The iPhone 12, like other modern iPhone models, introduces a host of new features and improvements, including a sleek design, enhanced camera capabilities, and faster performance. However, with these upgrades also comes a slight change in how some of the device’s functions are carried out—particularly when it comes to turning the device off. If you’ve recently upgraded to the iPhone 12 or are new to the iPhone series, you might be wondering how to turn off your iPhone 12.
Turning off your iPhone 12 is an essential skill, whether you’re troubleshooting, conserving battery, or just want to power down for a bit. Luckily, Apple’s design ensures that turning off your iPhone 12 is simple, but there are a few different methods, and knowing each can help depending on your needs.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explain the most efficient ways to turn off your iPhone 12, covering the manual methods, accessibility options, and troubleshooting tips when the device doesn’t respond as expected. By the end of this guide, you’ll have everything you need to turn off your iPhone 12 efficiently and resolve any related issues.
Why You Might Need to Turn Off Your iPhone 12
Before jumping into the methods, let’s first look at why turning off your iPhone 12 is important:
- Battery Conservation: Turning off your iPhone when it’s not in use can help conserve battery life. If you’re not using it for a while, powering down ensures that it won’t drain unnecessary power.
- Troubleshooting and Fixing Issues: If your iPhone is frozen, glitching, or behaving abnormally, a simple restart can often fix many issues. Restarting your iPhone 12 can refresh the system and clear out temporary problems.
- Privacy and Security: Sometimes, you may want to power down your iPhone for security reasons, especially if you need to protect your device when it’s not in use, such as during travel or when leaving your phone unattended.
- Refreshing the System: Just like any other electronic device, turning off your iPhone 12 from time to time helps refresh the system, ensuring smooth performance. This can also help in clearing temporary files that might accumulate during normal use.
Now that we’ve covered the reasons, let’s look at the different methods you can use to turn off your iPhone 12.
Method 1: Using the Side Button and Volume Buttons (The Standard Method)
Unlike earlier iPhone models that had a physical Home button, the iPhone 12 uses a combination of the Side button and the Volume buttons to turn off the device. This method is consistent across iPhone 12 models, including the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Steps to Turn Off iPhone 12 Using the Side and Volume Buttons:
- Locate the Side Button and Volume Buttons:
- The Side button is located on the right side of the iPhone 12, while the Volume buttons are located on the left side of the device.
- Press and Hold the Side Button and Volume Button:
- Press and hold the Side button (on the right) and either the Volume Up or Volume Down button (on the left) simultaneously.
- Wait for the Slide to Power Off Screen:
- After holding both buttons for a few seconds, the Slide to Power Off slider will appear on your iPhone 12 screen. This is the standard screen that allows you to turn off the device.
- Slide to Power Off:
- Once the Slide to Power Off slider appears, swipe the slider from left to right to turn off the iPhone 12.
- Wait for the Device to Power Down:
- After you slide the slider, your iPhone will begin shutting down. Wait for the screen to go completely black. This process usually takes just a few seconds.
To turn the iPhone 12 back on, press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
Method 2: Using AssistiveTouch (For Accessibility)
For users who require accessibility features, AssistiveTouch offers an alternative method to turn off the iPhone 12. AssistiveTouch allows you to perform hardware functions like locking the screen, adjusting volume, and powering off without using physical buttons. This is particularly useful for users with mobility impairments or those who prefer a more customized experience.
Steps to Turn Off iPhone 12 Using AssistiveTouch:
- Enable AssistiveTouch:
- First, make sure AssistiveTouch is enabled on your iPhone 12.
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch and toggle it on.
- Once enabled, an on-screen floating button will appear, which you can move around the screen.
- Access the AssistiveTouch Menu:
- Tap the AssistiveTouch menu button (the floating button) on your screen.
- In the menu that appears, tap Device.
- Turn Off the iPhone 12:
- Under the Device section, tap and hold the Lock Screen option. This simulates pressing the physical Side button.
