How to Fix iPhone Keeps Locking Itself? - 6 Effective Fixes

"When scrolling through instagram reels, I will sometimes open the comments to post a comment or read them, while this is happening, the phone will lock itself in the middle of typing or reading comments, it doesn't happen when videos are playing".

- from Apple Community

If your iPhone keeps locking itself while you're using it, you're definitely not alone. Many users report that their iPhone keeps locking itself randomly even though they didn't press the Side button or wait long enough for the screen to time out. This issue can interrupt typing, gaming, video watching, or even important tasks.

Why does my iPhone keep locking itself? This guide explains why your iPhone keeps going to the lock screen unexpectedly and provides step-by-step solutions to fix the problem completely.

Part 1. Why Does My iPhone Keep Going to the Lock Screen?

Before we get into the solutions, let's first understand the possible reasons that could cause the iPhone keeps locking itself when using. The following are some possible reasons:

1. Auto-lock time is set too short

The system may be set to 30 seconds or even 15 seconds, causing the screen to lock quickly.

2. Low Power Mode automatically shortens screen-on time

When the iPhone enters Low Power Mode, the system automatically shortens the screen-on duration, causing the screen to lock more frequently.

3. Temporary system failure or software bug

Minor system errors in iOS may cause the screen to remain black or automatically lock.

4. Accessibility settings are abnormal

For example, "Guided Access" or certain accessibility features may cause abnormal screen-lock behavior.

5. Battery health deterioration

If the battery is significantly degraded, the device may automatically lock the screen to save power.

6. Hardware damage

A faulty power button or screen may cause the phone to mistakenly trigger the lock screen, especially when the button is accidentally pressed.

Part 2. How to Fix iPhone Keeps Locking Itself?

Below, we will introduce how to fix iPhone keeps going to lock screen while scrolling, with detailed steps and applicable scenarios for each method.

Fix 1. Check Auto-Lock Settings

The Auto-Lock setting determines how quickly your iPhone locks the screen when there is no activity. If it's set too low, your iPhone may lock itself even while you momentarily pause your usage. This is one of the most common causes of the issue.

Here is how to check Auto-Lock settings to fix iPhone keeps going to lock screen on its own:

Step 1. Open "Settings" on your iPhone.

Step 2. Go to "Display & Brightness" and tap "Auto-Lock".

Step 3. Choose a longer duration, such as 2 Minutes, 5 Minutes, or Never.

Step 4. Test your iPhone to see if the behavior improves.

Fix 2. Turn Off Low Power Mode

When you enable Low Power Mode, the system automatically shortens the auto-lock time to extend battery life. Therefore, even if your Auto-Lock is set to a longer time or "Never," Low Power Mode may override this setting and cause the iPhone to lock the screen after a very short period. Therefore, turning off Low Power Mode is also one of the key steps in troubleshooting.

Here is how to fix the iPhone keeps locking itself when using it by turning off the Low Power Mode:

Step 1. Open "Settings" on your iPhone.

Step 2. Tap "Battery" and toggle "Low Power Mode" off.

After turning it off, your iPhone should follow your regular Auto-Lock settings again.

Fix 3. Restart iPhone

Sometimes the reason your iPhone keeps going to the lock screen is simply a temporary software glitch. Restarting your iPhone refreshes system processes, clears minor errors, and can immediately eliminate unexpected screen behavior.

For iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, or newer:

• Press and hold both the "Volume" button and the "Side" button until the power-off slider appears.
• Slide the slider to turn off your device, then wait about 30 seconds for it to fully shut down.
• To turn it back on, press and hold the "Side" button until the Apple logo shows up.

For iPhone 6, 7, 8, or SE (2nd or 3rd generation):

• Press and hold the "Side" button until the power-off slider appears.
• Slide the slider to turn off your device, then wait around 30 seconds for it to power off.
• To turn it back on, press and hold the "Side" button until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone SE (1st generation), 5, or earlier:

• Press and hold the "Top" button until the power-off slider appears.
• Slide the slider to turn off your device, then wait about 30 seconds for it to shut down.
• To turn it back on, press and hold the "Top" button until the Apple logo appears.

