If your iPhone is not locking or sleeping automatically, it can lead to significant battery drain and potential security risks. Here are 10 practical solutions to help you resolve this issue.
1. Set the Correct Auto-Lock Duration
The most common reason for an iPhone not locking automatically is an incorrect Auto-Lock setting. To fix this, follow these steps:
- Open Settings and tap Display & Brightness.
- Tap Auto-Lock and choose a duration other than Never. Selecting a shorter duration, such as 30 seconds or 1 minute, will ensure your iPhone locks automatically after the specified time.
2. Disable Always-On Display
For iPhone models like the 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max, the Always-On Display feature can prevent the screen from turning off completely. To disable it:
- Go to Settings and select Display & Brightness.
- Scroll down and find Always On Display.
- Toggle it off to ensure your screen goes completely black when locked.
3. Turn Off Attention Aware Features
Attention Aware Features can interfere with the auto-lock function. To disable them:
- Open Settings and tap Face ID & Passcode.
- Enter your passcode if prompted.
- Scroll down and turn off Attention Aware Features.
4. Disable Assistive Touch
Assistive Touch can sometimes cause issues with the auto-lock feature. To turn it off:
- Go to Settings, then General, and select Accessibility.
- Scroll down and find Assistive Touch.
- Toggle it off.
5. Turn Off Low Power Mode
Low Power Mode can affect various features, including auto-lock. To disable it:
- Open Settings and select Battery.
- Switch Low Power Mode to the left to turn it off.
6. Update to the Latest iOS Version
Ensuring your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS can resolve many software-related issues. To update:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, download and install it.
7. Force Restart Your iPhone
A force restart can resolve software glitches that might be preventing your iPhone from locking. The steps vary depending on your iPhone model:
- For iPhone 8 and later: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then do the same with the Volume Down button. Finally, press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
- For iPhone 7 and earlier: Press and hold down the Home button and Sleep/Wake button simultaneously for at least 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
8. Reset All Settings
Resetting all settings can restore your iPhone to its default configuration, which may fix the auto-lock issue. To do this:
- Go to Settings > General > Reset.
- Select Reset All Settings and confirm.
9. Quit Video Apps
Sometimes, video apps can keep your iPhone awake even after you've stopped using them. To force quit a video app:
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen or double press the Home button.
- Drag the video app card all the way up to close it.
10. Repair Operating System
If all other methods fail, you might need to repair the operating system. You can use a tool like Tenorshare ReiBoot:
- Download, install, and launch ReiBoot on your computer.
- Connect your iPhone to the computer.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to repair the iOS.