How to Restart Your iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide for Every Model 📱
Restarting your iPhone is one of the most effective ways to fix common problems—freezing, slow performance, app crashes, or connectivity issues. The method you use depends on which iPhone model you own, since Apple has changed the restart process over the years. This guide walks you through each approach so you can restart your device confidently.
Why Restart Your iPhone?
A restart clears your device's temporary memory and resets running processes. Think of it as giving your iPhone a fresh start. This often resolves:
- Apps that won't respond or freeze mid-use
- Slow performance or lag
- Wi-Fi or cellular connection problems
- Minor software glitches before they worsen
A restart is different from a factory reset—it doesn't erase your data or settings. It's a safe troubleshooting step you can try anytime.
Three Types of iPhone Restarts ⚙️
Soft Restart (Force Quit an App)
If only one app is misbehaving, you don't need to restart your whole iPhone. Closing and reopening the app often fixes the issue. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or swipe down from the top-right corner on newer models) to see open apps, then swipe up on the problematic app to close it. Reopen it after a few seconds.
Standard Restart
A standard restart powers your iPhone completely off and back on. Use this for general maintenance or when you notice performance issues.
Force Restart
A force restart shuts down your iPhone immediately, even if the screen is frozen or unresponsive. It's safe to use and doesn't cause data loss.
How to Restart by iPhone Model
iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and Newer Models
Standard restart:
- Press and hold the Side button and either volume button simultaneously
- Hold until the power-off slider appears
- Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone
- Wait 30 seconds, then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears
Force restart:
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button
- Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears (about 10 seconds)
- Release when you see the Apple logo
iPhone 8 and iPhone SE (1st Generation)
Standard restart:
- Press and hold the Top (or Side) button and either volume button together
- Hold until the power-off slider appears
- Drag to turn off, wait 30 seconds, then press and hold the Top button until the Apple logo shows
Force restart:
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button
- Press and hold the Top (or Side) button until the Apple logo appears
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Side button together until the power-off slider appears. Drag to turn off, wait 30 seconds, then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
To force restart, press and hold both buttons until the Apple logo appears (about 10 seconds).
iPhone 6s and Earlier (Including SE 2nd Generation)
Standard restart:
- Press and hold the Top button until the power-off slider appears
- Drag to turn off
- Wait 30 seconds, then press and hold the Top button until the Apple logo appears
Force restart: Press and hold the Top button and the Home button together until the Apple logo appears (about 10 seconds).
What to Expect During a Restart
Your iPhone will show the Apple logo, then your lock screen. This typically takes 1–2 minutes. Your device may briefly display a "slide to power off" message or a loading screen—this is normal.
When a Restart Isn't Enough
If your iPhone still has problems after restarting, consider:
- Updating to the latest iOS if an update is available
- Checking storage space—a full device can cause slowdowns
- Uninstalling apps that consistently cause problems
- Contacting Apple Support if the problem persists or your device won't restart
A restart is safe and free to try. Most users find it solves temporary issues without further action needed.
