Your iPhone is frozen, stuck on a screen, or not responding to taps or button presses. These steps help unfreeze the device safely without losing data.
1. Force Restart the iPhone
This does not erase data — it simply forces the device to reboot.
- iPhone 8 or newer: Press Volume Up → Volume Down → hold Side button until the Apple logo appears.
- iPhone 7 / 7 Plus: Hold Volume Down + Power until the Apple logo appears.
- iPhone 6s or older: Hold Home + Power until the Apple logo appears.
2. Disconnect Accessories
- Unplug chargers, headphones, or adapters.
- Faulty accessories can cause the screen to freeze or stop responding.
3. Let the Battery Drain
- If the screen is frozen but the phone is still on, let the battery run out.
- Once it powers off, charge it for 15 minutes and turn it back on.
4. Check for Overheating
- If the phone feels hot, it may freeze as a safety measure.
- Let it cool for 10–15 minutes before restarting.
5. Update iOS After Restarting
- Go to Settings → General → Software Update.
- Freezing can be caused by outdated system versions or bugs.
6. Check for Problematic Apps
- Go to Settings → Battery to see which apps use the most power.
- Delete or update apps that repeatedly freeze the device.
7. Free Up Storage Space
- Go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage.
- Low storage can cause freezing, lag, and unresponsive screens.
8. When to Seek Repair
- Screen is unresponsive even after a force restart.
- Device freezes multiple times per day.
- Phone only works when pressed or bent (possible hardware damage).
- Recent drop or water exposure.
If the iPhone continues freezing after these steps, the issue may be related to the touchscreen, battery, or internal components. A technician can diagnose the exact cause.