Rebooting an iPhone: A Quick and Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Rebooting your iPhone is one of the simplest ways to fix everyday issues like freezing screens, slow performance, unresponsive apps, or connection glitches. A quick restart often gets your device running smoothly again without any complicated steps.

Below, you’ll find every reboot method for all iPhone models—from older Home-button iPhones to the latest Face ID devices—plus a quick upgrade option if your phone keeps acting up.

Why reboot your iPhone?

A reboot (restart) turns your iPhone off and back on. This clears temporary system files and refreshes background processes. Rebooting does not delete your photos, apps, or settings, but it can fix many minor software glitches fast.

Standard restart: iPhone X and newer (Face ID models)

For iPhones without a Home button (iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and newer):

1. Press and hold the Side button and either Volume button together.
2. When slide to power off appears, slide it to turn the iPhone off.
3. Wait 20–30 seconds.
4. Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
   
   

Standard restart: Home button models

For iPhones with a physical Home button (iPhone 6, 6s, 7, 8, and all iPhone SE generations):

1. Press and hold the Side button (or Top button on older models).
2. Slide slide to power off.
3. Wait 20–30 seconds.
4. Press and hold the Side/Top button until the Apple logo appears.

This is the best “everyday” reboot when your iPhone is working normally but feels sluggish.

Force restart: when your iPhone is frozen or unresponsive

If your iPhone won’t respond or won’t shut down normally, use a force restart. This does not erase your data.

iPhone X and newer (Face ID models)

Quickly press and release Volume Up, then quickly press and release Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.

iPhone 7 and 7 Plus

Press and hold Volume Down and the Side button together until the Apple logo appears.

iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, and iPhone SE (1st Gen)

Press and hold the Home button and the Power (Side/Top) button together until the Apple logo appears.

Reboot using Settings (no buttons needed)

If your buttons aren’t working but your screen responds: go to Settings → General → Shut Down, slide to power off, wait 20–30 seconds, then turn your iPhone back on using the Power button.

Reboot using AssistiveTouch

AssistiveTouch is great if your physical buttons are damaged:

1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Touch.
2. Turn on AssistiveTouch.
3. Tap the floating AssistiveTouch button.
4. Tap Device.
5. Press and hold Lock Screen until slide to power off appears.
6. Slide to power off, then turn the iPhone back on.
   
   

When rebooting isn’t enough

If your iPhone keeps freezing, lagging, overheating, or draining battery even after rebooting, the issue may be deeper (aging hardware, storage/battery wear, or iOS performance limits). At that point, upgrading can be the fastest, most cost-effective fix.

Upgrade your iPhone the smart way

If your current iPhone isn’t reliable anymore, upgrading doesn’t have to be expensive. Shop quality-tested iPhones from WeBuyElectronic.com and get the performance you need without paying full retail.

Final thoughts

Rebooting your iPhone is quick, safe, and effective for many common issues. Use a standard restart for everyday glitches, and use a force restart if the screen is frozen. If problems keep coming back, upgrading to a dependable iPhone from WeBuyElectronic.com can save you time and stress.