The iPhone is a powerful computer that fits into a pocket. Just like a desktop or laptop computer, sometimes an iPhone needs to be restarted or reset to fix a problem. To restart an iPhone, turn it off, then turn it on.
When an iPhone does not respond to restart, perform a reset. Neither process deletes the data or settings on the iPhone. These are not the same as a restore, which deletes all the content on the iPhone and restores it to factory conditions, after which you restore your data from a backup.
The instructions in this article apply to iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 7.
How to reset your iPhone
How to restart iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone X and iPhone 8
Restart an iPhone to solve fundamental problems, such as poor connectivity phone or Wi-Fi, crashes the app, or other everyday problems. On these models, Apple has assigned new features to the Sleep / Wake button on the side of the device.
It can be used to activate Siri, display the emergency SOS function or other activities. Due to this change, the reboot process differs from the method used on previous models.
To restart an iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone X and iPhone 8:
- Hold down both buttons Sleep/Wake and Reduced volume. The volume on also works, but using it can accidentally take a screenshot.
- When the cursor to turn off, release the buttons Sleep/Wake and Reduction volume.
- Move the slider from left to right to turn off the phone.
How to restart other iPhone models
Restarting other iPhone models is equivalent to turning the iPhone off and on. Here’s what to do:
- Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button. On older models, it is at the top of the phone. On the iPhone 6 series and above, it is on the right side.
- When the sleep cursor appears on the screen, release the Sleep/Wake button.
- Move the shutdown slider from left to right. This gesture requires the iPhone to stop. A spinner appears on the screen indicating that the shutdown is in progress. It may be weak and difficult to see.
- When the phone turns off, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button.
- When the Apple logo appears on the screen, release the Sleep/Wake button and wait for the iPhone to finish restarting.
How to reset Hard iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone X and iPhone 8
The reset of an iPhone XR, XS iPhone, iPhone, and iPhone X 8 solves many problems but does not solve them all. In some cases, for example, when the phone is completely locked and does not respond to pressing the Sleep / Wake button, a more powerful option called hard reset is required.
On iPhone XS or XR, iPhone X, and iPhone 8 series, the hard reset process is different than other models. To restore these iPhone models:
- Click and release the Volume Up button.
- Click and release the Volume Down button. Hold the Sleep / Wake button down until the cursor appears to turn off the cursor.
- Move the cursor to turn off the cursor from left to right to reset the phone.
How to hard reset other iPhone models
A hard reset restarts the phone and updates the memory in which the apps run. It does not delete the data but helps the iPhone from scratch. In most cases, a hard reset is not necessary, but when it is needed on a previous model (except iPhone 7), follow these steps:
- With the phone screen facing you, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button simultaneously.
- Continue to hold the buttons down when the shutdown cursor is displayed, do not release the buttons.
- When the Apple logo appears, release the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button.
- Wait for the iPhone to reset.
How to restore iPhone 7
The hardware reset process is slightly different for the iPhone 7 series. This is because the Home button is not a physical button on these models; is a 3D touch panel. As a result, Apple has changed the recovery mode on these models.
With the iPhone 7 series, simultaneously press and hold the Volume Down button and the Sleep/Wake button.
A hard reset is also a way of solving a much less common problem. An iPhone that won’t turn on.
iPhone affected
The restart and hard reset instructions in this article work on the following models:
| iPhone XR | iPhone 6S Plus | iPhone 5 |
| iPhone XS series | iPhone 6S | iPhone 4S |
| iPhone X | iPhone SE | iPhone 4 |
| iPhone 8 Plus | iPhone 6 Plus | iPhone 3GS |
| iPhone 8 | iPhone 6 | iPhone 3G |
| iPhone 7 Plus | iPhone 5S | iPhone |
| iPhone 7 | iPhone 5C |
Learn more Reset your iPhone
Sometimes an iPhone can have problems so complicated that a restart or reset doesn’t work. Follow these advanced troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue:
- Logo stuck on Apple– If an iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo during startup, a simple reboot may not be enough to fix the problem. Find out how to do it with an iPhone stuck on the Apple logo.
- Restore factory settings– if you want to erase all data from an iPhone and start over from scratch. This solves some difficult bugs. Before selling your iPhone, restore it to factory settings.
- Recovery mode– If an iPhone is stuck in a reboot cycle or can’t get past the Apple logo during startup, try iPhone recovery mode.
- DFU mode– when downgrading the iOS version or jailbreak the phone, use the DFU (Disk Firmware Update) mode.
