iPhone 17 Pro Max won’t vibrate, even with all vibration settings enabled

I’m setting up my new iPhone 17 Pro Max (iOS 26) and it won’t vibrate.


It’s running the latest version of iOS 26, Vibration is turned on via Touch and I’ve tried everything setting

with in Sounds and it doesn’t Vibrate.


I set it up via pairing with my old iPhone 12 Pro and everything is setup the same, including the Vibration settings and my old iPhone Vibrates (my very old iPhone 6S does) but this new iPhone 17 Pro Max I can’t seem to get it to vibrate. I’ve altered all the settings I can think of, I’ve restarted multiple times while changing different settings and nothing is working. I’ve even done a full factory reset last night and it’s not vibrating.


So is it likely to be an issue with iOS 26 or could it be the iPhone (hardware).


Any ideas….?


Thanks


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: iPhone 17 Pro Max Vibration Not Working

iPhone 17 Pro Max, iOS 26

Posted on Sep 21, 2025 9:51 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 20, 2025 7:47 PM

Had the same problem on my wife’s 17 PM. Tried everything. No case so that wasn’t the issue. Took it to Apple tonight. They ran basic diagnostics and replaced her phone on the spot. After her backup finished restoring the problem remained on the brand new device. Making it obviously a software issue. They reset it again to try setting up as a new device.


Meanwhile I did some internet digging and stumbled across this post where someone had an issue with haptics after an iOS update


iPhone Not Vibrating After Update to ios … - Apple Community


The Apple rep returned after a bit and said in stock form haptics worked and suggested we may need to start with a clean version and forego the backup/restore.


We tried loading her latest backup one more time and tried this setting and this fixed the issue. It was this setting that was ultimately identified as the problem and solution:


Accessibility > Touch > Vibration


this setting kills vibration across the device. If Apple was more intelligent it might pop up a warning when you’re trying to mess around with other haptic settings that vibration is disabled so they won’t work. Like dim or disable those settings with a reference to this overall setting.


My guess is that when she loaded her backup to the iPhone during initial setup she was still on iOS18. Something in the process of loading the old backup and iOS 26 must have broke or unticked that setting.


it was a long and painful process that I would have hoped the Apple associates to figure out. Glad we found a solution. Disappointed I had to find it after spending so much time working with Apple to resolve it.


Hopefully this helps others that face the same issue.




28 replies

Nov 20, 2025 1:39 PM in response to Airlite

I’m experiencing the exact same issue with my iPhone 17 Pro Max — the haptic feedback has completely stopped working.


It was functioning normally at first, but now there is zero vibration in any situation (not during Haptic Touch, not with system interactions, not with notifications, and not even during incoming calls).


On a brand-new premium device, this is clearly not normal. I’ve noticed that several other users are reporting the same issue, which suggests this may not be an isolated case and could indicate a wider hardware or software problem.


This feature is essential to daily use, not a minor detail.


We really need an official response or a clear fix from Apple. The device was purchased at full price, so it’s expected to deliver full functionality. It’s frustrating and concerning to lose such a fundamental feature so quickly.


I hope Apple can provide a solution as soon as possible.














Sep 24, 2025 12:50 AM in response to Airlite

There are several fixes for iPhone vibration not working on iOS 26, based on recent user reports and troubleshooting guides Check and enable vibration settings: Go to Settings Accessibility Touch Vibration and toggle it on. Also, in Settings Sounds & Haptics, ensure “Vibrate on Ring” and “Vibrate on Silent” are turned on Change haptics style: Avoid using the iOS 26 option “Synchronized with Ringtone.” Instead, go to Settings Sounds & Haptics Ringtone Haptics and select “Prominent” or “Standard” for proper vibration feedback.

Turn off Focus or Do Not Disturb mode: These modes can block vibration alerts.

Enable system haptics: In Settings Sounds & Haptics, check that System Haptics is enabled.

If needed, reset all settings: Go to Settings General Transfer or Reset iPhone Reset Reset All Settings. This won’t erase personal data but resets system settings that may affect vibration.

Remove any thick or lowquality cases or screen protectors that may interfere with haptic touch sensitivity.

If these steps don’t help, hardware damage to the vibration motor is possible and may require professional repair.

These tips reflect multiple community sourced fixes reported for iPhone vibration or haptic feedback issues specifically on iOS 26

Oct 25, 2025 9:13 PM in response to Airlite

This is my communication to Apple about a problem that occurs with the new

iPhone 17 Pro Max…


NO VIBRATION ISSUE


THERE IS A SOFTWARE DESIGN PROBLEM WITH THE iPhone 17 PRO MAX THAT RESULTS IN THE VIBRATION MODE BEING EITHER DISABLED OR NOT AVAILABLE. 


NOTE: 


     SETTINGS/HEPATICS AND SOUNDS


Internet references to a Toggle to enable Vibrations is PHYSICALLY NOT PRESENT. 


THERE IS NO SUCH TOGGLE 


My replacement iPhone 17 Pro Max has the identical problem. 


The problem appears to be a software issue with the recent iOS 26 and its update(s).


DISCUSSION:

Actions Taken—-


THE iPhone 17 ProMax originally purchased was replaced with a new (not used) iPhone 17 Pro max less than 3 weeks after it was purchased. The replacement IPhone 17 Pro Max has the exact problem as the first. iPhone 17 Pro Max


The original phone had a problem of NO VIBRATION UNDER ANY CONDITION  


  • All Hepatic Settings were correct 


  • Sounds were enabled in Accessibility


  • Phone was Power Reset multiple times 


  • Phone was set up “in and out of case”


  • Phone was restored from Cloud Backup

as well as from old phone sitting 

alongside new phone.  


  • Apple Tech Support was involved


  • Apple Service Center, at Best Buy was

also involved 


The consensus of all parties was that the phone was defective, and I paid $31 for a replacement phone expedite service, and had a $2,000 hold placed on my credit card.  The hold should be released upon receipt of the original iPhone 17 Pro Max


It is very significant that the referenced Toggle in the Hepatics and Sounds is MISSING, and is not available on the screen, and combined with multiple Internet based instruction guidelines on how to configure the Vibration Mode that specifically call for setting that particular Toggle supports the theory the the issue is Software Related. 


I, and other iPhone 17 Pro Max users await Apple’s response. 


Everyone should understand that the iPhone 17 Pro Max is a new design and is a very complex device.  While unfortunate, the reality is NEW TECHNOLOGY usually has “bugs” and operational issues should be anticipated. 


It is my desire to provide Apple and other customers usable information to help identify the Vibration Problem and develop a subsequent fix.


To all:  Hang in there… 

                      Friday’s coming !

Nov 22, 2025 9:02 AM in response to Airlite

I just started having this issue after updating to iOS 26.1 on my iPhone 17 Pro. I have all haptics enabled in settings, but my “Vibration” settings are nowhere to be found.


I’ve been in contact with a senior advisor at Apple. He admitted that the vibration settings should be visible in settings, and that this has been an issue with the new iOS 26 update. They ran a diagnostic test and everything is working fine. I have a Genius appointment on Monday as well as a follow up call with the senior advisor.


Ultimately, it seems like a glitch in the new iOS 26 software that somehow disables and removes the vibration setting. Apple is aware of the issue for many users, but no updates as of right now.

iPhone 17 Pro Max won’t vibrate, even with all vibration settings enabled

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.