What is Safe Mode?
Safe Mode is a troubleshooting mode available on iPhones that starts up the device with only essential system apps and services running. When enabled, it disables all third-party apps and jailbreak tweaks to help isolate potential software issues.
According to Apple’s support site, “Safe Mode starts up your iPhone with only the preinstalled apps and features. This allows you to remove any apps and content you recently added to see if the issues improve.”
Essentially, Safe Mode loads a minimal version of iOS to ensure stability and performance. It can be useful for diagnosing problems caused by buggy or corrupted apps, jailbreak tweaks, or other software customizations. By stripping the iPhone down to basics, any conflicts or malfunctions caused by third-party software are often resolved in Safe Mode.
If the issues persist in Safe Mode, it likely indicates a deeper hardware or software issue unrelated to any apps or customizations. But if the problems disappear, it helps narrow down the problematic app or tweak causing the trouble.
When Should You Use Safe Mode on iPhone 13?
Safe mode on iPhone 13 can be useful in a few key situations:
If apps are crashing or freezing frequently, safe mode can identify problematic apps causing issues. Entering safe mode disables all third-party apps, so if the crashes stop, you know a misbehaving app is to blame (Source). You can then troubleshoot by uninstalling apps one by one until you isolate the problematic app.
Safe mode can also disable jailbreak tweaks temporarily to troubleshoot issues. If you experience crashes or other problems after jailbreaking, rebooting into safe mode turns off jailbreak tweaks to test if they are the cause (Source). If the issues stop in safe mode, you can identify and uninstall the problematic jailbreak tweak.
In general, safe mode is useful for isolating software issues caused by third-party apps and jailbreak tweaks. It disables non-Apple software to determine if that is the root of any stability or performance problems.
How to Enter Safe Mode on iPhone 13
Entering Safe Mode on iPhone 13 will disable all third party apps and tweaks to help troubleshoot software issues. To enter Safe Mode on iPhone 13, follow these steps:
1. Press and release the Volume Up button.
2. Press and release the Volume Down button.
3. Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen. Keep holding the Side button until you see the lock screen.
This process will boot your iPhone 13 into Safe Mode. You’ll notice “Safe Mode” in the bottom left corner of the screen while in Safe Mode.
For more details, see this article from 9to5Mac.
What Happens When iPhone 13 is in Safe Mode?
When an iPhone 13 is started in Safe Mode, only the default iOS apps and services will run. All third-party apps are disabled while in Safe Mode.
This allows you to troubleshoot potential issues caused by problematic third-party apps. With non-essential apps disabled, iPhone performance may improve in Safe Mode.
According to Apple Support discussions (https://discussions.apple.com/thread/254616594), Safe Mode is only available on Mac computers and not on iPhone. However, you can simulate Safe Mode on iPhone by restarting and only running default apps.
Using Safe Mode to Troubleshoot App Issues
Safe Mode can help you identify if a particular app is causing problems on your iPhone 13. Open affected apps while in Safe Mode and test if the issues persist. If an app functions normally in Safe Mode but has problems in regular mode, that app is likely the culprit.
If an app is crashing, freezing, or otherwise exhibiting abnormal behavior, you can try deleting and reinstalling it while in Safe Mode. This will remove any corrupted data that may be causing the app to misbehave. To delete an app in Safe Mode:
- Press and hold the app icon until it starts wiggling.
- Tap the X icon displayed on the top left corner of the app.
- Tap Delete to confirm.
After deleting the problematic app, you can download a fresh version from the App Store while still in Safe Mode. Test it again to see if the issues have been resolved. If the problems persist upon reinstalling, there are likely other factors at play besides that particular app.
Using this process of elimination approach can help you narrow down and resolve unstable apps without fully resetting your iPhone 13. However, if multiple apps are exhibiting problems or issues continue after reinstalling, you may need to restore your device to factory settings.
Using Safe Mode to Disable Jailbreak Tweaks
Safe mode prevents jailbreak tweaks from running temporarily. If issues disappear in safe mode, a recently installed tweak is likely the culprit.
To troubleshoot problematic tweaks:
- Enter safe mode on the jailbroken iPhone 13.
