iPhone stuck? Here's what you can do right now
Your iPhone crashes. In the middle of an important call. Or while paying at the cash register. Annoying and embarrassing at the same time. You desperately tap the screen, but nothing happens. Your first instinct? Panic . Because without your phone, you're on your own for a moment.
Still, a crashing iPhone usually isn't a disaster. In fact, 9 out of 10 cases can be resolved within a minute. The problem rarely lies with your hardware, but mainly with how you use your phone. Too many apps open, insufficient storage, forgotten updates—all simple things you can fix yourself. Even with your AirPods in and without any iPhone accessories at hand. The six steps in this article always work. Even if you think your iPhone is truly broken.
Useful links
- Refurbished iPhones - for when your current device can no longer be saved
- iPhone screen protectors - prevent damage from future problems
- MacBooks - for a seamless Apple experience
The Six Steps That Always Work
A frozen iPhone is annoying, but can almost always be fixed within minutes. These six proven methods will help you out, from simple to drastic.
Step 1: Force apps to close
The most common cause of a slow or frozen iPhone? Too many apps running in the background. Swipe up from the bottom of your screen and hold for a moment. You'll now see all your open apps. Swipe up one by one to close them completely. This immediately frees up memory.
On older models with a home button, double-tap it for the same overview. Apps that have been open for weeks use up unnecessary RAM. Be sure to close demanding apps like navigation, social media, and games. You'll notice the difference immediately.
Step 2: Perform a soft restart
Is the screen still not working? Then it's time for a soft restart, also known as a soft reset. This is completely safe and you won't lose any data.
For iPhone X and later:
- Press and release the volume up button
- Press and release the volume down button
- Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears
For iPhone 8 and older:
- Press and hold the power button and volume down button at the same time
- Wait for the Apple logo to appear
- Release both buttons
This method forces your device to restart without erasing any data. It fixes about 70% of all crashes.
Step 3: Free up storage space
A full iPhone slows down and freezes. Check your available space in Settings > General > iPhone Storage. If you have less than 1 GB free, it's time for a cleanup.
Start with:
- Delete apps you haven't used for months
- Delete old WhatsApp conversations with lots of photos and videos
- Empty your trash in the Photos app (full for 30 days)
- Move photos to iCloud or a third-party service
- Clear Safari cache via Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data
A rule of thumb: keep at least 10% of your total storage free for optimal performance. For a 64GB model, this means at least 6GB of free space.
Step 4: Update iOS and apps
Outdated software causes instability. Apple fixes dozens of bugs with every update. Check Settings > General > Software Update for the latest iOS version. Download it preferably over Wi-Fi and while your phone is charging.
Don't forget your apps either. Open the App Store, tap your profile picture in the top right corner, and scroll down. You'll see all available updates there. Tap "Update All" for a complete update. Apps with known issues often get a bug fix within days.
Step 5: Reset all settings
Is your device still frozen? Reset all settings without losing your data. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or reset > Reset > Reset all settings.
This knew:
- WiFi passwords
- Bluetooth pairings
- Backgrounds
- Accessibility settings
- Privacy preferences
Your photos, apps, and messages will remain intact. The device will return to its factory settings. This resolves persistent software issues that are deeply ingrained in the system.
Step 6: Full Restore via iTunes/Finder
The last resort: a complete restore. First, create a backup via iCloud or your computer. Connect your device to your Mac or PC. On a Mac, open Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (older versions). On Windows, always use iTunes.
Click your iPhone icon and select "Restore iPhone." This will erase everything and install a fresh version of iOS. Afterward, restore your backup. This drastic step will fix even the most persistent problems.
When is professional help needed?
Sometimes the problem lies deeper. You can't fix hardware defects yourself. Seek help with:
- A cracked screen that no longer responds
- Water damage (also with IP certification)
- A bloated battery (visible bulge)
- Random restarts for no reason
- The device becomes extremely hot
A refurbished model might be a smart choice. These devices have been professionally checked and repaired, often with new batteries and screens.
Prevent future problems
Prevention is better than cure. Maintain your iPhone weekly:
- Restart once a week
- Close apps you're not using
- Keep at least 10% of storage space free
- Install updates within a week
- Use original chargers and cables
- Avoid extreme temperatures
This routine will prevent 95% of all crashes. Your device will keep running smoothly for years without frustration.
Conclusion: Simple solutions for a frozen iPhone
A frozen iPhone doesn't have to be a nightmare. With these six steps, you can solve almost any problem in minutes. Always start with simple solutions like closing and restarting apps before resorting to more drastic measures.
Does your device keep crashing despite all your efforts? Then it might be time for a professionally inspected refurbished iPhone . With regular maintenance and sufficient free space, you can prevent most problems. This way, your phone will continue to function reliably for years to come.
