How to force restart iPhone (All models)

This article explains how to force restart all iPhone models
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by Dave Johnson

iPhones are pretty reliable, but sometimes issues may occur. Sometimes, your iPhone freezes, hangs, starts acting bizarrely or becomes unresponsive. When things do not work as expected, the last resort is to force your iPhone to restart.

Previously, I explained the different ways to turn your iPhone off or on. This article explains how you can force your iPhone to restart.

Follow the steps for your device.

How to force restart an iPhone 8 or later, including iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)

  1. Press and quickly release the volume up button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume down button.
  3. Press and hold the side button.
  4. When the Apple logo appears, release the side button (this takes about 10 seconds).

iPhone showing pattern of button presses

How to force restart an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus

  1. Press and hold both the side button and the volume down button.
  2. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons (this takes about 10 seconds).

iPhone showing buttons to press

How to force restart an iPhone 6s and earlier, including iPhone SE (1st generation)

  1. Press and hold both the Home button and the side button or the top button.
  2. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons (this takes about 10 seconds).
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Author: Dave Johnson

Dave Johnson is a tech writer at iGeekCentral covering news, how-tos, and user guides. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is a long time Mac user and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider.

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