6 Solutions：How to Fix “iPhone Not Responding” Error

Part 1. Why is the iPhone not responding?

Although fairly rare, it’s possible for iPhone users to face iPhone unresponsive issues like black/white screen, being stuck on the Apple logo, iPhone not responding won't turn off, etc. Usually, these errors can occur for a number of reasons.

✿When the iPhone is dropped into the water or smashed.
✿The various software bugs and glitches or defective apps can also cause the iPhone is not responding.
✿Sometimes, a screen protector can hinder your touch and display on your iPhone, which is why your iPhone is not responding to touch.
✿Full iPhone storage can also cause the iPhone to get stuck and unresponsive.

Now take the following corresponding solutions according to different situations.

Part 2. How to fix the “iPhone not responding” error with 6 solutions

• Solution 1. Force restart your device
• Solution 2. Free up your iPhone storage
• Solution 3. Update the iPhone
• Solution 4. Factory reset your device
• Solution 5. Restore iPhone via Recovery Mode
• Solution 6. Restore iPhone in DFU Mode

Tips: Before fixing the problem, make sure the iPhone screen is clean and free of dust, dirt, oil, or water. If possible, you can replace your iPhone screen protector. You also need to check the charging port, data cable, charger, and then charge your iPhone for an hour or so to make sure there is enough power to take the following actions.

Solution 1. Force Restart your device

In most cases, restarting the iPhone will fix an unresponsive touchscreen. So, your first step should be restarting your iPhone to see if it becomes responsive.

For iPhone 8 and later models: Press and quickly release the Volume Up and Down buttons, then press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.

For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold the Side button and Volume Down button until you see the Apple logo.

For iPhone 6 and earlier: Press and hold the Home button and Top/Side button until you see the Apple logo.

Solution 2. Free up your iPhone storage

When the iPhone cache gets too full or there are conflicting apps, the phone freezes and becomes unresponsive. In this case, you need to uninstall certain buggy applications to release iPhone storage.

Step 1. Open the Settings app.

Step 2. Tap "General," and click "iPhone Storage."

Step 3. This will show you how much free space you have left and what is taking up your memory, such as apps, media files, photos, music, etc. You can choose to delete it as needed.

Solution 3. Update the iPhone

Sometimes, the iPhone screen unresponsive is related to the iOS system, upgrade the iOS to the latest version to solve this problem.

Go to the Settings > General > Software Update. 

You can tap Automatic Updates, turn on Download iOS Updates. And activate Install iOS Updates. Your device will automatically update to the latest iOS version. 

Solution 4. Factory reset your device

Updating your iPhone should fix any software-related issues, and if the iPhone touch screen still not working, it might be worth performing a factory reset on your iPhone.

A factory reset can help you fix iPhone not responding problem but it will also erase all data on your iPhone, your iPhone will be like a new one. If you’ve already backed up your iPhone with iCloud or iTunes, you can safely do so, if not, please think twice.

Step 1. Open the Settings app, choose General.

Step 2. Swipe to the bottom and tap Reset.

Step 3. Choose Erase All Content and Settings.

Solution 5. Restore iPhone via Recovery Mode

Besides updating iOS to the latest version, you can also update or restore your iPhone in recovery mode to get rid of the iPhone not responding to touch issues.

Step 1. Check iTunes to keep it updated to the latest version and running on your computer. Plugin your iPhone.

Step 2. Force restart your device to put it in Recovery Mode.

Step 3. A pop-up window with Update and Restore options will appear. You can just tap on the Restore option, although it will wipe your data like a factory reset, it has a higher success rate than Update. 

Solution 6. Restore iPhone in DFU Mode

Compared to Recovery Mode, DFU (Device Firmware Update) recovery is deeper and it will wipe all existing data on the device.

Step 1. Make sure that your iTunes is the latest version and running on your computer.
Step 2. Plug into the iPhone.
Step 3. Put your iPhone in DFU Mode.

For iPhone 8 and later: Press and quickly release the Volume Up and Down button together, press and hold the Side/Power button for 10 seconds until the screen goes black. Keep holding the Side/Power button and press the Volume Down button for 5 seconds, then release the Side/Power button but keep holding the Volume Down button until iTunes appears enter DFU mode, click Restore.

For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold the Power/Sleep button, the Volume Down button together for 8–10 seconds. Release the Power/Sleep button but keep holding the Volume Down button when you see iTunes appears to enter DFU mode.

For iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold the Power/Sleep button, the Home button together for 8–10 seconds, release the Power/Sleep button but keep holding the Home button until iTunes appears to enter DFU mode.

Tips: If you successfully enter DFU mode, your device screen will be completely blank, otherwise, you will need to try again.

Conclusion

That’s all about how to fix iPhone not responding. If you encounter software malfunction, dirty screen, full iPhone storage, etc., you can fix it by yourself. However, if you met a hardware issue, please seek help from Apple Support.

It’s worth noting that whether you solve it yourself or seek help from Apple support, it’s best to back up your iPhone to a computer or another device in advance to avoid data loss. You can back up your iPhone using iCloud/iTunes or a third-party backup tool.