Do not update: iOS 8.0.1 cripples iPhone 6 and 6 Plus by killing Touch ID and cell service

By Derek Kessler
published

Apple iPhone 6
Apple iPhone 6 (Image credit: iMore)

Update: If you've already updated, here's how to restore in iTunes and fix iOS 8.0.1 Touch ID and cell issues. If you haven't, Apple has pulled iOS 8.0.1 — even if it shows as available on your phone, don't do it.

Do not install the recently-released iOS 8.0.1 update, especially if you have an iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus. The update brings with it several bug fixes, including fixes to HealthKit, keyboards, and extensions, but it also comes with one show-stopping bug: it kills cellular service and Touch ID on the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.

We've been able to confirm that iOS 8.0.1 seems to work fine on the iPhone 5s, iPad Mini with Retina Display, and other older iOS devices. As best as we can tell, the issues with disappearing Touch ID support and cellular service are isolated to the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, which isn't exactly a great showing for Apple.

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If you've installed iOS 8.0.1, let us know how it's working for you — and if you happen to know of a fix!

Derek Kessler
Derek Kessler

Derek Kessler is Special Projects Manager for Mobile Nations. He's been writing about tech since 2009, has far more phones than is considered humane, still carries a torch for Palm, and got a Tesla because it was the biggest gadget he could find. You can follow him on Twitter at @derekakessler.

