If you need to know how to restart iPhone, the process is usually simple and does not delete your personal data. A normal restart means turning the iPhone off and then turning it back on, while a force restart is used when the device is frozen or not responding.
The button combination depends on your iPhone model. Newer iPhones use the side and volume buttons, while some older models use the Home button or top button. This guide explains the normal restart process, force restart methods, and what to do if your iPhone still does not respond.
How Do You Restart an iPhone?
The normal way to restart an iPhone is to turn it off using the appropriate buttons, wait for the device to shut down, and then turn it back on.
For iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, and later models, Apple instructs users to press and hold either volume button together with the side button until the power-off slider appears. After dragging the slider, wait about 30 seconds for the iPhone to turn off, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
Restart iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, and Later
Follow these steps:
- Press and hold either volume button and the side button together.
- Wait until the power-off slider appears.
- Drag the slider to turn off the iPhone.
- Wait approximately 30 seconds for the device to shut down.
- Press and hold the side button.
- Release it when the Apple logo appears.
This is the standard restart method for these iPhone models.
How to Restart an iPhone With a Home Button
The restart procedure is different on iPhones with a physical Home button.
For iPhone 6, iPhone 7, iPhone 8, and iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation), Apple provides a normal shutdown and restart process using the side button.
iPhone 6, 7, 8, and SE (2nd or 3rd Generation)
- Press and hold the side button.
- Wait for the power-off slider.
- Drag the slider.
- Wait about 30 seconds.
- Press and hold the side button again.
- Release the button when the Apple logo appears.
iPhone SE (1st Generation), iPhone 5, and Earlier
Older iPhones use the top button rather than the side button.
- Press and hold the top button.
- Wait for the power-off slider.
- Drag the slider.
- Wait for the iPhone to turn off.
- Press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears.
Can You Restart an iPhone From Settings?
Yes. You can also shut down an iPhone through the Settings app, which can be useful when you prefer not to use the physical buttons.
Go to:
Settings → General → Shut Down
Then drag the power-off slider. Once the iPhone is completely off, turn it back on by holding the side button until the Apple logo appears.
Apple also documents this Settings-based shutdown option for iPhones with Face ID.
How Do You Force Restart a Frozen iPhone?
If your iPhone is frozen or the screen is not responding, a normal restart may not work. In that situation, you can use a force restart.
A force restart does not follow the same process as a normal shutdown. It uses a specific button sequence to restart an unresponsive device.
Force Restart iPhone With Face ID
For newer iPhone models with Face ID:
- Quickly press and release the volume up button.
- Quickly press and release the volume down button.
- Press and hold the side button.
- Keep holding the side button until the Apple logo appears.
- Release the button when the Apple logo appears.
The side button may need to be held for more than 10 seconds if the device is unresponsive.
Force Restart iPhone 7 or 7 Plus
For an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus:
- Press and hold the side button.
- At the same time, press and hold the volume down button.
- Continue holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears.
Force Restart iPhone 6s or Earlier
For iPhone 6s and earlier models:
- Press and hold the Home button.
- At the same time, press and hold the side or top button.
- Continue holding until the Apple logo appears
What Is the Difference Between a Normal Restart and a Force Restart?
Both methods restart the iPhone, but they are intended for different situations.
| Method | When to use it | Main process |
| Normal restart | iPhone is working normally | Turn off, wait, then turn on |
| Force restart | iPhone is frozen or unresponsive | Use a specific button combination |
| Settings shutdown | Physical buttons are inconvenient | Settings → General → Shut Down |
A normal restart should generally be your first choice when the iPhone is responding normally. Use a force restart when you cannot shut the device down through the usual process.
Does Restarting an iPhone Delete Everything?
No. A normal restart does not erase your photos, apps, messages, contacts, or other personal data. It simply shuts down the operating system and starts it again.
A force restart is also intended to restart an unresponsive device rather than erase its contents. However, if your iPhone has a separate software or hardware problem, restarting it may not resolve the underlying issue.
