How to Restart iPhone Devices

What’s one of the best ways to resolve any technical issue with a computer or iPhone? By turning it on and off!

Restarting your device clears its RAM (random-access memory), plus processes and files, without permanently deleting any settings.

But a restart isn’t just restricted to computers  — it’s also useful for iPhones! Slow scrolling, unresponsive apps, regular overheating, or freezing are all problems that can be resolved with a quick system reboot. It’s also a necessary step for updating the iOS system.

There are a variety of ways to restart an iPhone, depending on the model and the issue you’re dealing with. In this handy guide, we’ll cover each method to help you tackle any difficulties and get the most from your iPhone’s exceptional range of features.

Restarting an iPhone: Step-By-Step

The first and most common way to restart your iPhone is with a soft reset. This involves using the buttons on either side of the device to refresh all apps, without completely cutting all power to the operating system.

Simply follow the method below for any model newer than the iPhone X, 11, 12, or 13, including the latest iPhone 16:

1. Press and hold one of the Volume buttons and the Side button (the Power button on the right-hand side of your iPhone) simultaneously.

2. Drag the power-off slider when it appears and your device should turn off in 30 seconds.

3. Press and hold the Side button again until the Apple logo appears to turn the iPhone back on. 

For older iPhones, including those before the iPhone X (6, 7, 8, or SE 2nd and 3rd generation), a similar method applies. However, you’ll need to press and hold just the Side button. Restart a 1st generation iPhone SE or 5 using the Top button.

Can I Restart an iPhone Using Siri?

Whether the Volume buttons are damaged or you need to go hands-free, another great option for restarting your iPhone is Siri. 

Apple’s digital assistant now works alongside Apple Intelligence AI, using ChatGPT to answer your questions with more detailed product knowledge and richer language understanding. But it also continues to perform basic functions, like restarts!

Siri works on any device with iOS 16 or later, which was introduced in 2023. First, you’ll need to make sure Siri voice commands are activated. Go to Settings, Siri & Search, and switch either the “Hey Siri” or “Siri or Hey Siri” option on.

Then, to restart your iPhone:

1. Say “Hey Siri”

2. Ask Siri to “Restart iPhone”

3. Reply “Yes” when asked to confirm

Siri can also be triggered by holding the Side button for a second if you don’t want the assistant always switched on or listening.

How to Force Restart iPhone Devices

If your iPhone becomes unresponsive when you try to switch it off, the screen freezes, or a soft reset hasn’t worked, you may need to perform a force restart. A force restart, or hard reset, completely stops power flow to the logic board and cuts all processes, giving the operating system a chance to restart itself.

And the good news is that you don’t need to worry about file corruption. All Apple iPhones are today built with a security architecture that protects your apps and data during sudden interruptions to the operating system.

Here’s how to perform a force restart on an iPhone 8 or later:

1. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.

2. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.

3. Press and hold the Side button for around 10 seconds.

4. If you don’t see the Apple logo, try charging your iPhone for one hour and repeating the process.

What if I Have a Red or Blue Screen?

A red or blue screen appearing during startup can indicate either a software glitch or hardware damage. If the LCD (liquid crystal display) has suffered damage from a drop or sudden impact, you’ll need to take your iPhone to the nearest Apple store. 

However, a software glitch can often be resolved by simply connecting the device to a computer:

1. Plug your iPhone into a computer and select the relevant device when it appears on the screen

2. While connected, press and release the Volume Up button, then repeat with the Volume Down button.

3. Press and hold the side button until the Recovery Mode screen appears.

4. Options to Restore or Update will appear on your computer screen — choose Update.

5. The right software will then be downloaded to your iPhone. If it takes longer than 15 minutes, repeat steps 2 to 4 to reactivate Recovery Mode.
   

Further Steps & Final Thoughts

Restarting your iPhone is a pretty simple task, involving just the buttons on the side of your device or voice command with Siri. But if none of the above solutions have worked to restore your iPhone to full working condition, you may need a factory reset.

To do this, select the General Tab in settings, then tap Erase All Content and Settings. This should only be a last resort, however, since a factory reset wipes all data to remove any bugs or glitches. Keeping a reliable backup through iCloud or iTunes is therefore essential to protect those precious memories, photos, messages with loved ones, notes, and app data.

It’s just as important to protect your iPhone on the hardware level, too — and that’s where shockproof phone cases come in. Ghostek’s protective cases are designed to perfectly fit the dimensions of your device, from the iPhone 12 series to the latest iPhone 16 lineup. 

Each model includes impact-absorbing technology, a secure anti-slip hand grip, raised bumpers and a military-grade rating that ensures your phone won’t be permanently damaged by drops and falls. Shop our selection of slim and shockproof cases online today to enjoy a seamless blend of best-in-class engineering and sleek design.