If your iPhone is ever having odd technical problems, the first thing you should try is a good old restart — you’ll be surprised how many problems can be fixed by simply restarting.
Restarting your iPhone is just like restarting a computer. All of the apps and software will be reset, and you shouldn’t lose any saved data.
If an app you’re using is acting up, you can always force-quit it and open it again to reset it. But if there’s a deeper underlying problem with your phone’s software, like if Bluetooth accessories aren’t working or phone calls suddenly won’t connect, you should restart it.
Here’s how.
How to restart an iPhone with Face ID (iPhone X, XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15)
Screenshot: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
If you have an all-screen iPhone with Face ID and without a Home button, you need to hold down two different buttons to restart your phone. This applies to the iPhone X, XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 models.
All you need to do is hold down the side button and either one of the volume buttons. After about a second, you should feel a short vibration and see several options.
Swipe the power icon on the top to power off the iPhone. You’ll see the screen turn black, you’ll see a spinner animation, then a few moments later the phone will be shut off.
To power the iPhone back on, you just need to press and hold the side button. After a few seconds, you should see an Apple logo.
How to restart an old iPhone with a Home button (iPhone SE, iPhone 8, 7, 6 and all earlier models)
Screenshot: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Any older model of iPhone has a power button you can hold to turn it off and turn it back on. This applies to the iPhone SE, iPhone 8, iPhone 7, iPhone 6 and all earlier models.
Hold down the power button that’s either above the screen, or to the right of the screen.
After a second or two, you should see a screen where you can swipe a power icon to turn off the iPhone. You’ll see the screen turn black, you’ll see a spinner animation, then a few moments later the phone will be shut off.
To turn it back on, hold the same button for a few seconds until you see the Apple logo.
How to restart an iPhone without pressing any buttons
If the buttons are broken on your phone, or you have a hard time pressing them, you can still turn off your iPhone and even turn it back on.
To reboot, you can ask Siri. Just say, “Reboot my iPhone” or “Turn off my iPhone.” You’ll be asked to confirm; either say “Yes” or tap the Confirm button on the screen.
You can activate Siri by saying “Siri” or “Hey Siri,” or by pressing and holding the side button (or on an older iPhone, the Home button).
Asking Siri to reboot or turn off your iPhone requires iOS 16 (or later), which is compatible with the iPhone 8, iPhone X, second-generation iPhone SE and newer.
How to turn on an iPhone without pressing any buttons
To turn on an iPhone without pressing any buttons, plug it in or put it on a MagSafe charger. It will turn on automatically.
After rebooting your phone, you’ll have to type in your passcode.
Force restart an iPhone
If the above doesn’t work, your iPhone might be totally locked up. You can still forcibly restart your iPhone.
Quickly click Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the side button in until you see the Apple logo. Your phone should restart right away. This works on all devices running iOS 16 or later. Otherwise, consult Apple’s support page for how to force-restart your model of iPhone.
