How do I fix my unresponsive iPhone lock screen?

To address an unresponsive iPhone lock screen, try force restarting your device, ensuring sufficient storage space, and removing problematic apps. You can also enable Control Center on the lock screen, manage storage, and reset settings. If issues persist, consider updating iOS or seeking professional assistance from Apple Support.

How do I force my iPhone to restart if I can't swipe?

Press precise button combinations to force a restart on an iPhone without utilizing the swipe gesture. On iPhones 8 and earlier, press and release the volume control Up, Volume Down, and Side buttons until the Apple logo appears. While using iPhone X or later, swiftly push and release Volume Up and Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.

What if removing apps doesn't fix iPhone swipe?

If removing apps doesn't fix iPhone swipe issues, consider other solutions. Ensure Control Center settings are configured correctly, free up storage space, and enable access within apps. If problems persist, explore advanced options like resetting all settings, updating iOS, or seeking professional help from Apple Support.

Swipe Up to Unlock iPhone Not Working? See Solutions Here

Penny Warren Published on June 27, 2025Unlock iOS3-min reading

Experiencing the iPhone won't swipe up to unlock issue? As a fundamental function, swipe up won't work will cause a lot of inconvenience. This issue can happen due to various reasons. This article will help you fix that issue and illustrate methods for avoiding it from occurring again.

In this article:

Part 1. Several Reasons Why iPhone Won't Swipe Up to Unlock
Part 2. Unlock Your iPhone Instantly When Swipe Up Won't Work
Part 3. Common Fixes on iPhone Won't Swipe up to Unlock
Part 4. How to Unlock iPhone If Swipe Won't Work
Part 5. FAQs on iPhone Won't Swipe up to Unlock

Part 1. Several Reasons Why iPhone Won't Swipe Up to Unlock

Discover the potential factors hindering your iPhone's swipe-up from unlocking functionality. Understanding these reasons, from touchscreen concerns to software glitches and hardware issues, is crucial for effective troubleshooting and resolution. Identifying the specific cause ensures a targeted approach to restore your iPhone's regular operation.

1. Touchscreen Contamination: The presence of dirt, smudges, or water on the touchscreen.

2. Outdated iOS Version: Running an older version of iOS without the latest bug fixes and improvements.

3. Software Glitches: Potential software glitches may affect the responsiveness of the touchscreen on your iPhone.

4. Accessibility Settings: Enabled accessibility features that might interfere with normal touchscreen gestures.

5. Water Damage: Water exposure may damage your iPhone's touch screen, impacting its functionality.

6. Physical Damage: Presence of physical damage, such as cracks or scratches on the screen.

Part 2. Unlock Your iPhone Instantly When Swipe Up Won't Work

If you didn't set Touch ID or Face ID, or the Touch ID or Face ID is not working, you can't unlock your iPhone. Therefore, before we dive into fixing iPhone won't swipe up to unlock, let's first unlock your iPhone. Please download imyPass iPassGo and follow the guide.

Step 1

To begin, select Wipe Passcode mode in the interface for password removal and iPhone access restoration.

Step 2

Additionally, connect your gadget to the computer via USB. Start the procedure by clicking the Start button.

Connect iOS Computer Wipe Passcode Start

Step 3

After that, verify your device details, then initiate the firmware package download by clicking Start from the network.

Step 4

After the download, proceed by clicking Unlock. To confirm your intention to remove the passcode, enter 0000.

Part 3. Common Fixes on iPhone Won't Swipe up to Unlock

Fix 1: Reset All Settings on iPhone

Resetting all settings can resolve configuration-related problems without data loss:

Step 1

Go to Settings > General > Reset.

Step 2

Next, choose Reset All Settings and enter your passcode to proceed.

Fix 2: Enable Access Within Apps

Allowing Control Center access within apps prevents accidental swiping issues. Check and enable the feature:

Step 1

Open Settings > Control Center.

Step 2

Then, toggle the Access Within Apps switch to the ON position.

Fix 3: Release iPhone Storage Space

More storage space can lead to various issues, including the swipe-up problem. Manage storage or transfer data to free up space:

Step 1

Navigate to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.

Step 2

Next, follow onscreen instructions to free up space or transfer data to another device.

Fix 4: Remove Problematic Apps

Certain apps may interfere with the swipe-up function. Remove them to ensure smooth iPhone operation:

Step 1

Press and hold the app to delete.

Step 2

Subsequently, select Remove App > Delete App > Confirm by clicking Delete.

Fix 5: Turn on the Control Center on the Lock Screen

If you're locked out of your iPhone and the Control Center isn't enabled on your lock screen, it can cause issues with swiping up. Follow these steps to enable it:

Step 1

Go to Settings > Control Center.

Step 2

Then, toggle the Access on Lock Screen switch to the ON position.

Fix 6: Enable Access at the Lock Screen

Ensure Control Center can be accessed even when the iPhone is locked:

Step 1

Open Settings > Touch ID & Passcode.

Step 2

Next, slide down, tap Control Center, and move the switch to turn it on.

Fix 7: Force Restart of the iPhone

If your iPhone won't slide to unlock, a force restart might help resolve software issues. Consider using a reset iPhone without a password if needed. Ensure you perform the correct steps:

Step 1

Hold and then release the Volume Up button.

Step 2

Then, immediately press and discharge the Volume Down button.

Step 3

Finally, press and hold the opposite button once the Apple logo appears.

Part 4. How to Unlock iPhone If Swipe Won't Work

We introduced seven fixes to settle the iPhone won't swipe to unlock issue. However, as we introduced before, this issue may be caused by various issues. If the fixing methods won't work, the last solution is to contact Apple support and ask for their help. If you think that contacting Apple support is too complex, see the following ways to unlock your iPhone without swiping up.

Enable Face ID

Step 1

Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode. You may be asked to enter your iPhone passcode.

Step 2

Tap Set up Face ID.

Step 3

Follow the on-screen instructions and move your face. You need to enroll your face twice.

Step 4

Finally, tap Done.

Enable Touch ID

Step 1

Open the Settings app and choose Touch ID & Passcode.

Step 2

Tap Add a Fingerprint.

Step 3

Place your finger over the Home button, then follow the on-screen prompts to complete the fingerprint enrollment. Please don't tap the Home button during the scan.

FAQs.

How do I fix my unresponsive iPhone lock screen?

To address an unresponsive iPhone lock screen, try force restarting your device, ensuring sufficient storage space, and removing problematic apps. You can also enable Control Center on the lock screen, manage storage, and reset settings. If issues persist, consider updating iOS or seeking professional assistance from Apple Support.
How do I force my iPhone to restart if I can't swipe?

Press precise button combinations to force a restart on an iPhone without utilizing the swipe gesture. On iPhones 8 and earlier, press and release the volume control Up, Volume Down, and Side buttons until the Apple logo appears. While using iPhone X or later, swiftly push and release Volume Up and Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
What if removing apps doesn't fix iPhone swipe?

If removing apps doesn't fix iPhone swipe issues, consider other solutions. Ensure Control Center settings are configured correctly, free up storage space, and enable access within apps. If problems persist, explore advanced options like resetting all settings, updating iOS, or seeking professional help from Apple Support.

Conclusion

What if my iPhone won't swipe up to unlock? I hope this article has settled this problem. In a word, please use imyPass iPassGo to unlock your iPhone first and follow the fix guides we provide. According to the complexing causes, you can set other methods to unlock your iPhone, or contact Apple support if these methods don't work for you.

Penny Warren

Penny Warren, a senior editor from imyPass, is specialized in MS Office software. You can find professional tutorials and solutions of MS Office software from her posts.