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When Your iPhone Just Won't Cooperate: Solutions For Frozen or Unresponsive Screens

Troubleshooting tips to revive your unresponsive iPhone and get it back to working condition.

Updated: June 7th, 2023

When Your iPhone Just Won’t Cooperate: Solutions For Frozen or Unresponsive Screens

Hey there, iPhone loyalist! We know how much you value your device. After all, it’s more than just a phone. It’s your personal assistant, your memory keeper, and your gateway to the world. But what happens when your iPhone refuses to turn on or is frozen? 

No worries – we’ve got your back. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to troubleshoot these common issues.

Black Screen or Frozen iPhone: Here’s Your Game Plan

Whether you have the latest iPhone or an earlier model, there are specific steps to revive it.

iPhone 8 and Later, Including iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)

  1. Press and quickly release the volume up button.
  2. Do the same with the volume down button.
  3. Finally, press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.

If your iPhone still doesn’t respond, try checking your hardware and charging your phone for up to an hour. If all else fails and you’re within your Apple one-year warranty, contact Apple Support.

iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus

  1. Press and hold both the side button and the volume down button until you see the Apple logo.

Repeat the same steps mentioned above if your phone refuses to cooperate.

iPhone 6s and Earlier, Including iPhone SE (1st generation)

  1. Press and hold both the Home button and the side button or the top button until you see the Apple logo.

Again, check your hardware and try charging your phone for up to an hour.

iPhone Turns On, But Gets Stuck During Start Up

If you see the Apple logo or a red or blue screen during startup, don’t panic. Follow these steps:

  1. Connect your iPhone to a computer.
  2. Select your iPhone on your computer.
  3. While your iPhone is connected, follow the same steps mentioned above depending on your iPhone model.
  4. Keep holding the buttons until you see the recovery mode screen.
  5. When you get the option to restore or update, choose Update.

Note: Your computer will download the software for your device. If it takes more than 15 minutes, your device will exit recovery mode. Repeat steps 2-4.

Restarting Your iPhone

Restarting your device can resolve many issues. Here’s how to do it for different models:

iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, or later

  1. Press and hold either volume button and the side button until the power-off slider appears.
  2. Drag the slider, then wait 30 seconds for your device to turn off. If your device is frozen or unresponsive, force restart your device.
  3. To turn your device back on, press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.

iPhone 6, 7, 8, or SE (2nd or 3rd generation)

  1. Press and hold the side button until the power-off slider appears.
  2. Drag the slider, wait 30 seconds for your device to turn off, and force restart if necessary.
  3. To turn your device back on, press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.

iPhone SE (1st generation), 5, or earlier

  1. Press and hold the top button until the power-off slider appears.
  2. Drag the slider, wait 30 seconds for your device to turn off, and force restart if necessary.
  3. To turn your device back on, press and hold the top button until you see the Apple logo.

Navigating Tech Hiccups Together

Remember, even the most trusted devices have their off days, and that’s perfectly okay. What matters is having the right solutions on hand when those issues arise. 

We hope this guide helps you deal with any iPhone screen woes you may face. Keep enjoying your iPhone and remember, we’re always here to help. Let’s navigate these tech hiccups together, one issue at a time. Here’s to uninterrupted connections and unending conversations!