iPhone Auto Lock not Working? Try These Solutions

Auto Lock is a crucial feature on iPhones that helps conserve battery life and enhance security. It automatically locks your device after a specified period of inactivity. However, some users encounter issues where their iPhone Auto Lock not working as expected.

In this article, we'll explore the common causes behind this problem and provide practical solutions to get your Auto Lock working smoothly again.

Part 1. Causes behind iPhone Auto Lock not working

You may ask, “Why is my iPhone Auto Lock not working?” Before diving into the solutions, let's understand some of the common reasons why your iPhone's Auto Lock feature might be malfunctioning:

⛔ Software Glitches: Occasionally, software glitches or bugs in the iOS can disrupt the Auto Lock function. These issues can arise due to incomplete software updates or conflicts with third-party apps.
⛔ Settings Misconfiguration: Sometimes, changes in your device's settings, whether intentional or accidental, can lead to Auto Lock problems. Incorrect settings can prevent the feature from working correctly.
⛔ Background Apps: Certain apps running in the background can override the Auto Lock settings, preventing your device from locking automatically.
⛔ Display Brightness: If your device's screen brightness is set to high, it can interfere with the Auto Lock function. The iPhone may not lock when the screen is brightly lit.
⛔ Proximity Sensor Issues: The iPhone relies on the proximity sensor to detect if it's in use or resting idle. Malfunctions or blockages of the proximity sensor can cause Auto Lock issues.

Part 2. Fixes to iPhone Auto Lock not working

This part offers you 6 solutions to troubleshoot the issue - Auto Lock on iPhone not working. Try them one after another until your issue gets fixed.

1# Make sure iPhone Auto Lock in enabled

If the Auto Lock feature on your iPhone is disabled, your device won't automatically lock, regardless of how long it remains idle. Here's how to check the status of Auto Lock and enable it if it's currently turned off.

Step 1. On your iPhone, launch the Settings app > Scroll down to locate and tap Display & Brightness > Tap Auto-Lock.

Step 2. On the next screen, you are given multiple time durations for the Auto Lock feature. Choose one as per your need.

Make sure not to choose the Never option, or your iPhone will never be locked automatically. It is like you have disabled the feature on your iPhone.

2# Force restart iPhone

Performing a hard reboot on your iPhone can be a quick and effective way to resolve various issues, including problems with the Auto Lock feature. Here's how you can perform a hard reboot on different iPhone models:

● For iPhone 8 and later with Face ID:
Quickly press and release the Volume Up button > Quickly press and release the Volume Down button > Press and hold the Side/Power button until the Apple logo appears.

● For iPhone 7/7 Plus:
Press and hold the Top button and Volume Down button together > Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.

● For iPhone 6s, SE and earlier with Home button:
Hold down the Home button and the Top (or Side) button at the same time > Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.

3# Disable Low Power Mode

If you're still experiencing issues with Auto Lock on iPhone not working, it's essential to check your battery settings, as battery-saving modes can indeed affect various features on your device. Here's how you can disable Low Power Mode, which might be the cause of Auto Lock not working:

Open the Settings on your iPhone > Scroll down and tap Battery > Check if Low Power Mode is enabled. If it’s enabled, tap the switch to turn it off.

4# Turn off AssistiveTouch

If you're facing issues with Auto Lock on your iPhone 6 or any other iPhone model, it's a good idea to check if the AssistiveTouch feature is causing conflicts. AssistiveTouch provides on-screen touch controls and gestures, and sometimes it can interfere with other functions like Auto Lock. Here's how to turn it off.

Step 1. Open the iPhone Settings app > Accessibility > In the Touch section, tap AssistiveTouch.

Step 2. Turn off the AssistiveTouch toggle by tapping the switch. The switch should turn gray when it's off.

5# Reset all settings on iPhone

If you've tried various solutions and your iPhone's Auto Lock feature is still not working, it's possible that incorrect settings are causing the problem. You can try resetting all settings on your iPhone to their factory defaults. Here's how to do it:

Step 1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone > General > Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.

Step 2. Tap Reset > Choose Reset All Settings. You may need to enter your passcode to confirm.

6# Check proximity sensor

The issue iPhone Auto Lock not working might be related to an issue with the proximity sensor. The proximity sensor is responsible for detecting when the iPhone is in use, such as when you're on a call, and preventing the screen from turning off when it's near your face. Here are some steps to check and potentially resolve the issue.

Step 1. Dial *#31# on your iPhone’s dial pad and press the call button. This initiates a proximity sensor test.

Step 2. If the screen turns black during the call and lights up again when you move the device away from your face, the sensor is likely working correctly.

If not, consider cleaning the sensor or seeking professional assistance if it's damaged.

Conclusion

iPhone Auto Lock not working can be frustrating and impact both battery life and security. However, by following the solutions outlined in this article, you can often resolve the issue and restore the functionality of Auto Lock. With the right approach, your iPhone's Auto Lock should work smoothly once again.