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iPhone and iPadiPhone Keeps Going to Lock Screen

How to Fix iPhone Keeps Going to Lock Screen [Proven Tips]

By Michael | Last Updated

Q: "My iPhone 15 recently keeps locking itself while I am using it, which is so weird. How can I fix it?"

Experiencing your iPhone keeps going to lock screen while you're in the middle of a task can be both frustrating and disruptive. If you’ve ever wondered, "Why does my iPhone keep locking itself?", the issue could be attributed to several factors, such as incorrect settings, software glitches, or even potential hardware problems. But don’t worry—this article provides a series of effective solutions to help you fix it.

iPhone Keeps Going to Lock Screen

Part 1: Why Does Your iPhone Keep Going to Lock Screen?

By understanding the potential reasons why your iPhone goes to the lock screen on its own, you can troubleshoot the problem more effectively and choose the right solution. Here are some common reasons:

1. Auto-lock setting: If the auto-lock interval is set too short, your iPhone will automatically lock the screen after a short period of inactivity.

2. Software malfunction: When the version of iOS is too old or when there is a glitch in the system, it may lead to unexpected iPhone behaviors, such as frequent locking screen.

3. Hardware damage: A malfunctioning power button or screen may cause the phone to mistakenly trigger the lock screen, especially when the button is pressed accidentally.

4. Battery problems: Sometimes, an aging battery may cause the iPhone to behave abnormally, including keeps going to lock screen.

Part 2: How to Fix iPhone Keeps Going to Lock Screen

If your iPhone stays on the lock screen, the problem may not be as complicated as it seems, and perhaps a few simple tweaks can fix it. Next, we'll explore a few proven methods. Your iPhone should be back to normal in no time, and it will never take a self-imposed "break" again.

Fix 1: Adjust Auto-Lock Settings

TTo save battery power, iPhone's auto-lock feature automatically turns off the screen after a certain period of inactivity. Therefore, sometimes iPhone keeps locking itself just because the auto-lock screen time is set too short. Here are the steps to change the auto-lock time to help your device stay active while in use.

Step 1: Open the "Settings" App on your iPhone, scroll down and click on "Display & Brightness".

Step 2: Tap on "Auto-Lock", then you can choose a suitable time period (from 30 seconds to Never). If you want your device to remain unlocked for a longer period of time, you can set the time to be longer.

adjust iphone aotu lock settings

Fix 2: Restart iPhone

A reboot can help clear temporary software glitches, refresh the system, and restore your iPhone’s normal functionality. If you’ve already tried adjusting the settings but the issue of your iPhone keeps going to lock screen persists, restarting the device is often a quick and effective solution.

For iPhone X and later models: Press and hold the Side Button and Volume Button at the same time until "slide to power off" appears, drag the slider to power off the device.

For iPhone 8 and before: Press and hold the top or side button, when "slide to power off" appears, release it and turn off the phone.

Wait about 30 seconds, then press and hold the side button (or top button on older models) to turn on your iPhone.

Fix 3: Update iOS to The Latest Version

An old system version may lead to a variety of usage issues, including performance glitches and system errors. Apple frequently releases updates to fix bugs and optimize device performance. Therefore, making sure your device is running the latest iOS version may be the key to fix iPhone keeps locking itself.

Step 1: In the "Settings" App of your iPhone, click on the "General" option.

Step 2: Select "Software Update". If there is an update available, click on "Update Now".

Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the new iOS firmware and complete the update. After that, you can check if your iPhone still locks itself frequently.

update ios to lastest software

Fix 4: Reset All Settings

If the issue persists, it could be due to a conflict in your device settings. In such cases, resetting all settings can help restore the system's default configuration without affecting your data. This approach often resolves hard-to-diagnose problems, like the "iPhone keeps going to lock screen".

Step 1: Open the "Settings" app, navigate to "General", and then tap on "Transfer or Reset iPhone".

Step 2: Select the "Reset" option and choose "Reset All Settings" from the list.

Step 3: Enter your device's unlock code to confirm the operation. Once completed, all settings will return to their factory defaults. If the issue was caused by a settings conflict, this should effectively resolve it.

reset iphone's all settings

Fix 5: Inspect and Clean Your iPhone's Buttons

The iPhone's physical buttons can become stuck or damaged due to dust, dirt, or prolonged use. These issues can cause the device to mistakenly trigger the lock screen function, especially the power button or volume buttons. If you find that your iPhone still keeps going to locking, it's worth checking the buttons and cleaning them to see if that solves the problem.

1. Inspect the power button for any signs of damage or sticking

2. Make sure there is no dirt or debris stuck around the button.

3. If the problem persists, it is recommended that you bring your iPhone to the Apple Store or an authorized repair center for further inspection.

Part 3: Advanced Solution if Your iPhone Keeps Locking Itself

When all basic fixes fail to resolve the issue of frequent iPhone screen lockups, it may indicate a deeper system malfunction requiring advanced tools.

iSunshare iOS Repair Genius is a powerful software designed to address common iOS problems efficiently. This tool can resolve system errors without erasing your data, making it an ideal choice for tackling issues like self-locking screens. Beyond that, it can fix various iOS glitches, including iPhones stuck on the Apple logo, black or white screen, and endless reboot loop.

Step 1: Download and install iSunshare iOS Repair Genius on your computer, then launch the software and click the "System Repair" option on the main interface.

click system repair button

Step 2: In the pop-up mode selection page, choose "Standard Mode", which can fix most of the system problems without losing data. If the problem is more serious, you can choose "Advanced Mode", but be aware that this will erase the device data.

choose one option to continue

Next, connect your iPhone to the computer with the cable. Click "Start" > "Next" and the software will automatically detect your device.

click start button

Step 3: Click the "Download" button, the software will automatically get the iOS firmware package for your device.

click download button

Step 4: After the download is complete, click the "Repair" button and iSunshare iOS Repair Genius will start repairing your device immediately.

click repair button

Once the repair is complete, your iPhone will restart automatically, and the frequent lock screen problem that bothers you should be solved completely.

Conclusion

Frequent self-locking of your iPhone can disrupt your daily routine and leave you puzzled about its cause. This article has provided a range of practical solutions, from simple setting adjustments to advanced repair tools, to help you resolve the issue. We hope these methods enable you to restore your iPhone to its normal operation smoothly. However, if the problem persists despite your efforts, it’s advisable to reach out to an Apple Authorized Repair Center for professional assistance.