iOS 5 Update Errors

Posted on October 13, 2011 by caseyjohnellis

It seems that the eagerness around iOS 5 has overloaded Apple’s software servers (or something connecting them to the broader Internet).

I, and many others, have been getting the following error whilst updating an iPad:

The iPad “Your iPad” cannot be restored at this time because the iPad software update server could not be contacted or is temporarily unavailable.

For iPhone users you’re likely to see this error:

The iPhone “Your iPhone” cannot be restored at this time because the iPhone software update server could not be contacted or is temporarily unavailable.

Suggestion: Wait. The USA will be asleep soon – Try it then. Otherwise leave it a few days – As I mentioned in this post it might a good idea for other reasons too.

Are you seeing any other errors when trying to upgrade?

How To Get A Bricked iPhone or iPad Fixed

Posted on October 13, 2011 by caseyjohnellis

OK, so you’ve decided to update your iPhone or iPad to iOS 5, you’ve taken heed to the advice in this post to improve your chances of things going smoothly… and inexplicably the update has failed, leaving your iPhone “bricked” and unresponsive.

Here’s how to get it fixed. Again, this is targeted at the “I’m not that technical” crowd and is based on my experiences and stories I’ve heard first hand:

Firstly, call your telco (the one you have your phone plan with) for support. They will be less busy than Apple tech support over the coming days. If they offer to replace your phone get a reference number for the call and tell them you’ll call them back. I’ve seen mail-in replacement takes up to 4 weeks. Note: These guys don’t really know what they are doing, but they can troubleshoot simple problems and save you some time.
If that fails to fix things (or you bought your phone outright, off eBay, or from Apple), the first thing you need to do is to check if your device is still under Applecare warranty. If it isn’t you may be able to buy a warranty extension from Apple or off eBay. Disclaimer: I have not tried this – I’m not certain you can reinstate the warranty after it has expired. Also, Apple may not be happy about you trying to renew warranty for a bricked device…
Contact Apple tech support via the contact details at http://www.apple.com/au/support. Expect to wait longer but to get better quality service.
If this fails, book a meeting with a “Genius” at an Apple store. If your phone is under Applecare warranty you can expect them to replace it with a new one on the spot – You did back it up, right?.

Did this help you? Did I miss anything? Got anything to add, correct or comment on?

Leave your comments below!

How To Avoid Bricking Your iPhone or iPad During Upgrade to iOS 5

Posted on October 13, 2011 by caseyjohnellis

Note: I know I get a bit geeky on here from time to time, but this is targeted at people who’d consider themselves “not really technical”.

Lots of people will be updating their iPhones and iPads to iOS 5 today. The release has only been out for a few hours and already I’ve been contacted by people who’s device has “bricked” during the upgrade.
FIRST THINGS FIRST – Do you need to do it now? I know it’s exciting and all that, but Apple do have a bit of a habit of releasing an operating system and then quickly following it up with an “improved” version once the early adopter have ironed out all of the bug. Selah.

Ok, so you’re still going ahead with it? Here’s a few ways you can minimize the risk of your update failing and “bricking” your device…

The golden rule is to remove any risk of the upgrade being interrupted, so…
Make sure the phone is fully charged before you start.
Make sure the host computer (the one that the phone is plugged into to perform the upgrade) is plugged in and any sleep, hibernation, or power save functions are disabled. Obviously this is most relevant if you’re using a laptop.
Turn off the passcode on the phone.
Put the phone in airplane mode to prevent interruption from calls, messages, email notifications, etc.
Read the freaking manual! Don’t just click next, next, next. There are important suggestions and information given through the process that you should read.
Finally – If you’re not confident, don’t do it. Just wait until “that friend who’s good with computers” is around and ask him nicely, perhaps offering a cold beverage or such in return

Have I missed anything? Did this help? Leave your comments or input below!

UPDATE: At 10am AEDST on the 13/10/11 the Apple servers seem to be a bit grumpy with all of this fun. Waiting a few days is probably a very good idea.

Is A 3 Year Old All That’s Between You And Pwned?

Posted on September 7, 2011 by caseyjohnellis

Here’s some food for thought… Would you trust a 3 year old:

…with access to your mortgage?
…to keep your house secure?
…with the security of your bank accounts?

Of course you wouldn’t.

Let me try another question then… Is your smartphone PIN access code the same as your:

…phone banking password for your mortgage?
…the alarm code on your front door?
…your ATM PIN number?

I know kids who’ve been able to memorize PINs and unlock their parents iPhones since they were very young. If, like for the majority of people, that PIN is “the normal PIN that they use for everything” then they are effectively trusting the keys to their kingdom to the discretion of a 3 year old. To get that PIN all I need to do is ask, watch the child unlock the phone, or hand them a phone and see what they punch in. It’s not that big a stretch, and as smartphones and tablets proliferate into education and childcare I suspect this will become a more relevant concern.

Some tips…

Ideally, don’t reuse PINs AT ALL. Don’t have it so that all of the doors to your castle can be opened with the one key. That’s just unwise.
If your absolutely MUST reuse PINs, keep “low security” and “high security” PINs separate. Don’t give your kids the keys to your castle. (I can’t think of a legitimate reason to justify this, but I know it will happen regardless).
Don’t be paranoid, but be smart with the information you give you kids. The expression “like taking candy from a baby” exists for a reason.

Food for thought.