How To Shut Down OR Force Restart Any iPhone
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Quick Answer: To shut down a modern iPhone (with Face ID), press and hold the Side button and either Volume button simultaneously until the "slide to power off" slider appears, then drag it. To force restart a frozen iPhone, quickly press and release Volume Up, quickly press and release Volume Down, and then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears on screen.
When your iPhone screen freezes, an app crashes, or the touch input stops responding, a standard restart or a force reboot is the quickest way to resolve the software conflict. Unlike a normal shutdown, which gracefully closes background processes, a force restart cuts power to the processor on a hardware level, forcing the operating system to clear its temporary cache and reboot fresh.
In our testing lab, our diagnostic experts frequently perform force restarts during benchmark testing to ensure a clean system state. In this guide, we walk you through the step-by-step methods to shut down or force restart any iPhone model, from the latest iPhone 16 back to legacy devices.
1. How to Force Restart Modern iPhones (iPhone 8 and Later)
This method applies to all iPhones with Face ID (iPhone X through iPhone 16) and iPhones with Home buttons that support iOS 16 or later (iPhone 8 and iPhone SE 2nd/3rd Gen).
Step 1: Press and Release Volume Up
Quickly press and release the Volume Up button on the left side of the device.
Step 2: Press and Release Volume Down
Immediately press and release the Volume Down button.
Step 3: Hold the Side Button
Press and hold the Side button (Power button) on the right side of the device. Keep holding this button even when the "slide to power off" screen appears.
Step 4: Release When the Apple Logo Appears
Continue holding the Side button until the screen goes black and the white Apple logo appears. Once the logo is visible, release the button.
2. Force Restarting Legacy iPhones
If you are using an older model, the button configurations are different because of changes in Apple’s internal hardware designs.
For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus:
- Press and hold both the Volume Down button and the Sleep/Wake (Power) button simultaneously.
- Keep holding both buttons until the screen turns black and the Apple logo appears.
- Release both buttons.
For iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, and iPhone SE (1st Generation):
- Press and hold both the Home button (on the front) and the Sleep/Wake (Power) button (on the top or side) simultaneously.
- Hold both buttons until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
- Release the buttons.
Quick Reference Table: Shut Down and Force Restart Actions
Below is a breakdown of the actions required for each model, verified on our testing benches:
| iPhone Generation / Model | Standard Shutdown Method | Force Restart Button Sequence |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 | Hold Side + Volume Up/Down; drag slider. | Vol Up (press), Vol Down (press), Hold Side. |
| iPhone 8, 8 Plus, SE (2nd/3rd Gen) | Hold Side button; drag slider. | Vol Up (press), Vol Down (press), Hold Side. |
| iPhone 7, 7 Plus | Hold Side button; drag slider. | Hold Sleep/Wake + Volume Down. |
| iPhone 6s and earlier, SE (1st Gen) | Hold Top/Side button; drag slider. | Hold Sleep/Wake + Home button. |
If your device refuses to restart, or remains stuck on a black screen, connect it to a charger for at least 30 minutes. If the charging indicator does not display, refer to Apple Support for power troubleshooting. If you suspect hardware failures like a stuck power button or a damaged display digitizer, browse repair guides on iFixit.
For more advanced system troubleshooting, such as exiting loops, read our dedicated guide on /blogs/how-to/how-to-get-iphone-out-of-sos-mode.
Related Guides and Technical Reviews
- Related Article: Find detailed specifications on How to Force Restart Any iPhone Model (iPhone 8 to Present).
- Related Article: Find detailed specifications on How to Force Restart Any iPad Model (With or Without Home Button).
- Related Article: Find detailed specifications on How to Fix an iPhone Stuck on the Apple Logo: Step-by-Step Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a force restart delete any of my personal data?
No. A force restart does not delete apps, photos, messages, or settings. It simply clears the temporary memory (RAM) and forces the processor to reboot.
Why is my iPhone stuck on the Apple logo after restarting?
This usually indicates a software crash, corrupted system files, or a full storage drive. If your phone is stuck in this loop, you may need to enter Recovery Mode or DFU mode to restore it using a computer.
Can I shut down my iPhone without using the physical buttons?
Yes. Go to Settings > General, scroll to the very bottom, and tap Shut Down. Drag the slider to power off the device.