How to Restart an iPhone (All Models)

This is a quick step-by-step guide on how to restart an iPhone. We’ll cover all models, including the iPhone SE (1st generation), 5, or earlier, iPhone SE (2nd, 3rd generation), 8, 7, or 6, and newer models with Face ID like the iPhone X or later.

How to restart iPhone X or later

The Side button on the iPhone X or later no longer plays the same role as older iPhone models. You can use it to activate Siri, use Apple Pay, bring up the Emergency SOS feature, or do other tasks.

This change has made the restart process a little bit different from previous models. The steps below will show you how.

1. Press and hold the Side button and either Volume button until the power off slider appears.
2. When the power off slider appears, release the Side and Volume buttons.
3. Move the slider from left to right, then wait 30 seconds for your device to turn off.
4. To turn your device back on, press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo appear. Then, release the button and wait for your iPhone to finish restarting.

How to restart iPhone SE (2nd or 3rd generation), 8, 7 or 6

1. Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until the power off slider appears. It’s on the side of the phone.
2. Wait for the power off slider to appear on the screen, and release the Sleep/Wake button.
3. Drag the slider to the right, then wait 30 seconds for your device to turn off. 
4. To turn your device back on, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. Then, release the button and wait for your iPhone to finish restarting.

How to restart iPhone SE (1st generation), 5 or earlier

1. Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until the power off slider appears. It’s on the top of the phone.
2. When the power off slider appears on the screen, release the Sleep/Wake button.
3. Move the slider all the way to the right, then wait 30 seconds for your device to turn off. 
4. To turn your device back on, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until you see the Apple logo appear. Then, release the button and wait for your iPhone to finish restarting.

Restart your iPhone from the Settings menu

If the button combo is not your cup of tea, you may want to perform an ordinary restart from the Settings menu. The instructions below will walk you through the steps. 

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap General and then tap Shut Down. The power off slider will appear.
3. Drag the slider all the way to the right to turn off your phone.
4. Wait for 30 seconds, then press the Power button to turn your iPhone back on.

Wrapping Up

If your iPhone is frozen or unresponsive, you may need to force restart your iPhone. A force restart is also one way to solve many iMessage problems.

For any questions or concerns, please use the comment section below.