Why does my settings app freeze

Hi JMDodge3,

Thanks for reaching out in Apple Support Communities. I understand that when you access the Settings app on your iPhone it becomes unresponsive and you either need to wait or force the app to quit in order to use it. I can see why you'd reach out about this behavior; I'd like to help. Although you mention you've tried quitting the app, I'd recommend using the steps below to quit the app and restart your device if you haven't already:

• How to force an app to close on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
• Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

If you've already tried those steps, verify that the iOS on your iPhone is up-to-date, if not, please update and test: Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Should the issue persist, I'd recommend reinstalling iOS to your device. Use this link to create a backup, How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, then follow these steps to reinstall iOS:

"Put your device in recovery mode and set it up again

1. 1. Make sure that you're using the latest version of iTunes. 
   2. If iTunes is already open, close it. Connect your device to your computer and open iTunes. If you don't have a computer, borrow one from a friend or go to an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider for help.
   3. While your device is connected, follow these steps: 

• • • iPad models with Face ID: Press and hold the Top button and either volume button until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off your device. Connect your device to your computer while holding the Top button. Keep holding the Top button until you see the recovery-mode screen.
    • iPhone 8 or later: Press and hold the Side button and one of the volume buttons until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off your device. Connect your device to your computer while holding the Side button. Keep holding the Side button until you see the recovery-mode screen.
    • iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPod touch (7th generation): Press and hold the Side (or Top) button until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off your device. Connect your device to your computer while holding the Volume Down button. Keep holding the Volume Down button until you see the recovery-mode screen.
• iPad with Home button, iPhone 6s or earlier, and iPod touch (6th generation) or earlier: Press and hold the Side (or Top) button until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off your device. Connect your device to your computer while holding the Home button. Keep holding the Home button until you see the recovery-mode screen.
  • 

1. 1. When you see the option to Restore or Update, choose Update. iTunes will try to reinstall iOS without erasing your data. Wait while iTunes downloads the software for your device. If the download takes more than 15 minutes and your device exits the connect to iTunes screen, let the download finish, then repeat step 3.
   2. 
   3. After the Update or Restore completes, set up your device."

If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Best Regards.