s a disaster. Rapid battery drain within a few minutes of using it… even with only 2 apps open and a lot of settings changed to avoid battery drain. By the time it gets down to 70% battery (which does not take long), the phone will often crash when opening apps or trying to take a photo. It turns itself off then auto-restarts, which also drains more battery in the process. This often happens three times in a row. The only time it doesn’t happen is when it’s plugged in and charging. Then it’s fine. So basically this phone is completely fine if it’s 100% always plugged in. Which does not make it very mobile. I have tried all the various reset options, including a full factory reset. Seems to make no difference. Same problems today after yesterday’s factory reset and restore. Storage is not full - it’s a 256GB capacity and I’m using about 10% of it. I have tried to go backwards in terms of the software update (take it one step back), but since the update happened on my phone (not through iTunes), I can’t find the old version. If anyone can suggest how to do this that would be amazing. Also do you think a full battery replacement would make a difference? I’m not sure it would because I get the sense this is a software issue. But not sure. Due to social distancing I am not planning to take this phone to a repair shop any time soon, but just wondering what my options are? I am NEVER again getting another iPhone, that’s for sure. But can I make this situation a little better until I buy another phone? I feel pretty sh*t about this potentially ending up in e-Waste when that was precisely what I was trying to avoid.
This has nothing to do with software it is a parts or board problem. The only thing you can do is try a replacement battery. A faulty battery can produce the symptoms you have described, that is why it works fine when on the charger.
