If your iPhone SE 2 started freezing or lagging after updating to iOS 14, you’re not the only one. Performance issues like this can pop up after major software updates — but most of the time, they’re fixable without needing a trip to the Genius Bar.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you get your iPhone running smoothly again.
Close Apps and Force Restart Your iPhone
Sometimes, too many apps running in the background can drag down your phone’s performance. Closing them and doing a force restart can give your device a much-needed refresh.
How to close apps:
- Double-press the Home button to view recently used apps.
- Swipe up on each app to close them.
Then force restart your iPhone SE 2:
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
Once your phone reboots, see if the freezing has stopped.
Check Your Storage and Look for a Software Update
Low storage space can cause all sorts of slowdowns, especially on older or budget-friendly iPhones like the SE. Also, Apple may release patches after major updates to fix bugs like freezing.
Check storage and updates:
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- If you have less than 2 GB free, delete old apps, messages, or videos.
- Then go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, download and install it.
Reset All Settings
If freezing persists, it could be due to a corrupted setting or misconfiguration after the update. Resetting all settings won’t delete your data, but it will restore things like Wi-Fi passwords, display settings, and permissions.
To reset all settings:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
- Tap Reset All Settings.
- Enter your passcode and confirm.
Your iPhone will reboot afterward. Use it normally and see if the issue is gone.
Factory Reset Your iPhone
If none of the above solutions work, a full factory reset may be necessary to eliminate deeper software bugs introduced by the update.
Warning: This will erase everything on your iPhone, so back up your data first via iCloud or iTunes.
To perform a factory reset:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Tap Continue and enter your passcode.
- Enter your Apple ID password when prompted to confirm.
- Wait for the reset to finish, then set your iPhone up as new.
If the issue still persists even after a factory reset, there may be a deeper iOS bug or hardware issue. In that case, your best bet is to contact Apple Support or visit the nearest Apple Store.