Is your iPhone acting sluggish?
Maybe your favorite app keeps freezing.
We have all been there.
It is frustrating when technology slows down.
Think of your iPhone like a marathon runner.
Even the best athletes need a quick break.
A simple restart is that break. It clears out minor glitches. It flushes the temporary memory.
Most importantly, it gives your device a fresh start.
In this guide, we will show you how to restart iPhone models of all kinds.
We will even cover the latest tips for how to restart iPhone iOS 26.
Short Story
Why You Should Restart Your iPhone Regularly
Most people never turn their phones off. We keep them running for weeks.
This can lead to “digital exhaustion.”
Small errors pile up in the background. These errors eat your battery life. They make your screen lag.
Restarting is the easiest fix in tech.
It is like a “digital shower” for your processor.
It washes away the junk. You do not need to be a tech genius. You just need a few seconds.
How to Restart iPhone Using Physical Buttons
The method depends on your model. Apple changed the buttons over the years.
For iPhones with Face ID
These models have no Home button. This includes iPhone X through iPhone 16 and beyond.
- Press and hold the Side button.
- Simultaneously hold either Volume button.
- Wait for the “slide to power off” slider.
- Drag the slider to the right.
- Wait 30 seconds for the device to shut down.
- Hold the Side button again to turn it back on.
For iPhones with a Home Button
This applies to the iPhone SE, iPhone 8, and older models.
- Press and hold the Side button (or Top button).
- Wait for the power-off slider.
- Drag the slider.
- After it shuts down, hold the Side button to restart.
How to Restart iPhone Without Power Button
What if your buttons are broken?
It happens more often than you think. Maybe your case is too thick.
You can still reboot your device. You just need to use the software. This is a life-saver for many users.
How to Restart iPhone from Settings
Apple built a restart option directly into the menu. This is the cleanest way to do it.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on General.
- Scroll all the way to the bottom.
- Tap Shut Down.
- Swipe the slider to turn it off.
- To turn it back on, plug it into a charger.
Using Assistive Touch
This creates a virtual button on your screen.
- Go to Settings > Accessibility.
- Tap Touch, then AssistiveTouch.
- Toggle it On.
- Tap the gray circle on your screen.
- Choose Device > More > Restart.
This method is fast. It requires zero physical force. It is perfect for those with hand injuries.
How to Restart iPhone iOS 26
Software evolves every year. By the time we reach how to restart iPhone iOS 26, the UI may look different.
The core logic remains. Apple prioritizes user safety. They want to prevent accidental shutdowns.
In newer versions, Siri can help. You can simply say, “Siri, restart my iPhone.” The system will ask for a confirmation.
Tap “Yes” on the screen. This is the ultimate hands-free method.
Always ensure your software is up to date. Latest versions often fix bugs that cause freezes.
By learning how to restart iPhone, you prevent long-term damage.
You don’t need to visit the Apple Store for minor glitches. A simple reboot can fix:
| Issue | Quick Fix | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen Screen | Force restart | 10s |
| App Crashes | Settings restart | 1min |
| Slow Performance | iOS 26 update + restart | 5min |
The “Force Restart” vs. A Normal Restart
A normal restart is gentle. It lets apps close properly.
A Force Restart is different. It is like pulling the plug.
Only use this if your screen is black. Use it if the phone is totally frozen.
How to Force Restart (Modern Models)
- Press and quickly release Volume Up.
- Press and quickly release Volume Down.
- Press and hold the Side button.
- Keep holding even when the slider appears.
- Release only when you see the Apple Logo.
Real-World Comparison: The PC vs. The iPhone
Think about your laptop. When it gets hot, the fan spins loudly. You know it needs a reboot. iPhones are stealthy. They do not have fans. They just slow down quietly.
I once had a friend whose camera wouldn’t open. She thought the hardware was broken. She almost spent $200 on a repair. I told her to restart it first. Two minutes later, the camera worked perfectly. That is the power of a simple reboot.
Common Myths About Restarting
- Myth 1: It deletes your data. No, a restart is safe. Your photos and messages stay put.
- Myth 2: It drains the battery. Actually, it can save battery. It stops rogue apps from running.
- Myth 3: You should do it every hour. Once a week is usually enough.
FAQ Section
1. How often should I restart my iPhone? Most experts suggest once a week. This keeps the system cache clean. It helps maintain peak performance.
2. Is a restart the same as a factory reset? No. A restart just turns the phone off and on. A factory reset wipes all your data. Always be careful with the word “Reset.”
3. Why is my iPhone taking so long to restart? It might be installing background updates. Or, your storage might be almost full. Try to keep 10% of your storage free.
4. Can I restart my iPhone if the screen is unresponsive? Yes. You must use the “Force Restart” button sequence. This bypasses the touch screen entirely.
5. Does restarting fix “No Service” issues? Yes, frequently. It forces the phone to reconnect to the nearest cell tower.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only. If your iPhone remains unresponsive after a restart, contact Apple Support. We are not responsible for hardware damage caused by improper handling.
Is your iPhone still running slow after a reboot? You might have “junk” files hiding in your storage. Check a step-by-step guide on how to clear your iPhone’s system cache?
Virginia J. Alfonso is a seasoned technology writer with a passion for all things digital. With over a decade of experience covering the latest in tech innovation, gadgets, and software, Virginia brings a unique blend of technical expertise and accessible writing to her work. Her articles focus on making complex tech topics easy to understand for readers of all levels.
