iPhone XR Not Responding After iOS 13 Update? Here’s How to Fix It

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If your iPhone XR became unresponsive or frozen after updating to iOS 13, you’re not alone. This kind of issue is common after major software updates and usually stems from rogue apps, incompatible settings, or system glitches. The good news? You can usually fix it with a few simple steps—no trip to the Apple Store required.

Here’s what to do if your iPhone XR won’t respond after updating.

1. Force Restart Your iPhone XR

When your iPhone is completely frozen or won’t wake up, a force restart can often jolt it back to life.

To force restart:

  • Quickly press and release the Volume Up button
  • Quickly press and release the Volume Down button
  • Press and hold the Side (Power) button until you see the Apple logo

This doesn’t erase any data—it simply forces the system to refresh.

2. Update Your Apps

Outdated apps may not be compatible with iOS 13 and could be causing system instability.

To update:

  • Open the App Store
  • Tap your profile icon at the top right
  • Scroll down to Available Updates
  • Tap Update All

After updating, restart your iPhone again and see if it becomes responsive.

3. Reset All Settings

System changes during the update may have corrupted your configuration. Resetting all settings can fix this without wiping your personal data.

To reset settings:

  • Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings
  • Enter your passcode
  • Confirm the reset

Your iPhone will restart and return to default system settings. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other preferences will need to be reconfigured.

4. Factory Reset Using iTunes (if the phone is still responsive)

If the phone is still sluggish or freezing often, consider a factory reset. This will erase all data and settings, so back up first.

Steps:

  1. Connect your iPhone XR to a computer with iTunes.
  2. Open iTunes and select your device.
  3. Click Restore iPhone and follow the prompts.
  4. Choose to restore from backup (or set up as new if you want a fresh start).

5. Restore in Recovery Mode (if the phone is unresponsive)

If your iPhone won’t respond to taps or restarts, use iTunes in Recovery Mode to reinstall iOS.

Here’s how:

  1. Connect your iPhone XR to your computer using a Lightning cable.
  2. Quickly press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down.
  3. Hold the Side button until you see the Recovery Mode screen (not the Apple logo).
  4. On your computer, choose Restore when prompted in iTunes.

This will reinstall iOS and can often resolve more serious bugs that a regular reset won’t fix.

Still Not Responding?

If your iPhone XR is still frozen after trying all of the above:

  • Try a third-party iOS repair tool like:
    • iMyFone Fixppo
    • ReiBoot by Tenorshare
    • Joyoshare UltFix
  • Contact Apple Support or visit a Genius Bar—especially if there may be hardware damage involved (from a drop or liquid exposure).

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