iPhone Won't Reset? How to Do a Software Reset

To do a software reset on an iPhone, use the force-restart button sequence for your model and release the final button when the Apple logo appears. A software reset restarts the iPhone without deleting photos, messages, apps, accounts, or settings.

What Does a Software Reset on an iPhone Do?

A software reset is a restart that closes the current software session and starts iOS again. When an iPhone is frozen, this is commonly called a force restart because it uses physical buttons instead of the controls on the screen.

A software reset does not erase personal data, remove apps, sign you out of accounts, or return the iPhone to its original settings. It is different from a factory reset, which erases the device, and from a restore, which reinstalls iOS and may erase data depending on the method used.

If the screen and touch controls still work, try a normal restart first. Use a force restart when the iPhone will not respond normally.

When Should You Software Reset an iPhone?

A software reset may help when the entire iPhone stops responding. Typical signs include:

• The screen is frozen on an app, image, or loading symbol.
• The touchscreen does not respond anywhere on the display.
• An app will not close and you cannot reach the Home Screen.
• The screen will not turn off when you press the side or top button.
• The iPhone shows a black screen even though it may still be powered on.
• The device is stuck during startup but is not showing the recovery-mode screen.

A force restart is not the first step for a single app that is slow while the rest of the iPhone works. In that case, close and reopen the app before restarting the whole device.

How Do You Software Reset Each iPhone Model?

The correct sequence depends on the iPhone model. Button presses in the first sequence must be quick; holding a volume button too long can open a different control.

For iPhone 8 or later, including iPhone models with Face ID and the second- or third-generation iPhone SE:

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 if the power-off slider appears.
5. Release the side button when the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus:

1. Press and hold the side button and volume-down button at the same time.
2. Keep holding both buttons while the screen changes.
3. Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 6s or earlier, including the first-generation iPhone SE:

1. Press and hold the Home button and the side or top button at the same time.
2. Keep holding both buttons even if the screen goes dark.
3. Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.

The iPhone may take several moments to restart. Enter the device passcode after startup; Face ID or Touch ID normally requires the passcode following a restart.

What Should You Check Before You Reset an iPhone?

Before using the force-restart sequence, make these quick checks:

• Connect the iPhone to power if the screen is black or the battery may be empty. Leave it connected for a while before trying the buttons again.
• Check whether only one app is unresponsive. If other controls work, close that app rather than forcing the whole iPhone to restart.
• If the iPhone responds, save unfinished work before restarting.
• If an iOS update is waiting and the phone still works, complete the update through Settings when convenient. Do not interrupt an update that is already installing.
• Remove a tight or damaged case if it prevents the side, top, Home, or volume buttons from moving normally.

What Do You Do If the iPhone Software Reset Does Not Work?

If the Apple logo never appears, repeat the exact sequence for the model. On iPhone 8 or later, the most common mistake is pressing the volume buttons too slowly or holding them instead of quickly pressing and releasing them.

1. Connect the iPhone to a working charger and allow time for a depleted battery to receive power.
2. Check that each required physical button clicks and is not blocked by a case.
3. Repeat the correct sequence, continuing to hold the final button until the Apple logo appears.
4. If a computer recognizes the iPhone, use Apple’s device-management options to check for an update or recovery choices. Read each prompt carefully because some restore options can erase data.
5. If the iPhone remains unresponsive or a required button is damaged, contact Apple Support or an authorized service provider for model-specific help.

Do not choose an erase or factory-reset option merely because a force restart failed. If data has not been backed up, confirm what a recovery choice will do before continuing.

Does a Software Reset Delete Data or Restore the iPhone?

• Does a software reset delete data? No. A force restart turns iOS off and starts it again without intentionally removing personal data, apps, or settings.

• How long should you hold the buttons? On models that require a final held button, keep holding until the Apple logo appears. The exact time can vary, so use the logo rather than counting seconds.

• Why did the power-off slider appear? That can happen while holding the side button. During the correct force-restart sequence, keep holding until the Apple logo appears.

• Is a software reset the same as a factory reset? No. A software reset is a restart; a factory reset erases the iPhone and returns it to its initial setup state.

• Is a software reset the same as a restore? No. A restore uses a computer or recovery process to reinstall iOS and may erase the iPhone. A force restart only restarts the existing system.

• How do you software reset an iPhone with a broken button? The standard force-restart sequence requires working physical buttons. If the screen still responds, use the normal shut-down control in Settings; otherwise, seek Apple-authorized help.