Learn how to restart an iPhone with this step-by-step guide. Restart iPhone 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, X, SE, and older models to fix common issues.
How to Restart an iPhone
Is your iPhone frozen, running slow, or not responding? Restarting your iPhone is one of the quickest ways to fix many common problems without losing your personal data.
This guide explains how to restart an iPhone, including iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone 12, iPhone 11, iPhone X, iPhone SE, and older models.
Why Should You Restart Your iPhone?
Restarting your iPhone can help:
- Fix a frozen or unresponsive screen
- Improve performance
- Close apps running in the background
- Resolve minor software glitches
- Improve battery performance
- Fix network or Wi-Fi issues
- Refresh the iPhone system
Method 1: Restart iPhone Using the Buttons (Face ID Models)
This method works for:
- iPhone 16 Series
- iPhone 15 Series
- iPhone 14 Series
- iPhone 13 Series
- iPhone 12 Series
- iPhone 11 Series
- iPhone XS / XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone X
Steps
- Press and hold the Side button and either Volume Up or Volume Down button together.
- Keep holding until the Power Off slider appears.
- Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.
- Wait about 30 seconds.
- Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
Your iPhone will restart normally.
Method 2: Restart iPhone SE, 8, 7, 6, and Older Models
Steps
- Press and hold the Power (Side or Top) button.
- When the Power Off slider appears, drag it to switch off the device.
- Wait about 30 seconds.
- Press and hold the Power button again until the Apple logo appears.
Method 3: Restart iPhone from Settings
If your buttons are not working:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Scroll to the bottom.
- Tap Shut Down.
- Drag the power slider.
- After the iPhone turns off, press and hold the Side button to turn it back on.
How to Force Restart an iPhone
If your iPhone is frozen or the screen doesn't respond, perform a force restart.
For iPhone 8 and Later
- Quickly press and release Volume Up.
- Quickly press and release Volume Down.
- Press and hold the Side button.
- Keep holding until the Apple logo appears.
For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
- Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Power button together.
- Keep holding until the Apple logo appears.
For iPhone 6s, SE (1st Generation), and Earlier
- Press and hold the Home button and the Power button together.
- Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.
Will Restarting an iPhone Delete My Data?
No.
Restarting your iPhone does not delete:
- Photos
- Videos
- Contacts
- Messages
- Apps
- Documents
- Apple ID information
It simply refreshes the operating system.
When Should You Restart Your iPhone?
Restart your iPhone if:
- It is running slowly.
- Apps keep crashing.
- Wi-Fi or mobile data isn't working properly.
- Bluetooth won't connect.
- The screen freezes.
- The device becomes unusually hot.
- After installing an iOS update.
Common Problems
My iPhone won't turn back on.
- Charge the device for at least 20–30 minutes.
- Try a force restart.
- Check the charging cable and adapter.
My iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo.
Try a force restart. If the issue continues, you may need to update or restore the device using a computer.
The power button isn't working.
Use Settings → General → Shut Down to turn off the device, then connect it to a charger or use the Side button (if partially functional) to power it back on.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I restart my iPhone?
Restarting your iPhone once every week or two can help keep it running smoothly, although it's not required.
Is restarting the same as resetting?
No. Restarting simply turns the iPhone off and back on. Resetting changes settings or erases data, depending on the reset option you choose.
Can restarting fix a slow iPhone?
Yes. Restarting often resolves temporary performance issues and minor software glitches.
Does restarting improve battery life?
It can help if background processes are causing excessive battery usage, but it won't fix battery wear caused by aging hardware.
Tips
- Keep your iPhone updated to the latest iOS version.
- Restart your device occasionally to refresh system processes.
- Delete unused apps to free up storage.
- Keep enough free storage for smooth performance.
- Force restart only when your iPhone is frozen or unresponsive.
Conclusion
Knowing how to restart an iPhone is an essential troubleshooting skill. Whether you own an iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone 12, iPhone 11, iPhone SE, or an older model, restarting your device can quickly fix many common issues without affecting your personal data.
