Turning off your iPhone is one of the most basic functions you’ll need to know as an iPhone user. Whether you’re troubleshooting, conserving battery, or simply want to power off your device, knowing the correct steps to turn off your iPhone is essential. The process might seem straightforward, but depending on the model and iOS version, there are some variations to be aware of.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through the different methods for turning off your iPhone based on your device model and operating system. From iPhone 8 and earlier models to the latest iPhone 13 and beyond, you’ll learn everything you need to know to power down your iPhone effectively.
Why Turn Off an iPhone?
Before diving into the how-to steps, let’s quickly discuss why you might want to turn off your iPhone:
- Battery Conservation: When your iPhone is not in use, turning it off can help conserve battery life, especially when you’re not planning to use it for a while.
- Troubleshooting: If your iPhone is freezing, malfunctioning, or behaving unusually, powering it down and restarting it can resolve many common issues.
- Refreshing the System: Turning off and restarting your iPhone allows it to refresh the system, clearing temporary files and freeing up memory for improved performance.
- Privacy and Security: In certain situations, such as when you’re traveling or leaving your phone unattended, it’s a good idea to turn off your iPhone for added security.
How to Turn Off iPhone 8 and Earlier (With a Home Button)
For older iPhones, such as the iPhone 8 and earlier models, the process to turn off the device is a bit different. These models have a physical Home button, and the power button is located on the right side of the phone.
Steps to Turn Off iPhone 8 and Earlier:
- Press and Hold the Power Button:
- Locate the Power button on the right side of your iPhone (iPhone 8 and earlier models).
- Press and hold the Power button until the “slide to power off” slider appears on the screen. The slider will appear at the top of the screen, with a power icon next to it.
- Slide to Power Off:
- Once the “slide to power off” slider appears, use your finger to slide the button from left to right.
- This action will immediately start the shutdown process. The screen will fade to black, and your iPhone will turn off.
- Wait for the Device to Power Down:
- After you’ve slid the slider, your iPhone will begin to power down. Wait a few seconds for the iPhone to fully shut off.
- Once the iPhone’s screen goes completely black and the Apple logo disappears, the device is off.
To turn the iPhone back on, simply press and hold the Power button again until the Apple logo appears.
How to Turn Off iPhone X and Later (Without a Home Button)
For iPhone X and newer models, Apple introduced a new design with Face ID and removed the physical Home button. These models have a Side button instead of the Power button, and the process for turning off the device is slightly different from the previous models.
Steps to Turn Off iPhone X and Later:
- Press and Hold the Side Button and Volume Button:
- On the iPhone X and later models, locate the Side button (on the right side of the phone) and the Volume Up or Volume Down button (on the left side).
- Press and hold both the Side button and one of the Volume buttons at the same time.
- Wait for the Slide to Power Off Screen:
- After holding the buttons for a few seconds, the “slide to power off” slider will appear on the screen. This may take 1-2 seconds.
- Slide to Power Off:
- As with the older iPhone models, you will need to slide the slider from left to right to initiate the power-off sequence.
- After sliding the button, your iPhone will start to power down.
- Wait for the Device to Shut Off:
- Your iPhone will fade to black, indicating that it is turning off. The screen will stay black until the device is fully powered off.
To turn the iPhone back on, press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
How to Turn Off an iPhone Using AssistiveTouch (For Accessibility)
If you are using AssistiveTouch for accessibility reasons, you can turn off your iPhone without physically using the hardware buttons. AssistiveTouch allows you to perform actions that would otherwise require physical buttons using an on-screen menu.
Steps to Turn Off iPhone Using AssistiveTouch:
- Enable AssistiveTouch:
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch, and turn it on.
- You will see a small on-screen button that you can tap to open the AssistiveTouch menu.
- Open the AssistiveTouch Menu:
- Tap the AssistiveTouch menu button (the on-screen floating button).
- In the menu, tap Device.
- Turn Off the iPhone:
- Under the Device menu, tap and hold the Lock Screen icon. This will simulate holding the power button on the iPhone.
- After holding the icon for a few seconds, the “slide to power off” slider will appear. Slide the slider to turn off your iPhone.
AssistiveTouch makes it easy for people with mobility challenges or other accessibility needs to control the iPhone without using the physical hardware buttons.
How to Turn Off iPhone Using the Settings App (For Some iPhone Models)
On some iPhone models, you can also turn off the device using the Settings app. While this is not a common method, it’s an option for users who prefer using the on-screen menu instead of the physical buttons.
Steps to Turn Off iPhone Using Settings:
- Open the Settings App:
- On your iPhone, open the Settings app from the Home screen or App Library.
- Navigate to General:
- Scroll down and tap on General in the Settings menu.
- Select Shut Down:
- Scroll to the bottom of the General settings menu and tap Shut Down.
- The “slide to power off” slider will appear on the screen.
- Slide to Power Off:
- Slide the slider from left to right to turn off your iPhone.
This method is great if your physical buttons are not working or if you prefer to access the power-off feature through the Settings app.
Troubleshooting: What to Do If Your iPhone Won’t Turn Off
While turning off your iPhone is typically a straightforward process, there can be times when your iPhone doesn’t turn off as expected. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take if your iPhone won’t turn off:
1. Force Restart Your iPhone:
Sometimes, a frozen or unresponsive iPhone may prevent the normal shutdown process. If your iPhone isn’t responding to the usual power-off method, you can perform a force restart:
- iPhone 8 and earlier: Press and hold the Home button and Power button together until the Apple logo appears.
- iPhone 10 and later (without a Home button): Press and release the Volume Up button, then press and release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
A force restart should resolve any issues with a frozen iPhone and allow you to turn it off normally afterward.
2. Check for Software Updates:
Outdated software can sometimes cause glitches, preventing the iPhone from turning off properly. Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update and check for any available updates. Install any updates to fix potential bugs or issues.
3. Reset Settings:
If your iPhone is still unresponsive and nothing seems to work, you may need to reset the device’s settings. This will not erase your data, but it will reset system settings such as Wi-Fi passwords and display preferences:
- Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.
This option can help solve software-related issues that may prevent your iPhone from shutting down.
Conclusion
Turning off your iPhone is a simple process, but understanding the different methods depending on your iPhone model can make the process much easier. Whether you’re using an older iPhone with a Home button or the latest iPhone with Face ID, there’s a method for everyone.
In addition to the basic power-off methods, we’ve also discussed how to use AssistiveTouch for accessibility, how to turn off your iPhone using the Settings app, and how to troubleshoot if your iPhone refuses to shut down.
By following the steps in this guide, you’ll be able to turn off your iPhone quickly and efficiently, helping you conserve battery, troubleshoot issues, or ensure your device is securely powered off when needed.