A frozen or stuck startup screen is a common issue that can prevent your device from booting up properly. There are several potential causes for a frozen startup screen, but thankfully there are also a number of troubleshooting steps you can take to try and fix the problem yourself.
Quick Diagnosis of the Issue
When your device gets stuck on the manufacturer logo screen, Apple logo screen, loading wheel, or any other startup screen, there are a few quick things you can check before jumping into more complex solutions.
- Hard reset – Press and hold the power button for at least 20 seconds to force a hard reset.
- Check connections – Ensure all cables and connections like power cables or display cables are securely connected.
- Start in safe mode – Force your device to load in safe mode to isolate issues.
- Check for hardware issues – Listen for sounds, look for lights, ensure hardware components are seated properly.
Taking these simple steps can help diagnose where the frozen startup issue is stemming from. If the problem persists, moving on to some more advanced troubleshooting is required.
Common Causes of a Frozen Startup Screen
Understanding what might be causing your device to freeze at startup is key to resolving the problem. Here are some of the most common culprits:
Software Corruption or Conflicts
Corrupted system files, invalid settings, buggy app updates, and software conflicts can all cause system crashes or freezes. Reinstalling software or updating to the latest OS version may fix these types of issues.
Hardware Malfunctions
Faulty RAM, a failed hard drive, and other hardware malfunctions can lead to startup hangs. If software troubleshooting does not work, hardware issues like these may need repair or replacement.
Power Delivery Issues
An inconsistent power supply, faulty battery, or loose cable connections can prevent proper power delivery to your device, resulting in startup freezes. Check all power connections and battery health.
Physical Damage
Drops, impacts, liquid spills, and other physical damage can corrupt system resources and cause freezes. Inspect your device for any signs of damage that require professional repair.
Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
If you have narrowed down the issue and suspect software corruption, hardware failure, or power delivery problems, there are still steps you can take to troubleshoot a stuck startup screen:
Boot into Safe Mode
Booting into safe mode loads only the essential drivers and software. If your device works in safe mode, it points to software corruption or conflicts.
Reset NVRAM/PRAM
Resetting NVRAM or PRAM can clear out system settings and caches that may be causing problems.
Try a Different Display or Cable
Switch displays and cables to isolate issues stemming from these external components.
Reseat Internal Components
Open up your device and reseat components like RAM, cables, and storage drives to fix loose connections.
Check System Logs
System crash logs may reveal insights into processes or services that are crashing or hanging at startup.
Repair Disk Errors
Use Disk Utility or a disk repair tool to fix disk errors that could be preventing startup.
Restore from Backup
Wiping your device and restoring from a clean backup can fix underlying software issues.
Reset Device to Factory Settings
Return your device to factory default settings to eliminate any problematic customization or user profiles.
Replace Faulty Hardware
If all else fails, faulty components like RAM, storage drives, power supplies, or logic boards may simply need replacement.
Specific Solutions for a Frozen Startup Screen
Beyond general troubleshooting, here are some tailored solutions for specific devices and operating systems experiencing frozen startup screens:
Windows
| Issue | Solution |
| Stuck on Windows logo | Boot into Safe Mode, use System Restore or Startup Repair |
| BSOD during boot | Disable automatic restart to read STOP code, reinstall or update drivers |
| Windows loading problems | Run SFC and DISM scans to check system file integrity |
Mac
| Issue | Solution |
| Frozen on gray Apple logo | Reset NVRAM/PRAM, reinstall macOS, repair in Recovery mode |
| Spinning wheel freeze | Boot into Safe Mode, clear system caches and login items |
| Kernel panic | Check system logs for culprit, reinstall or update drivers |
iPhone/iPad
| Issue | Solution |
| Stuck on Apple logo | Force restart device, put into recovery mode to reinstall iOS |
| Frozen during iOS update | Hard reset then retry update in recovery mode |
| Boot looping | Wipe device then restore from backup, DFU mode restore |
Android
| Issue | Solution |
| Frozen on boot animation | Boot into safe mode, wipe cache partition |
| Failed OTA update | Factory reset then retry update in recovery mode |
| Corrupted operating system | Wipe data and cache partitions then reinstall OS |
Prevention of Startup Freezes
While troubleshooting can resolve an existing frozen startup screen, there are steps you can take to help prevent the issue in the first place:
- Keep your operating system, drivers, apps, and security up-to-date
- Only install trusted software from manufacturer approved sources
- Use a surge protector to protect device from power spikes
- Don’t overload power strips to prevent loose connections
- Securely connect all cables including power, display, and data
- Shutdown improperly or force power off only when absolutely needed
- Perform regular backups to enable system restore when needed
- Avoid exposing device to extreme heat or cold
- Handle device carefully to prevent damage from drops or shock
When to Seek Professional Repair
If you have attempted all of the appropriate troubleshooting steps but your device still fails to boot properly and remains stuck on the startup screen, it is probably time to seek professional repair.
A computer technician or repair shop will have the advanced diagnostic tools, training, and parts resources to fully inspect your device and identify definite hardware issues causing the frozen startup. They can replace damaged components like the screen, storage drive, RAM, or motherboard to get your device functioning again.
Seeking professional assistance is especially recommended if your device exhibits any physical damage or warning signs of hardware failure like smoke, strange odors, or abnormal noises which require proper inspection to fix.
For extreme software-related startup freezes, a factory reset or clean operating system install performed at a repair shop may be your last resort to revive your device.
Conclusion
Dealing with a frozen or unresponsive startup screen can be extremely frustrating, but hopefully this guide has given you some helpful troubleshooting tips to get your device back up and running.
Try quick fixes like hard resets and safe mode boots first, then move on to advanced steps like NVRAM resets, operating system reinstalls, and hardware replacements if necessary. Seeking professional repair assistance can save time and ensure the issue is properly diagnosed if DIY efforts are unsuccessful.
Preventing startup freezes comes down to proper maintenance like software updates, secure cable connections, handling devices gently, and shutting down properly. But should an issue arise, this guide can help get you back on track.