How to Hard Reset an iPhone 15: Step-by-Step Guide

To hard reset an iPhone 15, quickly press and release Volume Up, quickly press and release Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears. This force restart does not erase the iPhone 15, remove its passcode, or delete personal data.

What does a hard reset do on an iPhone 15?

A hard reset on an iPhone 15 is another name for a force restart. It shuts down and restarts the phone when the screen or controls are not responding.

A force restart is different from a factory reset. A force restart only reboots the operating system, so photos, messages, apps, settings, and the device passcode remain in place. A factory reset erases the device and returns it to its initial setup state.

The term “hard reset” is sometimes used for both actions, which can cause confusion. The button procedure on this page is a force restart and does not erase data. Do not select an option labeled Erase, Restore, or Erase All Content and Settings unless you understand that it may remove data.

When do you need a hard reset on an iPhone 15?

A hard reset can help when an iPhone 15 cannot be restarted through the normal on-screen controls. Typical situations include:

• The screen is frozen and does not respond to taps or swipes.
• An app is stuck on the screen and cannot be closed.
• The display is black even though the phone may still be powered on.
• The Side button and on-screen power slider do not produce a normal restart.
• The phone is stuck on a screen during startup.

A force restart is appropriate for a temporary software freeze. Repeated shutdowns, unusual heat, visible damage, liquid exposure, or a battery that will not charge may indicate a hardware problem instead.

How do you hard reset an iPhone 15 step by step?

The hard reset iPhone 15 procedure requires three button actions in a specific order. Perform the first two presses quickly, then keep holding the Side button.

1. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
2. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
3. Immediately press and hold the Side button on the opposite edge of the phone.
4. Keep holding the Side button while the screen changes or goes black. If a power-off slider appears, ignore it and continue holding.
5. Release the Side button when the Apple logo appears.
6. Wait for the iPhone 15 to finish starting. Enter the device passcode when prompted; Face ID may not unlock the phone immediately after a restart.

There is no fixed number of seconds that works in every situation. The important instruction is to hold the Side button continuously until the Apple logo appears. This can take longer than a normal button press.

If Siri opens or nothing happens, start again. The Volume Up and Volume Down buttons must each be pressed and released quickly; do not hold them together with the Side button.

What should you do if the iPhone 15 hard reset does not work?

If the iPhone 15 does not respond after the correct force-restart sequence, first make sure it has enough power to start.

1. Connect the iPhone 15 to a working charger and cable.
2. Leave it connected for a while, especially if the screen has been black or the battery may be fully drained.
3. While it remains connected to power, repeat the Volume Up, Volume Down, and Side button sequence.
4. If there is still no response, connect the iPhone to a Mac or Windows computer with a compatible cable.
5. Open Finder on a Mac that uses Finder for device management. On Windows, open the Apple Devices app or the available Apple device-management software.
6. Check whether the computer recognizes the iPhone and offers an update or recovery option.

Recovery mode may help if the phone turns on but cannot complete startup. With the iPhone connected to the computer, quickly press and release Volume Up, quickly press and release Volume Down, then hold the Side button. Continue holding past the Apple logo until the recovery-mode screen appears.

If the computer offers Update or Restore, try Update first when available. Update attempts to reinstall the operating system without erasing personal data. Restore erases the iPhone, so do not choose Restore without a backup or a clear understanding that data may be lost.

Will a hard reset delete iPhone 15 data or the passcode?

A hard reset will not delete data from an iPhone 15. Photos, messages, contacts, apps, account information, settings, and the existing device passcode remain on the phone after a force restart.

The iPhone will normally require its passcode after restarting, even if Face ID was previously enabled. This does not mean the passcode changed. Enter the same device passcode used before the restart.

A force restart also cannot remove a forgotten passcode or bypass Activation Lock. Procedures that erase or restore the device are separate from a hard reset and may cause data loss. Read every computer or on-screen warning before selecting an erase or restore command.

When should you contact official Apple Support?

Stop repeating the iPhone 15 hard reset and contact official Apple Support when the phone shows signs of a problem that a restart is unlikely to fix. Seek help if:

• The iPhone becomes unusually hot, swells, smells unusual, or shows other possible battery damage.
• The phone was dropped, crushed, or exposed to liquid before it stopped responding.
• The Apple logo repeatedly appears and disappears without startup completing.
• The computer reports an error during an update or does not recognize the connected iPhone after basic cable and port checks.
• The buttons are damaged or cannot complete the required sequence.
• The phone remains black after charging and repeating the force restart correctly.

Use the verified official contact information shown on this page to reach support. Do not keep forcing restarts if the device is very hot, physically damaged, or showing signs of battery swelling.