Major, Minor Problems After iPhone 2.2.1 Update

Dozens for iPhone Atlas readers, and dozens more on Apple's Discussion boards, are reporting a bevy of issues after applying the iPhone OS 2.2.1 update. As usual, the following two procedures will work to solve a number of problems:

• Reset your iPhone by holding down the sleep and home buttons until the Apple logo appears;
• Restore your iPhone: Click the Restore button under the Summary tab. Restoring the phone will erase contacts, calendars, photos and other data on the phone, but will restore automatically backed-up information including text messages, notes, call history, contact favorites, sound settings, widget settings, etc.

However, some serious issues, chronicled below, persist:

Slow interface Several users have reported poor performance from the iPhone interface after the update.

iPhone Atlas reader Eddie writes:

"Slow and laggy interface when openning thing such as camera and settings, maps. It would seem as though there is a bit of a pause."

However, some users are noticing a significant performance boost.

Justin writes:

"Personally I have noticed a massive performance improvement. My iPhone 3G has never operated as fluidly as my original iPhone. However this update appears to have returned my phone to it's perfect operating speed, eg. Keyboard strokes suffer no delay whatsoever and switching through the settings menus faster than ever."

In many cases, the lag can be eliminated by resetting the iPhone: Turn the iPhone off completely, by pressing and holding the Sleep/Wake button (on top of the device) for a few seconds then slide the red slider. Turn it back on by holding the Sleep/Wake button until the Apple logo appears. Unfortunately, poor performance generally returns after a period of normal operation post-reset.

Slow Internet Some users have reported slow data throughput in a number of applications, particularly Safari, after the update.

One reader writes:

"After updating to iphone 2.2.1 my phone's email and data services are horrible. Slow, lagging, almost non existent. I called AT&T 5 times, and they said that this is common after the 2.2.1 update. Apparently a lot of users have been having this issue. I am extremely disappointed."

Another reader adds:

"Safari got really slow, takes a long time to load now even with full signal and 3g , mail takes a long time to download, still lots of dropped calls

Yet another reader adds:

"I have found that ever since upgrading to 2.2.1, both my edge and wi-fi have been slugish, and my mail.app crashes. i have tried 3 times restoring, and setting up a new device, and my mail.app keeps crashing on me."

In some cases, slow throughput can be solved by one of the following fixes:

• Reset network settings Tap Settings, tap General, tap Reset, tap Reset Network Settings. This will cause your iPhone to restart, and will delete any stored Wi-Fi passwords as well as DNS settings and more. It can resolve signal strength issues in some cases.
• Reseat your SIM card If your iPhone's SIM card is not seated properly, signal strength can suffer. Try re-seating the SIM by pushing a straightened paper clip into the small hole on the top of the device to open the SIM tray, making sure the SIM Card is properly in place, then re-inserting the SIM tray. Also check for debris inside the tray or SIM card slot.
• Replace your SIM card If you've exhausted conventional solutions, a replacement SIM card from your local provider may prove beneficial to signal strength.

Exchange server doesn't sync Some users are unable to connect to Exchange servers after the 2.2.1 update. One reader writes:

"Upgraded iPhone 3G to firmware 2.2.1. Now the iPhone does not sync to exchange server. Spoke to Apple support and confirmed problem with software update."

The following fixes may work for this issue:

• Hard reset Some users have found that performing a hard reset of the iPhone resolves this issue. This can be accomplished by holding the home and sleep/wake buttons simultaneously until the screen turns off, then the white Apple logo reappears.
• Delete domain In addition, some users have found that deleting domain field under Exchange account settings resolves the issue (In Settings > Mail).
• Set no limit for items Finally, some users have found that setting no limit for contacts and calendars resolves the problem. Go to Settings> Mail, Contacts, Calendars, select your account select, then select Mail days to sync> No Limit.

Dropped/missed calls A handful of readers have reported a marked increase in dropped or missed (with no chance to answer) calls after the update. One reader writes:

"Since updating to 2.2.1 on Wednesday I have been having problems receiving calls. When a person calls my number it rings like normal and goes to voicemail. I had 8 missed calls and 6 Voicemails and I was unable to see them until after I rebooted the phone. I have since had to reboot about every half hour."

Another reader adds:

"Since this update, I can't keep a call going longer than 5 minutes without it dropping. I put it on speakerphone and saw the signal drop fast from 4 bars to nothing then back up to 5o or 6. It could be a coincidence of problems with the AT&T tower nearby but the timing is very suspect."

The most reliable indicator of actual signal strength is the iPhones dB meter, which can be accessed in field test mode. Dial *3001#12345#* then press "Call." A dB reading below 50 generally indicates good strength.

In some cases, simply resetting the iPhone can resolve signal strength issues. Hold down the home and sleep buttons simultaneously until you see the white Apple logo, indicating that your iPhone has restarted.

The problem may also be caused by temporary carrier issues unrelated to the software update.

Feedback? iphoneatlas@cnet.com.