If your iPhone 11 Pro suddenly freezes while using an app and becomes unresponsive, you’re not alone. Many users run into this issue, and it’s usually caused by a software bug, a misbehaving app, or low system resources. The good news? You don’t need to rush to a service center just yet—there are several ways to troubleshoot and fix the problem yourself.
1. Force Restart Your iPhone
When your phone locks up and won’t respond to touch or button presses, a force restart can snap it back into shape.
To force restart:
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
This won’t delete any data—it just refreshes your iPhone’s memory and can clear minor software glitches.
2. Quit All Background Apps
Too many apps running at once can hog system resources and cause freezing.
To close background apps:
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle to open the App Switcher.
- Swipe left or right to find open apps.
- Swipe up on each app to close it.
Focus on quitting apps you’re not currently using, especially if your iPhone is already lagging.
3. Check Your Battery Level
If your iPhone freezes on a black screen but still rings or receives notifications, it could be a power issue.
- Plug your phone into a charger and let it charge for at least 15 minutes.
- Avoid letting your battery drain to 0% regularly—it can shorten battery lifespan and cause instability.
4. Update Problematic Apps
Freezing can happen if an app has a bug or isn’t compatible with your current iOS version.
To update apps:
- Open the App Store.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Scroll down to view available app updates.
- Tap Update All, or update apps individually.
Prioritize updating the app that causes freezing the most often.
5. Reset All Settings
If app crashes or freezing continue, reset all system settings without erasing your data.
To reset settings:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
- Tap Reset All Settings.
- Enter your passcode to confirm.
This will reset system settings like Wi-Fi passwords and accessibility preferences, but won’t delete photos, messages, or apps.
6. Update to the Latest iOS Version
Some apps require the latest iOS to run properly. If your iPhone 11 Pro is on an outdated version, that could be the issue.
To update iOS:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Tap Download and Install if an update is available.
Or via iTunes:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer with iTunes.
- Select your device and go to the Summary tab.
- Click Check for Update, then Download and Install.
Still Freezing? Here’s What Else to Try
- Delete and reinstall the app that’s causing problems.
- Check available storage under Settings > General > iPhone Storage. If storage is low, offload unused apps or delete large files.
- Factory reset your iPhone as a last resort—but only after backing up your data.
If all else fails, it could be a hardware issue, such as a failing NAND chip or logic board problem. In that case, your best option is to visit an Apple Store or authorized repair center.