troubleshoot

The iPhone's poor JavaScript performance

No one expected the iPhone to deliver desktop-class performance with regard to Web-based applications, but JavaScript speed on the iPhone is downright sluggish in most respects -- a frustrating fact given that AJAX is the only current method for building dynamic third-party applications for the iPhone.

Celtic Kane online offers a Javascript benchmark that tests various Javascript functions: Try/Catch with errors, Layer movement, Random number engine, Math engine, DOM speed, Array functions String functions and Ajax declaration. In our informal tests, a MacBook Pro running at 1.83GHz with Mac OS X 10.4.10 and the Safari 3.… Read more

Fix for iPhone syncing problems

We previously reported on an issue where iTunes fails to properly synchronize contacts with the iPhone, hanging repeatedly at the "Syncing contacts" phase. We've now identified a potential fix for this issue, as it occurs under Mac OS X. Navigate to the directory: ~/Library/Application Support (this is the Library folder inside your user directory folder) and delete the following folders:

iSync SyncServices

Note that according to Apple, deletion of the SyncServices folder can result in duplicate contacts in Address Book or appointments in iCal and data loss in Address Book or iCal. However, it's the … Read more

"No SIM card" messages and failed activation: fixes

We previously reported that a tiny handful of iPhones shipped without SIM cards, while significantly more units have generated the error message "No SIM card," preventing proper activation though SIM cards are physically present.

The latter issue may, in some cases (as noted), be caused by an improperly seated. For these instances, Apple's iPhone manual states:

"Try re-seating the SIM by pushing an unfolded paper clip into the small hole on the top of the device to open the SIM tray."

iPhone Atlas reader Esteban Martinez had success with re-seating his SIM card, though the … Read more

iPhone: No EDGE while you're on the phone

Here's a little lapse in functionality we just discovered on our iPhone that's also documented in Apple Knowledge Base article #305711: EDGE data access is not available while you're talking on the phone. This is standard among most EDGE-enabled phones, but it means that putting a conversation on hold while you're looking up a place to eat -- as demonstrated so nicely by Steve Jobs and Phil Schiller during the iPhone's introduction -- is only possible when connected to a Wi-Fi network.

Tips for faster iPhone activation

Yesterday we noted significant issues with activating iPhones on the AT&T network and Appleâ??s authorization scheme through iTunes. While the vast majority of users experienced quick activation, some are still receiving the message "Your Activation Requires Additional Time to Complete," and not receiving successful notices; now almost two days after the device's initial release.

Disconnect temporarily Disconnecting the iPhone from the host system, waiting about a minute, then reconnecting the iPhone can re-trigger the activation process and result in successful activation. This may need to be done several times.

iPhone Atlas reader Larry … Read more

iPhone fails to sync all contacts; iTunes hangs on "Syncing contacts"

Several users have reported an issue where iTunes fails to properly synchronize contacts with the iPhone, hanging repeatedly at the "Syncing contacts" phase.

It appears that in most cases, this issue has to do with individual contact entries that contain problematic data. For instance, some users have reported that the issue started after photos were added to contacts on the iPhone.

Try creating a smaller group of contacts in your chosen application (Mac OS X Address Book, Entourage, Outlook, etc.) and re-attempt synchronization. If it works, add a few more contacts in batches and continue to re-attempt synchronization … Read more

How to reset the iPhone

A troubleshooting procedure that according to Apple will rarely need to be used, but can solve instances where the iPhone won't turn on, or the display freezes or doesn't respond: Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button at the same time for at least ten seconds, until the Apple logo appears. This will completely reset the iPhone.

How to force quit an iPhone application

Per Apple Knowledge Base document #305740, an iPhone application can be reset by holding the Home button below the screen for at least six seconds, until the application you were using quits.

Calls going to old phone: fully transferring phone numbers from another provider may take 24 hours

Several readers have reported an issue where, after activating new iPhones and requesting number transfer from another wireless provider (T-Mobile, Sprint, etc.), calls are still being directed to their old phone. Note that the number transfer process can take 24 hours (or more), and must be complete before the new AT&T iPhone number will properly receive phone calls.