Whether you’re unboxing your very first iPhone or restarting a device that’s been powered off for a while, knowing exactly how to turn on your iPhone is essential. While it may seem simple, Apple has made slight changes across different models, especially with the evolution of Face ID, Home buttons, and newer button layouts.
In this in-depth, beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through how to power on any iPhone model, what to do if your iPhone won’t turn on, and how to manage first-time startup settings. If you’re wondering why your iPhone screen is black or stuck on the Apple logo, we’ve got solutions for that too.
🔌 Why You Might Need to Turn On Your iPhone
Here are common scenarios where turning on your iPhone is necessary:
- After buying a new device
- After the battery dies or gets drained
- Following a system update or restore
- When troubleshooting a frozen or unresponsive phone
- After a manual shutdown for travel, sleep, or storage
Whatever the case, getting your iPhone powered on properly is the first step to using its features.
✅ How to Turn On Any iPhone (Step-by-Step)
Turning on your iPhone is simple. Here’s how to do it for any iPhone model, including those with Face ID and Home buttons.
📲 Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Locate the Side or Top Button
- On newer iPhones (iPhone X and later), the Side button is on the right-hand side of the phone.
- On older models like iPhone SE, 5, or 6, the power button may be on the top.
- Press and Hold the Power Button
- Hold it for about 3 to 5 seconds.
- Release it when the Apple logo appears on the screen.
- Wait for the Boot-Up Process
- After the Apple logo shows up, the screen will transition to the Lock Screen or Setup Screen, depending on the phone’s state.
That’s it! Your iPhone is now powered on and ready to use.
📦 Turning On a Brand-New iPhone for the First Time
If you just unboxed a new iPhone, powering it on is the first step in the setup process.
What You’ll See:
- Apple logo during boot
- “Hello” screen in different languages
- Prompts to select your language, country, and region
- Options to set up manually or use Quick Start from another device
Follow the on-screen instructions to set up Wi-Fi, Face ID/Touch ID, Apple ID, and restore data from a backup (if needed).
Tip: Keep your old iPhone nearby if you’re transferring data via Quick Start.
🔋 What to Do If Your iPhone Doesn’t Turn On
Sometimes, pressing the power button doesn’t do anything. If your iPhone won’t turn on, try the following fixes.
🔋 1. Charge Your iPhone
If your iPhone battery is completely drained, the screen may remain black for several minutes—even after plugging it in.
What to Do:
- Use a certified Lightning to USB cable and power adapter.
- Plug it into a wall outlet—not a computer port.
- Let it charge for at least 15–30 minutes.
- Then press and hold the power button again.
You should eventually see a charging screen or Apple logo.
⚙️ 2. Try a Force Restart
If your iPhone is stuck or frozen, a force restart can help bring it back to life.
Force Restart by Model:
- iPhone 8 and newer (including iPhone SE 2nd/3rd Gen):
- Press and release Volume Up
- Press and release Volume Down
- Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears
- iPhone 7 / 7 Plus:
- Press and hold Volume Down + Side button simultaneously
- Release when Apple logo appears
- iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, SE (1st Gen):
- Press and hold Home + Top (or Side) button
- Hold until Apple logo appears
A force restart doesn’t delete data. It simply reboots your phone if it’s unresponsive.
🧯 3. Check for Hardware Damage
If your iPhone has been dropped or exposed to water, it may have internal damage preventing it from turning on.
Signs to Look For:
- No vibration or sound when pressing the power button
- Cracks around the screen or body
- Water in charging port or SIM slot
- Unusual heat or no response while charging
If you’re unsure, it may be time to consult Apple Support or a technician.
🔄 4. Restore Using a Computer (Advanced)
If your iPhone shows the Apple logo but doesn’t boot past it, you might need to restore iOS using a Mac or PC.
⚠️ This process may erase your data if not backed up.
Steps:
- Connect your iPhone to the computer via USB
- Open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (PC)
- Put the iPhone into Recovery Mode
- Select Restore or Update when prompted
This process can help fix software glitches, but it’s best used if all else fails.
🧭 How to Tell If Your iPhone Is Already On
Sometimes, your iPhone may already be on, but the screen is off. Here’s how to check:
- Press the Side or Home button once
- Look for vibration, sound, or the Lock Screen
- Plug it into a charger—if it dings, it’s on
- Ask Siri something (if enabled)
📱 Power Button Locations by iPhone Model
| iPhone Model | Power Button Location |
|---|---|
| iPhone X – iPhone 15 | Right-hand Side |
| iPhone 6 – iPhone 8 | Right-hand Side |
| iPhone 5, 5s, SE (1st Gen) | Top Edge |
| iPhone SE (2nd/3rd Gen) | Right-hand Side |
Knowing where the power button is saves time and helps when troubleshooting.
🔌 Can I Turn On iPhone Without Power Button?
Technically, no, you can’t turn on an iPhone without using the power button—if it’s completely off.
However, if the iPhone is just asleep, you can wake it up by:
- Plugging it into a charger
- Using AssistiveTouch (if already enabled)
- Receiving a call or message
- Lifting the phone (if Raise to Wake is turned on)
If your power button is broken, and the phone is off, you’ll need to charge it and possibly seek repair.
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will my iPhone turn on automatically when charging?
Yes. If the battery is low but not completely dead, plugging it in usually powers it on within a few seconds.
❓ How long should I hold the power button?
Hold the button for 3 to 5 seconds. If nothing happens, try force restarting or charging the phone.
❓ Why does my iPhone only show the Apple logo?
Your iPhone may be stuck during boot. Try a force restart or connect it to a computer and restore using Finder or iTunes.
❓ What does the black screen mean?
Either your iPhone is off, the battery is drained, or it’s frozen. Start by charging it or doing a force restart.
❓ Can an iPhone turn on automatically?
Yes, iPhones turn on automatically after updates or when plugged in for charging—if not powered off manually.
🧾 Summary: How to Turn On iPhone (All Models)
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Basic Power On | Hold Side/Top button until Apple logo appears |
| If It Doesn’t Turn On | Charge for 15–30 minutes, then try again |
| If Frozen or Unresponsive | Perform a force restart based on your iPhone model |
| For First-Time Setup | Follow on-screen instructions after turning it on |
| Hardware Issues | Look for signs of damage or consult support |
🔚 Final Thoughts
Turning on an iPhone is usually quick and effortless—but when things don’t go as expected, knowing the right steps makes all the difference. Whether it’s your first time using an iPhone or you’re trying to recover from a drained battery, this guide helps you confidently turn on your iPhone and get started again.
Remember, the power button is your gateway—but a little knowledge about force restarts, charging behavior, and troubleshooting can save you a lot of stress. Once you’re up and running, you’ll have access to one of the most powerful smartphones available—ready to work, play, and connect.
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