5 Tricks to Fix 'iPhone Is Stuck On Lock Screen' [2024 Updated]

It's a question that has plagued iPhone users for years: why is my iPhone frozen on the lock screen? For those who have experienced this frustrating and sometimes infuriating issue, it can feel like you will be locked out of your device forever. But fear not because there is hope! This article will provide the information you need to help determine what is causing your iPhone to be stuck on the lock screen and how to fix it quickly.

We will explore potential culprits and provide simple troubleshooting steps to get back to using your device without further problems. So, if you are ready to learn why your iPhone is frozen on the lock screen and take action today, let's get started!

Part 1. Reasons Why iPhone Freezes On Lock Screen

There are various reasons why your iPhone would freeze on the lock screen. Some of the common reasons include the following:

• Software glitches.
• Outdated settings.
• Hardware Issues.
• Damage from water exposure.

Part 2. How to Fix iPhone Frozen on Lock Screen

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 if your phone is working but just won't unlock.

Restart Frozen iPhone

When your iPhone is stuck on the lock screen and won't slide to unlock, it may be time to consider a hard reset.

For iPhone 8 and earlier:

• Press and hold the top or side button until a slider appears on your screen.
• Drag the slider to turn off your device.
• Once it's powered down, press and hold the top or side button again until you see the Apple logo.

For iPhone X and later:

• Press and hold either the volume up or down button and the side button simultaneously until you see a slider appear on your screen.
• Drag the slider to turn off your device.
• Once it's powered down, press and hold either the volume up or down button and the side button again until you see the Apple logo.

Hard Reset iPhone That Stuck on Lock Screen

When your iPhone is stuck on the lock screen and won't slide to unlock, 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.

Recommended Way to Fix iPhone Stuck On Lock Screen

If you want to fix your iPhone stuck on the lock screen without losing any data, you may need to use a third-party tool. Several such tools available for Mac and Windows computers can help you diagnose and fix any issues causing your device to be frozen on the lock screen.

You can try using software called FoneGeek iOS System Recovery to fix your iPhone stuck on the lock screen. FoneGeek can help to resolve 200+ common iOS issues without data loss, including iPhone black screen, iphone keeps turning off/on, iPhone won’t turn on, etc.

To use FoneGeek, follow these simple steps:

• 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 computer using an USB cable and start to download the iOS firmware.
• Then 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

If none of the above solutions works, restoring your iPhone in recovery mode is the last resort. You should however remember that with this method, you will lose all the device data.

To restore your iPhone, do the following:

Step 1. You must connect your phone to 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.

Part 3. 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. Here are a few tips to consider:

• Update iOS regularly: Keeping your 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 are not using it, turn off your device completely by holding the sleep/wake button for several seconds until the slider appears, then drag it across to turn off your phone completely.
• Back up important data regularly: Backing up photos, contacts, and other important data will ensure you retain all information if your phone becomes stuck on the lock screen.

Conclusion

These are the most common solutions to iPhone become stuck on the lock screen. If your iPhone is still under warranty, it's always best to take it to an Apple Store for diagnosis and repair. However, if you're comfortable working with electronics, some tutorials online can help you fix the problem yourself. In either case, taking care of the issue as soon as possible helps ensure your iPhone remains in good working condition.