IOS 16.1 freezing my iphone 13

I updated to IOS 16.1 on my iphone 13 and it freezes up no matter what I am doing. I restart and it takes more than typical time to restart. It then freeezes up again after about 5 min or so and process starts over.

iPhone 13, iOS 16

Posted on Nov 3, 2022 8:20 AM

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Posted on Nov 9, 2022 8:18 AM

I have an iPhone 13 (not pro) and long story short I took it to Best Buy Geek Squad. The first thing we tried fixed it. Make sure phone is backed up and reset it to factory settings. From there reinstall using the back up you most recently saved. It fixed the issue for me. Must be something wrong with the update to 16.1 that they haven’t had enough complaints about or don’t have a patch worked out for it yet. It was SO frustrating so I’m glad it got fixed.

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Nov 9, 2022 8:18 AM in response to zackery92

I have an iPhone 13 (not pro) and long story short I took it to Best Buy Geek Squad. The first thing we tried fixed it. Make sure phone is backed up and reset it to factory settings. From there reinstall using the back up you most recently saved. It fixed the issue for me. Must be something wrong with the update to 16.1 that they haven’t had enough complaints about or don’t have a patch worked out for it yet. It was SO frustrating so I’m glad it got fixed.

Nov 24, 2022 10:09 AM in response to pikapikachow

Hi. I just want to update that I already fixed the freezing issue.

So far it has been more than a week without any issues.

I posted this solution for anyone has the same issue


  • step1: make a data back up for your iphone. There are 2 ways to back up: either on computer via iTunes OR subscription icloud - make a back up in your iphone settings app. Please don’t skip this step!!! It’s critical for all your iphone data.
  • step2: put your iphone in DFU mode. There are a lot DFU instructions on Youtube. It only takes 2 mins to put your ip in DFU mode if you do everything correctly.
  • Step3: Go to this website: ipsw.com to download the newest ipsw ios for your phone. (You can skip this step if restore directly from Apple server via iTunes)
  • Step4: Plug-in your ip to the computer, open iTunes and enter passcode on your iphone to grand access. Then press Shift + select Restore if you followed step 3. OR just click Restore on iTunes if you want to get the ipsw directly from Apple server.


In summary, put your iphone in DFU mode and then Restore it to the newest iOS via iTunes.

Dec 8, 2022 11:08 AM in response to jobit

I took my phone to the Apple Store thankfully it’s still under warranty as they had to replace my entire phone (according to the support; some parts of the phone was corrupted. He did not diagnose if it’s to do with the update but I’m pretty confident it was)


what he recommended was to do a back up and factory reset. But since I was still under warranty I was given the replacement option. Hope this helps!

Nov 5, 2022 9:30 AM in response to lsteidtman

Hello lsteidtman,


To help us get a better understanding of the issue, we’d like to ask a few questions.


  1. Does the issue happen only when a certain app is being used on the device, or is it happening with all apps?
  2. Does your device ever restart on its own after the issue happens and it stops responding, or do you always have to restart manually?
  3. If the device does restart on its own, does it display an Apple logo or spinning gear unexpectedly?


The above details will help us determine how to proceed.


Please also be sure to check out the information and suggestions outlined in the link you came from, as that can help if you device isn't responding: If your iPhone won't turn on or is frozen


On your iPhone 8 or later, including iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)

1. Press and quickly release the volume up button.
2. Press and quickly release the volume down button.
3. Press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.
An animation of an iPhone with arrows pointing to the volume up button, then to the volume down button, and then to the side button.

4. If your phone doesn't turn on, follow these steps to check your hardware and charge your phone. You might need to charge for up to an hour.
5. If your phone still doesn't turn on, contact Apple Support.


Thanks!

Jan 25, 2023 1:35 PM in response to Makiemonster

Sounds like we were in the exact same situation. And they told me the same thing.


I was lucky and able to get help from Apple Support. I talked to a Senior Advisor (a manager) and explained how this issue started around the time my warranty ended. They issued me a credit to get my phone fixed! I suggest you call and ask, nicely, for some assistance in getting your phone fixed from the Apple Support.


good luck.

Jan 25, 2023 2:56 PM in response to Makiemonster

Yeah, I couldn’t back up my phone because it restarted every 30 mins. I just made sure to save all of my pictures, contacts, and any important notes. I lost all texts going back 2 phones (5+ years). The specific issue was my logic(?) board. I was able to get a 3rd party quote, at a local mall kiosk, to fix the board for $199. Still not cheap but less than half the price. I was considering that since my warranty was out anyway.

Nov 20, 2022 6:17 PM in response to ptk8588

Hello I’m having the same pronlem

iPhone 13

just updated to version 16.1.1

phone freezes 10 times a day esp when I use external apps like instagram

when screen freezes, I can’t turn my phone off, can’t click anything. Only the reset works (up volume, down volume, hold power button)

it then goes into a spinning spiral for a while before going black and rebooting


please help!

Nov 9, 2022 8:18 AM in response to zackery92

Same thing happen to me. I have been using iphone 13 Pro Max for over a year, never have to reboot my phone before when it’s still on iOS 15. The freezing problems happen when I upgrade it to the newest iOS 16.1.

I have to manually reboot my phone 2 times this morning. One time happed while I was using Youtube and the other time with Tiktok app.

Nov 24, 2022 7:16 AM in response to pikapikachow

My name is Joel and I am from India.

Same issue for me. I am using 13 pro max. Today morning onwards the phone starts freezing by its own especially after switching on internet. Then it automatically restarts. after after switching to Wi-Fi or mobile Internet, same thing happens. It freezes

It’s really frustrating. This all happened after 16.1.1 update. Please help.

Dec 8, 2022 10:09 AM in response to pikapikachow

Hi @pikapikachow,

have you got any solution?? I am having the same isssue what you have after updating my 12 pro max to 16.1.2

its so annoying that i have to reset it 5-6 times a day.when it freezes, nothing works and only the way to get rid is to wait untill a spiral gear appears and turn off by itself and turn on and apple logo comes first and on as normal.

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IOS 16.1 freezing my iphone 13

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