Restarting your iPhone is a simple yet crucial troubleshooting step that can resolve a multitude of issues, from sluggish performance to frozen apps. Whether you’re new to the iPhone or just need a refresher, this guide provides easy-to-follow instructions for restarting any iPhone model.
Restarting iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, and Later Models
These newer iPhone models, starting from the iPhone X, utilize a combination of buttons to access the power-off slider. Here’s how to restart these iPhones:
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Press and Hold the Correct Buttons: Simultaneously press and hold either volume button (located on the left side) and the side button (on the right side) until the power-off slider appears on your screen.
Alt text: Location of the volume button on the left and the side button on the right of an iPhone, which are pressed together to initiate the restart process.
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Power Off Your iPhone: Once the slider appears, drag it to the right to power off your device. Wait for approximately 30 seconds to ensure your iPhone completely shuts down. If your iPhone is unresponsive or frozen, you may need to perform a force restart (link provided below).
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Power On Your iPhone: After waiting 30 seconds, press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This indicates that your iPhone is powering back on.
Restarting iPhone 6, 7, 8, and SE (2nd & 3rd Generation)
For iPhone models such as iPhone 6, 7, 8, and the 2nd and 3rd generation iPhone SE, the restart process is slightly different, utilizing only the side button:
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Press and Hold the Side Button: Press and hold the side button (located on the right side of your iPhone) until the power-off slider is displayed.
Alt text: Image highlighting the side button on an iPhone 8, used to bring up the power off slider for restarting older iPhone models.
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Power Off Your iPhone: Drag the slider to the right to turn off your iPhone. Allow about 30 seconds for the device to completely power down. For frozen iPhones, consider a force restart (link below).
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Power On Your iPhone: Press and hold the side button again until you see the Apple logo appear, signaling that your iPhone is restarting.
Restarting iPhone SE (1st Generation), 5, and Earlier Models
Older iPhone models like the original iPhone SE, iPhone 5, and earlier versions utilize the top button for restarting:
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Press and Hold the Top Button: Locate the top button on the top of your iPhone and press and hold it until the power-off slider appears.
Alt text: A close up view indicating the top button on an iPhone SE first generation, which is held down to access the power off slider for restarting these iPhones.
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Power Off Your iPhone: Slide the power-off slider to the right and wait for 30 seconds for your iPhone to shut down. If your device is unresponsive, you may need to force restart it (link below).
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Power On Your iPhone: Press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears, indicating that your iPhone is turning back on.
What If Your iPhone Won’t Restart Normally?
If your iPhone is frozen, unresponsive, or won’t restart using the standard methods, you may need to perform a force restart. This is a more forceful way to reboot your device and can often resolve more serious issues.
Learn how to force restart your iPhone here.
Restarting your iPhone is a simple maintenance task that can keep your device running smoothly. By following these steps tailored to your specific iPhone model, you can quickly and effectively restart your device whenever needed.
