iPhone Frozen? Fix It Instantly - Don't Panic!

Is your iPhone screen frozen and won't turn off? iPhone stuck on Apple logo? We'll get your iPhone back to normal in 3 steps with proven solutions.

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Common Reasons Why Your iPhone Screen Freezes

Understanding what causes your iPhone frozen screen can help prevent future issues. Here are the most common culprits behind frozen iPhone problems.

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Insufficient Storage

With insufficient storage, iPhone faces difficulty in functioning and usually freezes or slows down. When your iPhone is frozen, it's often because the device's performance and stability deteriorate when storage space is critically low.

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Outdated Installation

Apple regularly updates iOS to prevent iPhone frozen issues. When your iPhone frozen on Apple logo occurs, outdated software that hasn't been updated in time can make the device difficult to run properly.

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Software Bugs

Your iPhone might be facing software bugs that cause frequent restarting or getting stuck on Apple logo. If this software bug prevails, such reboots can freeze the screen of the iPhone at any instant.

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Low Battery

When your iPhone is frozen and won't turn off or reset, a discharged battery can be the culprit. Low battery levels can cause the iPhone to behave erratically, making it difficult to know how to turn off iPhone when frozen.

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Buggy Apps

Some apps still have undetected bugs that can cause iPhone phone screen frozen issues. When you operate problematic applications, the iPhone usually freezes due to device incompatibility, especially on older models like iPhone 11 screen frozen can't turn off scenarios.

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Malware & Viruses

Users who download third-party software from unofficial sources may encounter malware. These malicious apps can crash the entire iPhone system and cause frozen iPhone screen issues repeatedly, requiring you to learn how to reset frozen iPhone properly.

How to Fix a Frozen iPhone - Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Restart iPhone When Frozen (Most Effective)

This method works for 70% of frozen iPhone cases. Force restarting is the first solution when your iPhone screen frozen and you need to restart frozen iPhone quickly.

iPhone 8 and Later

(including iPhone 16 and iPhone SE)

Step 1 Press and quickly release the Volume Up button
Step 2 Press and quickly release the Volume Down button
Step 3 Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo
iphone 8 and later
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This method works for iPhone 8, X, 11–16, and iPhone SE (2nd & 3rd gen)

iPhone 7 and 7 Plus

 

Step 1 Press and hold both the Volume Down button and the Side button
Step 2 Keep holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears
Step 3 Release the buttons when you see the Apple logo
iphone 7 and 7 plus
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Perfect for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus models

iPhone 6s and Earlier

 

Step 1 Press and hold both the Home button and the Side (or Top) button
Step 2 Keep holding both buttons for at least 10 seconds
Step 3 Release when the Apple logo appears
iphone 6s and earlier
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Works for iPhone 6s, 6, 5s, 5c, 5, and SE (1st gen)
Pro Tip: If force restart doesn't work immediately, try it 2-3 times. Sometimes it takes multiple attempts for a completely frozen iPhone to respond. If the issue persists, continue to the next solution below.

Fix iPhone Frozen Using Recovery Mode

Important: This method may erase your data. Try "Update" option first to preserve your data before choosing "Restore". For the easiest approach, Dr.Fone - System Repair can enter recovery mode with one click - completely free.

One-Click Solution

Simple and safe for all users

Enter recovery mode with one click
No button timing issues
Completely free feature
Safe data preservation

Why Choose One-Click?

· No technical knowledge required

· Eliminates human error in button timing

· Works with all iPhone models

· Automatic recovery mode detection

Manual Operation

For technical users

Recovery Mode Steps 

1 Connect your iPhone to a computer with a USB cable and open Finder or iTunes.
2 Perform force restart while connected:
· iPhone 8+ / SE (2/3): Vol Up → Vol Down → hold Side
· iPhone 7 / 7 Plus: hold Side + Vol Down
· iPhone 6s & earlier: hold Home + Power
3 When recovery screen appears, choose "Update" (preserve data).
4 If Update fails, choose "Restore" (erases data).

Manual Challenges

· Precise button timing required

· Risk of data loss with "Restore"

· Different steps for each iPhone model

· Computer with iTunes/Finder needed

Dr.Fone - System Repair: The Ultimate Solution for Frozen iPhone

When manual methods fail and you don't want to lose your precious data, Dr.Fone System Repair offers the most reliable solution for all iPhone frozen problems.

Why Choose Dr.Fone When Your iPhone is Frozen?

Repair without data loss, keep photos, messages and apps.

Works on all iPhone models and iOS versions.

One-click, 3-step fix, no tech skills needed.

Fixes 150+ iOS issues: boot loops, black screen, recovery mode, and more.

