Cannot swipe up to unlock

You may want to try to reset your phone: If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch won't turn on or is frozen - Apple Support

I have the same problem. This is a BRAND NEW iPhone 12 mini. I can't finish setting it up. I cannot get a simple slide up to open, no matter what I do. It completed set up, rebooted, and now will not respond no matter what. I've shut down/restarted +4x times. No joy. Given that this is literally just out of the box, can't imagine how it could need to reset. More to the point all the above advice requires me to be able to open the device. In other words, this brand new phone does NOT respond to ANY gesture.

Been buying Apple since 1984. Is it time to quit?

(I'm not quite shouting but have a powerful urge to do so. Sigh.)

Yes and I’m having a problem swiping up.. would you know the problem? Thanks in advance

Ever had the screen replaced?

No. I’ve never had any issues.

Lord! Ok. Using which Reset option? I don’t want to lose everything..

Try the steps in section "If your screen is black or frozen". This will have no impact on your apps or data.