5 Ways to Fix iPhone Stuck on Lock Screen and Won't Turn On/Off

Recently, some iPhone users have reported a new issue where their iPhone suddenly freezes on the lock screen, leaving the screen completely unresponsive and making the device unusable.

If your iPhone has a frozen screen, doesn't respond when you try to unlock it or gets stuck when you turn it on, don't worry. In this article, we'll explore the possible causes behind this issue and provide effective solutions to help you get your iPhone back to normal.

Why is My iPhone Frozen on the Lock Screen?

There are several reasons why your iPhone might be frozen on the lock screen and won't turn on or off. Some common causes include:

• Temporary software glitches or bugs can cause your iPhone to get stuck on the lock screen. This might happen due to problematic apps, corrupted system files, or recent software updates.
• If your iPhone's memory is nearly full, it can cause performance problems, such as the iPhone freezing on the lock screen.
• Malfunctioning third-party apps can often cause issues. If an app crashes or behaves unexpectedly, it might cause your iPhone to freeze.
• Sometimes, hardware problems like a damaged display, faulty buttons, or a failing battery can also cause your iPhone to freeze on the lock screen.

How to Unfreeze iPhone Stuck on Lock Screen

Now you've learned the reasons why your iPhone is stuck on the lock screen. Below are some methods you can try to resolve this issue:

Request a Phone Call

If your iPhone is frozen on the lock screen, you should ask someone to call you first. If the call goes through, it will verify that your phone is working and allow you to unlock your screen and access your phone.

Of course, this method will only work if you have someone who can call you and your phone is working but just won't unlock.

Restart Frozen iPhone

If the iPhone is still frozen on the lock screen after the call, try powering off the device. Here's how to restart a frozen iPhone:

• For iPhone X and later: Press and hold either the volume button or the side button until the power off slider appears.
• For iPhone 8 and earlier: Press and hold the side or top button until the power off slider appears.

Drag the slider to turn off your device, then press the side or top button to turn it back on.

Hard Reset iPhone That Stuck on Lock Screen

When your iPhone is stuck on the lock screen and won't turn on or off, it may be time to consider a hard reset. Here is how to hard reset various iPhone models:

For iPhone 8, X, and later models:

• Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
• Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
• Press and hold down the Power (Side) button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus models

• Press and hold down the Side/Power button and Volume Down button simultaneously.
• Keep holding down both buttons for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

For iPhone 6s and earlier models

• Press and hold down both the Home button and the Power (Side) button at once.
• Keep holding them down simultaneously until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

Fix iPhone Stuck On Lock Screen and Won't Turn On/Off

If you want to fix your iPhone stuck on the lock screen without losing any data, consider using a third-party tool. One effective tool is FoneGeek iOS System Recovery. It can help fix 200+ common iOS issues without data loss, including iPhone black screen, iPhone keeps restarting, iPhone won’t turn on, etc. This tool is compatible with all iOS devices and versions, even the newest iPhone 16 and iOS 18.

Here is a step-by-step guide to fixing an iPhone stuck on lock screen using FoneGeek iOS System Recovery:

• Download and install FoneGeek iOS System Recovery on your computer. Launch this software and click Standard Mode on the home screen.

• Connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable and wait for the program to detect the device, then click Download.

• When the donwload is complete, click on Fix Now and wait for FoneGeek to fix your iPhone stuck on the lock screen.

When the process is finished, your phone will restart, and you will be able to access it normally.

Restore Frozen iPhone in Recovery Mode (Data Loss)

If none of the previous solutions work, restoring your iPhone in recovery mode is the final option. Be aware that this will erase all data on your device. To restore your iPhone, do the following:

Step 1. You must connect your phone to a computer and launch iTunes.

Step 2. Then, put your iPhone device into recovery mode. There are several ways to do this, depending on your device model.

For the iPhone 8 or earlier

• Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
• Press the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen.

For an iPhone X or later

• Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
• Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
• Continue holding the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen.

Step 3. Once in recovery mode, iTunes will detect your device and give you the option to "Restore" or "Update."

Select either option to restore your device from a previous backup or a recent software update. Note that this process may delete some data from your phone, so make sure you have a recent backup before attempting it.

Tips to Stop iPhone from Stuck on Lock Screen Again

Once you have successfully unlocked your iPhone stuck on the lock screen, there are some extra steps you can take to prevent this problem from happening again:

• Update iOS regularly: Keeping your iPhone software up to date can help protect you from any bugs or glitches causing the lock screen issue.
• Use a reliable passcode and security feature: Setting up Touch ID or Face ID is a good way to add extra protection to your device and prevent unauthorized access.
• Don't leave your phone locked for too long: If you're not using your iPhone, turn it off completely by pressing and holding the sleep/wake button for several seconds until the slider appears. Then, slide it to power off your phone.
• Restart your iPhone regularly: Restart your iPhone regularly to refresh its system and prevent potential glitches.
• Free up iPhone storage space: Make sure your iPhone has enough storage space. Remove unnecessary files and apps to avoid performance issues that could cause freezing.

Conclusion

When fixing an iPhone stuck on the lock screen, it's important to try different solutions. For a quick and effective fix, we recommend using FoneGeek iOS System Recovery. Its user-friendly interface and powerful features can help resolve various iOS issues, including a frozen lock screen. Give it a try!