If your iPhone XS Max feels sluggish or the screen is slow to respond, youโre not alone. Delayed touchscreen response, frozen screens, and general lag are usually signs of a software issueโor in rare cases, a hardware fault.
The good news? In most cases, this problem can be fixed at home with a few simple steps. Hereโs how to troubleshoot and resolve lagging touchscreen issues on your iPhone XS Max.
๐ Step 1: Check Storage Space
Before anything else, make sure your iPhone isnโt running low on storage.
Go to:
Settings > General > iPhone Storage
If you’re below 1GB free, try deleting large files, old apps, or offloading media to iCloud. A full storage can cause sluggish performance and touchscreen delays.
๐ Step 2: Restart or Force Restart Your iPhone
A basic reboot clears memory and eliminates minor glitches.
Soft reset:
- Press and hold the Side button + Volume Up until you see โslide to power off.โ
- Drag the slider and wait 30 seconds.
- Press the Side button again to turn it back on.
Force restart (if screen is unresponsive):
- Quickly press and release Volume Up
- Quickly press and release Volume Down
- Hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears
๐ฒ Step 3: Update or Remove Faulty Apps
Lag often stems from misbehaving or outdated apps.
To update apps manually:
- Open the App Store
- Tap your profile icon in the top right
- Scroll down and tap Update All
If lag began after installing a specific app, delete it:
- Tap and hold the app icon
- Select Remove App > Delete App
๐ฑ Step 4: Install the Latest iOS Update
Apple regularly fixes performance issues in iOS updates.
To check for updates:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update
- If an update is available, tap Download and Install
Make sure your battery is at 50%+ or your phone is plugged in.
โ๏ธ Step 5: Reset All Settings
If youโve customized settings and arenโt sure which ones might be causing problems, reset everything without losing data.
Steps:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap Reset > Reset All Settings
- Enter your passcode and confirm
Your settings will go back to default, but your data will remain safe.
๐งผ Step 6: Factory Reset (Last Resort)
Still sluggish? Time to start fresh. A factory reset removes all data and restores the phone to default state.
โ ๏ธ Back up to iCloud or a computer first.
To factory reset:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings
- Follow prompts to reset and set up as new
If the screen is too unresponsive, use iTunes or Finder on your computer to restore via USB.
๐ ๏ธ Still Lagging? It Could Be Hardware
If your iPhone XS Max continues lagging or has unresponsive zones on the screen:
- It could be due to screen damage, liquid exposure, or a failing digitizer.
- Book an appointment at an Apple Store or authorized service center.
- If under warranty or AppleCare+, repairs may be covered.