The reasons why Force Restart iPhone not working.
How to fix iPhone Force Restart Not Working?
Many iPhone users sometimes encounter problems, such as the iPhone force restart not working or the iPhone hard reset not working. Now, what to do when force restart iPhone not working? In this article, I have explained why iPhone force restart not working and how to force restart iPhone.
Before we go into the troubleshooting steps to fix when an iPhone won’t force restart, let’s first look into what a force restart is and why it is necessary.
What is a Force Restart?
A force restart, also known as a hard reset, is a method to forcefully restart your iPhone when it becomes unresponsive or encounters issues like freezing, crashing apps, or a blank screen.
Why Force Restart iPhone is necessary?
Force restarting your iPhone is necessary because it can help to resolve various software glitches.
It is useful when your device becomes sluggish and displays unusual behaviour or stops responding altogether or when you need to clear the memory of your device.
How often should you force restart your iPhone?
You don’t need to force restart your iPhone on a regular schedule. In most cases, a standard restart (simply turning your phone off and back on) once a week or so can help keep things running smoothly.
Force restarting, on the other hand, should only be used when your iPhone is completely unresponsive—think frozen screens or apps, or when your device simply won’t react to touch at all.
Doing it too often can be unnecessary, and it’s not designed for routine maintenance. So, save the force restart for genuine emergencies where your iPhone needs a jolt back to life, rather than as part of your weekly routine.
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How to Force Restart iPhone?
Here are the steps to follow on how to force restart iPhone,
1. Quickly press and release the volume-up button;
2. Quickly press and release the volume-down button;
3. Lastly, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears, and then release;
How long does it take to force restart an iPhone?
In most cases, forcing your iPhone to restart only takes a minute or two. Once you perform the button sequence—pressing and quickly releasing volume up, then volume down, and finally holding the side button—you should see the Apple logo appear within 10-20 seconds. The overall process, from start to full reboot, is usually completed in under two minutes.
If your device seems stuck or the Apple logo takes longer than usual to appear, it might indicate a deeper issue, and you’ll want to try the steps again or consider further troubleshooting. But under normal circumstances, a force restart is a quick fix that shouldn’t keep you waiting long.
Let’s now look into why your iPhone won’t force restart.
The common reasons why your iPhone Force Restart not working
Here are the common reasons why force restart iPhone not working:
1. Unresponsive Buttons
One of the most common problems users face when they can’t force restart iPhone is unresponsive buttons. If there are malfunctioning power buttons your iPhone won’t force restart. When your iPhone’s volume buttons and power buttons are not working correctly, performing a force restart can be challenging.
2. Software Glitches
Sometimes iPhone will not hard reset due to software glitches or bugs. This can happen after an iOS update, due to outdated software, corrupted system files, or conflicting applications.
3. Low Battery
If your iPhone’s battery is very low you may see your iPhone not restarting due to not having enough power to restart.
4. Incorrect Button pressing sequences
A force restart requires specific button combinations to be pressed simultaneously. If the correct sequence is not followed, you may find your iPhone force restart not working.
Can “Press Side Button for Siri” interfere with force restart?
Yes, enabling the “Press Side Button for Siri” feature can sometimes interfere with force restarting your iPhone. When this option is on, pressing and holding the side button may trigger Siri instead of initiating a force restart, which can be especially frustrating if you’re already dealing with an unresponsive device.
How to turn off “Press Side Button for Siri”
To prevent this conflict and ensure you can properly force restart your iPhone, you can disable this Siri shortcut:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap Siri & Search.
- Find the “Press Side Button for Siri” option and switch the toggle to off.
Once this setting is disabled, your side button will only perform its default functions, making it more reliable for force restarts.
How to fix the common reasons why iPhone force restart not working?
Now that we’ve identified the common reasons why you may see your iPhone not restarting, let’s go into the solutions to overcome them.
1. Unresponsive Buttons
If your iPhone’s physical buttons are not responding enable the ‘AssistiveTouch’ feature in your iPhone’s accessibility settings. This virtual button can substitute for physical button functions.
However, if you still see your iPhone not restarting even after using this feature consider visiting an Apple Store or authorized service center to seek professional help for the repair of physical buttons.
2. Software Glitches
To address software-related force restart issues ensure that your iPhone is running the latest iOS version. To update your iOS version,
Go to Settings > General > Software Update> Download and install available updates.
3. Update to the Latest iOS Version
Keeping your iPhone updated is key when force restart issues are caused by software bugs or compatibility problems. Apple frequently releases iOS updates that squash performance bugs, address security gaps, and smooth out glitches that can interfere with features like force restarting.
Here’s how you can update your iPhone to the latest iOS version:
- Connect your iPhone to a stable Wi-Fi network and make sure it has sufficient battery (ideally, connect it to a charger).
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap General and then select Software Update.
- If an update is available, follow the prompts to download and install it.
Once your iPhone is running the latest software, try the force restart process again. Updates often resolve unexpected problems, so this quick step can be the fix you need if you’re stuck at the Apple logo or your device simply won’t reboot as expected.
