The NHS COVID-19 app has been hit with a second iPhone error. Luckily, like last time, there’s a pretty straightforward fix. Here’s how to get past the blue loading screen in the COVID-19 app on your iPhone.
iPhone users have been reporting issues with the NHS COVID-19 app over the past week. According to the BBC, many users have been faced with a blue loading screen when trying to open up the app.
While the NHS has yet to explain what caused the issue, Apple has stated that it does not believe the problem is on its end as this issue has not been reported in other countries’ test and trace apps.
The good news is that, while this error is annoying, it will not prevent the app from scanning while a fix is found for the issue.
“The app is still scanning, even if the screen appears blue”, wrote the Department of Health and Social Care in a statement (via the BBC).
Thankfully, the NHS Test and Trace service has issued advice on how to fix this error on the COVID-19 app support page. Read on to find out how to get past the blue loading screen.
Related: How to download COVID-19 track and trace app
How to get past the blue loading screen on the NHS COVID-19 app
The NHS says there are two possible ways to get past the blue loading screen.
The first method is to ensure your iPhone up to date with the latest version of iOS. To see which version of iOS you are using, open your iPhone’s settings, tap ‘General’ and then ‘About’.
If you think you may need to update your software, follow the steps below:
- Open your phone’s settings
- Tap ‘General’
- Tap ‘Software Update’
- Tap ‘Download’
- Tap ‘Install’
If your software is up to date and the COVID-19 app still isn’t working, you may need to go back and accept the app’s permissions again.
Read our review of the iPhone 12
Here’s how to reset and accept the permissions:
- Close the NHS COVID-19 app
- Open your phone’s settings
- Tap ‘General’
- Tap ‘Reset’
- Tap ‘Reset Location & Privacy’
- Open the NHS COVID-19 app and accept the permissions once again
If you’re still faced with the blue loading screen, you can report a technical problem on the app’s support page to receive further assistance.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
