3 Ways To Fix A Frozen IPhone That Won't Turn Off

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Edgar Nicov

How-To

6 min. read

Published on October 5, 2025

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Experiencing a frozen iPhone that refuses to turn off can be incredibly frustrating. It’s a common issue that can stem from software glitches, app conflicts, or even low storage space. Fortunately, there are several methods you can try to force your iPhone to restart and get it back to working order.

This article will guide you through three effective ways to fix a frozen iPhone that won’t turn off. We’ll cover everything from simple force restarts to more advanced recovery mode options, ensuring you have the tools to troubleshoot and resolve the problem.

What Can I Do If My iPhone Is Frozen and Won’t Turn Off?

Force Restart Your iPhone

A force restart is often the first and simplest solution to try when your iPhone is frozen. This process forces the iPhone to shut down and restart, clearing any temporary glitches that might be causing the issue. The exact method depends on your iPhone model:

iPhone 8 or later (including iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generation):

Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
Press and hold the Side button (power button) until you see the Apple logo.

iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus:

Press and hold both the Side button (power button) and the Volume Down button simultaneously.
Continue holding until you see the Apple logo.

iPhone 6s or earlier (including iPhone SE 1st generation):

Press and hold both the Home button and the Side button (power button) simultaneously.
Continue holding until you see the Apple logo.

Use Recovery Mode

If a force restart doesn’t work, the next step is to try recovery mode. This mode allows you to restore your iPhone’s software using iTunes or Finder on your computer.

Connect your iPhone to your computer: Use a Lightning cable to connect your iPhone to a computer with iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on macOS).
Put your iPhone into recovery mode: The steps vary by model, similar to the force restart process, but you must continue holding the buttons even after the Apple logo appears, until you see the recovery mode screen (a cable pointing to a computer).

iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen.
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold both the Side button and the Volume Down button simultaneously until you see the recovery mode screen.
iPhone 6s or earlier: Press and hold both the Home button and the Side button simultaneously until you see the recovery mode screen.

Restore or Update: On your computer, iTunes or Finder will detect your iPhone in recovery mode and offer you the option to “Restore” or “Update.”

Update: Try updating first. This will attempt to reinstall iOS without erasing your data.
Restore: If updating doesn’t work, you’ll need to restore your iPhone to factory settings. This will erase all data on your device, so make sure you have a backup if possible.

DFU Mode Restore

DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is the most in-depth restore option. It bypasses the bootloader and allows you to completely reinstall the iPhone’s operating system. This should only be used as a last resort because it carries a higher risk of complications.

Connect your iPhone to your computer: Use a Lightning cable to connect your iPhone to a computer with iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on macOS).
Put your iPhone into DFU mode: The steps are timing-sensitive and vary by model.

iPhone 8 or later:
Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
Press and hold the Side button for 10 seconds.
While still holding the Side button, press and hold the Volume Down button for 5 seconds.
Release the Side button but continue holding the Volume Down button for another 10 seconds. If the screen remains black, you’ve entered DFU mode. If you see the Apple logo, you’ll need to start over.
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus:
Press and hold both the Side button and the Volume Down button for 10 seconds.
Release the Side button but continue holding the Volume Down button for another 5 seconds. If the screen remains black, you’ve entered DFU mode.
iPhone 6s or earlier:
Press and hold both the Home button and the Side button for 10 seconds.
Release the Side button but continue holding the Home button for another 5 seconds. If the screen remains black, you’ve entered DFU mode.

Restore your iPhone: iTunes or Finder will detect your iPhone in DFU mode and prompt you to restore it. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Tips

Backup Regularly: Regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud or your computer to minimize data loss in case you need to restore your device.
Check Storage: Low storage space can cause performance issues, including freezing. Regularly check your iPhone’s storage and delete unnecessary files and apps.
Update iOS: Keep your iPhone’s operating system updated to the latest version. Software updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can prevent freezing.
Close Apps: Close unused apps running in the background to free up memory and processing power.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Exposing your iPhone to extreme temperatures can negatively affect its performance and cause it to freeze.

iPhone Back To Normal

By using these three methods, you should be able to resolve most freezing issues and get your iPhone back to its normal functioning state. If the problem persists, it may indicate a hardware issue, and you should contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider.

FAQ

Why does my iPhone keep freezing? Freezing can be caused by software glitches, low storage, app conflicts, or hardware issues.

Will a force restart delete my data? No, a force restart will not delete your data. It simply restarts the iPhone.

What is the difference between recovery mode and DFU mode? Recovery mode reinstalls the operating system, while DFU mode bypasses the bootloader for a more complete reinstallation.

When should I use DFU mode? Use DFU mode as a last resort when other methods fail, as it carries a higher risk.

How often should I back up my iPhone? It’s recommended to back up your iPhone regularly, ideally weekly or at least monthly, to prevent data loss.