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Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your iPhone’s power button stops working and your screen becomes unresponsive? It can be incredibly frustrating, as it leaves you unable to restart your device or perform any basic functions. However, there are alternative methods that you can use to restart your iPhone without relying on the power button. In this blog post, we will explore those methods and guide you through the steps of restarting your iPhone when it is frozen or the power button is not functioning.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Restart Your iPhone
Restarting your iPhone is a common troubleshooting method if you are experiencing issues such as freezes, crashes, or unresponsive apps. It helps to clear temporary files, free up memory, and refresh the device’s software. By restarting your iPhone, you can resolve minor software glitches, improve performance, and ensure that your device is functioning optimally.
Method 1. How to Restart iPhone via AssistiveTouch
AssistiveTouch is a handy accessibility feature on your iPhone that allows you to perform various functions using virtual buttons on your screen. Follow these steps to restart your iPhone using AssistiveTouch:
Step 1: Enable AssistiveTouch
– Go to "Settings" on your iPhone.
– Scroll down and tap on "Accessibility."
– Tap on "Touch."
– Under the "Physical and Motor" section, tap on "AssistiveTouch."
– Toggle the switch to enable AssistiveTouch.
Step 2: Access the AssistiveTouch Menu
– A small floating button will appear on your screen. Tap on it to open the AssistiveTouch menu.
Step 3: Restart Your iPhone
– Tap on "Device" in the AssistiveTouch menu.
– Tap and hold on "Lock Screen" until the power off slider appears on the screen.
– Swipe the power off slider to turn off your device.
Step 4: Turn Your iPhone Back On
– Press and hold the side button (or volume up button on iPhone X and newer models) until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
– Release the button and wait for your iPhone to restart.
Pros:
1. Easy and straightforward process to restart iPhone without the power button.
2. AssistiveTouch can be customized to perform various functions beyond just restarting your device.
Cons:
1. Requires enabling AssistiveTouch, which may take some time and adjustment if you are not familiar with the feature.
2. The AssistiveTouch button may cover a portion of your screen, which can be inconvenient for some users.
Method 2. How to Restart iPhone via Accessibility Shortcut
Another method to restart your iPhone without the power button is by using the accessibility shortcut. This method is especially useful if you have already enabled the accessibility shortcut on your device. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Enable Accessibility Shortcut
– Go to "Settings" on your iPhone.
– Scroll down and tap on "Accessibility."
– Tap on "Accessibility Shortcut."
– Select "AssistiveTouch" from the list.
Step 2: Trigger the Accessibility Shortcut
– Triple-click the home button (or the side button on iPhone X and newer models) to activate the accessibility shortcut.
Step 3: Restart Your iPhone
– A menu will appear on your screen with various accessibility options. Tap on "Device."
– Tap and hold on "Lock Screen" until the power off slider appears on the screen.
– Swipe the power off slider to turn off your device.
Step 4: Turn Your iPhone Back On
– Press and hold the side button (or volume up button on iPhone X and newer models) until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
– Release the button and wait for your iPhone to restart.
Pros:
1. Accessibility shortcut provides a quick and easy way to restart your iPhone without using the power button.
2. The triple-click gesture can be customized to activate various accessibility features, making it versatile.
Cons:
1. Requires enabling the accessibility shortcut in the settings, which may not be familiar to all users.
2. The triple-click gesture may activate accidentally, leading to unintended actions.
Method 3. How to Restart iPhone via iTunes
If your iPhone is frozen and unresponsive, connecting it to your computer and using iTunes can help you restart the device. Follow these steps to restart your iPhone using iTunes:
Step 1: Connect Your iPhone to the Computer
– Use a lightning cable to connect your iPhone to a computer that has iTunes installed.
Step 2: Launch iTunes
– Open iTunes on your computer if it doesn’t open automatically.
Step 3: Restart Your iPhone
– Press and hold the side button (or volume up button on iPhone X and newer models) and the volume down button simultaneously until the power off slider appears on the screen.
– Swipe the power off slider to turn off your device.
Step 4: Use iTunes to Restart Your iPhone
– In iTunes, click on the device icon located in the upper left corner of the window.