4. Low Battery
If you can’t force restart iPhone due to low battery connect your iPhone to a charger and allow it to charge for at least 15 minutes to ensure there’s enough battery charge. Sometimes, a faulty charger can also hinder the charging process. In such a case, try using a different charger and cable.
5. Incorrect Button pressing sequences
To use the correct button sequences to perform iPhone force restart, press the following button combinations on different iPhone models:
iPhone 8 or later versions:
i. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button;
ii. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button;
iii. Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo;
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:
Simultaneously press and hold the Volume Down and Sleep/Wake (Power) buttons until the Apple logo appears;
iPhone 6s and earlier versions:
Press and hold the Home and Sleep/Wake (Power) buttons until you see the Apple logo;
Try Third-Party iOS System Repair Tools
If all else fails and your iPhone simply refuses to force restart despite your best efforts, you may want to consider using reputable third-party iOS system repair software, such as Tenorshare ReiBoot, Dr.Fone – Repair, or AnyFix. These tools are designed to address deeper software glitches that traditional troubleshooting can’t always reach.
Most of these repair programs offer a straightforward process:
- Download and install the repair tool on your computer.
- Connect your iPhone via USB.
- Select the standard repair option (this usually attempts to fix the issue without erasing data).
- Follow on-screen prompts to let the software scan and repair your iPhone’s operating system.
If the standard approach doesn’t resolve your issue—for example, if the iOS system has severe corruption—these programs often provide an advanced mode for more thorough repairs. Be aware, however, that deep repairs may erase device data, so backing up beforehand is wise.
These tools don’t require you to be a tech wizard. They walk you through each step, aiming to return your iPhone to a working state—sometimes even when Apple’s own restore methods hit a wall.
Always opt for well-reviewed, trusted brands to avoid unreliable software that might cause more harm than good. A third-party repair utility can often be the secret weapon in bringing even the stubbornest iPhone back to life, especially when a force restart just won’t cooperate.
If none of the above steps can fix the issue, it’s time to reach out to Apple Support or visit an authorized service center to diagnose and repair any underlying issues.
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How to fix the iPhone hard reset not working issue with iTunes
Restore your iPhone with iTunes: If your iPhone will not hard reset, restore your iPhone using iTunes by following the steps below:
Step 1. Ensure that the latest version of iTunes is installed on your computer and connect your iPhone to your PC;
Step 2. Launch iTunes > Click the phone icon from the top-left corner > Tap Summary > Click Restore iPhone to confirm;
Put iPhone into Recovery Mode with iTunes: Another option to fix iPhone Force Restart Not Working is to put your iPhone into recovery mode and reset it with iTunes. Follow the steps below to put your iPhone into recovery mode (this method erases all data on your iPhone):
Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your computer and launch the latest version of iTunes;
Step 2. Put your iPhone into recovery mode;
Step 3. iTunes will detect that your iPhone is in recovery mode. Click the “Restore” button;
Step 4. After the restore process is complete, your iPhone will restart, and you can set it up as new;
If none of the above methods resolve the iPhone force restart not working issue, get in touch with Apple Customer Service and they will assist you in repairing your device.
Frequently asked questions
Now that I have explained how to fix the ‘force restart iPhone not working’ issue let me also address some of the related queries often asked by iPhone users.
What is the difference between a force restart and a factory reset of an iPhone?
A force restart just restarts your iPhone, while a factory reset erases all data and settings of your device, returning it to its original state.
Is it safe to force restart my iPhone?
Yes, force restarting your iPhone is safe and will not cause any damage to your device.
How do I hard reset my iPhone physically?
To hard reset an iPhone follow the steps below:
1. Press and release the volume up button;
2. Press and release the volume down button;
3. Press and hold the power button till the Apple Logo appears;
4. Release the button when the Apple logo appears;
How to Perform a Factory Reset on Your iPhone?
If all else fails and your iPhone refuses to play nice, performing a factory reset might be the last resort to get things back on track. Keep in mind, this process wipes all your personal data and apps, bringing your device back to its “just out of the box” state—so make sure to back up anything important before proceeding. To perform a factory reset on your iPhone, head to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone. Tap Erase All Content and Settings, then enter your passcode or Apple ID password if prompted to confirm your choice. After the reset is complete, your iPhone will restart, and you’ll be able to set it up from scratch or restore from a backup.
Here’s how you can factory reset your iPhone:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap on General.
- Scroll down and select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings. If prompted, enter your passcode or Apple ID password to confirm.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.
Once the process is done, your iPhone will restart and greet you with the setup screen. You can then set it up as new or restore from a backup.
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Conclusion
In this guide, I have provided practical solutions to why you see your iPhone force restart not working.
Ensure that your device is up to date and properly charged before attempting the solutions to resolve them. By following the steps outlined in this post, in most cases, you can regain control of your iPhone and ensure that the force restart function works flawlessly.
However, suppose none of the steps mentioned in the post can fix the issue and you can’t force restart iPhone. In that case, you can seek professional assistance by contacting Apple Support or visiting an authorized Apple service center.
