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A frozen iPhone is frustrating, but it rarely needs a trip to the repair shop. In this guide we walk through why iPhones freeze and how to fix them, from a simple force restart to charging, iOS updates, clearing storage, resetting settings, and, as a last resort, a full restore. We include model-specific force restart steps for both newer and older iPhones, plus prevention tips to help you avoid the problem in future and keep downtime to a minimum.
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Our advice: start with the simplest fix and only escalate if you need to. In most cases a force restart alone brings a frozen iPhone back to life, so try that first before anything more drastic. If the problem keeps returning, work steadily through the software steps, checking for iOS updates, freeing up storage, and removing any troublesome apps, before considering a full restore. Always back up your data before a factory reset, and reach out to Apple Support only once the standard troubleshooting has been exhausted, as persistent freezing can occasionally point to a hardware fault.
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A frozen iPhone can bring your day to a halt, especially when you rely on it for work, but the good news is that most freezes are straightforward to fix without any technical expertise. Whether your screen has stopped responding, an app has locked up, or the device simply will not react, there is almost always a quick way to get it working again.
In this guide, we explain the common causes of a frozen iPhone and take you through the fixes in order, starting with the simplest. We cover force restarts with separate steps for newer and older models, along with charging, software updates, storage clean-ups, resetting settings, and full restores for the rare cases that need them. We finish with prevention tips to help you keep your iPhone running smoothly and reduce the chances of it freezing again.
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Is your iPhone completely frozen, stuck on the lock screen, or refusing to respond? Don’t worry! It happens to the best of us. Our smartphones make our life easier by helping us with our day-to-day tasks and staying connected to colleagues and customers among so many other functions. They have basically become our best friends. So if they suddenly freeze, our lives do too.
Whether you’ve just updated iOS, opened a new app, or your device has locked up out of nowhere, there are several proven ways to fix it. In this guide, you’ll learn:
If your stuttering smartphone is starting to annoy you, here’s how to fix a frozen iPhone in a matter of minutes…
| Problem | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
| ⚠️ iPhone frozen and won’t respond | ✅ Force restart (button combination for your model) |
| ⚠️ iPhone frozen during update | ✅ Force restart, then update again via Settings or Finder/iTunes |
| ⚠️ Screen not responding to touch | ✅ Force restart; remove screen protector/case; update iOS |
| ⚠️ iPhone won’t turn off | ✅ Hold force restart buttons until Apple logo appears |
| ⚠️ Can’t swipe up to unlock | ✅ Restart iPhone; update iOS if issue continues |
| ⚠️ iPhone still freezing after restart | ✅ Free up storage, delete problem apps, or reset all settings |
| ⚠️ Persistent freezing | ✅ Restore iPhone via Finder/iTunes or attempt DFU restore |
| ⚠️ Still not fixed | ✅ Contact Apple Support or visit a Genius Bar |
Many users think that once their smartphone starts to slow, it’s game over. However, this is usually not the case, with various other factors such as not updating your apps or even mobile phone hackers.
So, with that said, here’s how to fix a frozen iPhone in a matter of minutes, and how to restart earlier models.
It’s a question we all hate to ask, but wondering why your iPhone is frozen is the first step to finding a solution. Getting a slow smartphone sorted is always a top priority, as it impacts productivity and efficiency.
So, it’s no surprise that you want to get it operational ASAP. Scroll down and find out both the root causes and how to fix them.
Whilst we hope your phone is never physically frozen, there are a few lesser-known reasons why your iPhone is frozen, such as:
Even the newest iPhones running the latest iOS aren’t immune to occasional glitches. Here are the most common reasons:
Quick Tips:
As mentioned, we recommend updating all of your apps beforehand. You should also check to see if your storage is nearly full, before backing up or deleting any large files.
We also recommend turning off automatic updates via your smartphone settings, if necessary.
