Auto-Lock Not Working on iPhone 14? Here’s How to Fix it

Are you frustrated because your iPhone 14 Auto-Lock feature is not working as it should? Does your phone stay awake for an indefinite amount of time, even when it’s not in use? Well, don’t worry, you’re not alone. This issue is quite common among iPhone 14 users, and there are several possible causes for it. In this article, I’ll explain why Auto-Lock is not working on your iPhone 14 and show you how to fix the issue.

Note: information in this article apply to iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.

First things first, let’s talk about what Auto-Lock actually does. Auto-Lock is a feature on iPhones that automatically locks the device after a set period of inactivity. It’s a great way to save battery life and keep your phone secure. When Auto-Lock is enabled, your iPhone will lock itself after the specified time, and you’ll need to enter your passcode or use Touch ID or Face ID to unlock it again.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons why Auto-Lock is not working on your iPhone 14:

One possible reason why autolock is not working on your iPhone 14 is that you have an app running in the background that is preventing the phone from locking. Some apps, such as navigation apps or music streaming apps, are designed to stay active even when you’re not actively using them. If you have one of these apps open, it could be keeping your phone awake and preventing it from locking.

Another possibility is that your iPhone’s software needs to be updated. Apple regularly releases iOS updates to fix bugs and improve performance. If you haven’t updated your iPhone 14 in a while, it’s possible that there is a bug in the software that is causing autolock to malfunction.

Another reason why autolock is not working on your iPhone 14 is that there is a problem with your phone’s proximity sensor. The proximity sensor is a small sensor located near the top of your iPhone’s screen that detects when your phone is near your face during a phone call and turns off the screen to prevent accidental touches. If the proximity sensor is malfunctioning, it could be preventing autolock from working properly.

Finally, it’s possible that there is a hardware issue with your iPhone 14 that is preventing autolock from working properly. This could be caused by a damaged or malfunctioning power button, which is used to turn your iPhone’s screen on and off. If the power button is not working correctly, it could be preventing autolock from activating.

Please note: On iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, the Always On Display setting allows a dimmed version of your Lock Screen to stay visible, even when your iPhone is locked, so you can glance at your Lock Screen to check essential information, like alerts, the date, time, and information in your widgets.
The display automatically turns off when iPhone is face down or obstructed from view, not near a paired Apple Watch, when a CarPlay session begins, while Continuity Camera is in use, while Low Power Mode is on, while Sleep Focus is on, or at your usual bedtime.
The Always On Display setting is on by default. To turn it off, go to Settings > Display & Brightness, scroll all the way down to the bottom and toggle off Always On.

Now that we’ve explored some of possible reasons why autolock is not working on your iPhone 14, let’s take a look at some solutions to get it working again.

1. Check and Adjust Auto-Lock Settings

Your iPhone automatically locks the screen after the set time. However, if you have set it to auto-lock after a long time (say 5 minutes) or Never, follow the steps below to change it.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on Display & Brightness.
3. Scroll down and tap on Auto-Lock.
4. Make sure the Auto-Lock time is not set to Never.

If the Auto-Lock time is already set correctly, try toggling it to a different time, and then back to your desired time. This can help reset the feature and fix any glitches.

If this solution doesn’t work, let’s move on to the next one.

2. Restart your iPhone

Sometimes, a simple restart of your iPhone can fix issues with Auto-Lock. To restart your iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Press and hold the Side button and either of the volume buttons until the Slide to Power Off screen appears.
2. Swipe the slider to the right to turn off your iPhone.
3. Wait for a few seconds and press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.

After restarting your iPhone, check if Auto-Lock is working as expected.

3. Check for software updates

Another easy way to fix the Auto-Lock issue on your iPhone 14 is to updating its software. Apple regularly releases software updates that address various bugs and issues, including problems with Auto-Lock. To check for software updates on your iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on General.
3. Tap on Software Update.
4. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.

4. Reset All Settings

If none of the above solutions have worked, you may need to reset all settings on your iPhone. Resetting all settings will not erase any data on your device, but it will reset all settings to their default values. To reset all settings on your iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on General.
3. Scroll down and tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone.
4. Tap Reset.
5. Tap on Reset All Settings.
6. Enter your passcode if prompted and confirm that you want to reset all settings.

5. Contact Apple Support

If none of the above solutions have worked, and you suspect that there may be a hardware issue with your iPhone, you should contact Apple Support for further assistance. You can contact Apple Support by phone, online chat, or email, depending on your location and the availability of support options in your region.

I hope after following the solutions above, you can now successfully get your iPhone 14 to auto-lock. Have additional questions? Reach me via the comments section below.