Why Should You Restart Your iPhone?
Restarting can be a useful basic troubleshooting step when an iPhone is experiencing a temporary software issue.
For example, you might restart the device when:
- An app stops responding
- The interface becomes unusually sluggish
- A temporary software glitch occurs
- Some functions stop responding normally
- The iPhone behaves unexpectedly
Apple also recommends restarting an app or restarting the iPhone when an app remains unresponsive after being closed and reopened.
A restart is a troubleshooting step, not a universal solution. Persistent problems may indicate another software or hardware issue.
What If Your iPhone Won’t Restart?
If your iPhone does not restart normally, first determine whether the device is actually responding.
If the Screen Is Frozen
Try the appropriate force restart procedure for your model.
For Face ID models, press and quickly release volume up, press and quickly release volume down, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
If the iPhone Still Does Not Turn On
The battery may be too low, or there could be another issue.
Apple recommends charging an iPhone that does not turn on and trying again. If it still does not start after charging and attempting a force restart, service may be necessary.
If the Problem Keeps Coming Back
Repeated freezing, unexpected shutdowns, restart loops, or failure to respond can point to a problem that requires further diagnosis.
In that situation, repeatedly force restarting the device may not address the underlying cause.
When Should You Consider Professional iPhone Repair?
Consider professional inspection if your iPhone:
- Frequently freezes or becomes unresponsive
- Repeatedly restarts by itself
- Does not turn on after charging
- Has a damaged side or volume button
- Has suffered physical or liquid damage
- Shows persistent problems after restarting
- Becomes unusually hot while experiencing system problems
A technician can determine whether the issue is more likely related to software, the battery, buttons, charging hardware, display components, or another internal component.
For repair in Bangladesh, professional diagnosis can help prevent unnecessary part replacement when the actual cause has not yet been identified.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I restart my iPhone?
For most newer iPhones, press and hold either volume button and the side button until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider, wait about 30 seconds, then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. Older iPhones may use only the side or top button depending on the model.
2. How do I force restart my iPhone if the screen is frozen?
For an iPhone with Face ID, quickly press and release volume up, quickly press and release volume down, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. This is different from a normal restart and is intended for situations where the iPhone is not responding.
3. Will restarting my iPhone delete my photos and apps?
No. A normal restart does not erase your personal information or installed apps. It simply turns the device off and starts the operating system again. If you are performing another procedure such as resetting or erasing the iPhone, however, that is different from a normal restart.
4. Can I restart my iPhone without using the physical buttons?
Yes. On supported iPhone models, you can shut the device down through Settings → General → Shut Down. After the iPhone powers off, you can turn it back on using the side button.
5. What should I do if my iPhone does not turn on after a force restart?
Connect the iPhone to a charger and allow it to charge before trying again. Apple advises charging an iPhone that will not turn on and attempting the restart process again. If it still does not respond, professional service may be needed.
6. How often should I restart my iPhone?
There is no general requirement to restart an iPhone on a fixed schedule. Restart it when troubleshooting a temporary problem or when the device is behaving unexpectedly. If you frequently need to restart the phone because it freezes or shuts down unexpectedly, investigate the underlying problem instead.
7. What if my iPhone keeps restarting by itself?
Repeated unexpected restarts are different from manually restarting the device. If the problem continues, check for software-related issues and consider professional diagnosis if the phone remains unstable. Persistent restarting can require more investigation than a simple reboot.
Conclusion
Knowing how to restart iPhone is a useful basic troubleshooting skill. For a normally functioning iPhone, use the standard power-off process and turn the device back on. If the iPhone is frozen or unresponsive, use the force restart sequence appropriate for your model.
If restarting does not solve a persistent problem, avoid repeatedly forcing the device to restart without identifying the cause. iCareFix can inspect an iPhone that continues to freeze, restart unexpectedly, fail to turn on, or show other hardware-related symptoms and recommend an appropriate repair approach.