How to Fix a Frozen iPhone During iOS 18 Update: Tips and Tricks

iPhone Screen Jammed vs. Frozen

I bet you have been wondering what it means for a screen to be jammed or frozen. Let us look more into these two problems to differentiate them based on their unique characteristics and causes.

Jammed Screen

A jammed screen occurs when the display's touch functionality becomes unresponsive while the device might still be partially functional. In other words, one cannot interact with the touchscreen, but some life could still be left in it. Here is an elaboration of that statement.

• Unresponsive to Touch: When the screen is frozen, taps and swipes are not registered. Even though you can view what's on the screen, there will be no response when you touch it.
• Operational Device: The device's other functions may still work despite this touch problem. For instance, you may still get notifications, buttons may still respond, and background tasks can continue to run.

Frozen Screen

Alternatively, in case of a stuck screen, the entire device becomes unresponsive with a static image displayed. This condition affects not only touch but also all systems. Here’s what you should know:

• Screen Stops Responding Completely: When a screen freezes, no input can be recognized by any handheld part—from its touchscreen, buttons, or any other interaction method. The picture remains motionless, and there is zero reaction to pressing or touching this button(s).
• No Background Activity: On the contrary, during a freezing display, no activity goes on in contrast with a jammed one where some processes might still occur.

Common Causes for These Issues

Here’s how it works: There are several reasons why an iPhone could have its screen jammed or frozen:

1. Software Bugs in the Update

What It Is: iOS updates are designed to enhance your device's performance and introduce new features. However, they can sometimes introduce bugs that disrupt system operations.

How It Happens:

• New Features: The fresh features can bring about compatibility problems or unexpected bugs.
• Incomplete Installation: The update process could be disrupted, leaving the system unstable.
• Buggy Code: There are times when newly updated code carries some errors that go unnoticed.

Symptoms:

• Freezing During Update: While updating, the display screen might freeze and show you the Apple logo or a progress bar that does not move.
• Post-Update Issues: After upgrading to new versions, there may be instances where the device freezes randomly or crashes unexpectedly.

2. Insufficient Storage Space

What It Is: To work well, your iPhone needs free space. Lack of enough storage may hinder its operations and could bring about system failure.

How It Happens:

• Excessive Files: The storage gets used up by too many pictures, videos, apps, and other files.
• Cache Buildup: Applications collect cache files over time, filling up much memory.
• Updates and Apps: Temporary processing space is required by new iOS updates as well as app downloads/installations.

Symptoms:

• Slow Performance: This device will start lagging at some point, making it unresponsive.
• Unable to Update: Sometimes, you get warnings about insufficient update space.
• App Crashes: Crashing apps or freezing apps due to not enough space.

3. Corrupted System Files

What Is It: System files are essential for the proper operation of iOS. If they become corrupt, it can interfere with the normal functioning of the device.

How It Happens:

• Interruption during Updates: System file corruption may happen when an update is interrupted.
• Malware: Infrequently found on iOS, malware can sometimes cause file corruption.
• App Conflicts: Conflicts Between app conflicts and between an app and the system could lead to file corruption.

Symptoms:

• Random Freezes: Your device might experience unpredictable freezing.
• Boot Issues: The iPhone might get stuck on the Apple logo or fail to boot.
• App Malfunctions: Certain applications might keep crashing or failing to open.

4. Hardware Issues

What It Is: Although less common, hardware problems can also cause screen issues. These might include problems with the screen itself, the internal components, or connections within the device.

How It Happens:

• Physical Damage: Drops, impacts, or exposure to water can damage the screen or internal components.
• Wear and Tear: Over time, components can degrade and fail.
• Manufacturing Defects: Sometimes, manufacturing defects can cause hardware issues.

Symptoms:

• Unresponsive Touch: The screen might not respond to touch inputs.
• Display Issues: The screen might show lines, flicker, or have dead pixels.
• Random Freezes: The device might freeze due to internal component failures.

Now, let’s dive into more detailed solutions:

1. Force Restart

A force restart often removes screen freezes by resetting temporary settings and resolving minor software glitches.

How to Force Restart:

• iPhone 15 Pro and Later: Quickly click then release the volume up button, and quickly click then release the volume down button. After that, press and hold the side button until you notice the Apple logo.
• iPhone 8 to iPhone 14: Press and release the volume up button quickly, press and release the volume down button quickly, then hold down on the side button until you see an Apple logo.
• iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press the volume down and side buttons until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
• iPhone 6s and Earlier: Hold home and either the top or side buttons until you see an Apple icon.

2. Charge your iPhone

At times, if your iphone is showing no movement at all, it may not have enough battery power to work; hence, ensuring that it has enough power can be enough to solve this problem in many cases.

How to Charge Your iPhone:

• Use a Suitable Charger: Pair your iPhone with a verified Lightning cable and a power adapter.
• Wait for a Few Minutes: Allow your iPhone to charge for at least 15 minutes before attempting to turn it on again. If its display stays black, give it a force reboot while still connected to a power source.
• Inspect the Charging Port: Confirm that it is clean and debris-free. If it is necessary, clean it gently using a dry, soft brush.

3. Check for App Issues

Your iPhone can freeze due to faulty or incompatible apps. Finding out these causes of app-related problems will help you get your device working again.

How to Check for App Issues:

• Identify Problematic Apps: Be attentive to when the phone freezes. When this happens while using one app, you should know that such an application might be causing it.
• Update Apps: Open the App Store, tap your profile icon, and scroll down for available updates. Just hit “Update All” to ensure all your applications are current.
• Uninstall Problematic Apps: If updating does not solve any issue, consider uninstalling the app. Touch the home screen’s app icon and press “Remove App” followed by “Delete App.”

