How to Restart iPhone

Learn how to restart iPhone easily with this step-by-step guide. Works for iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and older models. Fix common issues in minutes.

Your iPhone is powerful, but like any device, it sometimes needs a quick refresh. Whether your screen freezes, an app crashes, or the device feels sluggish, knowing how to restart iPhone is one of the easiest fixes. Restarting clears temporary glitches, refreshes memory, and often restores smooth performance in just seconds.

If you’ve recently upgraded to the latest iPhone model or switched from Android, you may not be familiar with the restart process. Don’t worry—we’ve broken it down for you.

Why Restarting Your iPhone Matters

Restarting is different from resetting or restoring. A restart simply powers your device off and on again, without deleting any data. This can:

Fix minor software bugs.
Improve performance after long use.
Resolve temporary network issues.
Help apps run more smoothly.

Think of it as giving your iPhone a quick nap so it can wake up refreshed.

How to Restart iPhone with Face ID (iPhone X and Later)

If you own an iPhone with Face ID, such as iPhone 14 or iPhone 15, here’s how to restart it:

Press and hold the side button and either volume button until the power slider appears.
Drag the slide to power off slider.
Wait 30 seconds for your iPhone to completely shut down.
To turn it back on, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.

You can read Apple’s official instructions for Face ID models on their support page.

How to Restart iPhone with Home Button (iPhone SE, 7, 8, and Earlier)

Older iPhone models use the Home button and have a slightly different method:

Press and hold the top button (or side button, depending on the model).
Drag the slide to power off slider.
After 30 seconds, press and hold the top or side button again until the Apple logo appears.

Force Restart: When Normal Restart Doesn’t Work

Sometimes, your iPhone may freeze completely, making it impossible to use the power slider. That’s where a force restart comes in. Don’t worry—this won’t erase your data.

iPhone 8 and Later (including iPhone 14/15):
1. Quickly press and release the volume up button.
2. Quickly press and release the volume down button.
3. Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo shows.
iPhone 7:
Press and hold the volume down button and side button together until the Apple logo appears.
iPhone 6s, SE (1st gen):
Press and hold the Home button and top/side button at the same time until you see the Apple logo.

Apple also provides a complete guide on how to force restart your iPhone.

Quick Tips Before Restarting Your iPhone

Save your work: If you’re editing documents or using apps, make sure your changes are saved.
Charge your battery: If your phone won’t restart, ensure it has enough battery power.
Check for updates: After restarting, check if your iPhone needs a software update under Settings > General > Software Update.

When to Restart Your iPhone

You don’t need to restart your phone every day, but doing it occasionally can help. Restart your iPhone when:

It becomes unusually slow.
Apps are crashing or freezing.
You notice Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection problems.
Your screen becomes unresponsive.

Restarting your iPhone is one of the simplest troubleshooting steps you can take. If you’re still experiencing issues after restarting, consider updating your iOS or contacting Apple Support via the Apple Support app from the App Store.

Now you know exactly how to restart iPhone, whether you’re using the latest iPhone 15 or an older model. Restarting is quick, safe, and often solves most temporary glitches without any data loss.

If your iPhone is acting up, try a simple restart before rushing to the repair shop. It’s one of the easiest tech fixes you can do yourself. For ongoing support, visit Apple’s official support page or download the Apple Support app for personalized help.

Stay in control of your device—restart, refresh, and enjoy smooth performance.