How to Hardware Reset an iPhone

To hardware reset an iPhone that is frozen, use the button sequence for your iPhone model and keep holding the final button until the Apple logo appears. A hardware reset of an iPhone, also called a forced restart, does not erase your photos, apps, messages, or settings.

What does a hardware reset do on an iPhone?

A hardware reset forces the iPhone to turn off and restart when the screen or normal controls are not responding. Apple commonly describes this action as a forced restart.

A forced restart is different from a factory reset:

• Hardware reset or forced restart: Restarts the operating system without intentionally deleting personal data.
• Factory reset: Erases the iPhone and returns it to its initial setup state. Restoring the device through a computer may also erase data, depending on the option used.

Use the button instructions below only when you want to restart the iPhone. Do not select an erase or restore option unless you understand that it may remove data.

When should you hardware reset an iPhone?

A hardware reset is appropriate when the iPhone is powered on but will not respond normally. Common examples include a frozen screen, an app that has locked the entire phone, a screen that does not react to touch, or an iPhone that will not shut down through the usual controls.

Try a normal restart first if the screen and buttons still work. Close only the problem app if the rest of the iPhone remains responsive. If the battery may be empty, connect the iPhone to a working power source and allow it time to charge before attempting another restart.

A forced restart does not fix a physically damaged display, a failed charging connection, liquid damage, or a battery that cannot supply power. If the iPhone is unusually hot, disconnect it from power and let it return to a normal temperature before continuing.

How do you hardware reset an iPhone with Face ID?

The following sequence applies to iPhones with Face ID. It also applies to iPhone 8 and later models, including newer iPhone SE models that have a Home button.

1. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
2. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
3. Press and hold the Side button.
4. Keep holding the Side button even if the power-off slider appears.
5. Release the Side button when the Apple logo appears.

The first two presses must be quick and separate. If the iPhone does not restart, repeat the sequence and make sure you hold only the Side button during the final step.

How do you hardware reset an iPhone with a Home button?

The correct button combination depends on which Home-button model you have.

• iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold the Side button and Volume Down button together. Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.
• iPhone 6s, first-generation iPhone SE, or an earlier model: Press and hold the Home button together with the Side button or Top button. Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.
• Second- or third-generation iPhone SE: Quickly press Volume Up, quickly press Volume Down, and then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.

Do not release the buttons merely because the screen goes dark. Continue until the Apple logo is visible.

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

If the iPhone remains unresponsive, check the simple causes before attempting recovery:

1. Connect the iPhone to a known working power source with a compatible cable and adapter.
2. Inspect the charging port for visible debris, but do not insert metal objects or force anything into the port.
3. Allow the iPhone time to charge, then repeat the exact forced-restart sequence for its model.
4. Remove a case if it prevents a button from moving fully.
5. Check whether any required button feels stuck, damaged, or different from the others.

If the Apple logo appears but the iPhone never finishes starting, the device may need an update or recovery through a Mac or Windows computer. Recovery mode is a separate troubleshooting process and can present options to update or restore the iPhone. Try the update option first when it is available, because restoring can erase the device.

If the screen is black but the iPhone makes sounds, vibrates, or is recognized by a computer, the display may be the problem rather than the operating system. A forced restart may not resolve damaged hardware.

What should you expect after a hardware reset?

After a successful hardware reset, the Apple logo appears and the iPhone starts normally. Startup may take longer than waking the phone from sleep. The iPhone may require its passcode before Face ID or Touch ID becomes available again.

Your personal content should remain in place because a forced restart does not intentionally erase data. Once the iPhone opens, check the app or action that caused the freeze. Install available iOS and app updates when practical, and confirm that the iPhone has enough free storage if freezing happens repeatedly.

One isolated freeze does not necessarily mean the iPhone has a lasting fault. Repeated freezing, unexpected restarts, charging failures, or a device stuck on the Apple logo should be investigated further.

Where can you get official help for an unresponsive iPhone?

If the hardware reset does not resolve the problem, open {site} and look for Apple Support options for an iPhone that will not turn on, has a frozen screen, or is stuck during startup. Use the instructions for your exact model because button combinations and recovery steps differ.

Before contacting support, note the iPhone model, what appears on the screen, whether it responds while connected to power, and which button sequence you tried. If a computer recognizes the iPhone, mention that as well. Apple Support can explain recovery options or help determine whether the phone needs hardware service.