123 Comments
  • Is it weird that both those things still work for me just fine. Did confirm that it did fully update to 8.0.1
  • Didn't work for me...Did you do it OTA?
  • I did. Attempted to stop it once I spotted the issues online, yet it was already "verifying update." Was ready to have the "no service" indicator. 5S 16gb on Verizon.
  • I did my Verizon iPhone 6 OTA, nuked my cell and touch. I tried to wipe everything and do a restore.... it won't even let me erase all settings and restore. In fact iTunes won't detect the phone any longer. WTF Apple.
  • This issue seems to only happen to the iphone 6 and 6+... I updated my 5s 32gb sprint and i have no issues.
  • You're good with the 5S, 8.0.1 problem limited to 6 and 6+
  • Is it a iPhone 5s or older? This update cripples only the 6 and 6+ Sent from the iMore App
  • If I restore in iTunes it will still be 8.0.1 right? So I either have find 8 ipsw on the web or wait for 8.0.2?
  • I am trying to restore using iOS 8 now. I will send you the file if it works.
  • Oh sure, NOW I see this! Lol, They better fix this ASAP. Here I was impressed for a software update less than a week since release of the phone, and now my 6 is crippled. I am NOT happy.
  • You mean you DON'T want a free 4.7" iPod Touch???
  • LMFAOOOO Comment of the day!!!
  • Come on, Apple! Sent from the iMore App
  • Say what you want about staged rollouts, but in this case they could have prevented this mess. ;)
  • Or you know testing the updates could have fixed this. How does an update to a phone cause it to lose service not get noticed? Sent from the iMore App
  • Especially since it seems to only effect the 2 new flagship devices!!! I could see updating older devices & bugs like this happening, but how does THIS make it out of testing on the newest device??
  • Apple has never been known to make great software.
  • LOL And that is compared to who? Windows? Google with Android? Come on man your reaching for something that is not there.
  • Every Android update is more and more stable... Every Apple update sucks more and more...seriously, Google it or bing it, or yahoo it...Apple crashes more than Android. Until they fix their shit, they can STFU. Posted via the Android iMore App!
  • Wow, I haven't been on here in a while, but I gotta say...I've noticed you commenting on every article & you take this Apple/Android nonsense WAAAY too seriously. Like you're stuck in 2010, chill bruh...it's not that serious. Go outside, talk to REAL people, leave your house....I promise you'll be happier bc of it.
  • I'm outside now, at a lake, with my dog and my girlfriend. You must like reading what I write if you continue to do so...or, you just like to complain. Posted via the Android iMore App!
  • Every Fandroid Troll comment is less & less stable...
  • My HTC one on att was crippled by an update a month ago! Android is no better. Sent from the iMore App
  • I don't know about android but windows phone users don't face any similar problems due to Microsoft is releasing os updates once in a lifetime :-) Sent from the iMore App
  • Does it need a carrier update to 8.0.1 to ensure that it works fine?
  • Well that's a useful update. Wth Apple
  • Updated on my Verizon 6+.....and cannot make calls anymore. Hope they fix it quickly......like within the hour. I need my phone.
  • You're going to be waiting for a couple of days--minimum.
  • Surely not......if it's true that they sold over 10 million 6 and 6+.....and assuming only HALF hit the update button, that's over 5 million people without service. I can't see it taking days to put out a fix.
  • it will at least be 24 hrs. it takes time to develop the patches and get the servers ready
  • Id say far less than half actually did the update. Maybe 5% since it was only active about 1.5 or 2 hours Sent from the iMore App
  • Things that would have been helpful to know 45 minutes ago! Thanks a whole bunch apple...
  • Good thing I haven't updated it yet
  • So basically all iPhone 6 and 6 plus units just became iPod touch 6th gens
  • No issues at all on my 5c. Suddenly I feel pretty good for not jumping on the early adopter bandwagon this time.
  • No TOUCH ID and No service for me on ATT iphone 6. I switched back from android for reliability.....
  • Bet you regret that... Posted via the Android iMore App!
  • No touch ID no service thanks apple my son is on the transplant list so need my phone thanks again not happy Sent from the iMore App
  • This really shows that these things really can be a matter of life and death. And where land line is not an option. Your best option, download the IPSW for 8.0 and in iTunes shift+click on Restore (at least in Windows.)
  • The update has killed my cell service and touch ID!!
  • Shocking. IOS 7 was for me full of bugs initially. I think next year I'll wait to get the new iPhone when IOS 9.1 is released. This is a problem that needs to be fixed in hours not days. Sent from the iMore App
  • Haha. Wow. This iOS launch has been an epic fail.
  • You are absolutely correct. Posted via the Android iMore App!
  • Forced an update via iTunes using the full download of the update. No problems on AT&T 6plus 64gb space gray, iPhone 5s 64gb, and iPad Air wifi only.....
