Restarting your iPhone can quickly resolve freezing, lagging, or app crashes. Here's a simple guide for restarting various iPhone models — from the latest releases down to the older classics.
iPhone X and Newer (iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, etc.)
Soft Restart:
- Press and hold the Side button and either Volume button until the power slider appears.
- Drag the slider to turn off the phone.
- After it powers down, press and hold the Side button again until the Apple logo appears.
Force Restart:
- Quickly press and release Volume Up.
- Quickly press and release Volume Down.
- Then, press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
iPhone 8 and iPhone SE (2nd & 3rd Gen)
The same restart methods apply as with newer iPhones:
- Soft Restart: Side + Volume → slider → hold Side to turn on.
- Force Restart: Volume Up → Volume Down → hold Side button until the logo appears.
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
Soft Restart:
- Hold the Side button until the power slider appears.
- Slide to power off, then hold Side again to turn it back on.
Force Restart:
- Press and hold Volume Down and the Side button at the same time.
- Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.
iPhone 6s, 6, SE (1st Gen), 5 and Older
Soft Restart:
- Hold the Sleep/Wake button (top or side, depending on model) until the power slider appears.
- Slide to power off, then hold the same button again to turn it on.
Force Restart:
- Press and hold the Home button and Sleep/Wake button simultaneously.
- Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.
🔍 Quick Reference Table
| iPhone Model | Soft Restart | Force Restart |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone X and newer | Side + Volume → slider → hold Side | Vol Up → Vol Down → hold Side |
| iPhone 8 / SE (2nd & 3rd) | Same as above | Same as above |
| iPhone 7 / 7 Plus | Hold Side → slider → hold Side | Hold Volume Down + Side |
| iPhone 6 / 6s / SE (1st) / 5 | Hold Sleep/Wake → slider → Sleep/Wake | Hold Home + Sleep/Wake |
Tip: Use force restart only when your iPhone is unresponsive. It won’t delete any data and can help solve many temporary issues.
If you're interested in what's new in iOS, check out our post about WWDC 2025 highlights.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to restart your iPhone is a simple yet powerful skill that can solve many everyday issues. Whether you have the latest model or a reliable older device, restarting can refresh the system and restore smooth performance.
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