Fix 4. Update iOS System

If your iPhone is running on an outdated or buggy iOS version, this could explain why your iPhone keeps locking itself randomly. Apple frequently releases updates to patch software issues and improve system stability.

Here is how to update iOS to fix iPhone 16/17 keeps going to the lock screen:

Step 1. Open "Settings" > Tap "General" > Select "Software Update". (iPhone software update failed?)

Step 2. Download and install the available update.

Fix 5. Reset All Settings

If the problem persists, it is possible that certain system configurations are conflicting with iOS operations. Resetting all settings restores every system preference to default without deleting your data. This is a powerful way to eliminate hidden software conflicts that might cause your iPhone to lock itself.

Here is how to reset all settings on your iPhone to fix iPhone keeps going to lock screen on its own:

Step 1. Go to "Settings" > Tap "General" > Select "Transfer or Reset iPhone".

Step 2. Tap "Reset" and choose "Reset All Settings".

Step 3. Enter your passcode and confirm.

Fix 6. Use iOS System Recovery - Professional Way

When basic troubleshooting steps don't fix iPhone keeps locking itself, it could signal a more serious system malfunction that requires advanced tools.

iOS System Recovery is a powerful software designed to resolve common iOS problems with ease. This tool can fix system errors without losing any data, making it a great solution for issues like iPhone keeps going to the lock screen. Additionally, it can address a wide range of iOS glitches, including iPhones stuck on the Apple logo, black or white screens, and endless reboot loops.

Highlights of iOS System Recovery:

• Fix iPhone keeps locking itself without data loss.
• Restore your iOS devices to full functionality on both Windows and Mac.
• Fix a wide range of iOS system issues, including iPhones stuck on the Apple logo, stuck in headphone mode, water damage, screen problems (black, red, blue, or white screens of death), freezing, or being disabled after multiple failed unlock attempts.
• Choose between Standard Mode (no data loss) or Advanced Mode for more thorough repairs.
• Easily upgrade or downgrade your iOS to a supported version.
• Enjoy a high success rate with zero data loss.
• Fully compatible with the latest iPhone 17 series and iOS 26.

Free Download for PC

 

Free Download for Mac

How to use iOS System Recovery to fix iPhone keeps locking itself without losing data:

Bonus Tip: How to Unlock an iOS Screen Without Entering Any Password

If your iPhone locks itself repeatedly and you eventually get locked out, or if you forgot the screen passcode, iPhone Unlocker can help you unlock your device without requiring a password. It's designed for situations where you lose access to your iPhone. What's more, this iOS unlocking tool can also remove Apple ID from iOS devices, bypass MDM restrictions, and bypass screen time limits.

Free Download for PC

 

Free Download for Mac

Here is how to use this tool to unlock the iOS screen without a password:

Wrapping Up

When you encounter the "iPhone keeps locking itself" issue, it is usually caused by auto-lock settings, low power mode, or system bugs. You can follow the methods outlined in the article to troubleshoot and fix the issue, and in most cases, your iPhone will return to normal quickly. If you need a more thorough solution with no data risk, you may also consider using iOS System Recovery. And if you face difficulties unlocking your device due to repeated auto-locking or forgotten passwords, iPhone Unlocker is also a helpful tool.

By following the above methods, you should be able to resolve the "iPhone keeps going to lock screen" issue and get your phone back to normal. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below.

Related Articles:

iPhone Unavailable Lock Screen? Here're 4 Solutions to Fix It!

How to Fix iPhone Clicking on Its Own in 11 Practical Ways?

5 Ways to Fix the iPhone Frozen on Lock Screen Issue with Ease

How to Fix an iPhone Stuck on Loading Screen Quickly & Safely?