  • Add T-Mobile to the list. Of course, I read this AFTER I clicked on update now instead of later. The only saving grace is T-mobile having wifi calling. That still works, but definitely no cell service.
  • This is really disappointing... No Service.... No Touch ID...
  • Too late .. Updated and now got no service at all .. So disappointed hope they put it right quick
  • I have an iPhone 6 AT&T 64 gig and I updated to iOS 8.0.1 and I don't have service. This is a disaster. Does anyone think that apple might send out an emergency update by today?? I really need my phone this is so important.
  • Go to Best Buy...they have a great selection of Android devices that work, and don't typically bend. Posted via the Android iMore App!
  • The only problem is that they run Android. Sent from the iMore App
  • And they run a Google OS Sent from the iMore App
  • Seems to me that the OTA update is the one causing the problem. I did full forced updates with the full download and had no issues. 3 others that I know also did the full download and update, no issues on iPhone 6 and iPhone 6+. One person with a 6 on AT&T did an OTA and lost touch id and cell service.
  • I'm doing a restore in iTunes right now, originally updated via OTA...
  • Since when where iPod touches subsidized? No annoying. It's a phone first, toy second. The first thing tested in QA should be the ABILITY to make a call. Sent from the iMore App
  • Did mine via iTunes and a Mac, iPhone 5S, iPad Air. Both are fine
  • Same here
  • It's working fine for me. Using a 128gb, 6. Sent from the iMore App
  • Same for me, I updated OTA and no problem to report with my iPhone 6 128gb in rogers
  • I was able to update with no additional issues (iPhone 5) but it didn't fix the issues that I have.
  • Unbelievable! What a bunch of dummies over at Apple HQ, I am so pissed. The only saving grace is I still have my 5S, so i swapped sim cards but damn this is pitiful. Between bendgate and this Android isn't looking quite so bad.
  • I call for patience, its not everyday Apple throws a wrench at an update. They'll fix it soon.
  • The world will end before I have another Android device. I can't say how many have died on me Sent from the iMore App
  • This guy is trolling.
  • Crap. Well that's one way to teach us a lesson. Sent from the iMore App
  • I've heard that if you do the update via iTunes (or restore via iTunes after doing the update and downloading the IPSW file) that the problem goes away. It could just be something wrong in the OTA version.
  • Holy cow - how does something like this make it past QA? I know that it's a minor bug fix release, but even a cursory check should have revealed this.
  • Lol. They sold all of their devices to meet demand an didn't have any left to test the new release. Sent from the iMore App
  • Does anybody have a link to the file that is downloaded through iTunes so we could do a manual install like when you install a developer version of iOS?
  • http://www.idownloadblog.com/download/
  • Updated on iPhone 6 at&t ota, no issues at all touch id works and have cell service. Weird
  • iPhone 6 here and it doesn't work.. Smfh... No service or fingerprint Sent from the iMore App
  • good thing I couldn't download the update earlier...looks like it brings a lot more problems than its worth.
  • Updated and no cell service or touch id.... ugh.... no way to return to 8.0?
  • http://www.idownloadblog.com/2014/09/24/ios-8-0-1-broke-your-iphone-you-...
  • Heard that updating via iTunes could solve the problems. Pressing OPTION + click 'Update' in iTunes, to the 8.0.1 IPSW may fix the issue. No need to restore back to 8.0 or 8.0.1 if you have already updated. Haven't tried it yet, but seems legit.
  • Do you have a link to DL the file to do the manual update?
  • http://www.idownloadblog.com/download/
  • Here it is: http://www.felixbruns.de/iPod/firmware/ Choose the firmware for either iPhone7,1 or iPhone7,2, depending on the model.
  • same here. update has killed my iPhone 6. my phone is in a "searching" doom loop, and i don't even seem to be able to get onto a wifi network...
  • I just checked and saw update but didn't do it because of this article. Went back 10 mins later and update was pulled.
  • I updated my iPhone 6+ (128GB Silver) to 8.0.1 as soon as it came out via iTunes. Working great! No cellular issues (LTE, Cellular data) and the touch ID works perfectly too. Perhaps I got lucky? After the update I immediately did a iTunes sync then I did a reboot of the phone (Power Button + Home Button). This is just something I always do after an upgrade. I have to imagine Apple will release 8.0.2 (emergency release) in short order. Thank you Rene Ritchie for the tweet and bringing this issue to my attention.
  • Looks like Apple pulled the OTA down.
  • I updated my iPhone 4s to ios 8 on Saturday and it was working great for me until Monday! Now my Wi-Fi won't turn 0n at all! its grayed out and dim and my Bluetooth doesn't turn on either! I've reset my network settings plenty of times! and it did nothing! I then reset my phone also didn't do a thing! then as a last resort I restored my phone and still nothing! I'm very mad!
  • LOL!! Apple iTunes Server MUST be jammed right now! I'm trying to download 8.0.1 to try to do a Full Restore and Restore Backup and the download is taking FOREVER to download. I'm on 300Mbps and it should have downloaded in 4 min...it keeps saying 20min remaining!... I'll let you all know if doing this method fixes the issue...Stay Tuned!
