Recurring cellular hardware issues on iPhone 16

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Level 1

6 points

Recurring cellular hardware issues on iPhone 16

So I have had this cellular problem three times by now on my iPhone 16 that I bought not even a year ago. Firstly in December, out of the blue, my phone lost signal, and I didn't think much of it, but as it turned out, a cellular component inside my phone stopped working. I couldn't do anything to fix it, so I brought it to an official Apple repair store to get it fixed. They said it was a hardware issue and had to order new parts and replace them. I was free since I had insurance, and I had to wait just a few days to get it back. A few months later, in March, the same problem occurred, but it got fixed with a software update. And finally, a few days ago, it happened again, only this time, no update or reset would help. I brought it to the repair shop, and as it turned out, it was the same problem I had in December.

I'm worried about it happening again, because soon my insurance will run out, and since they are replacing half my phone to fix it, I'm worried it will cost too much. I don't know what is causing that problem to occur, and I obviously want to prevent it from happening.

Does anyone know how to prevent that from happening, and does anyone have any advice for me?

iPhone 16

Posted on Apr 30, 2026 1:55 AM

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Answer 1

TheLittles

Level 10

205,205 points

Apr 30, 2026 3:28 PM in response to gabsam08

”[.]So I'm looking for a cause of that problem, so I can prevent it from happening in the future(for example, it's water damage, overheating, or something like that).”

———-

What may have Caused this:

If it is hardware coverage —then you need to get this serviced, or just get a new iPhone. As for what caused it, it could be caches or overheating.

So, Clear the System Data:

It might be the iOS changes that messed it up; caches are created for remembrance of application usage so that they operate quicker and more efficiently. Use my User Tip: How to Clear "System Data" in your iPhone's Storage: - User Tip

Troubleshooting an Overheating iPhone:

There are likely too many processes taking place. So, power off the phone, to let it cool, and then try clearing space. Have you recently filled you iPhone storage? Having low available storage can most certainly case overheating. process are likely taken up

Perform the following:

I. Cool Down the iPhone:

For a few hours, perform the following...

Power Off: the iPhone for a bit
Unplug: any Cables
Place it Atop: a Laptop Cooler
Keep it in: an open space
Keep it Out of: direct sunlight

then...

2. Clear Space Using my User Tips:

See if you need to clear lots of space. System resources may be using up too much services, making it overheat. Internal storage cannot be upgraded. It is what it is. So, the maximum internal storage capacity never increases, even if you upgraded your iCloud plan. Learn More here: What's the Difference Between Device Storage and iCloud Storage? Apple Support

So, what to do...

Clear Space, Using my User Tips:

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Answer 2

TheLittles

Level 10

205,205 points

Apr 30, 2026 2:11 AM in response to gabsam08

“[…]I'm worried about it happening again, because soon my insurance will run out, and since they are replacing half my phone to fix it, I'm worried it will cost too much. I don't know what is causing that problem to occur, and I obviously want to prevent it from happening. Does anyone know how to prevent that from happening, and does anyone have any advice for me?”

———-

Troubleshooting Cellular:

Ending Insurance:

As for this “insurance”, who is it through? Contact them, asking if extending it is an option. If AppleCare, sometimes, Apple lets you continue on, at their discretion. So, when getting an Apple device, I recommend getting it through Apple, and none other.

Contact your Carrier:

Being your Cellular services are not working, you need to contact your Carrier.

Troubleshooting Cellular Errors:

A. Start with these Links:

B. Install a Cellular Update:

It might be prompting you for a cellular update to install. So, go here for that. Update your Carrier Settings Manually on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

C. "No Service":

If "No Service" is shown on the top-left corner of your screen, go here to fix that: If you See No Service or Searching on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

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Answer 3

TheLittles

Level 10

205,205 points

Apr 30, 2026 4:11 PM in response to gabsam08

“[…]I'm worried about it happening again, because soon my insurance will run out, and since they are replacing half my phone to fix it, I'm worried it will cost too much. I don't know what is causing that problem to occur, and I obviously want to prevent it from happening. Does anyone know how to prevent that from happening, and does anyone have any advice for me?”

———-

Troubleshooting an Overheating iPhone:

My User Tip: Cooling Down an Overheating iPhone - Apple Community

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Answer 4

gabsam08 Author

Level 1

6 points

Apr 30, 2026 2:44 AM in response to TheLittles

Thank you for the tip on extending insurance. I will surely try that.

And for the other advice, I already tried some of them, and when I brought it to the repair shop, they said there's nothing I could've done to fix it, and that some cellular part stopped working and needs to be replaced. So I'm looking for a cause of that problem, so I can prevent it from happening in the future(for example, it's water damage, overheating, or something like that).

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