Having an iPhone that is frozen and won’t turn off or reset can be frustrating and worrisome. However, there are several methods you can try to fix this issue and get your iPhone back to normal. In this article, I will guide you through various troubleshooting steps that can help you resolve the problem.
Method 1: Force Restart Your iPhone
If your iPhone is frozen and unresponsive, a force restart can often solve the issue. The steps for force restarting your iPhone vary depending on the model you have. Here’s how to force restart different iPhone models:
Force Restart iPhone 8 and Later (including the latest iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro)
- Press and quickly release the volume up button.
- Press and quickly release the volume down button.
- Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
Force Restart iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
- Press and hold the volume down button and the power button simultaneously.
- Keep holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
Force Restart iPhone 6s and Earlier (including the first-gen iPhone SE)
- Press and hold the home button and the power button simultaneously.
- Continue holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
Method 2: Restore iPhone without Losing Data (Tenorshare ReiBoot)
If force restarting didn’t resolve the issue, you can try using a third-party tool called Tenorshare ReiBoot. This software allows you to fix various iOS problems, including a frozen iPhone, without losing your data. Here’s how to use Tenorshare ReiBoot to restore your iPhone:
- Download and install Tenorshare ReiBoot on your computer.
- Launch the software and connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable.
- Select “Repair Operating System” from the main interface and click on “Start Repair.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to download the firmware package.
- Once the firmware package is downloaded, click on “Start Repair” again to begin the repair process.
- Wait for the process to complete. Your iPhone should restart and function normally.
Method 3: Delete Freezing Apps
Sometimes, certain apps on your iPhone can cause it to freeze and become unresponsive. To fix this, you can try deleting the freezing app. Here’s how:
- On your home screen, find the app that is causing the problem.
- Press and hold the app icon until it starts shaking.
- Tap on the “X” icon that appears on the top left corner of the app.
- Confirm the deletion when prompted.
- Restart your iPhone and check if the freezing issue is resolved.
Method 4: Check for Software Updates
Software updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can help resolve freezing issues on your iPhone. To check for software updates, follow these steps:
- Go to the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on “General.”
- Tap on “Software Update.”
- If an update is available, tap on “Download and Install.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.
- Once the update is installed, restart your iPhone and check if the freezing problem persists.
Method 5: Reset All Settings on Your iPhone
Resetting all settings on your iPhone can sometimes fix freezing issues caused by software conflicts or incorrect settings. Keep in mind that this method will reset all your customized settings, but your data and apps will remain intact. Here’s how to reset all settings:
- Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
- Tap on “General.”
- Scroll down and tap on “Reset.”
- Select “Reset All Settings” and enter your passcode if prompted.
- Confirm the reset when prompted.
- Your iPhone will restart, and the settings will be reset to their default values.
Method 6: Perform a DFU Restore the Official Way (Using iTunes, Causes Data Loss)
If none of the previous methods worked, you can try performing a Device Firmware Update (DFU) restore using iTunes. This method erases all data on your iPhone, so make sure you have a backup before proceeding. Here’s how to perform a DFU restore:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer with iTunes installed.
- Press and hold the power button and the volume down button simultaneously for about 10 seconds.
- Release the power button while continuing to hold the volume down button for an additional 5 seconds.
- If the screen stays black, your iPhone has entered DFU mode.
- iTunes will detect your iPhone in recovery mode and prompt you to restore it.
- Follow the on-screen instructions in iTunes to complete the restore process.
Method 7: Contact Apple Support
If none of the methods mentioned above resolved the issue, it’s advisable to contact Apple Support for further assistance. They have the expertise to diagnose and fix complex issues with iPhones. You can reach out to Apple Support through their website, phone, or by visiting an Apple Store.