How to Restart iPhone: 4 Safe Methods for Every Model

Lena T.

2 hours ago

An iPhone may need a fresh start when an app freezes, the screen stops responding, or the device behaves unexpectedly. The correct steps for how to restart iPhone depend on the model and whether its controls still work.

A normal restart and a force restart can address different situations, while a factory reset serves an entirely different purpose. This post helps you choose the appropriate method without accidentally erasing your data.

1. Restart vs. Force Restart on iPhone: What’s Different?

A restart turns the iPhone off and starts iOS again. A force restart reaches the same general outcome but uses a button sequence when the screen or software will not respond.

Method	When to Use It	Requires a Working Screen?	Does It Erase Data?
Normal restart	The iPhone works but needs to be refreshed after a minor app or system problem	Yes, because you must use the power-off slider	No
Restart through Settings	The screen works but a physical button is difficult or impossible to use	Yes	No
Force restart	The screen is frozen, controls do not respond, or the iPhone will not shut down normally	No	No
Factory reset	You plan to sell the device or need to erase its content and return it to its original setup state	Usually, although recovery tools may also be used	Yes

Restarting and resetting are different actions. A restart reloads the operating system without removing photos, apps, messages, accounts, or settings. A factory reset uses Erase All Content and Settings and deletes personal data from the device.

The Settings app also contains options such as Reset All Settings and Reset Network Settings. These change selected preferences but are not substitutes for an ordinary restart.

2. How to Restart iPhone Normally

Use a normal restart when the screen and buttons still respond. Save unfinished work first because open apps will close during the process.

*How to restart iPhone: A normal iPhone restart lets you power the device off and back on using the buttons or the Settings app. (Image by Pexels)*

Restart an iPhone With Face ID Using the Buttons

This method applies to iPhone X and later Face ID models:

Press and hold the side button and either volume button together.
Release both buttons when the power-off sliders appear.
Drag the slide to power off from left to right.
Wait for the screen to turn completely black.
Leave the device off for about 30 seconds before turning it back on.

Pressing the side and volume buttons can also display Emergency SOS and Medical ID controls. Use only the power-off slider unless emergency assistance is required.

Restart an iPhone With a Home Button

Most Home button models use the side button, while older devices place the power button on top:

Press and hold the side button until the power-off slider appears.
On an iPhone SE first generation, iPhone 5s, or an earlier model, hold the top button instead.
Drag the power-off slider.
Wait until the display turns black.
Turn the phone back on after approximately 30 seconds.

This process applies when the touchscreen still accepts input. Use the matching force-restart sequence if the slider appears but will not respond.

Restart Any Compatible iPhone Through Settings

The Settings method avoids the power-button combination:

Open Settings.
Tap General.
Scroll to the bottom of the screen.
Select Shut Down.
Drag the power-off slider.
Wait for the iPhone to switch off.

You still need a functioning side or top button to turn the iPhone back on unless you connect it to power. If the button is damaged, repair may be necessary for reliable future use.

Turn the iPhone Back On

Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. On an older model with a top-mounted power button, hold the top button instead.

Release the button when the logo appears and allow the device to finish starting. Enter the device passcode after startup, as Face ID and Touch ID remain unavailable until the first successful passcode entry.

3. How to Force Restart iPhone When It Is Frozen

A force restart is intended for an iPhone that cannot complete a normal shutdown. It does not remove personal content, but the button sequence must match the device generation.

Force Restart iPhone 8 or Later

The following sequence covers how to force restart iPhone 8 and later, including newer Face ID models and the second- and third-generation iPhone SE:

Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
Press and continue holding the side button.
Ignore the power-off slider if it appears.
Release the side button when the Apple logo becomes visible.

Complete the first two presses separately and without holding them. The sequence may fail if the buttons are pressed together or there is a long pause between them.

Force Restart iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus

The iPhone 7 series uses a two-button combination:

Press and hold the side button and Volume Down button together.
Keep holding both buttons when the screen goes black.
Release them when the Apple logo appears.

Do not use the Home button for this model. Its solid-state Home button may not respond when iOS is frozen.

Force Restart iPhone 6s or Earlier

Older models use the Home button with the device’s power button:

Press and hold the Home button and side button together.
On models with a top-mounted power button, hold Home and the top button instead.
Continue holding both buttons after the screen turns black.
Release them when the Apple logo appears.

If the logo never appears, connect the iPhone to power and wait before trying again. A drained battery or damaged button may prevent the sequence from working.

4. Which Restart Steps Apply to Your iPhone Model?

The normal shutdown method depends mainly on the location of the power button. Force-restart combinations changed across several iPhone generations.

