How to restart your iPhone

Learn how to turn your iPhone off and on again. Restarting fixes most common problems like freezing, slow performance, and app crashes.

Easy 4 steps iPhone ~6 min February 23, 2026

Step 1: Find the Side button

The Side button is on the right side of your iPhone. It’s the long button you normally use to lock or wake your screen.

Step 2: Press and hold to turn off

Press and hold the Side button and either Volume button at the same time. After a few seconds, a slider will appear on screen that says “slide to power off.”

Step 3: Slide to power off

Use your finger to drag the slider to the right. Your iPhone screen will go dark. Wait about 10 seconds for it to fully shut down.

Step 4: Turn it back on

Press and hold the Side button again until you see the Apple logo appear. Your iPhone will start up. This takes about 30 seconds. Once you see your Lock Screen, your iPhone is ready to use again.

Frequently asked questions

Will restarting my iPhone delete anything?

No. Restarting your iPhone does not delete any photos, contacts, messages, or apps. It simply turns the phone off and back on.

How often should I restart my iPhone?

Once a week is a good habit. It clears temporary files and can fix small issues before they become big problems.

What if my iPhone is completely frozen and won't turn off?

Try a force restart: quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.

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