Phone screen won't unlock

Reasons why you can't unlock your phone or why your phone's lock screen may seem to be stuck or frozen include:

• The device has low operating memory.
• The device's storage is full or almost full.
• The device has a temporary software error.
• A Secure Digital (SD) card (aka removable memory card) is inserted that has corrupted data.
• There's interference with the touchscreen from:
  • The screen protector or phone case.
  • Lotion or dirt on screen or hands.
  • Wearing gloves when using the phone.
  • An installed app.

If your iPhone's unlock screen is frozen or won't open, try to restart the device:

• iPhone without a Home button - Press and release the Volume Up button. Then press and release the Volume Down button. Then press and hold the Power button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
• iPhone with a Home button - Press and hold both the Power and Home buttons until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

If this doesn't solve your issue, visit our Troubleshooter.

If your Android's (i.e., LG, Motorola, Samsung, etc.) unlock screen is frozen or won't open, try either:

• Removing and re-inserting the battery (if possible).
• Restarting by holding the Power button until the device restarts (10-30 seconds). On some devices, you may have to hold both Power and Volume Down or Power and Volume Up.

If these don't solve your issue, visit our Troubleshooter.

We can't tell exactly why your phone’s screen froze or seems stuck. However, these are common reasons:

• Having too many apps open or running in the background at once.
• Software bugs or issues.
• Too much data stored on the device.
• Installed apps that may interfere with device operation.

We recommend that you regularly:

• Close apps you're not using.
• Clear the cache when apps don't work properly.
• Restart your phone if you notice strange behavior.
• Delete stored media or apps you don't need anymore.
• Check that you’re keeping your device's software up to date.

Did you insert a Secure Digital (SD) card (aka removable memory card) and then your phone's screen froze? Try removing the SD card and restarting the device.

You can also restart your device in Safe Mode.

If this doesn't solve your issue, visit our Troubleshooter.