Updated: April 26, 2025

How to Shut Down or Force Restart Any iPhone Model 2025

iPhones are powerful devices, but even the newest 2025 models can sometimes freeze, act sluggish, or stop responding. Whether you’re using the latest iPhone 16e or an older model, knowing how to safely shut down or force restart your device is essential.

In this guide, we’ll explain these steps in simple terms, just like you’d explain it to a friend. No confusing tech jargon—promise!

Why Restarting or Shutting Down Helps
Think of your iPhone like a computer. Over time, apps and processes can pile up in the background, causing slowdowns or glitches. Restarting your iPhone clears out these temporary issues, similar to how rebooting a game console fixes a frozen screen. Shutting down is also useful for preserving battery life during long periods of inactivity. For more ways to optimize your iPhone’s performance, check out The Ultimate iPhone Settings Guide to customize your device.

Section 1: How to Shut Down Any iPhone (2025 Models and Older)

For iPhones with Face ID (iPhone X and newer, including 2025 models):

Press and hold the Side Button (on the right) and either Volume Button (on the left) at the same time.
After 2-3 seconds, the “Slide to Power Off” bar will appear.
Drag the slider to the right to turn off your iPhone.

For iPhones with a Home Button (iPhone SE, iPhone 8, or older):

Press and hold the Side Button (on the right or top).
When the “Slide to Power Off” slider appears, drag it to the right.

Turning Your iPhone Back On
No matter which model you have:

Press and hold the Side Button until the Apple logo appears (about 5-10 seconds).

Section 2: How to Force Restart Your iPhone (When It’s Frozen)

A force restart is like a “hard reboot” for your iPhone. Use this if your screen is frozen, unresponsive, or apps won’t close. This won’t delete your data!

For iPhone 13, iPhone 16e, and Newer Models (No Home Button):

Quickly press and release the Volume Up Button.
Quickly press and release the Volume Down Button.
Press and hold the Side Button for 10-15 seconds until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhones with a Home Button (iPhone SE, iPhone 8, etc.):

Press and hold the Side Button + Home Button together.
Keep holding both buttons until the Apple logo shows up (ignore the “Slide to Power Off” slider).

Why Force Restarting Works
This process forces your iPhone to reload its software, fixing minor bugs without affecting your photos, messages, or apps. If problems persist, you might need to explore deeper troubleshooting steps, like resetting specific settings or updating iOS.

Section 3: Recovery Mode (Last Resort for Serious Issues)

If your iPhone won’t turn on, gets stuck in a loop, or shows a blank screen, Recovery Mode might help. Warning: This will erase all data unless you’ve backed up to iCloud or a computer.

Steps for iPhone 16e and Newer Models:

Connect your iPhone to a computer using a USB-C cable.
Quickly press and release the Volume Up Button, then the Volume Down Button.
Press and hold the Side Button until the recovery screen (a cable icon) appears.
On your computer, open Finder (Mac) or the Apple Devices app(Windows).
Choose “Restore iPhone” to reinstall iOS.

After Recovery Mode:

Set up your iPhone as new or restore from a backup.
Need help managing backups or storage? Our guide iPhone General Settings Explained: Updates, Storage covers how to free up space safely.

Section 4: Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: My iPhone won’t charge!

Try a different cable or charger.
Force restart your iPhone (see Section 2).

Problem: Apps keep crashing.

Close all apps and restart your iPhone.
Update iOS in Settings > General > Software Update.

Problem: Screen stays black.

Charge your iPhone for 30 minutes.
If still unresponsive, enter Recovery Mode (Section 3).

For more ways to fix common iPhone issues, like unresponsive touchscreens or Wi-Fi problems, explore our detailed troubleshooting guides.

FAQ: 5 Common Questions About Shutting Down or Restarting Your iPhone

1. Q: Will force restarting my iPhone delete my photos or apps?
A: No! A force restart simply reloads your iPhone’s software. It doesn’t affect your data, apps, or settings. Think of it like refreshing a webpage—your information stays safe.

2. Q: My iPhone’s screen is totally black. What should I do first?
A: First, charge your iPhone for at least 30 minutes. If it still doesn’t turn on, try a force restart (see Section 2). If that fails, you may need to use Recovery Mode (Section 3) or visit Apple Support. For more tips on handling unresponsive screens, check out our troubleshooting guides.

3. Q: How often should I shut down my iPhone?
A: Restarting your iPhone once a week is a good habit. This clears temporary files and helps prevent slowdowns. If you want to maximize performance, explore The Ultimate iPhone Settings Guide to customize background processes and save battery life.

4. Q: Does Recovery Mode delete everything on my iPhone?
A: Yes—unless you have a backup. Recovery Mode erases all data to reinstall iOS. Always back up your iPhone to iCloud or a computer first. Need help managing backups? Our guide iPhone General Settings Explained: Updates, Storage explains how to do this safely.

5. Q: How can I stop my iPhone from freezing in the first place?
A: Keep your iOS updated, close unused apps, and avoid overloading storage. If your iPhone feels slow, check for software updates in Settings > General > Software Update. For more ways to optimize performance, read our guide on improving iPhone speed and stability.

Conclusion
Knowing how to shut down, force restart, or use Recovery Mode on your iPhone can save you from panic when your device acts up. Whether you’re using the latest iPhone 16e or an older model, these steps work like a charm to fix most issues without losing your data.

Remember: