⚡ Fast fix
- Restart your phone. It’s basic, but it works—especially after a crash.
- Free up space. Low storage = high glitch risk. Clear out what you don’t use.
- Check for updates. Outdated software can cause flickering, freezing, and screen lag.
You’re checking the weather on your phone when it happens: The app closes, and your device stops responding to your touch. “Why is my phone glitching?” you wonder. Is there something you can do to stop it from happening again?
AT&T ProTech experts have seen it all—and can fix it all. Whether you’re dealing with a phone that won’t connect to Wi-Fi or want to protect your phone in cold weather, we have a solution you can trust. Here’s what to do if your phone is glitching.
Common reasons your phone glitches
First things first: Why do phone screens glitch? It’s usually caused by one of these common smartphone problems.
Software bugs
iPhone® and Android™ devices use a built-in operating system (OS) to manage everyday phone activities. On top of that, you probably use different apps to surf the internet, check email, and perform other tasks. But sometimes, the OS or installed apps have bugs that interfere with phone performance. This can cause your Android device or iPhone device to glitch.
Not enough storage
Newer smartphones come with significant storage capacity, but apps, photos, and other media can quickly fill it up. Once it drops below five gigabytes of free space, you may experience occasional glitches and random screen freezes.
Overheating
Do you play games, scroll social media feeds, or browse the internet for long periods? Those activities put extra pressure on your phone’s battery, sometimes causing it to overheat and malfunction.
Viruses
Phones are susceptible to malware and viruses, just like computers are. It’s possible to download one from a malicious app, an infected email attachment, or a compromised link. A virus may be to blame if you notice rapid battery drain or excess data usage. Overheating is also a sign of malware on your phone.
How to fix software-related glitches
Sometimes, restarting or updating your device can fix malfunctions. Try these steps to see if they clear up your issue.
Restart your device
Start by turning your phone off and back on to see if it clears your issue.
Update your OS
An outdated operating system can cause your phone to act erratically. Here’s how to see if your OS is up-to-date.
iOS: Open Settings. Tap General > Software Update. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
Android: Open Settings. Tap System > Software Updates. Follow the on-screen prompts to install any available updates.
Reset your settings
Try restoring your settings to their default state. This process won’t delete your saved data, but you will need to re-enter your network details, privacy, and location settings.
iOS:
- Open Settings. Tap General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset > Reset All Settings.
Android:
- Open Settings. Tap General management > Reset.
- Tap Reset all settings. Review the system message and tap Reset settings.
- Tap Reset.
Fix performance and storage issues
If your iPhone device or Android device is glitching, insufficient storage or a battery issue may be the cause. Try these quick solutions to see if they resolve the problem.
Free up storage
Check how much space you have on your device. If there’s less than five gigabytes, delete items you don’t need or transfer them to cloud storage. Follow these steps to check your available storage.
iOS: Open Settings. Tap General > iPhone Storage.
Android: Open Settings. Tap Storage. Scroll the list to view available storage and usage.
Limit background apps
Stop apps from retrieving fresh data and updates when you’re not using them. Doing so can enhance your phone’s performance and conserve battery life.
iOS: Open Settings. Tap General > Background App Refresh. Toggle it off.
Android:
- Open Settings. Tap Apps > See all apps.
- Tap the app you want to limit.
- Tap App battery usage.
- Turn off Allow background usage.
Check battery health
Smartphone batteries naturally deteriorate over time, which can affect performance and cause your phone to glitch. To view your phone’s battery health, take these actions:
iOS:
- Open Settings. Tap Battery.
- For iPhone 15 or later, tap Battery Health. On older iPhone devices, tap Battery Health & Charging.
Android: Open Settings. Tap Battery > Battery usage. Unexplained variations in power consumption may indicate a battery issue.
When to seek professional help
If your phone repeatedly experiences any of the following issues, it may be time to bring in expert help:
- Freezing
- Rebooting
- Overheating
- Flickering
Tried these steps and still need help? AT&T ProTech experts are only a call or away.
Personalized help from ProTech experts
Setting up a new phone? Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi not connecting? Don’t sweat it.
We’re available on weekdays 8am–12am ET and weekends 10am–10pm ET.