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

To hard reset an iPhone that is frozen, use the button sequence for your model and hold the final button until the Apple logo appears. A hard reset, also called a force restart, does not erase your photos, apps, messages, settings, or other data.

If you are asking “How do I hard reset my iPhone?”, first identify whether the phone has Face ID, is an iPhone 7, or is an iPhone 6s or earlier. The required buttons differ by model.

What does a hard reset on an iPhone actually do?

A hard reset on an iPhone forces the device to shut down and start again when the normal controls do not respond. Apple calls this procedure a force restart.

A force restart is different from a factory reset. A hard reset interrupts the current frozen state and reloads iOS without intentionally removing personal information. A factory reset, also called an erase, removes content and settings. This page explains only the non-erasing force-restart procedure.

People use several phrases for the same non-erasing action, including “how to hard reset an iPhone,” “how to do a hard reset on iPhone,” and “how to hard reset my iPhone.” In this guide, each of those phrases means force restart, not erase.

When should you hard reset your iPhone?

A hard reset is appropriate when an iPhone is powered on but cannot complete a normal restart. Common situations include:

• The screen is frozen and does not change.
• The touchscreen does not respond to taps or swipes.
• The iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo.
• An app or system screen is unresponsive and the power-off slider cannot be used.
• The screen is black and the phone will not respond normally.

Do not force restart an iPhone merely because one app is slow if you can still close the app or restart the phone normally. If the phone has visible physical damage, is unusually hot, or has been exposed to liquid, stop using it and seek qualified support. A force restart cannot repair damaged buttons, a failed display, a worn battery, or another hardware problem.

How do you hard reset an iPhone 8 or later?

The following sequence applies to iPhone 8 and later, including iPhone models with Face ID and iPhone SE models from the second generation onward. Perform the first two presses quickly; do not hold the volume buttons.

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. Keep holding the side button when the screen goes black. Release it only when the Apple logo appears. The logo may take longer than ten seconds to appear.

If you were searching for “how to do hard reset on iPhone” or “how hard reset iPhone,” the timing matters. Pressing the volume buttons too slowly, holding them, or releasing the side button before the Apple logo appears may prevent the sequence from working.

How do you hard reset an iPhone with Touch ID?

Touch ID iPhones do not all use the same combination. Choose the instructions by model, not simply by the presence of a Home button.

For iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus:

1. Press and hold the side button and the volume down button at the same time.
2. Keep holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears. This may take longer than ten seconds.
3. Release both buttons when the logo appears.

For iPhone 6s, iPhone SE first generation, and earlier models:

1. Press and hold the Home button and the side button at the same time. On models with a top button instead of a side button, hold the Home button and top button.
2. Continue holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears.
3. Release the buttons when the logo appears.

These are the official button combinations for anyone asking “How do you do a hard reset on an iPhone?” A case that presses or obstructs a button can interfere with the sequence, so remove the case if necessary.

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

If the Apple logo never appears, connect the iPhone directly to a working charger with a compatible cable. Leave it charging for one hour, then repeat the exact force-restart sequence for the model. If a low-battery symbol appears, check the cable, power adapter, charging port, and power source.

Also check whether every required button moves normally. A stuck or broken volume, Home, side, or top button can make a hard reset impossible. If the phone vibrates or makes sounds but the screen stays black, the display may be the problem rather than a software freeze.

A persistent Apple logo, repeated restarting, a restore screen, no response after charging, or a button that cannot be pressed may require computer-based troubleshooting or service. Do not choose an erase or restore option unless you understand that it can remove data. If preserving information matters, explain that priority before authorizing service or restoration.

What happens after you hard reset your iPhone?

After a successful hard reset, the Apple logo appears and the iPhone starts normally. Startup can take longer than waking the screen because iOS is loading again.

The iPhone will require its device passcode after restarting, even if Face ID or Touch ID is normally used. This is expected security behavior. The force restart does not remove the passcode, Apple Account, apps, photos, messages, settings, cellular service configuration, or saved files.

Once the Home Screen appears, check the feature or app that was frozen. If the same problem returns repeatedly, install available iOS and app updates when the phone is stable, confirm that storage is not full, and note what was happening before each freeze. Repeated failures may point to a software problem that needs further diagnosis.

Where can you get help if your iPhone still will not respond?

Open {site} and look for the iPhone support section covering a device that will not turn on or has a frozen screen. Apple’s official guidance can help you identify the model, review charging checks, use recovery options, or arrange service.

If the iPhone has physical damage, nonworking buttons, repeated unexpected restarts, or no response after charging and force restarting, contact Apple Support or an Apple-authorized service provider. Have the iPhone model, Apple Account details, and a description of what appears on the screen ready, but never share your passcode with another person.