Sometimes, simplicity is best; if you have tried to turn it off and it isn’t working, then try forcing it to restart. In most cases, you’ll be able to reboot it and fix your frozen iPhone by following the easy 3 steps process below.
So, with all those reasons WHY your iPhone is frozen, here are several steps on how to fix it. Please note, these instructions will vary depending on the model.
Warm up with a quick video from Simply Mobile and familiarise yourself with the process:
As outlined above, this is always the first step. It won’t delete your data and often clears temporary glitches.
If your iPhone is frozen and won’t turn back on, plug it into a charger for at least 15 minutes. A completely drained battery can look like a frozen phone.
Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install the latest iOS. Apple regularly releases fixes for freezing and unresponsive screens.
Head to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Delete unused apps, photos, or large files. Consider moving media to iCloud.
If the freeze started after opening a specific app, restart and then remove it. You can reinstall later once updates are available.
If freezes continue, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings. This won’t erase your photos or data, but will restore Wi-Fi passwords, wallpaper and preferences.
If nothing else works, you may need to restore your iPhone using a computer.
⚠️ This erases everything, so back up first.
If your iPhone is still frozen after a restore, try a DFU (Device Firmware Update) restore. This reloads both iOS and the firmware. It’s a last resort and best done with Apple’s own support guidance.
The easiest way to fix your frozen iPhone is preventing it from happening in the first place! Here’s how:
(including the latest iPhone 17)
Firmly press and release the volume up the button
Press and release the volume down button
Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
If the Apple logo does not appear, or your phone doesn’t turn on, you may have to charge it beforehand. If it still does not turn back on, a hardware issue is highly likely.
Press and hold both the volume down button and the sleep/wake button
When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.
If the Apple logo does not appear, charge it for up to an hour. If it does not turn back on, you will have to contact Apple support.
If your phone doesn’t restart after you try these steps or is still frozen, get more help from Apple Support.
All about Apple and want to learn the latest? Read our post on iOS vs Android and discover which is best for your business.
Otherwise, continue reading and learn how to perform a factory reset:
Okay, so things look bad and you can’t figure out how to fix your frozen iPhone. It may be time for the nuclear option, provided you don’t have any crucial data that you wish to keep.
Here’s how to reset an iPhone to factory settings:
Prefer a visual guide? Watch our video on how to reset & restore an iPhone with Ryan from Simply Mobile:
This will return your smartphone to factory settings, and should hopefully be the last resort when choosing how to fix a frozen iPhone.
We recommend getting your precious photos and other information off beforehand, though.
Still can’t sort out your smartphone? Sounds like it’s time for an upgrade – get the new iPhone 17 for your business at a discount now… Or view all of our Apple iPhone business deals here.
Otherwise, we recommend checking out our list of the Top 10 best mobile phones for business. However, you should always check the best package for your business and compare deals beforehand.
If we’ve not covered your question here, Book A 15-Min Call with our team to talk about your mobile needs.
Start by charging your device and attempting a force restart. If that doesn’t work, update iOS, close or uninstall any problematic apps, and, if necessary, restore your iPhone using Finder or iTunes.
A frozen iPhone can be frustrating, but it’s rarely serious. Most issues can be solved in seconds with a force restart or by keeping iOS up to date. If freezes continue after trying all the steps in this guide, it may be a hardware issue. In that case, book an appointment with Apple Support or your local Genius Bar for professional help.
A full restore remains available as a last resort, provided you have backed up your data first. Genuine hardware faults are rare, so professional help is only worth seeking once you have tried the standard troubleshooting without success. By keeping your software up to date, managing your storage, and knowing the right force restart steps for your model, you can handle most freezes quickly and keep your iPhone, and your working day, running smoothly.
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Expert in…
Angelique Caracciolo is a Marketing Manager at BusinessMobiles.com, passionate about tech, innovation, and global culture. Since 2020, she’s helped shape creative strategies in the B2B telecoms space. With experience living and working in six countries, Angelique brings a fresh, international perspective to everything she does.
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