How to Fix iPhone 12 COVID-19 Contact-Tracing App: Don't Delete Previous Data Unless Needed

A range of iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro users based in the UK have made complaints regarding receiving error messages on their devices involving the official NHS COVID-19 contact-tracing software. BBC News reported the topic, and it was made "unusable."

Reddit users also stated that identical errors and difficulties arose from tracing apps from other regions that use the Visibility Update API of Apple. The issue also tends to occur if the apps are moved through the iCloud Backup data transfer from a previous older iPhone.

PSA: Remember to re-enable Exposure Notification after swapping to your phone from r/iphone

How to Fix It?

Any UK users have used the following approach to solve the problem:

Step one: Open Settings;
Step two: Press Notifications;
Step three: Click on the Exposure Notifications;
Step four: Press the Allow Notifications options.

According to MacRumors, there are users in other countries who have re-enabled or adopted the same protocol mentioned above with the contact mentioned above, tracing software's permission. In reality, the problem appears to be triggered by iOS not telling users when switching the software to a new computer to enable the said "Allow Updates" permission.

It is currently uncertain whether this needs to be done. In order to be able to work properly, the official contact-tracing software does not allow the Bluetooth-based hardware it requires. While it might be necessary to quickly uninstall and then reinstall the software to address the issue, it is still not suggested.

A new installation causes the real warning of exposure to come up again. This process, though, is said to wipe out all the details previously obtained by the app that involves the venues where people went. According to an article by MacRumors, this process is not suggested until the whole original patch has been proven to still not function.

(Photo : Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
BERLIN, GERMANY - JUNE 16: The photographer holds an Apple iPhone showing the newly-released "Corona-Warn-App" developed by the German government for tracing Covid-19 infections during the coronavirus pandemic on June 16, 2020 in Berlin, Germany. The app has gone through a careful vetting process in order to stay within the bounds of Germany's tight laws and norms on private data protection. By using a de-centralized system of data retention it will inform users should they come in contact with others who become confirmed Covid-19 infection cases.

How to Verify Exposure Warning Locations

This is what to do to search the background of exposure warning locations:

Step one: Go to Settings;
Step two: Press Exposure Notifications;
Step three: Click Exposure Logging Status;
Step four: Press Exposure Checks.

The fact that the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 12 Pro have not yet been officially included in the said NHS list of multiple compatible devices, according to their website, has puzzled users even more. Both devices should certainly operate the contact-tracing program from both England and Wales that utilizes the whole Apple and Google Exposure Warning API. A total of 18 million Brits have now activated the well-known NHS COVID-19 app at the moment.

Scary NHS COVID-19 Notifications fixed!

An important patch to the NHS COVID-19 software also fixed a series of alarming alerts that seemed to warn iPhone users of potential exposure to anyone contaminated with coronavirus. Tapping on the warning would load the program, but it would not disclose any additional "possible exposure" details.

To vent about the post, people overwhelmed social media, uncertain if they wanted to distance themselves, whether they could attempt to get an exam, or if it was healthy to continue leaving the house for college, shopping, or something else.

The warnings have plagued users since the UK Department introduced the long-delayed program for mobile owners in England and Wales for Health. In the last few days, though, an update has begun to roll out for the software, stopping the problem and clearing up any misunderstanding.

The UK Department of Health outlines the patch on the App Store page, noting that the new iteration of the app, called NHS COVID-19, now provides "better future exposure warning." So, what's been changing? Ok, there is already the original warning that sparked users' initial fear.

Just had a "Possible COVID-19 exposure" notification yet no sign on the NHS app. pic.twitter.com/4xpk23AyRd — Matt Nelson (@rundergroundmat) October 1, 2020