Experiencing a phone that constantly shuts off is frustrating. While there are many potential culprits, a faulty SIM card might be the unexpected reason behind your phone troubles. This article explores a personal experience with an iPhone that kept shutting down and how removing the SIM card proved to be a surprising solution.
The Problem: A Phone That Won’t Stay On
My iPhone 13 mini began experiencing frequent shutdowns, eventually refusing to charge or even reach the unlock screen. Trips to the Apple Store resulted in a diagnosis of a rear harness issue and a costly repair quote. Suspecting a different cause, I decided to investigate further.
A Surprising Solution: The SIM Card
Prior to visiting the Apple Store, I had removed the SIM card. After reading online, it became apparent that this simple action could have prevented further damage and potentially resolved the issue. Interestingly, a backup iPhone 8 started exhibiting the same symptoms: rapid battery drain, inability to charge, and constant rebooting. Removing the SIM card from this phone also resulted in the battery level returning to its previous state and charging normally.
The Connection: iOS Updates and SIM Card Overload
It appears that a recent iOS update might be causing the SIM card to overload the logic board’s ability to manage the battery. This overload leads to rapid battery drain and prevents the phone from charging correctly, ultimately causing it to shut down repeatedly. The fact that removing the SIM card resolved the issue in both phones strongly suggests a connection between the SIM card and the charging/booting problems.
Apple’s Role: Planned Obsolescence or Overlooked Solution?
Some online users report that Apple Geniuses have recommended removing the SIM card and resetting the phone to fix similar issues. However, this solution doesn’t seem to be widely known or offered by Apple technicians. This raises questions about whether Apple is aware of this issue and choosing to prioritize costly repairs or new phone purchases over a simple fix. Whether it’s planned obsolescence or an overlooked solution, the lack of transparency is concerning.
Conclusion: Try Removing Your SIM Card
If your phone is constantly shutting off, before resorting to expensive repairs, try removing your SIM card. This simple step might be the solution you’re looking for. Power off your phone completely, remove the SIM card, restart your device, and see if the issue persists. While this fix might not work in every case, it’s a cost-free and potentially effective solution worth trying. It highlights the importance of exploring all possible solutions before committing to costly repairs.
