Are you struggling with iPhone apps freezing after updating to iOS 18? You’re not alone. Many iPhone and iPad users are experiencing apps that suddenly crash, stop responding, or freeze during use. It can be incredibly frustrating to keep restarting your device only to face the same problem again and again.
The good news is that you don’t have to live with this issue. Several simple and effective solutions can help you fix app freezing on your iPhone permanently. In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to troubleshoot and resolve the problem, ensuring your apps run smoothly again. By following these tips, you can enjoy a seamless iOS 18 experience without constant interruptions.
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Reasons and Basic Fixes for iPhone Apps Freezing
iPhone apps may freeze for several reasons. Some apps are not fully compatible with iOS 18, while full storage can also cause performance issues. Weak or unstable internet connections and outdated apps frequently lead to freezing.
Bugs in iOS updates can also crash apps, and low battery levels may make apps stop working suddenly. Fortunately, there are several simple solutions to quickly fix iPhone apps freezing problems.
Force-Close and Reopen the App
Force-closing an app can clear small glitches, temporary network errors, and cache issues. Swipe up from the bottom of your screen and hold to open the App Switcher. Then swipe up on the frozen app to close it. Reopen the app—this often resolves freezing instantly.
Restart Your iPhone or iPad
If apps continue freezing, restart your device. Restarting clears RAM and resolves many background glitches. Go to Settings > General > Shut Down, slide to power off, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on. You can also restart through the Control Center. This method can fix multiple apps freezing simultaneously.
Free Up Storage Space
Full storage often leads to app freezing. Heavy photos, videos, and unused apps consume space. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to check your usage. Delete unused apps, old videos, or extra photos, or move files to iCloud or a PC. Freeing storage improves device speed and prevents freezing.
Update Outdated Apps
Outdated apps may not function properly with iOS 18. Developers regularly release updates to fix bugs. Open the App Store, tap your profile, and check for pending updates. Tap Update next to the freezing app, then reopen it. Updated apps usually stop freezing.
Delete and Reinstall the App
If updating doesn’t help, reinstall the app. Long press the app icon, tap Remove App > Delete App, then reinstall it from the App Store. A fresh installation clears bugs and cache issues, ensuring smoother performance.
Check Internet Connection Stability
Poor internet connections often cause apps to freeze, especially social media apps. Enable Airplane Mode for a few seconds and disable it to refresh the network. Restart your Wi-Fi router if needed, or check mobile data settings. A stable connection reduces app freezing significantly.
Advanced Methods to Fix iPhone Apps Freezing
If basic solutions don’t work, advanced methods can help resolve deeper iOS glitches and software issues. Follow these steps carefully to fix iPhone apps freezing completely.
Update iOS to the Latest Version
Bugs in iOS 18 can cause frequent app freezing. Apple often releases updates like iOS 18.1 to fix such issues. Go to Settings > General > Software Update, then tap Download and Install. Always back up important data before updating. New updates remove bugs and make apps run more smoothly.
Reset Network Settings
Incorrect network settings can lead to app freezing. Resetting your network removes VPNs or proxy configurations causing problems. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This process won’t delete apps or files but will reset Wi-Fi passwords and network settings.
Use an iPhone Repair Tool
For persistent freezing, consider using an iPhone repair tool. Stellar Toolkit for iPhone is a reliable option. Its Repair iPhone feature fixes boot loops, freezing bugs, and reinstalls iOS without deleting apps or personal files. It’s safe and resolves most software glitches when normal fixes fail.
Restore iPhone Using iTunes Backup
If freezing continues, restore your iPhone via iTunes. First, back up all important data to iCloud or PC. Connect your iPhone, open iTunes, select your device, and click Summary > Restore iPhone, then choose the latest backup. Restoring removes deep software issues, fixing severe freezing problems.
Factory Reset Your iPhone
As a last resort, perform a factory reset. This erases all apps, photos, and contacts, so back up data first. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings, then enter your Apple ID and password to confirm. After the reset, your iPhone will be fresh and free from persistent app freezing.
Extra Helpful Tips to Prevent iPhone Apps from Freezing
Free Up Extra Space Regularly
Always keep some free space on your iPhone. Offload unused apps, delete unnecessary photos, videos, or songs, and move large files to iCloud or an external device. Extra storage ensures apps run smoothly without freezing.
Contact the App Developer
If only one app freezes repeatedly, contact its developer. Open the App Store, go to the freezing app, tap Ratings & Reviews > App Support, and reach out. Developers can provide updates or fixes that solve app-specific issues.
Maintain iPhone Battery Health
Low battery performance can cause apps to freeze. Avoid letting your battery drop too low and always use the original charger and cable. A healthy battery ensures smooth app performance and prevents unexpected freezing or crashes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my iPhone apps freezing after updating to iOS 18?
Apps may freeze due to iOS 18 bugs, outdated apps, full storage, weak internet, or incompatible software. Sometimes, low battery or corrupted app data can also cause freezing.
How can I quickly fix a frozen iPhone app?
You can force-close the app by swiping up in the App Switcher and reopening it. Restarting your iPhone, updating apps, or freeing storage space also helps.
Will updating iOS fix frozen apps?
Yes. Apple regularly releases updates to fix bugs in iOS. Updating to the latest version can resolve app freezing and improve overall device performance.
Do I lose data if I restore my iPhone to fix freezing?
Restoring your iPhone removes software issues but can erase settings or apps. Always back up important data to iCloud or a computer before restoring.
Why do only specific apps freeze sometimes?
Freezing in a single app is usually caused by app-specific bugs or compatibility issues. Updating the app or contacting the developer often resolves this.
Can low battery affect app performance?
Yes. iPhones with low battery may stop apps from running smoothly. Maintaining good battery health ensures apps function properly without freezing.
When should I perform a factory reset?
A factory reset should be the last option if all other methods fail. It erases all data and restores your iPhone to its original state, fixing severe freezing issues.
Conclusion
iPhone apps freezing after the iOS 18 update can be frustrating, but the good news is that most issues are easily fixable. Starting with basic solutions like force-closing apps, restarting your device, updating apps, and freeing storage often resolves the problem. For more persistent issues, advanced methods such as updating iOS, resetting network settings, using repair tools, or restoring your iPhone can provide a permanent fix.