- The Slide to Power Off slider will appear on the screen, just like when you use the hardware buttons.
- Slide to Power Off:
- Slide the slider from left to right to turn off your iPhone 12.
Using AssistiveTouch is a great way to power off your iPhone 12 without needing to physically press the buttons, making it an excellent option for users with accessibility needs.
Method 3: Using the Settings App (For Some iPhone Models)
While not a commonly used method, you can also turn off your iPhone 12 using the Settings app. This option is helpful if your physical buttons are malfunctioning, or if you prefer to use on-screen menus for control.
Steps to Turn Off iPhone 12 Using the Settings App:
- Open the Settings App:
- Tap on the Settings app from your Home screen or App Library.
- Go to General:
- Scroll down in the Settings menu and select General.
- Tap Shut Down:
- Scroll to the bottom and tap on Shut Down.
- The Slide to Power Off slider will appear on your screen.
- Slide to Power Off:
- Slide the slider from left to right to turn off your iPhone 12.
This method provides an alternative for turning off your iPhone 12, especially if you’re unable to use the hardware buttons.
Method 4: Troubleshooting: What to Do If Your iPhone 12 Won’t Turn Off
While turning off your iPhone 12 is usually a simple task, there may be times when your device doesn’t respond as expected. Below are some troubleshooting steps you can take if your iPhone 12 is not turning off.
1. Force Restart Your iPhone 12:
- Sometimes, a frozen iPhone 12 might not respond to the normal power-off method. In such cases, a force restart can often resolve the issue:
- Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
- Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears, and then release the button.
A force restart will reboot your iPhone 12 and should allow it to function properly.
2. Check for Software Updates:
- An outdated version of iOS could cause your iPhone 12 to malfunction, including preventing it from turning off.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update and check if there’s a new version of iOS available.
- Install any updates to ensure your iPhone 12 is running the latest system version.
3. Reset All Settings:
- If you continue to experience issues, resetting all settings might resolve the problem. This will not delete your data, but it will reset system settings such as Wi-Fi passwords, wallpaper, and display preferences.
- Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.
After the reset, try turning off your iPhone 12 again.
Method 5: What to Do if Your iPhone 12 Won’t Turn On After Turning It Off
In rare cases, your iPhone 12 might not turn on after you’ve turned it off. Here’s how to troubleshoot if your device won’t power up:
- Check for Battery Charge:
- Ensure that your iPhone 12’s battery isn’t dead. Plug the device into a charger and wait for a few minutes. After this, try pressing and holding the Side button to see if it powers on.
- Force Restart:
- If your iPhone still doesn’t turn on, attempt the force restart procedure outlined above. A force restart can often resolve startup issues by rebooting the device.
- Connect to iTunes (or Finder on macOS):
- If your iPhone 12 remains unresponsive, connect it to a computer with iTunes (on Windows or older versions of macOS) or Finder (on macOS Catalina and later).
- If your iPhone 12 is detected by iTunes or Finder, you may be able to restore or update the device to fix the issue.
- Contact Apple Support:
- If all else fails, and your iPhone 12 is still unresponsive, it may require professional assistance. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store or authorized service provider for help.
Conclusion
Turning off your iPhone 12 is an essential skill for all users, whether you need to troubleshoot, conserve battery, or simply power down for a while. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily turn off your device using the Side button and Volume buttons, AssistiveTouch, Settings, or troubleshooting methods if needed.
The iPhone 12 provides several ways to turn off the device, giving you flexibility based on your preferences or needs. Whether you’re managing battery life, resolving glitches, or preparing your device for storage, these methods will ensure you can power down your iPhone 12 with ease.
Remember, if your iPhone 12 isn’t responding to typical power-off methods, don’t panic. Try a force restart or software update to get everything working again. With the right knowledge and these simple steps, you’ll be able to handle any power-off situation on your iPhone 12 efficiently.