How to Restart Your iPhone: All Models 2007 to 2024 (7 Methods)

How to Restart Your iPhone: A Model-by-Model Guide

Even the most advanced technology can hit a snag from time to time. If your iPhone becomes unresponsive and the usual power-off procedure doesn’t work, a force restart might be the solution. Unlike a standard restart, which is often the first step, a force restart is a more aggressive method that can address issues your device might be having.

We Have You Covered: Here Are The Force Restart Instructions for Every iPhone Model

Since iPhone designs and button configurations have evolved over the years, the steps for forcing a restart vary depending on your model. Here’s a breakdown to guide you through the process, from the latest iPhone 15 models all the way back to the original iPhone.

Restarting iPhone 8 and Newer (iPhones from 2017 until today)

For iPhones running iOS 16 or later, including the iPhone 8, iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation), and iPhone 15:

1. Quickly press and release the volume up button.
2. Quickly press and release the volume down button.
3. Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears, then release.
4. Restarting the iPhone 7

For the iPhone 7, follow these steps:

1. Press and hold both the volume down button and the sleep/wake button simultaneously.
2. Release both buttons when you see the Apple logo.
3. Restarting Older iPhones (iPhone 6S and Earlier)

For models older than the iPhone 7, as well as SE models, all the way back to the original iPhone:

1. Press and hold both the sleep/wake button and the home button at the same time.
2. Release both when the Apple logo appears.

For the majority of users, the above method should successfully restart your iPhone. However, in some cases, you need a more extensive approach. That's why we still have 6 more methods to go through — so let's get started.

Other Restart Methods

Restart via Settings (When the screen is responsive):

1. Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘General’ > ‘Shut Down’.
2. Slide to power off, then wait about 30 seconds.
3. To turn the device back on, press and hold the appropriate button until the Apple logo appears.

Using Voice Control:

1. Open ‘Settings’ > ‘Accessibility’ > ‘Voice Control’ and enable it.
2. Create a new command by selecting ‘Create New Commands’ and say “Reboot Device” to prompt a restart.

AssistiveTouch (iOS 12 and later):

1. Enable AssistiveTouch through ‘Settings’ > ‘Accessibility’ > ‘Touch’ > ‘AssistiveTouch’.
2. Tap the AssistiveTouch icon, select ‘Device’, then ‘More’, and choose ‘Restart’.

Reset Network Settings:

1. Navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘General’ > ‘Transfer or Reset iPhone’ > ‘Reset Network Settings’.
2. Enter your passcode and confirm.

Update iOS:

Installing an iOS update will trigger a restart as part of the installation process.

Battery Drain:

If the screen is frozen, let the battery drain completely. After the device turns off, recharge it to force a restart.

Understanding Restart Versus Force Restart

A regular restart is the initial step for troubleshooting minor issues. To perform a regular restart, press and hold the volume button and the side button (or top button for older models) to bring up the power-off slider. If this doesn’t work, you’ll need to use a force restart.

A force restart is a more drastic measure, often necessary for a device that is completely unresponsive or experiencing severe software issues. It’s similar to unplugging and replugging a desktop computer to reset it.

When to Consider Resetting Your iPhone

Resetting your iPhone is a more extreme measure that restores your device to its factory settings. This option should be reserved for cases where other troubleshooting steps fail or if you're preparing the phone for sale. It’s crucial to back up your data before performing a reset to avoid losing important information.

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