
How to Force Restart iPhone 15
Welcome to our detailed guide on how to force restart your iPhone 15. There may be times when your device becomes unresponsive or encounters issues that a simple restart can’t resolve. In such cases, a force restart can be a quick and effective solution. This article will walk you through the steps to safely and effectively force restart your iPhone 15, helping you get back to smooth and efficient operations in no time. Let’s get started.
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Before we begin, it’s important to note that the methods outlined here apply to the iPhone 15 models, which, like many iPhone models, lack a Home Button. Consequently, you’ll need to use the Volume Up/Down and Side Buttons to power your iPhone on and off, or to enter Recovery Mode if something goes wrong.
The method for powering your iPhone 15 on and off remains unchanged from what has been in place since the launch of the iPhone X. Merely pressing and holding the Side Button will only activate Siri. Therefore, you’ll also need to use one of the volume buttons.
- Press and hold the Side Button with either the Volume Up or Volume Down buttons at the same time.
- Once the Slide to Power Off slider appears, slide the toggle to turn off your iPhone 15.
There’s also another way for you to power off your iPhone 15, and it’s via the Settings menu. This method has been around for a few years now, and is great for those who have a faulty power button.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap General.
- Scroll all the way to the bottom of the page.
- Tap Shut Down.
- Slide the power button across the screen to power off your iPhone.
Force restarting your iPhone 15 can be slightly challenging as it requires executing the steps swiftly and in the correct order.
- Press the Volume Up button and release.
- Press the Volume Down button and release.
- Press and hold the Side button for 10-15 seconds until your iPhone reboots.
If your iPhone doesn’t reboot after following the above steps, you may need to press the buttons more quickly in sequence. Timing is crucial to ensure the iPhone understands the action you’re attempting to perform.
If you need or desire to enter Recovery Mode on your iPhone 15, the first step is to ensure your iPhone and computer trust each other. Without this, you may encounter additional issues, including the inability to enter Recovery Mode. In such a case, you can attempt the DFU Mode mentioned below, or it might be necessary to visit your local Apple Store.
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Plug your iPhone 15 into your computer using a USB to Lightning cable.
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If this is your first time physically plugging your iPhone into your computer, wait for the “Trust This Computer” prompt to appear. Once it does, tap the Trust button.
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- Press the Volume Up button and release.
- Press the Volume Down button and release.
- Press and hold the Side button until you see the “Connect to Computer” image appear on your iPhone.
Once you’ve entered Recovery Mode, a Finder prompt should appear indicating that your iPhone is in this mode. You’ll then be given options to update to the latest iOS version while preserving your data, or to Restore iOS. The latter option completely erases your iPhone’s storage while installing the latest iOS version.
How to Enter DFU Mode on iPhone 15
On the infrequent occasions when you need to put your iPhone 15 into DFU mode for troubleshooting or complete restoration via your Mac, follow this sequence of steps. Please note, the sequences involving the Volume and Side buttons must be performed quickly for the Recovery mode to appear correctly.
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Plug your iPhone 15 into your computer using a USB to USB-C cable.
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If this is your first time physically plugging your iPhone into your computer, wait for the “Trust This Computer” prompt to appear. Once it does, tap the Trust button.
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- Press the Volume Up button and release.
- Press the Volume Down button and release.
- Press and hold the Side Button for 10 seconds.
- While holding the Side Button, press and hold the Volume Down button for 5 seconds.
- Let go of the Side Button, but continue holding the Volume Down button for 10 more seconds.
If you’ve correctly entered DFU mode on your iPhone 15, the screen should stay black. There won’t be any prompts appearing on the screen, enabling you to continue the process using your Mac.
How to Exit DFU Mode on iPhone 15
After you’ve completed your troubleshooting session with DFU Mode on the iPhone 15, here’s how you can exit that mode:
- Press the Volume Up button and release.
- Press the Volume Down button and release.
- Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
Once the Apple logo appears, you can stop holding in the Side button. However, it may take a little while before your iPhone boots back to the Lock Screen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing how to force restart your iPhone 15 is a handy skill that can help you troubleshoot minor glitches and restore your device’s functionality quickly. Always remember that a force restart should be used sparingly and only when necessary, as it’s a more abrupt way to shut down your device. With this guide, you now have the knowledge to perform this task safely and effectively.
The chances of regularly needing to restart your iPhone are quite low, and the probability of requiring Recovery Mode or DFU Mode is even lower. However, if you’re an enthusiast who enjoys testing new features through beta versions, understanding how to access these modes can save you significant time and potential frustration. If you encounter serious issues with your iPhone 15, we recommend contacting Apple support or visiting your local Apple Store.
Andrew is a freelance writer based on the East Coast of the US.
He has written for a variety of sites over the years, including iMore, Android Central, Phandroid, and a few others. Now, he spends his days working for an HVAC company, while moonlighting as a freelance writer at night.