When your iPhone becomes unresponsive or won’t turn off, a force restart might be necessary to get it back in working order. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.
What Is a Force Restart?
A force restart is a method used to reboot your iPhone when it’s frozen or not responding to the usual power commands. It doesn’t erase any data but simply resets the device’s system.
When Should You Force Restart Your iPhone?
You should try forcing a restart if:
- The screen is frozen and not responding to touch.
- The iPhone won’t turn off or on using the normal methods.
- The device is stuck on the Apple logo during startup.
- The iPhone screen is black, but you hear sounds or feel vibrations.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Force Restart Your iPhone
The method for force restarting varies depending on the iPhone model you’re using. Here’s how to force restart different iPhone models:
Force Restart iPhone 8 or Later
If you have an iPhone 8, iPhone X, or a newer model, follow these steps:
- Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
This helps start the process without locking your phone. - Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
Make sure to press it quickly and release it immediately. - Press and hold the Side button.
Keep holding it until the Apple logo appears. - Release the Side button when you see the Apple logo.
Your iPhone should now reboot.
Force Restart iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
For iPhone 7 models, use the following method:
- Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Sleep/Wake button simultaneously.
These buttons are located on the side and top of your device, respectively. - Hold both buttons until the Apple logo appears.
This may take about 10 seconds. - Release both buttons when you see the Apple logo.
Your iPhone will restart.
Force Restart iPhone 6s or Earlier
For older iPhone models (iPhone 6s and earlier), use this method:
- Press and hold the Home button and the Sleep/Wake button at the same time.
The Home button is located below your screen, and the Sleep/Wake button is on the top or side. - Hold both buttons until the Apple logo appears.
Keep holding for around 10 seconds. - Release the buttons when the Apple logo shows up.
The iPhone should now restart.
What to Do if Force Restart Doesn’t Work
If your iPhone still doesn’t respond after attempting to force restart it, try the following options:
- Check for Software Updates: Connect your iPhone to a computer with iTunes or Finder and check for available updates.
- Charge Your iPhone: If the battery is fully drained, it may take a few minutes to respond even after plugging it in.
- Visit Apple Support: If the issue persists, consult the Apple Support website or visit an Apple Store for assistance.
Troubleshooting Common Issues After Restarting Your iPhone
iPhone Doesn’t Turn On
If your iPhone remains unresponsive after attempting to restart it, you may need to:
- Charge your phone for at least 30 minutes before trying again.
- Perform a recovery mode restore using a computer.
iPhone Stuck on Apple Logo
If your iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo after the restart, you may need to:
- Use recovery mode to reinstall iOS.
- Connect your device to a computer with iTunes and restore it.
iPhone Working Slowly After Restart
If your iPhone is slow after the restart, consider:
- Checking for any available software updates.
- Restarting your phone again to refresh the system.
- Freeing up storage space by deleting unused apps or files.
Additional Resources
If you encounter further issues, consult these helpful resources:
Conclusion
Forcing a restart can help resolve many iPhone issues when the device becomes unresponsive. Following these steps based on your iPhone model should get your device back in working order. If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to Apple Support for further guidance.