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Every electronic device, regardless of how advanced, can encounter occasional hiccups. iPhones are no exception. These hitches can range from software glitches, unresponsiveness, to minor bugs that impede the smooth operation of your device. Often, a simple restart can resolve these minor issues. However, if a standard reboot doesn’t do the trick, knowing how to force restart your iPhone becomes indispensable. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to effectively restart iPhones of various models, even if the buttons are not working. Additionally, you will learn about the significance of regularly restarting your iPhone and its impact on your device’s performance.
Restarting iPhones with Face ID
Devices like iPhone X, iPhone XR, or any newer model with a notch or Dynamic Island come equipped with Face ID. To restart these models, press and hold both the Side button on the right side of the iPhone and any of the volume buttons on the left side. When you see the power off screen, release the buttons and drag the power off slider to the right. This will turn off your iPhone. After waiting for about 30 seconds, press the Side button and release it when you see the Apple logo on the startup screen. Your iPhone will turn on in a few seconds, and voilà, you’ve successfully restarted your iPhone with Face ID.
Reviving iPhones with a Home Button
The procedure for restarting iPhones like iPhone 6, 6S, 7, 8, and SE (2nd generation) which come with a Home button is slightly different. Press and hold the Side button until you see the power off screen. Drag the power off slider to the right to switch off your iPhone. Wait for at least 30 seconds, then press and hold the same Side button until you see the startup Apple logo. You’ve now successfully restarted your iPhone with a Home button.
Rebooting iPhones with a Top Power Button
If you’re using iPhone SE (1st generation), 5S, 5C, 5, 4S, 4, or earlier models, the steps are the same as above for devices with the Home button. However, you’ll need to press the Power button on the top of the device instead.
Restarting iPhones with Inoperative Buttons
What if your iPhone buttons are broken or not working? There are alternative methods to restart your iPhone that do not involve using any buttons. These methods can be handy if your iPhone buttons are damaged or if you’re unable to press and hold the buttons for some reason.
Restarting an iPhone Through the Settings App
One such method is to restart your iPhone through the Settings app. To do this, navigate to Settings > General and tap Shut Down. Drag the power off slider to the right to turn off your iPhone. Wait for at least 30 seconds. To turn your iPhone back on, plug it in to charge. This method is straightforward and can be particularly useful if your iPhone’s physical buttons are not functioning correctly.
Restarting an iPhone Using Siri
The second button-free method involves using Siri, your iPhone’s virtual assistant. However, this method requires an iPhone running iOS 16 or later. To use Siri to restart your device, ensure that you have Listen for “Hey Siri” toggled on and that your iPhone is connected to the internet. Say clearly to your device, “Hey Siri, restart my iPhone.” A pop-up will appear on your screen. Tap Restart to confirm. Your iPhone will now turn off and turn on again all by itself.
How Often Should You Restart Your iPhone?
The answer to this question varies. Some people don’t restart their devices for weeks, while others frequently restart them. Most users perform a restart when their iPhone feels slow, their iPhone apps keep crashing, and the overall performance feels sluggish. However, for the best iPhone experience, it is advisable to restart your iPhone at least once every week. Doing this every three days is even better. This gives the device a chance to shut down, cool off, and clear temporary files. Consequently, minor issues are fixed automatically, resulting in fewer situations where you need to force stop apps on your iPhone.
When to Consider Force Restart
If your device is frozen, the screen is black, stuck indefinitely on the Apple logo, or the touchscreen isn’t working, a simple restart may not work. In these situations, consider force restarting your iPhone. The steps to force restart are different but still straightforward. Doing this may help fix your iPhone and get it out of any ongoing trouble.
Conclusion
Restarting your iPhone is a simple but powerful tool to resolve minor glitches and enhance your device’s performance. Whether you’re using the latest iPhone model or an older one, knowing how to effectively restart your device is crucial. A regular restart can resolve minor issues, but when the problem is more severe, a force restart might be required. Remember, the ultimate goal is to ensure your device functions optimally for a seamless user experience.
How often should you restart your iPhone?
For the best iPhone experience, it is advisable to restart your iPhone at least once every week. If possible, doing this every three days is even better. This gives the device a chance to shut down, cool off, and clear temporary files. Consequently, minor issues are fixed automatically, resulting in fewer situations where you need to force stop apps on your iPhone.
What to do when iPhone buttons are broken or not working?
If your iPhone buttons are broken or not working, you can restart your iPhone through the Settings app or using Siri. Both methods do not involve using any buttons and can be particularly useful if your iPhone’s physical buttons are not functioning correctly.
What to do when a simple restart doesn’t work?
If your device is frozen, the screen is black, stuck indefinitely on the Apple logo, or the touchscreen isn’t working, a simple restart may not work. In these situations, consider force restarting your iPhone. The steps to force restart are different but still straightforward. Doing this may help fix your iPhone and get it out of any ongoing trouble.