  • Mine went from 75 minutes to 3 hours. Guess everyone's trying it.
  • Why would they even release something without going through the developer cycle first. It should be on there for at least a week or more before going out to the public. They also need a public beta release process like Yosemite has. Let people opt into the new stuff and have it be their own risk vs. a huge Apple fiasco. All eyes are on Apple these days, they can't afford to mess up even just a little.
  • I wonder how many people will be fired at Apple due to this...? Sent from the iMore App
  • Apple's quality control died with Steve Jobs, no disrespect to Steve Jobs of course. I don't know how they missed such a major bug, it's like they fix the code and push it to devices without testing it on actual devices. Good job Apple.
  • I agree, they've gone all out now for the $ and stuff any testing...just to get the "latest flagship" out to the market. Well that ship is sinking now. I have a 4s running 7.1.2 but its jailbroken so I don't bother updating.
  • Won't update on my 5s. Keep getting a message saying unable to update. Failed because I'm no longer connected to the Internet even though I am connected to the wifi Sent from the iMore App
  • This was a pretty quick bug fix update, only a week after iOS 8 was released.
    In the back of my head I wonder if this update was supposed to be released today at all, that they were still testing it but it got posted by accident.
    We'll never know.
  • Is this update available for iphone 5???
  • "You're updating it wrong." - Ghost of Steve Jobs.
  • Lol...just lol Posted via the Android iMore App!
  • Whatever happened to Apple's famed quality control? Their biggest launch ever is failing in every direction.
  • Did anyone try a forced reset from iTunes?
  • I wonder who got fired for that mistake!! A.B.
  • Per Engadget: "The iOS 8.0.1 download has been pulled". Thanks Apple!
  • Thanks Apple!? :-)
  • Only affects 6's and 6Plus', huh? I guess Apple was so backordered on them due to demand that they didn't have any for testing. ;-)
  • I think apple pulled the update. I was able to see it earlier on my phone but now it's telling me tat my iOS 8.0 is up to date. Sent from the iMore App
  • Yeah, they pulled it. Good call, because it could have been a lot worse had they not pulled it.
  • My 6 is crippled Sent from the iMore App
  • my iPhone 6+ is now B R I C K E D --- no cell service!!
  • GREAT!!!!NOW I LOST WIFI (DID HAVE IT FOR ABOUT AN HOUR AFTER UPDATING) ON MY 6 AND I CANNOT DO THE RESTORE LISTED IN ANOTHER POST BECAUSE I CANNOT CONNECT TO ICLOUD TO DISABLE FIND MY IPHONE.... MAYBE BEING ON AN IPHONE 6 BACKORDER LIST WOULDNT HAVE BEEN SO BAD... IPAD AIR RUNNING IOS8.0.1 STILL HAS WIFI
  • Apple are already responding, I am sure they will fix this soon, in the meantime if you want to fix it yourself you will need to find a complete IOS 8.0 file and roll back to that by connecting your phone in iTunes, holding down the option key while hitting check for update, select the IOS8 file and restore it to your phone. That should fix it.
  • Apple probably did this so that people realize that a cell phone is basically a "cell-phone", a device you can use to call and text people. Not just Snapchat/Facebook with or watch cat videos on YouTube.
  • Apple... It just works! On your bent phone. Posted via the Android iMore App!
  • Help Needed!! I Already Downloaded Update On My IPad Mini Older Version!! But Neither It Install Nor Remove What To Do???? Its Showing Error That Wifi Network Not Connected!!
  • iOS, bruh
  • Someone at Apple is cleaning out their desk and headed home...
  • I updated before the problem was announced. My iPhone 6+ seems to be working fine. Touch ID still works. I have a cellular signal and can place and receive calls. Lucky I guess -- *knock on wood*.
  • I was under the impression that things like this didn't happen to Apple, but to other lesser companies. Was I misinformed?
  • Quite unfortunate for Apple. First it was bentgate. Now this. Sent from the iMore App
  • Great another thing for my hating Android friends to talk about tomorrow! SMH Sent from the iMore App
  • 5S DLed OTA killed incoming calls. Outgoing and Touch ID are still fine. Doing restore from iTunes...and waiting.....
  • Gr8 update & bug fix NOT very un apple like :( Sent from the iMore App
  • So Apple fail to test the durability of the new iPhones to see if they bend (to be expected given they made the 4/4s out of fragile glass. Idiots) and now they fail to test their own software updates properly. They are really on a roll these days.
  • 4 Pictures released on the internet and iPhones all of a sudden bend? You people are idiots.
  • Using joe public to test it for them, nice Sent from the iMore App
  • I'm glad I didn't know about this update until now. Sent from the iMore App
  • Wow. I'm sure glad I waited and didn't update my 6 today. At least Apple pulled the update so they can fix it and no one else will be affected.
  • Software and Hardware in one hand and they deliver bugs like this on major US cariers. I have worked as a developer for many years and this is a very bad sign for a company.