Do you want to get rid of minor software bugs that build up in the background, enhance overall performance, or resolve app freezing? Maybe there’s memory usage build-up, and network connectivity is acting up. Restarting your iPhone can help. It causes everything to reload, frees up system resources, deactivates anything working in the background, and ensures your device functions better.
So, how do you do it? We highlight the techniques to use based on the type of device you have. Let’s begin with the newer versions.
Restarting iPhone with Face ID
Those phones that were recently released don’t have a home button. So, to start them again, do this:
- Press a volume button and the side button, and keep holding them. The power-off slider should appear.
- Just drag it to the right, and your device will switch off in seconds.
- Press the side button and keep it held until the Apple logo shows. That means your phone’s starting.
This method performs a normal restart and is ideal when your device is responding well.
Restarting iPhones with a home button
Older models like iPhone SE, iPhone 6, 7, and 8 apply a different combination. How? Check below:
- Press the side/top button and keep holding it until you see the slider appear.
- Pull the slider across for the device to go off.
- Hold the side/top button again until the phone powers up.
Also, this process works when your phone is responsive, and you can interact with the screen.
Your screen frozen? Force restart your iPhone
However, if your screen is stuck or none of the apps are opening, then you need to change the tactic. For:
iPhone 8 and newer
- Press and let go of the Volume Up button.
- Repeat that with the Volume Down button.
- Now hold the side button. When the logo pops up, you can let go.
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
Press and hold both the Volume Down and the Side buttons. Don’t let go until you see the Apple logo.
iPhone 6, SE (1st Gen) and earlier
Press and hold the Home button together with the Power button. Only release when the Apple logo appears.
A force restart won’t erase your data. What it does is just cause your device to reload its software.
Your iPhone doesn’t restart?
Usually, that means something else is going on. So, try these:
- Let it charge (15-30 minutes, give or take). This helps rule out a dead battery.
- Make sure it’s not the charging cable and the wall plug acting up.
- Try using a different power outlet or charging port.
- Connect it to a computer to update its software. This solves software glitches or gets rid of any bugs that may have accessed the phone.
- Reset all settings.
- See if your phone is cracked or maybe got wet.
- If nothing works, talk to Support. Something inside the phone could be the problem.
Final thoughts
Sometimes, what it takes to fix a grumpy phone is just turning it off and on again. This works like a charm —it doesn’t matter if it’s a new model or an old one. Knowing this little trick can save you lots of headaches. What if your device doesn’t cooperate, still? Just run through those other checks we talked about. Sort those out, and you will most likely be back in business.
FAQs
Restarting an iPhone is recommended. Why?
It helps remove minor glitches, refresh apps, and make sure your phone works better.
Will restarting my iPhone delete anything?
No. A restart doesn’t wipe any of your files, pics, or apps— the phone just powers off and then on again.
What if my iPhone won’t restart in the normal way?
Use button combinations to force a restart. Nothing gets deleted—it just gets your phone moving again when it’s frozen.
How often should I restart my iPhone?
Once a week should be okay. But you can restart it anytime it feels slow or glitchy.