If your iPhone is frozen, the screen is unresponsive, an app has completely locked up, or the device won’t respond to normal button presses, a force restart can often get it working again. Unlike a normal restart, a force restart works even when you can’t interact with the screen or power off the iPhone normally.
The button combination depends on your iPhone model. Here’s how to force restart every iPhone, including the iPhone SE (1st, 2nd and 3rd generation), along with what to do if your iPhone still won’t turn on afterward.
What Is A Force Restart?
A force restart is a way to restart an iPhone when the normal shutdown process isn’t working. It is particularly useful when the touchscreen is frozen, the iPhone is stuck on a screen, or the device isn’t responding to button presses normally.
A force restart does not erase your iPhone. It doesn’t remove your photos, apps, messages or other personal data. It simply forces the device to shut down and start again.
You also don’t need to connect the iPhone to a computer to force restart it. The entire process can be done using the physical buttons on the device.
How To Force Restart An iPhone
The correct button combination depends on the model. If you’re not sure which instructions apply to your iPhone, check the model group below.
iPhone 8 And Later
This method applies to:
- iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone X and later
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button.
- Keep holding the Side button even if the screen remains black.
- Release the Side button when the Apple logo appears.
The Apple logo can take more than 10 seconds to appear, so don’t release the Side button too quickly.
iPhone 7 And iPhone 7 Plus
The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus use a different combination because they have a physical Home button.
- Press and hold the Side button and Volume Down button at the same time.
- Keep holding both buttons.
- Release them when the Apple logo appears.
This can take longer than 10 seconds, so keep holding the buttons if nothing happens immediately.
iPhone 6s And Earlier
This method applies to:
- iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
- iPhone 6 and earlier models
Follow the steps outlined below:
- Press and hold the Home button and the Side button at the same time.
- On models with a Top button instead of a Side button, press and hold the Home and Top buttons.
- Keep holding both buttons.
- Release them when the Apple logo appears.
When Should You Force Restart An iPhone?
A force restart is useful when your iPhone is still powered on but isn’t responding normally.
Try it if:
- The touchscreen is frozen.
- An app has stopped responding and you can’t leave it.
- The iPhone is stuck on a black or frozen screen.
- Buttons aren’t responding normally.
- The iPhone is stuck during startup.
- The screen won’t respond to taps or swipes.
- The iPhone appears frozen after an iOS update.
- You can’t shut down the iPhone normally.
It’s worth trying a force restart before moving on to Recovery Mode or DFU Mode. A force restart is much less disruptive because it doesn’t require restoring iOS or connecting the iPhone to a computer.
What If Your iPhone Still Won’t Turn On?
If the force restart doesn’t work, don’t immediately assume the iPhone needs to be restored.
First, connect it to a charger and leave it charging. Apple recommends charging an iPhone for up to an hour if it won’t turn on before trying the force restart again. If a low-battery icon appears, continue charging the device.
If the iPhone still shows a completely black screen, try another charging cable, power adapter or outlet. A faulty cable or an empty battery can make an otherwise working iPhone appear completely unresponsive.
If the iPhone remains unresponsive after charging and a force restart, the next step depends on what you see on the screen.
- Apple logo: If the Apple logo appears but the iPhone never finishes starting, give it some time. If it remains stuck, you may need to use Recovery Mode.
- Apple logo with a progress bar: If the progress bar hasn’t moved for at least an hour, Apple recommends connecting the iPhone to a computer and using Recovery Mode. If you’re given the choice, try Update before Restore because Restore erases the iPhone.
- Connect-to-computer screen: Your iPhone is in Recovery Mode. Connect it to a Mac or PC and follow the options shown by Finder or the Apple Devices app.
- Completely black screen: If charging and a force restart don’t bring up the Apple logo, the iPhone may need further troubleshooting or service.
Force Restart Vs. Recovery Mode Vs. DFU Mode
These three terms are often confused, but they serve different purposes.
| Method | What It Does | Erases Data? |
|---|---|---|
| Force Restart | Forces the iPhone to shut down and restart | No |
| Recovery Mode | Lets a computer update or restore iOS | Update: No, Restore: Yes |
| DFU Mode | Provides a deeper recovery state for advanced troubleshooting | Not by itself |
- Force Restart should usually be your first step when an iPhone is frozen or unresponsive.
- Recovery Mode is the next option when the iPhone won’t start normally or needs its software reinstalled. Apple specifically recommends using it when an iPhone is stuck during startup or isn’t being recognised properly by a computer.
- DFU Mode is a more advanced recovery method. It is useful in specific situations where standard recovery methods aren’t enough.
If you only need to restart a frozen iPhone, you do not need Recovery Mode or DFU Mode.
What To Do If Force Restart Doesn’t Work
If you’ve followed the correct button combination several times and your iPhone still doesn’t respond, work through these checks before assuming the device needs repair.
- Charge the iPhone: Leave it connected to power for at least 30 minutes, then try the force restart again. If the battery is completely drained, the device may need more time before it can start.
- Check the charging connection: Try another cable, charger or power outlet. Also check the charging port for visible debris.
- Try the correct button sequence: The procedure for an iPhone 8 is different from an iPhone 7, while the iPhone SE (1st generation) uses the older Home button combination.
- Use Recovery Mode: If the iPhone is detected by a computer but won’t start normally, Recovery Mode can let you reinstall iOS. When possible, choose Update before choosing Restore so you can attempt to preserve your personal data.
- Consider service: If the iPhone won’t charge, isn’t detected by a computer, has physical damage, or remains completely unresponsive after these steps, it may have a hardware problem and require service.