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How Dr.Fone Fixes Your Frozen iPhone

Step 1

Download & Connect

Install Dr.Fone - System Repair Dr.Fone - System Repair Dr.Fone - System Repair and connect your forzen iPhone to computer

Step 2

Select Standard Repair

Choose "Standard Repair" mode to fix without data loss

Step 3

Auto-Fix Complete

Dr.Fone downloads firmware and repairs your iPhone automatically

Watch Dr.Fone System Repair in Action

98.6%

Success Rate for iPhone Frozen Issues

Based on 50,000+ successful repairs

  • • Compatible with Windows & Mac
  • • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • • Free recovery mode features

What If All The Above Measures Failed?

Are you still figuring out a method to fix a frozen iPhone? Follow these two methods to ensure a remedy for your problem.

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Fix iPhone Frozen Using
DFU Mode

Device Firmware Update mode is the deepest restore option when all other methods fail. Warning: This will erase all data.

  • Requires precise button timing
  • Screen stays completely black in DFU
  • Backup data beforehand (if accessible)
  • Click to learn about how to put iPhone in DFU mode.
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Contact Apple Support
Offline Maintenance

Sometimes hardware issues can cause iPhone frozen and won’t turn off, and these usually can’t be fixed with simple methods. In such cases, you can:

  • Contact Apple Support – the safest way to fix iPhone frozen caused by hardware problems.
  • Visit a mobile repair shop – faster and more convenient, though it may cost more.
wondershare dr.fone data recovery

A frozen iPhone screen may cause data losses across your iPhone. To save yourselves from unprecedented losses, Dr.Fone provides you with an effortless technique to recover data recover data recover data such as contacts, messages, photos, etc. All the data lost under such issues will be recovered back in its original form.

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Recover data from
iPhone without backup

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Recover data from
iTunes backup

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Recover data from
iCloud synced files

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How to Prevent iPhone Screen Frozen Issues

Follow these expert tips to keep your iPhone running smoothly and avoid future frozen screen problems.

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Keep iOS Updated

Regular iOS updates fix bugs that cause iPhone frozen issues. Enable automatic updates in Settings > General > Software Update.

Pro Tip: Update when connected to Wi-Fi and charging
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Regular Backups

Automatically backup your data using Dr.Fone Basic FREE or iCloud to safeguard your data against system failures.

  • · Automatically
  • · Progressively
  • · Locally
  • · Flexibly
Free
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Regular Restarts

Restart your iPhone weekly to clear temporary files and refresh the system. This prevents minor glitches from accumulating.

Schedule: Every 7-10 days for optimal performance
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Monitor Battery Health

Poor battery health can cause instability. Replace battery when capacity drops below 80% to prevent frozen screen issues.

Check: Settings > Battery > Battery Health
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Remove Problematic Apps

Uninstall apps that frequently crash or cause your iPhone to freeze. Check app reviews before installing new ones.

Monitor: Apps that make iPhone hot or drain battery
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Manage Storage Space

Keep at least 1-2GB free storage. Delete unused apps, clear cache, and use iCloud to store photos and videos.

Check: Settings > General > iPhone Storage
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Keep iOS Updated

Regular iOS updates fix bugs that cause iPhone frozen issues. Enable automatic updates in Settings > General > Software Update.

Pro Tip: Update when connected to Wi-Fi and charging
regular restarts icon

Regular Restarts

Restart your iPhone weekly to clear temporary files and refresh the system. This prevents minor glitches from accumulating.

Schedule: Every 7-10 days for optimal performance
monitor battery health icon

Monitor Battery Health

Poor battery health can cause instability. Replace battery when capacity drops below 80% to prevent frozen screen issues.

Check: Settings > Battery > Battery Health
trusted app download icon

Remove Problematic Apps

Uninstall apps that frequently crash or cause your iPhone to freeze. Check app reviews before installing new ones.

Monitor: Apps that make iPhone hot or drain battery
storage management icon

Manage Storage Space

Keep at least 1-2GB free storage. Delete unused apps, clear cache, and use iCloud to store photos and videos.

Check: Settings > General > iPhone Storage

FAQs About Frozen iPhone

Q1. Could low storage be why my iPhone freezes?
Yes—when free space is too low, iOS can stall. First, free up iPhone storage (large files, message attachments, offline downloads). If iCloud is full, get more iCloud storage or optimize backups.
Check battery health and background activity, then apply these tips to fix iOS battery drain. You can also review common iPhone battery problems to reduce thermal throttling and freezes.
Update or offload the suspect app, clear cached data, and retest after disabling Background App Refresh. See how to fix iOS app crashes or apps that won't open/keep stopping. If system-level issues persist, try a standard repair with Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS).
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