Here’s the scenario, your iPhone touch screen isn’t responding to anything. No matter what you tap or swipe, nothing. The screen has frozen. Otherwise the iPhone seems to be fine. It lights up, the side buttons are still working, but how do you force restart. Here is how to reboot without using the touchscreen.
This help file is split into two sections. The main instructions apply to iPhone 8 and later.
(including iPhone 13 series, iPhone 12, iPhone 11, iPhone X and iPhone SE.
Scroll to instructions for earlier versions.
Force Restart iPhone 8 and Later
Time needed: 2 minutes
Side Button Combination To Force Reboot iPhone (8 and later)
- Press and quickly release the Volume Up Button
Press once for less than a second and release.
- Press and quickly release the Volume Down Button
Again, less than a second.
- Press and hold the Side Button (the power button on the right)
Keep holding it until the Apple logo appears, then release. During this process you will see the “Swipe to Power Off” message. Ignore and keep holding the button until the Apple logo appears.
These instructions will force your iPhone to restart and resolve the screen freezing issue. You should now be able to tap in your PIN use your phone. (Face recognition doesn’t work the first time that you restart, it will require you to enter your PIN the first time).
Force Restart iPhone (Earlier Models)
Instructions for force restarting earlier models as the method has changed prior to version 8.
iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, (SE 1st generation)
Press and hold both the Home button and the Side (or Top) button until the Apple logo appears.
iPhone 7 & iPhone 7 Plus.
Press and hold down the Volume Down button and the Side (or Top) button until you see the Apple logo.
Thanks For Visiting
Hopefully this has resolved the issue. If the problem continues, make sure you have the latest updates installed (by going into Settings, a red notification will appear if it needs updates).
End
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Cover photo credit: olegivanovpht