How To Force Restart Your IPhone: A Step-By-Step Guide

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Published on October 28, 2025

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Is your iPhone frozen, unresponsive, or just acting plain weird? Sometimes, a simple restart isn’t enough to get things back on track. In these situations, knowing how to force restart your iPhone can be a lifesaver. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step walkthrough of the process, ensuring you can quickly resolve common software glitches and get your device working smoothly again.

Forcing a restart is a safe and effective way to address many iPhone issues without losing any data. It essentially interrupts the current software processes, allowing the device to reboot fresh. Different iPhone models require slightly different button combinations, so follow the instructions carefully for your specific device to ensure a successful force restart.

How Do I Force Restart My iPhone?

The method for force restarting your iPhone depends on the model you have. Follow the instructions below that match your iPhone.

For iPhone 8, iPhone SE (2nd generation and later), iPhone X, and later:

Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
Press and hold the Side button (also known as the power button).
Continue holding the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
Release the Side button. The iPhone will restart.

For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus:

Press and hold both the Side button (power button) and the Volume Down button simultaneously.
Continue holding both buttons until you see the Apple logo.
Release both buttons. The iPhone will restart.

For iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone SE (1st generation), and earlier:

Press and hold both the Home button and the Side button (power button) simultaneously.
Continue holding both buttons until you see the Apple logo.
Release both buttons. The iPhone will restart.

Tips for a Successful Force Restart

Be patient: The process can take a few seconds, so don’t release the buttons too early.
Button timing: Make sure to quickly release the volume buttons as instructed for newer iPhones. A slight delay can prevent the force restart from working.
Charging: If your iPhone is completely unresponsive, try plugging it into a charger for a few minutes before attempting a force restart. A dead battery can sometimes mimic a frozen device.
Physical damage: If your buttons are damaged, you may need to seek professional repair.

When to Try a Force Restart vs. a Regular Restart

A regular restart is suitable for minor glitches, while a force restart is better for unresponsive devices. Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Regular Restart	Force Restart
Purpose	Resolving minor software glitches	Fixing unresponsive or frozen devices
Button Usage	Typically involves the power button	Specific button combinations for each model
Data Loss	No data loss	No data loss
Scenarios	Apps crashing, slow performance	Frozen screen, unresponsive touch

Troubleshooting Unsuccessful Force Restarts

If the force restart doesn’t work, consider these possibilities:

Low battery: Ensure your iPhone has enough battery charge. Connect it to a power source and try again after a few minutes.
Hardware issues: A faulty button could prevent the force restart. Test other button functions to check for hardware problems.
Software bugs: If the issue persists, consider updating to the latest iOS version or restoring your iPhone to factory settings (back up your data first!).

Getting Your iPhone Back on Track

Knowing how to force restart your iPhone can quickly resolve many software-related issues, saving you time and frustration. Remember to follow the correct steps for your specific iPhone model.

FAQ

Why won’t my iPhone turn off? If your iPhone is frozen or unresponsive, it may not turn off using the standard method. Try a force restart instead.

Will a force restart delete my data? No, a force restart does not delete any data on your iPhone. It simply restarts the operating system.

How long should I hold the buttons during a force restart? Hold the buttons until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen.

What if the force restart doesn’t work? Ensure your iPhone is charged, and try the force restart again. If the problem persists, consider updating iOS or contacting Apple support.

Is it safe to force restart my iPhone frequently? While force restarting is generally safe, it’s best to avoid doing it excessively. Frequent force restarts might indicate a more significant underlying issue.