– Under the "Summary" tab, click on "Restore iPhone."
– Follow the prompts to restore and restart your device.
Pros:
1. Useful for more severe cases where the iPhone is completely frozen and unresponsive.
2. Provides a comprehensive restart by restoring the device to its original state.
Cons:
1. Requires a computer with iTunes installed, which may not be readily available for all users.
2. Restoring your device will erase all data, so it’s essential to have a recent backup before proceeding.
Method 4. How to Restart iPhone via AssistiveTouch and Accessibility Shortcut
If both your power button and home button are not working, you can combine the AssistiveTouch and accessibility shortcut methods to restart your iPhone. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Enable AssistiveTouch and Accessibility Shortcut
– Follow the steps mentioned in Method 1 and Method 2 to enable AssistiveTouch and the accessibility shortcut on your iPhone.
Step 2: Access the AssistiveTouch Menu
– Tap on the AssistiveTouch button on your screen to open the menu.
Step 3: Restart Your iPhone
– Tap on "Device" in the AssistiveTouch menu.
– Tap and hold on "Lock Screen" until the power off slider appears on the screen.
– Swipe the power off slider to turn off your device.
Step 4: Turn Your iPhone Back On
– Press and hold the side button (or volume up button on iPhone X and newer models) until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
– Release the button and wait for your iPhone to restart.
Pros:
1. Provides a solution for devices with both malfunctioning power button and home button.
2. Combines the convenience of both AssistiveTouch and the accessibility shortcut.
Cons:
1. Requires the initial setup of both AssistiveTouch and the accessibility shortcut, which may take some time.
2. The floating AssistiveTouch button can cover a portion of the screen, affecting user experience.
What to Do If You Can’t Restart Your iPhone
If you are unable to restart your iPhone using the methods mentioned above, there are a couple of things you can try:
1. Wait for the Battery to Drain: Allow the battery to completely drain, then connect your iPhone to a power source to turn it back on.
2. Contact Apple Support: If your iPhone is under warranty or you have AppleCare+, reach out to Apple Support for further assistance and possible repairs.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to help you make the most of restarting your iPhone without the power button:
1. Keep Your Software Updated: Ensure that your iPhone’s software is up to date to prevent glitches and improve performance. Regular software updates often include fixes for known issues.
2. Use AssistiveTouch for Other Functions: Explore the various functions offered by AssistiveTouch beyond restarting your iPhone. Customize the virtual buttons to perform actions like taking screenshots, accessing Siri, or adjusting volume.
3. Protect Your iPhone Buttons: To prevent future issues with your power button, consider using AssistiveTouch or the accessibility shortcut as your primary method of turning your iPhone on/off, or invest in a protective case that covers the buttons.
5 FAQs
Q1: Will restarting my iPhone erase all my data?
A: No, restarting your iPhone will not erase any data. However, please note that restoring your device through iTunes (mentioned in Method 3) will erase all data, so it’s important to have a backup.
Q2: Can I restart my iPhone without any external tools or buttons?
A: Yes, by using AssistiveTouch or the accessibility shortcut as mentioned in Methods 1, 2, and 4, you can restart your iPhone without relying on any physical buttons.
Q3: Will the AssistiveTouch button remain on the screen after restarting?
A: The AssistiveTouch button will disappear after restarting your iPhone. It will reappear after enabling the AssistiveTouch feature again.
Q4: How long does it take for the iPhone to restart?
A: The restart process usually takes a few seconds. However, depending on the device model and any underlying issues, it may take a bit longer in some cases.
Q5: Can I use these methods on all iPhone models?
A: Yes, these methods can be used on various iPhone models, including iPhone 5, iPhone 6, iPhone 7, iPhone 8, iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, and newer models.
Final Thoughts
Restarting your iPhone without the power button is a handy skill to have in case of emergencies or button malfunctions. By using AssistiveTouch, the accessibility shortcut, or connecting to iTunes, you can restart your iPhone and resolve various issues without the need for physical buttons. Remember to keep your iPhone’s software updated and explore the different functions that AssistiveTouch offers to enhance your user experience.