iPhone XS Freezing and Crashing After iOS Update? Here’s How to Fix It

Just updated your iPhone XS and now it’s freezing or randomly crashing? You’re not alone. While iOS updates are meant to improve performance and security, they sometimes bring along annoying glitches — especially on slightly older models like the XS. The good news? These issues are usually fixable without needing to visit Apple Support.

Try the fixes below to get your iPhone XS running smoothly again.

1. Close All Background Apps

Left a bunch of apps open? Some might not play nicely with the new iOS version and could be causing the crashes.

Here’s how to clear them:

Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle.
Swipe left or right to browse open apps.
Swipe up on each one to close it — especially any you opened before the update.

2. Force Restart Your iPhone XS

A force restart can shake off small bugs or memory hiccups from the update.

Do this:

Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.

This won’t delete anything, and it often helps with freezing or lag.

3. Update Your Apps

Apps that haven’t been updated might not be compatible with the latest iOS version, which can lead to crashes or slowdowns.

To update your apps:

Open the App Store.
Tap your profile icon at the top right.
Scroll down to see pending updates.
Tap Update All or manually update key apps.

After updating, restart your phone again.

4. Reset All Settings

If the update messed with your settings (which happens more often than you’d think), resetting them can clear up strange behavior without wiping your data.

Reset settings like this:

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Tap Reset, then choose Reset All Settings.
Enter your passcode and confirm.

Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings, and preferences will reset, but your files and apps stay intact.

5. Factory Reset via iTunes (If Nothing Else Works)

Still crashing or freezing all the time? A clean slate may be your best bet.

⚠️ Important: This wipes your iPhone completely — back everything up first via iCloud or iTunes.

To factory reset using iTunes:

Open the latest version of iTunes on your computer.
Connect your iPhone XS using a Lightning cable.
Tap Trust This Computer on your iPhone if prompted.
Select your iPhone when it appears in iTunes.
Under the Summary tab, click Restore iPhone.
Follow the prompts to reinstall iOS and erase your device.

This downloads the latest iOS version and gives your iPhone a fresh start.

6. Try Recovery Mode or DFU Restore

If even a factory reset doesn’t work, go deeper:

Recovery Mode lets you restore iOS if your phone won’t boot properly.
DFU Mode (Device Firmware Update) is the deepest restore possible — ideal for severe iOS corruption.

Both require iTunes and a computer, and you’ll find full walkthroughs in the Tutorials section of our site.

Still Having Issues?

If your iPhone XS keeps freezing or crashing after all of this, it’s time to call in reinforcements:

Contact Apple Support: They can confirm if it’s a known bug and whether a fix is coming.
Visit an Apple Store or authorized repair center: Especially if you suspect a hardware issue, like a failing battery or logic board problem.