4. Update iOS

Ensure the operating system is regularly updated to keep your iPhone’s performance and security at optimum levels. These often consist of bug fixes and improvements that can fix freezing issues.

How to Update iOS:

• Connect with Wi-Fi: Guarantee that your iPhone is linked to stable Wi-Fi network connectivity.
• Check for Updates: Go to Settings > General > Software Update. If available, select the Download & Install option.
• Install the update: Follow on-screen prompts till the installation process is complete, upon which iPhone restarts after completing the update process.

5. Free Up Storage

   The iPhone may slow down or freeze due to a lack of storage. Performance can be improved and freezing prevented by freeing up space on the device.

How to Free Up Storage:

• Delete Unnecessary Apps: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Check the list of apps and remove those that are no longer useful.
• Clear Pictures & Videos: Move photos & videos to your computer or back them up using iCloud, then delete them from your iPhone.
• Offload Unused Apps: In General settings under iPhone storage, you can turn on the “Offload Unused Apps” feature for apps you do not regularly use to be automatically removed from your phone.

6. Use Recovery Mode

Recovery mode can fix many problems if your iPhone is seriously frozen and unresponsive. This method re-installs your operating system while leaving all data intact.

How to Use Recovery Mode:

• Connect With Computer: Link an iPhone to a computer through a lightning cable.
• Launch iTunes Or Finder: Open iTunes on a PC or Mac running macOS Mojave or earlier version. On Mac running macOS Catalina or later versions, open the Finder app only.

7. Reset All Settings

   Resetting all default settings on your Apple device might correct some problems related to incorrect configurations and clashes among various settings without deleting any information saved.

How to Reset All Settings:

• Go to Settings: Open the Settings App and tap “General.”
• Restore Defaults: Scroll down until you find the “Reset” option, click it once, then choose “Reset All Settings.”
• Confirm: If asked, enter the passcode and confirm that you want to reset all settings.

8. Restore from Backup

You can restore your iPhone from a previous backup to fix problems caused by corrupt files or settings.

How to Restore from Backup:

• Connect to Wi-Fi: Ensure the iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi network.
• Open iTunes or Finder:
• Select Your Device: In iTunes or Finder, select your iPhone and click "Restore Backup."
• Choose a Backup: Select one of the most recent backups from the list and click "Restore."

9. Contact Apple Support

If none of these works for you, try contacting Apple support or going to their store. Apple support can assist in diagnosing hardware issues or more intricate software problems.

How to Contact Apple Support:

• Online: Visit the Apple Support website for troubleshooting guides and contact options on your device.
• Phone: Call Apple Support for direct assistance.
• In Person: Book an appointment at an Apple Store for professional diagnosis and repair work

Another option that may be helpful if you are having trouble with your iPhone’s screen is Dr.Fone - System Repair(iOS). Dr.Fone is a tool that can help fix various iOS system problems without data loss. It has a user-friendly interface and supports all iOS versions and devices, making it ideal when dealing with unresponsive screens among other persistent issues users face.

Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS)

Repair iOS System Errors Without data loss.

• Only fix your iOS to normal, no data loss at all.
• Fix various iOS system issues stuck in recovery mode, white Apple logo, black screen, looping on start, etc.
• Downgrade iOS without iTunes at all.
• Work for all iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch, running on all iOS versions

Available on: Windows Mac

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Key Features of Dr.Fone - System Repair:

• No Data Loss: Unlike some repair methods, Dr.Fone-System Repair will not erase any data on your iPhone.
• Wide Compatibility: Even the latest iPhone 15 Pro and all iOS versions and devices are supported.
• User-friendly interface: With its step-by-step guide, even the least techy person can conveniently use it.
• All-round fixing: There are many issues affecting the iOS, including screen freezing, boot loops, and system crashes.

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Open System Repair Tool

To get started, download and install Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer. After setting up, start by opening the program, then navigate to Toolbox at the top left corner of the window. From the home screen options, select System Repair.

Note: The Mac version may have an older interface, but this doesn't affect functionality.

Step 2: Connect Your iPhone

Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer. When prompted on your iPhone, choose “Trust This Computer” so that it may be connected to it. Next, select device type iOS since you’re using an iPhone.

Step 3: Choose iOS Repair

Select the iOS Repair option on the new window to fix your iPhone.

Step 4: Choose Standard Mode

Go for Standard Repair, among other available options here, which will not cause any data loss throughout the repair process.

Step 5: Enter Recovery Mode

Dr.Fone will show instructions to guide you in putting your iPhone into Recovery Mode. Once in Recovery Mode, tap ""Enter Recovery Mode"". If you encounter any issues, click the Guide button for detailed instructions.

Step 6: Download Appropriate iOS Firmware

Dr.Fone will automatically detect and propose suitable iOS firmware for your iPhone. Click on Download, which is next to the suggested firmware, to download it to your device.

Once the installation is successful, the repair process will be completed quickly, and your issue will be resolved by Dr.Fone.

Knowing the difference between a jammed and a frozen screen is vital for troubleshooting an unresponsive device. Software bugs, low storage capacity, corrupted system files, or malfunctioning hardware can affect the normal functioning of your phone. It’s advantageous to understand the cause of a problem, as it can help find a solution.

If such persist, you could rely upon tools like Dr.Fone - System Repair. This tool can help you fix system problems without losing valuable data. Remember to update your iPhone regularly and ensure enough storage space is available to avoid many difficulties. If you've tried everything else and still need help, don't hesitate to ask Apple Support for professional assistance.

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