How to Restart iPhone: Complete Guide for All Models

Introduction / Why This Is Needed

Restarting an iPhone is a basic but effective action for solving many problems. It helps:

• Fix freezes in the interface or individual apps.
• Eliminate temporary glitches in system services (e.g., Wi-Fi or Bluetooth not working).
• Apply changes after updating settings or installing an iOS update.
• Free up RAM from background processes, which can speed up the device.

After completing this guide, you will be able to safely restart any iPhone model, even if it is unresponsive to touches.

Requirements / Preparation

Before you begin, ensure that:

1. Your iPhone's battery is charged to at least 5-10%. If the device is completely drained, connect it to a charger and wait a few minutes.
2. You know your iPhone model (e.g., iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone SE 3rd generation). This is important for selecting the correct button combination for a force restart.
3. iOS 12 or newer is installed on the iPhone (the instructions are relevant for all modern versions).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Standard Restart via Settings

This is the standard method to use if your iPhone is functioning normally but you need to restart it to apply changes or generally "refresh" the system.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to the General section.
3. Scroll to the very bottom of the list and tap the Shut Down option.
4. A slider will appear. Swipe it to the right to turn off the iPhone.
5. Wait 10-15 seconds.
6. To turn the device back on, press and hold the side button (on iPhone X and newer) or the top/side button (on older models) until the Apple logo appears.

💡 Tip: You can perform a standard restart by pressing and holding the side button until the "Power Off" slider appears, and then swiping it. This is faster than going through Settings.

Step 2: Force Restart (Hard Reset) Using a Button Combination

Use this method if your iPhone is completely "frozen": it does not respond to touches, will not shut down the standard way, and the screen remains black or is stuck on the loading icon.

The button combination depends on the model:

For iPhone 8, SE (2nd and 3rd generation), and all newer models (iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15):

1. Quickly press and release the volume up button.
2. Quickly press and release the volume down button.
3. Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears (about 10-15 seconds).
4. Release the button. The iPhone will restart.

For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus:

1. Press and hold both the volume down button and the side (or top) button simultaneously.
2. Do not release them until you see the Apple logo.
3. Release both buttons.

For iPhone 6s, iPhone SE (1st generation), and older models:

1. Press and hold both the Home button and the top (or side) button simultaneously.
2. Do not release them until the Apple logo appears.
3. Release the buttons.

⚠️ Important: A force restart is like "pulling the plug." It is safe for your data, but it may interrupt an unsaved write operation (e.g., if you were editing a document). After the restart, the iPhone will ask for a password (if set) to unlock.

Step 3: Restart via AssistiveTouch

This method is useful if the iPhone's physical buttons are not working (e.g., they are stuck or broken), but the screen and touch response are functional.

1. Ensure AssistiveTouch is enabled:
   Settings → Accessibility → AssistiveTouch → On.
2. A semi-transparent virtual button (a round icon) will appear on the screen.
3. Tap it.
4. In the menu that appears, select Device.
5. Press and hold the "Restart" icon (a circular arrow symbol) for several seconds.
6. A confirmation will appear. Tap "Restart".
7. The iPhone will perform a standard restart.

Step 4: Checking Functionality After Restart

After the iPhone boots up:

1. Wait for the lock screen or home screen to appear. A full system boot can take up to a minute.
2. Enter your password (or use Face ID/Touch ID) to unlock.
3. Check if the original problem is resolved:
   • Open a few apps—are there any lags?
   • Check Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and sound functionality.
   • Ensure all your data is intact (photos, contacts, documents).
4. If the problem persists, a deeper intervention may be required (e.g., updating iOS, resetting settings, or restoring via DFU mode).

Potential Issues

Issue: iPhone does not respond to the button combination for a force restart

Solution: Ensure you are using the correct combination for your model (see Step 2). Press the buttons sequentially and quickly (for iPhone 8 and newer). If it doesn't work, connect the iPhone to a charger and try again after 5 minutes.

Issue: After restart, the iPhone continuously restarts itself

Solution: This is a sign of a serious system crash or hardware issue. Try performing a force restart in DFU mode and restore iOS via a computer (Mac/PC). If that doesn't help, contact Apple Support.

Issue: iPhone turns on but is stuck on the Apple logo

Solution: This can be related to a corrupted update or a crash. Try another force restart (button combination) to break the loop. If that fails, a restore via Finder/iTunes will be necessary.

Issue: AssistiveTouch does not appear or does not work

Solution: Check if it is enabled in Settings. If it is, restart the iPhone normally. If the problem remains, there may be a system crash—perform a force restart.