This often happens after a small change, like a new screen protector, a thick case, or a magnetic accessory that affects the compass. It can also happen if Location Services or Motion permissions were turned off for privacy. After an iOS update, settings prompts and background changes can make sensors feel “off” a few days later. Start with safe comparisons (remove accessories, then check permissions) before any resets.

First confirm the basics updates can affect: Location Services permissions for Maps/Compass and Auto-Brightness under Accessibility. Then retest without your case and any MagSafe wallet or magnetic mount. Clean the top sensor area gently with a dry cloth and check if the screen protector border is misaligned. If the issue remains, write down any exact warning messages before changing more settings.

If the problem improves when you remove a case, protector edge, or magnets, it’s usually obstruction or interference. If only one app is wrong, it’s often permissions (Location/Motion) or the app itself. If several sensors fail together even after removing accessories and confirming permissions, hardware becomes more likely. A slow, step-by-step test is the safest way to separate the two.

Many can be improved with safe checks: removing accessories, cleaning the sensor area gently, and correcting Location/Motion permissions. Simple settings like Rotation Lock or Auto-Brightness can also mimic a sensor failure. Avoid changing many settings at once, because it becomes unclear what helped. If nothing improves after basic comparisons, service may be appropriate to check the sensor hardware.