If you’ve found your way here, chances are you are grappling with the recurring issue of your iPhone freezing and subsequently restarting. Many iPhone owners have reported experiencing this, and it can be especially frustrating if your device is relatively new. This article delves into the possible causes and effective solutions to this problem.
Why Does My iPhone Keep Freezing and Restarting Itself?
Before diving into the solutions, let’s analyze the possible culprits behind your iPhone’s erratic behavior. Knowing the causes can help you target the problem more effectively:
- Software Bugs – Although software updates are supposed to enhance your iPhone experience, sometimes they may be the root cause of the issue. Beta versions are especially notorious for having bugs. However, even stable updates can sometimes create problems. For instance, iOS 16 was criticized for causing battery drain issues in some iPhone models.
- Storage issues – An iPhone with an overloaded storage capacity can struggle to perform even basic functions. Always ensure that there is enough free space for the system to save temporary files and operate effectively.
- Conflict with third-party apps – Installing apps from unofficial sources can result in compatibility issues and even malware. These apps may not have undergone the rigorous testing that apps in the App Store do and can wreak havoc on your device’s performance.
Can a Virus Cause a Phone To Keep Restarting?
Yes, a virus or malware can cause your iPhone to keep freezing and restarting. These malicious programs can affect system files, causing instability and performance issues. The safest way to solve this issue is by using a strong antivirus solution like Intego VirusBarrier.
It will scan your iPhone and catch malware and malicious threats, further getting rid of all their traces to keep your device safe and prevent them from affecting it in the future.
How To Fix iPhone Keeps Freezing and Restarting by Itself
Before moving on to more complex solutions, follow these preliminary steps:
- Restart your iPhone – Sometimes a simple force restart can do wonders. It refreshes the device’s memory, clears the cache, and reloads apps. Thus, tap the volume up button and immediately let it go. Tap the volume down button and instantly release it. Then press and hold the side button. Once the Apple logo shows up, let go of the side button. Alternatively, you can restart your iPhone with Siri.
- Check the error logs on your iPhone – Checking log reports can give you insights into backend processes. To check logs, go to Settings > Privacy > Analytics & Improvements.
- Clear up the storage – If your iPhone is near its storage capacity, try deleting unnecessary files or apps to free up some space. Go to Settings > General > Storage. You can see what’s taking up the most space and decide what to delete or offload. Additionally, check out how to delete your iCloud storage.
If none of the above solutions work, proceed with the following:
1. Use a third-party System Repair Tool
UltFone iOS System Repair offers a comprehensive solution to resolve iPhone freezing and restarting issues effectively. Users can initiate the repair with just a few clicks, streamlining the troubleshooting experience with high success rate. Besides, it prioritizes data preservation throughout the repair process and supports to fix more than other 150 different iOS system problems. Here is how to fix iPhone keeps freezing:
- Download UltFone iOS System Repair from the official website. Connect your iPhone to the computer, then click “Start” to access the iOS system repair module.
- Select “Standard Repair” to proceed.
- Select “Download” to get the firmware package tailored for your device. Pick a path to save the firmware package.
- Once the firmware package is downloaded, click “Start Standard Repair” to address iOS issues. Just wait a few minutes and it will automatically fix the Apple iPhone frozen problem.
2. Uninstall Third-party Apps
If you have installed any 3rd party apps from unofficial sources recently, try uninstalling them. Additionally, check your apps list for any unfamiliar apps that may have been installed without your knowledge.
3. Update iOS
Time needed: 1 minute
Ensure your operating system and all apps are up to date to minimize compatibility issues and vulnerabilities.
- To do this go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If there are any updates available, tap Download & Install. This should solve the iPhone 12/13 freezing and restarting issue.
Additionally, check out how to download and install iOS 17 on your iPhone.
4. Reset All Settings
If you suspect that incorrect settings may be causing the issue, you can reset all settings without losing data.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Select Reset > Reset All Settings.
5. Factory Reset Your iPhone
As a last resort, you may need to factory reset your iPhone. Be sure to back up your data before proceeding.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Select Erase All Contents & Settings and follow the on-screen instructions.
If all else fails, it’s time to seek professional help from Apple Support. There may be a hardware issue that needs inspection by professionals.
Why Does My iPhone Keep Freezing and Then Shutting Off?
If your iPhone keeps freezing and then shutting off, there might be various underlying reasons causing this behavior:
- Software Glitches or Bugs: Sometimes, software updates or certain apps might have bugs that can cause the iPhone to freeze and shut down.
- Overheating: If your iPhone gets too hot, it might freeze and eventually shut down to prevent hardware damage.
- Insufficient Storage: When the iPhone’s storage is almost full, it can slow down the device and cause it to freeze and shut off.
- Corrupt Apps: A third-party app or even a system app that has become corrupted can cause instability in the system, leading to freezing and shutting down.
- Battery Issues: A failing battery can sometimes cause the device to shut down unexpectedly, especially if the battery can’t hold charge properly.
- Hardware Problems: There could be an internal hardware issue, such as a faulty component, which is causing the iPhone to freeze and shut down.
- Operating System Issues: Sometimes, the iOS itself can have errors or corruptions that can lead to this kind of behavior.
In such situations, it is recommended to try some troubleshooting steps such as force restarting the iPhone, uninstalling suspicious apps, updating iOS, or resetting the iPhone to factory settings. For detailed solutions check out our guide on what to do if iPhone 14 is not turning on.
Conclusion
An iPhone that keeps freezing and restarting can be immensely frustrating, especially when you need to use it urgently. The causes can vary from software bugs to hardware issues. With the information and solutions provided in this article, you are now armed with the knowledge to tackle this issue head-on. However, if the problem persists despite trying all the solutions, it’s wise to consult Apple Support to ensure your device receives the appropriate care and attention. For further reading, check out what you can do when your iPhone screen stops responding to touch input.
When your iPhone repeatedly shows the Apple logo, it means that the device is trying to boot up but is encountering problems. This could be due to corrupted files, an unsuccessful software update, or hardware issues.
You should try to perform a force restart. For iPhone 8 and later, quickly press and release the volume up button, then try the same with the volume down button, and finally, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo reappears.
A hard reset, often known as a force restart, does not delete any data from your iPhone. It simply forces your phone to power off and restart when it’s not responding. However, if you perform a factory reset, that will erase all data and return the iPhone to its original settings.