iPhone XS Keeps Crashing or Shutting Down After iOS 13 Update? Here’s How to Fix It

If your iPhone XS started crashing or shutting off randomly after installing iOS 13, don’t panic — it’s a fairly common post-update problem. Whether it’s caused by rogue apps, corrupted settings, or update-related bugs, there are several things you can do to get your phone stable again. Here’s how to troubleshoot and fix an iPhone XS that keeps crashing or powering off unexpectedly.

1. Force Restart Your iPhone XS

A forced reboot helps clear minor glitches that may have appeared after the iOS update.

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

Then observe your phone to see if it still crashes afterward.

2. Free Up Storage Space

Low storage can cause serious performance issues, especially after a big update like iOS 13.

Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage
Check how much space is available
Delete unnecessary apps, photos, videos, or documents if storage is low

Removing clutter and junk data can help your system run more smoothly.

3. Reset All Settings

Sometimes iOS updates cause system settings to become corrupted or misconfigured.

Go to Settings > General > Reset
Tap Reset All Settings
Enter your passcode if prompted and confirm

This won’t delete your data, but it will reset Wi-Fi networks, keyboard dictionaries, and other system preferences.

4. Factory Reset (Erase All Content and Settings)

If your iPhone is still crashing, a deeper software wipe may be necessary. Back up your device first.

Go to Settings > General > Reset
Tap Erase All Content and Settings
Confirm and enter your passcode

Your phone will restart as new. Set it up from scratch and monitor for crashes before restoring from a backup.

5. Restore via Recovery Mode

For more persistent issues, recovery mode allows iTunes or Finder to reinstall iOS.

How to enter recovery mode:

Connect your iPhone XS to a computer with iTunes or Finder open
Press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down
Press and hold the Side button until you see the Connect to iTunes/Finder screen
When prompted, choose Restore

Let the process complete, and do not unplug your phone until it restarts.

6. DFU Mode Restore (Deep-Level Fix)

DFU mode is the most complete restore you can do — use it as a last resort.

How to enter DFU mode on iPhone XS:

Connect your iPhone to a computer
Press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down
Hold the Side button until the screen goes black
Immediately hold both the Side button + Volume Down for 5 seconds
Release the Side button but keep holding Volume Down until iTunes/Finder detects the phone

Your screen should stay black. Follow the prompts in iTunes/Finder to restore the firmware.

To exit DFU mode, force restart your phone.

Still Crashing? Get It Checked

If none of these solutions work and your iPhone XS still crashes randomly, the issue might be hardware-related (battery, logic board, etc.).

👉 Visit an Apple Store or authorized service provider for further diagnosis.