- Test if the issues are still occurring. Often a misbehaving tweak causes crashes, freezes, battery drain or other problems.
- If the problems stop occurring in safe mode, a tweak is likely causing the issues.
- Open the Cydia app and check the “Recent” section for newly installed tweaks. Uninstall any tweaks added right before issues began.
- After uninstalling suspect tweaks, exit safe mode and see if problems are resolved.
Safe mode is an invaluable troubleshooting tool for isolating problematic jailbreak tweaks. By selectively disabling tweaks, you can identify and remove any bad tweaks causing instability.
For more details, see this guide: https://www.idownloadblog.com/2020/06/14/unc0ver-jailbreak-safe-mode/
Exiting Safe Mode
Exiting safe mode is easy. Simply restart the iPhone normally to exit safe mode. All apps and services will run as usual again.
To exit safe mode and restart your iPhone 13 normally:
- Press and hold the Side button until the “Slide to power off” prompt appears.
- Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone 13.
- After a few seconds, press and hold the Side button again until you see the Apple logo to restart your iPhone 13.
Your iPhone 13 will now restart normally outside of safe mode. All third-party apps, services, and jailbreak tweaks will be fully enabled again [1].
If you want to intentionally re-enable safe mode again, simply repeat the steps to activate it.
Reset All Settings to Fix Persistent Issues
If putting your iPhone 13 into Safe Mode does not resolve the issues you are experiencing, you may need to reset all settings as a next step. Resetting all settings will retain your data like photos, messages, and contacts, but will reset your system settings back to default.
To reset all settings on iPhone 13, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset. Then tap “Reset All Settings.” You will be asked to enter your passcode for confirmation.
After resetting all settings, you will need to re-enable certain features like iCloud, Face ID, Apple Pay etc. But this should wipe any problematic settings that may be causing crashes or other persistent issues.
According to Apple Support, resetting all settings can fix many common iPhone problems like1:
- Problems with email, contacts, or calendars
- Connectivity issues like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth problems
- Difficulty installing iOS updates
- App crashes or freezes
- Issues with Settings app
So if Safe Mode does not resolve your issues, resetting all settings is the next logical troubleshooting step before considering more drastic measures like restoring or resetting your iPhone.
Restore iPhone 13 as a Last Resort
If troubleshooting in safe mode and resetting settings doesn’t resolve your issues, you may need to perform a full restore on your iPhone 13 as a last resort. This will wipe your device and install a clean version of iOS to eliminate any lingering software problems.
To restore your iPhone 13, you’ll first want to back up your data so you don’t lose any important information. You can backup to iCloud by going to Settings > Your Name > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tapping “Back Up Now.” You can also connect your phone to a computer and backup to iTunes.
After backing up, you’ll want to erase your iPhone by going to Settings > General > Reset and tapping “Erase All Content and Settings.” This will wipe your device back to factory settings.
Once your phone is erased, you can install a clean version of iOS by connecting to iTunes or setting up the phone as new. After iOS is installed, you can then restore your data and settings from the backup you made.
According to Apple Support, restoring your iPhone 13 from a backup after setting it up as new can help eliminate any lingering software issues (source). Just make sure your data is backed up before erasing and reinstalling iOS.
Performing a full restore should resolve any deep-rooted or persistent problems on your iPhone 13 that safe mode and other resets couldn’t fix.
When to Contact Apple Support
If safe mode, resetting settings/network settings, and restoring do not fix the issues you are experiencing with your iPhone 13, it’s time to contact Apple support for additional troubleshooting. At that point, the issue is likely due to a hardware problem rather than a software one.
You can contact Apple support via phone, chat, email, or by scheduling a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple store. Apple’s support phone number for the United States is 1-800-APL-CARE (800-275-2273). For other countries, find your local Apple support phone number here: https://support.apple.com/contact
When you contact Apple support, they will walk through some diagnostics and troubleshooting steps. If the issue appears to be hardware-related, they may suggest you send your device in for repair or replacement under warranty.
Getting help directly from Apple is recommended if you’ve exhausted all other troubleshooting options. Apple’s technicians have specialized training, resources, and tools to fully diagnose your iPhone and recommend proper fixes.
