How to Hard Reset Your iPhone (Force Restart & Factory Reset)

If your iPhone freezes, glitches, or refuses to respond, you need to take action. You don’t need a genius bar appointment. You need a Hard Reset (technically called a Force Restart). This process cuts power to the phone’s hardware and forces a reboot without deleting your data.

However, if you want to wipe your phone completely to sell it or fix deep software corruption, you need a Factory Reset. This guide covers both methods for every iPhone model.

Force Restart: The “Unfreeze” Method

Use this method when your screen is frozen, black, or stuck on a loading wheel. It forces the system to shut down and restart.

iPhone 8, X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and SE (2nd & 3rd Gen)

This method works for all iPhones with Face ID and models with a Touch ID button that don’t click (iPhone 8/SE). The timing matters here. Do not hold the volume buttons; press them quickly.

1. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
2. Immediately press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
3. Press and hold the Side Button (power button on the right).
4. Keep holding the Side Button even when the “slide to power off” slider appears. Ignore it.
5. Release the button only when you see the Apple logo on the screen.​​

Your iPhone will now boot up normally.

iPhone 7 and 7 Plus

Apple changed the button mechanism for these specific models. The Home Button on the iPhone 7 is software-controlled, so it won’t work if the software crashes. You must use the volume keys instead.

1. Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Side Button (Sleep/Wake) at the same time.
2. Continue holding both buttons for about 10 seconds.
3. Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.​

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iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, and SE (1st Gen)

These older models use the physical Home Button to cut power.

1. Press and hold the Home Button (the circle button below the screen) and the Sleep/Wake Button (on the side or top) simultaneously.
2. Hold both down until the screen goes black and the Apple logo appears.
3. Release the buttons.​​

Factory Reset: The “Wipe” Method

Use this method only if you want to erase everything. This returns the iPhone to its “out of the box” state. Backup your data first, or you will lose it forever.

Method 1: Using Settings (Simplest)

If your phone still works and you know your passcode, do this directly on the device.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Scroll to the bottom and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
4. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
5. Tap Continue.
6. Enter your Passcode (and Screen Time Passcode if set).
7. The phone will upload a backup to iCloud (optional) and then wipe itself. This takes a few minutes.​

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Method 2: Using a Computer (Recovery Mode)

Use this if you forgot your passcode or if the phone is stuck in a boot loop. You need a PC or Mac and a compatible cable.

1. Connect your iPhone to the computer.
2. Open Finder (Mac) or Apple Devices / iTunes (Windows).
3. Put the phone in Recovery Mode while connected:

• iPhone 8 and newer: Press Volume Up (quick), Volume Down (quick), then hold the Side Button. Keep holding even after the Apple logo appears. Release only when you see the Recovery Mode screen (a cable pointing to a computer).​
• iPhone 7: Hold Volume Down + Side Button until the recovery screen appears.
• iPhone 6s: Hold Home + Top/Side Button until the recovery screen appears.

1. On your computer, a window pops up asking to Update or Restore.
2. Choose Restore.
3. Your computer downloads the latest software and wipes the phone. Keep it connected until the process finishes.

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Troubleshooting: It Didn’t Work

If the Force Restart fails, check these common issues.

• Case interference: Thick rugged cases often prevent buttons from depressing fully. Remove the case and try again.
• Dirty buttons: Sticky residue can jam the volume keys. If the buttons don’t click firmly, clean them with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol and a toothbrush.
• Timing: The “Up-Down-Hold” sequence on newer iPhones must be fast. If you pause between Volume Up and Volume Down, the phone ignores the command.
• Battery: If the screen shows a red battery icon, the phone lacks the energy to boot. Charge it for at least 30 minutes before trying a Force Restart.
• Hardware failure: If the phone vibrates but the screen stays black, your display panel might be broken. If absolutely nothing happens, the logic board or battery may be dead.

Understanding the difference between a Force Restart (hardware reboot) and a Factory Reset (data wipe) saves you time and prevents accidental data loss. Always try the Force Restart first. It solves 90% of iOS glitches, freezes, and crashes in seconds.