How Do You Restart an iPhone?
To restart an iPhone 8 or later, press the volume up button, then the volume down button, then press and hold the side button until "slide to power off" appears on screen. Slide it, wait a few seconds for the phone to power down, then hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears and the phone powers back on.
What Is a Force Restart, and When Should You Use It?
A force restart uses the same button sequence as a regular restart — volume up, volume down, then hold the side button — but instead of sliding to power off, you keep holding the side button until the Apple logo appears on its own. This skips the slide screen, closes every open app, and refreshes your Wi-Fi and cellular connection.
Use a force restart when your iPhone feels frozen, an app is unresponsive, or your Wi-Fi shows connected but pages will not load. In this J's Tech Corner video, I show both methods back to back so you can see exactly where they split.
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How to Restart Your iPhone (Step by Step)
Press and quickly release the volume up button. Press and quickly release the volume down button. Then press and hold the side button on the right edge of your phone.
"Slide to power off" will appear on screen. Slide it, and your phone will power down completely. To turn it back on, press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears — this can take a few seconds, so keep holding until you see it.
How to Force Restart Your iPhone (Step by Step)
Press and quickly release the volume up button. Press and quickly release the volume down button. Then press and hold the side button — but this time, do not slide anything. Keep holding until the Apple logo appears on screen on its own.
Your phone will power off and back on automatically. Every app closes, and your Wi-Fi and cellular connection refreshes when it comes back on.
Does This Work on Every iPhone?
This method works on iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation), and every Face ID iPhone — iPhone X and later. Older iPhones with a home button (iPhone 7 and earlier) use a different button combination to restart.
What Should I Try If My iPhone Is Still Acting Up?
If a force restart does not resolve the issue, it may point to something else — a full storage drive, an outdated app, or a hardware issue. Stop in at NorthWoods Wireless and we can help figure out what is going on.
More Tips from J's Tech Corner
J's Tech Corner is a tip series from NorthWoods Wireless — your local cell phone dealer near me serving Suring WI and Oconto County. If your iPhone needs more than a restart, stop in and we will take a look.
Find more tips on our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@NorthwoodsWireless) or visit nthwds.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between restarting and force restarting an iPhone?
A regular restart uses the "slide to power off" screen and requires you to manually confirm shutting the phone down. A force restart uses the same button combo but skips the slide screen entirely — you just keep holding the side button until the Apple logo appears. Force restarting is faster and is typically used to fix a frozen or unresponsive phone.
Will I lose any data if I force restart my iPhone?
No. A force restart does not erase any data or settings — it simply closes all open apps and refreshes the system, similar to a regular restart.
Why does my Wi-Fi say connected but not work on my iPhone?
This is a common issue that a force restart often resolves, since it refreshes your device's connection to your Wi-Fi network. If the problem continues after restarting, the issue may be with your router or internet provider rather than your phone.
Where can I find a cell phone store near me open now to get help with my iPhone?
NorthWoods Wireless is located at 827 E Main St., Suring WI and is open Monday through Friday 9–5 and Saturday 9–12. We are a Cellcom authorized cell phone dealer serving Oconto County and the surrounding Northwoods Wisconsin area.
Questions? Stop in or call (920) 590-1110 — we're happy to help.
