Fix iPhone Won't Turn On: How to Hard Reset It

To hard reset an iPhone, use the button sequence for your model to force the iPhone to restart. An iPhone hard reset, also called a forced restart, does not erase your photos, apps, messages, or settings.

What Does an iPhone Hard Reset Do?

An iPhone hard reset interrupts the current power state and forces iOS to start again. It is useful when the screen is frozen, the touchscreen does not respond, an app cannot be closed, or the iPhone appears stuck on a black screen.

A hard reset is not a factory reset. Although people sometimes use those terms interchangeably, a factory reset erases the iPhone and returns it to its initial setup screen. A forced restart only reboots the device.

Try a forced restart when a normal shutdown is impossible. If the iPhone still responds, use the regular power-off controls first.

What Should You Do Before an iPhone Hard Reset?

A hard reset does not erase saved content, so it is generally safe to try on an unresponsive iPhone. However, unsaved work in an open app may be lost because the app cannot finish saving before the restart.

• Disconnect accessories that are not needed, including adapters and wired headphones.
• If the iPhone may have a completely empty battery, connect it to power and allow time for the charging screen to appear.
• Remove a case if it prevents the volume, side, top, or Home buttons from moving normally.
• Do not keep repeating random button combinations. Identify the iPhone model or button layout and follow the matching sequence.

A forced restart may take longer than a normal button press. Continue holding the final button until the Apple logo appears, unless the steps for the model say otherwise.

How Do You Hard Reset Each iPhone Model?

The correct iPhone hard reset sequence depends on the button layout. Follow only the instructions for the matching model group.

For an iPhone with Face ID, and for iPhone 8 or later:

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 same sequence applies to iPhone SE models from the second generation and later. The first-generation iPhone SE uses the Home-button sequence given below.

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.
3. Release both buttons.

For iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, the first-generation iPhone SE, and older models with a Home button:

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 and top buttons.
2. Keep holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears.
3. Release both buttons.

What If the iPhone Hard Reset Does Not Work?

If the iPhone screen stays black, connect the iPhone to a working power source with a compatible cable. Check the cable, power adapter, and charging port for visible damage or debris, then leave the device connected long enough for a low-battery screen or Apple logo to appear.

After charging, repeat the exact forced-restart sequence once. Quick presses of Volume Up and Volume Down must be separate on Face ID models, iPhone 8 and later, and newer iPhone SE models. Holding all three buttons together will not perform the intended sequence.

If a computer recognizes the iPhone but the screen remains black, the display may be the problem. If the iPhone is not recognized, will not charge, has damaged buttons, becomes unusually hot, or recently suffered a drop or liquid exposure, stop repeated restart attempts and seek technical help.

What Is the Difference Between a Hard Reset, Factory Reset, and Recovery Mode?

Choose the procedure based on the problem and whether data must be preserved.

• Hard reset or forced restart: Reboots a frozen or unresponsive iPhone without intentionally erasing saved data.
• Factory reset: Erases personal content and settings, then returns the iPhone to its setup state. Use it only when erasure is intended and important data is backed up.
• Recovery mode: Connects the iPhone to a computer so the system software can be updated or restored when the device cannot start normally. An update may preserve data, while a restore erases the device.

An iPhone that is merely frozen usually needs a hard reset first. An iPhone that repeatedly stops at the Apple logo or displays a recovery screen may need recovery mode. A factory reset is not the first step for a temporary freeze.

When Should You Contact Apple Support?

Contact official support when the iPhone remains unresponsive after charging and using the correct hard-reset sequence. Support is also appropriate when a required button is broken, the device repeatedly restarts, the screen remains black while the iPhone makes sounds, or there are signs of physical damage.

Before contacting support, note the iPhone model, what appears on the screen, whether the device charges, and which restart steps you tried. If possible, also have the device serial number and access to the Apple Account associated with the iPhone.

Open {site} and choose the support option for iPhone startup, power, or display problems. Use the contact method shown there so the details come from Apple’s current official support information.