iPhone 11 erratic behavior after being handled by a stranger.

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Level 1

4 points

iPhone 11 erratic behavior after being handled by a stranger.

My husband’s iPhone 11 has been behaving strangely, jumping from screen to screen and scrolling. I have had to shut it down several times while trying to figure out what is happening and how to fix the problem. I have been trying to download the latest update and it fails every time. He had a strange item under his iPhone 11 information that said “Home time” and showed the Windows logo. I was finally able to delete that from his phone.

He admitted that he let a young man have his phone while he was shopping and the person took my husband‘s phone turned around possibly did something to the iPhone, then handed it back to him and said that’s OK I don’t need to use it. I was just doing a survey of people to see who would hand me their phone and walked away quickly. Since that incident he has had problems with his phone. Is it possible that person put a virus on his phone? Any suggestions on what I can do to correct this situation? Thanks in advance.

iPhone 12 Pro Max

Posted on Sep 7, 2026 12:55 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

sberman

Level 10

278,496 points

Sep 7, 2026 1:08 PM in response to 123ki

Here is a way to pretty much guarantee future safe use of the iPhone. But before proceeding, there are two risks to this process:

Your husband must have an iPhone backup made before this handoff that can be used to restore his data.
The stranger who handled the iPhone must have not logged your husband out of his Apple Account on the iPhone. If that logout did occur, the following process could lock your iPhone forever (Activation Lock) as it would appear as if your husband does not own the iPhone.

First, purge the iPhone as follows:

What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Next, set up your like-new iPhone (software-wise) as follows:

Set up your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

At step 3, choose Set Up Without Another Device. At step 7, use the backup created before the handoff.

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Answer 2

sberman

Level 10

278,496 points

Sep 7, 2026 1:46 PM in response to 123ki

I just thought of an additional thing.

When someone has an iPhone even for just a brief period, they may be able to open the Passwords app and gather all sorts of password information from the iPhone owner if there is authentication provided to view the passwords (Face ID, Touch ID).

If this occurred, it would be prudent for your husband to immediately change his passwords.

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Answer 3

Alancito

Level 7

31,048 points

Sep 8, 2026 1:27 AM in response to 123ki

123ki wrote: "Maximum capacity for the battery is 86%. It charges relatively quick and seems fine with that. However, I still cannot complete the latest update. It fails every time."

123ki ~ That high 86% in an old iPhone 11 implies that the battery has been replaced. Was it replaced at an Apple Store or by other qualified technician using a genuine iPhone battery?...

Repair Provider Verification - Official Apple Support

...I ask because Apple says: "Using nongenuine batteries might also result in unexpected behavior after installation, device software updates..." Source:

About genuine iPhone batteries

This explains how to check wnether the battery is genuine or not:

iPhone parts and service history - Apple Support

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Answer 4

Alancito

Level 7

31,048 points

Sep 7, 2026 1:03 PM in response to 123ki

123ki ~ Some of those erratic behaviors may indicate a weak, aging battery in that old iPhone 11. So...

Does it still have its original battery?

And what's the Maximum Capacity % here?...

Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging

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Answer 5

123ki Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 7, 2026 5:20 PM in response to sberman

So far, nothing has worked simply because we cannot control the phone. When I try to go in and change something or look at passwords, it will automatically go to another page. I did find Section on switches and changing switches that went crazy on the phone then. We’re going to have to take it somewhere to get help because whatever glitches are here. It’s hard to make corrections when the phone keeps changing screens. Thank you for your suggestions.

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Answer 6

123ki Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 7, 2026 5:07 PM in response to Alancito

Maximum capacity for the battery is 86%. It charges relatively quick and seems fine with that. However, I still cannot complete the latest update. It fails every time.

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