My phone continues to freeze and lock up. Primarily during text messaging

Hi Charla259,

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities. We understand your iPhone is becoming unresponsive during messaging. We certainly want to make sure you're able to use your device without issue, and we're happy to help.

We recommend starting with the resource below, this offers some great information about resolving iOS performance issues like you're experiencing.

About iOS performance on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Thanks.

Hi Charla259,

Were you able to use the steps in the previously provided resource? If not, work through those and let us know how it goes. If you've already done those and this behavior continues, reach out here: Contact Apple Support

Thanks.