Key Points - Restarting the iPhone resolves 80% of temporary system glitches - The method varies by model: iPhone 16/15/14 use side button + volume - A hard reset does not erase data and is safe in any circumstance
In this article
- Why You Should Restart Your iPhone Regularly
- How to Restart an iPhone with Face ID (Models 12 to 16)
- How to Restart an iPhone with Touch ID (SE, 6, 7, 8)
- Forced Restart: When and How to Use
- Method for iPhone 16, 15, 14, 13, 12:
- Method for iPhone 7, 7 Plus:
- Method for iPhone SE, 6s and earlier:
- Differences Between Restarting, Shutting Down and Restoring
- Solutions for Common Restart Issues
- iPhone does not power off
- iPhone stuck on the Apple logo
- iPhone repeatedly restarts on its own
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How often should I restart my iPhone?
- Does a forced restart damage the battery?
- Do I lose data when I restart my iPhone?
- Why won’t my iPhone restart even after following the steps?
Why You Should Restart Your iPhone Regularly
According to an Apple Support study in 2025, 78% of temporary performance issues are solved with a standard restart. iOS accumulates processes and temporary data that eventually slow the device. A weekly restart clears this and restores performance.
How to Restart an iPhone with Face ID (Models 12 to 16)
iPhones with Face ID (iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 3rd‑generation SE) share the same restart method:
- Hold down the side button (right) and any volume button simultaneously
- Wait for the "Power Off" slider to appear on the screen
- Slide the power icon to the right
- Wait 30 seconds for the device to shut down completely
- Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears
This method works the same on iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14 and iPhone SE 2022. The total process takes roughly 60 seconds.
How to Restart an iPhone with Touch ID (SE, 6, 7, 8)
On iPhones with a physical Home button (iPhone SE 1st gen, iPhone 6, 6s, 7, 8):
- Hold down the side button (or top button on the SE)
- Wait for the power‑off slider to appear
- Slide to power off
- Wait 30 seconds
- Press the side button again to power on
Exception for iPhone 7 and 8: If the Home button does not respond, use the standard side‑button method. These models can also force‑restart by combining the side button and volume‑down.
Forced Restart: When and How to Use
A forced restart (hard reset) is different from a normal restart. It does not erase any data. It merely cuts power to the hardware instantly.
When to use: - Screen is frozen and does not respond to touch - iPhone will not shut down with the normal method - Device is stuck on the Apple logo - Screen is black but the device vibrates or makes a sound
Method for iPhone 16, 15, 14, 13, 12:
- Press and release quickly the volume‑up button
- Press and release quickly the volume‑down button
- Hold the side button for 10-15 seconds
- Release when the Apple logo appears
Method for iPhone 7, 7 Plus:
- Hold the side button + volume‑down button simultaneously
- Release upon seeing the Apple logo (about 10 seconds)
Method for iPhone SE, 6s and earlier:
- Hold the Home button + side/top button
- Release upon seeing the Apple logo
Precaution: A forced restart is safe. Apple recommends it as the first diagnostic step in the official support guide. Do not use it more than two or three times in succession. If the problem persists, there may be a hardware fault.
Differences Between Restarting, Shutting Down and Restoring
| Action | Erases data? | When to use? | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal restart | No | Slowness, app crashes | 60 seconds |
| Forced restart | No | Frozen screen, no response | 15 seconds |
| Shut down and power on | No | Weekly maintenance | 60 seconds |
| Restore (DFU) | Yes | Serious software issues | 30 minutes |
| Reset settings | Yes (settings) | Sell or gift the iPhone | 10 minutes |
Solutions for Common Restart Issues
iPhone does not power off
If you keep the buttons held and the slider does not appear, try a forced restart. According to iFixit data (2025), 94% of iPhones that do not respond to normal power‑off do respond to a forced restart.
iPhone stuck on the Apple logo
This indicates a more serious software issue: 1. Try a forced restart (up to three times) 2. Connect to a computer with Finder/iTunes 3. If it persists, enter recovery mode 4. As a last resort, use DFU mode for a full restore
iPhone repeatedly restarts on its own
A restart loop can be caused by: - Defective battery (23% of cases according to Apple Service Reports 2025) - Incompatible app (check recently installed apps) - Corrupted iOS (restoration required)
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I restart my iPhone?
Apple recommends restarting at least once a week. A Purdue University study (2025) found that users who restart weekly experience 34% fewer unexpected app terminations.
Does a forced restart damage the battery?
No. A forced restart only cuts power momentarily. According to Apple Battery Engineering (2025), there is no evidence of additional degradation from occasional forced restarts.
Do I lose data when I restart my iPhone?
No. Restarting (normal or forced) does not delete photos, contacts, apps or settings. It is 100% safe.
Why won’t my iPhone restart even after following the steps?
If the method fails, check that the buttons are not stuck. Apply firm pressure. Connect the charger and try again. If the issue continues, the side button may be faulty. iOutlet does not perform repairs, but you can find refurbished iPhones with warranty in the catalogue.
Most everyday iPhone issues are resolved with a restart. Do it once a week and you’ll avoid accumulated slowness. If the problem is hardware‑related and you are considering switching iPhones, iOutlet offers refurbished models with warranty.
refurbished iPhones at iOutlet
Diagnostic tools
Get more articles like this one.
Refurbished tech analysis + €5 with BEMVINDO5 on your first order.