*The restart steps are largely the same across Face ID iPhones, while older Home button models use different button combinations. (Image by Pexels)*

The process for how to restart iPhone 16, how to restart iPhone 13, and how to restart iPhone 11 is the same because all three use Face ID and the newer button sequence.

iPhone Model	Normal Restart Buttons	Force Restart Method	Home Button or Face ID?
iPhone 16 series	Hold the side button and either volume button	Press Volume Up, press Volume Down, then hold the side button	Face ID
iPhone 13 series	Hold the side button and either volume button	Press Volume Up, press Volume Down, then hold the side button	Face ID
iPhone 11 series	Hold the side button and either volume button	Press Volume Up, press Volume Down, then hold the side button	Face ID
iPhone SE	Hold the side button on the second and third generations; use the top button on the first generation	Second and third generations use the iPhone 8 sequence; first generation uses Home and the top or side button	Home button
iPhone 7 series	Hold the side button	Hold the side button and Volume Down together	Home button
iPhone 6s and earlier	Hold the side or top button, depending on the model	Hold Home and the side or top button together	Home button

Release the buttons when the Apple logo appears during a force restart. If you see the ordinary power-off slider, continue holding the required button or combination unless you intended to perform a normal restart.

5. What Happens When You Restart an iPhone?

Restarting shuts down the active iOS session and loads the operating system again. It does not erase the information saved on the device.

During this process:

Open apps and background tasks are closed.
Temporary system activity held in memory is cleared. Volatile memory is memory that loses its contents when power is removed.
Photos, messages, apps, accounts, and settings remain intact.
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular services reconnect after startup.
Minor freezes, connection errors, and interface glitches may disappear.
Unsaved progress inside an open app can be lost.
Face ID or Touch ID remains unavailable until the passcode is entered once.
Apps may take a moment to refresh their content after internet access returns.

A restart is therefore different from a factory reset. Restarting begins a fresh system session, whereas a factory reset removes personal data and returns the iPhone to its original setup state.

6. Why Won’t Your iPhone Restart & How to Troubleshoot

A failed restart may come from the screen, physical buttons, battery, software, or an interrupted update. Match the symptom with the checks below before moving to recovery mode.

Screen Does Not Respond

Use the force-restart sequence for the model instead of trying to drag the power-off slider. Complete each button press in the correct order and continue holding until the Apple logo appears.

Remove a case or screen protector if it interferes with a button. If the iPhone restarts but the touchscreen remains unresponsive, the display may require service.

Buttons Do Not Work

Try Settings > General > Shut Down when the screen still responds. AssistiveTouch may also provide access to certain device controls, but it cannot replace every physical-button action needed for recovery mode.

A damaged side, volume, or Home button can prevent a force restart. Arrange repair if the required button does not click, remains pressed, or never responds.

Apple Logo Remains on the Screen

Allow several minutes when the iPhone has just installed an update. If the logo remains without any progress, connect the device to a computer and prepare to use recovery mode.

Do not repeatedly interrupt an update that is still progressing. Move to recovery only when the screen has clearly remained unchanged for an unusually long period.

iPhone Keeps Restarting

Remove recently connected accessories and check whether the iPhone has enough free storage. A faulty update, damaged app, weak battery, or internal hardware problem can cause a repeated restart cycle.

If the phone stays on long enough, update iOS and back up important data. Use recovery mode or arrange service if the restart loop prevents access to Settings.

Battery Is Fully Drained

Connect the iPhone to a working cable, adapter, and wall outlet. Leave it charging for at least 30 minutes before attempting another restart.

Try another compatible charging setup if the low-battery symbol does not appear. Inspect the cable and port for visible damage, moisture, or debris without inserting an object.

Device Is Stuck During an Update

Keep the iPhone connected to power and allow additional time if a progress bar is still moving. Slow installation does not always mean the update has failed.

If the screen remains unchanged or the phone returns to the Apple logo repeatedly, connect it to a Mac or Windows PC. Recovery mode may let you update iOS again without erasing the device.

>>> Read more: Why Is My Phone Not Charging?

7. When to Use Recovery Mode or Contact Apple Support

Recovery mode is appropriate when ordinary and force restarts fail or iOS cannot finish loading. Check the following before proceeding:

The correct force-restart sequence has been attempted more than once.
The iPhone has charged with a known working cable and adapter.
The Apple logo remains on screen without progress.
The device repeatedly restarts before reaching the Lock Screen.
An update cannot finish or produces a recovery screen.
A computer recognizes the iPhone, but iOS will not start.
One or more required buttons are physically damaged.
The phone becomes unusually hot or shows signs of liquid damage.
Important data has been backed up when access is still possible.

When recovery mode displays Update and Restore, try Update first. This attempts to reinstall iOS while retaining personal data. Restore erases the iPhone, so use it only when updating fails or you already have a suitable backup.

Contact a qualified repair provider when the computer cannot recognize the phone, the buttons are damaged, or the device continues restarting after an iOS reinstall.

8. Conclusion

A normal restart suits a responsive device, while a force restart is reserved for frozen controls. Choose the sequence that matches the model, and move to recovery mode only if the standard steps for how to restart iPhone do not restore normal operation.

Looking for more practical tips and mobile guides? Browse the latest articles on the AirTalk Wireless blog for more ways to get the most from your devices and service.