How to Turn Off / Restart iPhone 16, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max

Despite being one of the most popular smartphones in 2024, many users still struggle to turn off or restart their new iPhone 16 models. In fact, with Apple’s continuous updates and button changes over the years, it’s no wonder users often find themselves puzzled over the simplest tasks like powering down their devices. If you’re among those wondering how to turn off, restart, or even force restart your iPhone 16, 16 Pro, or 16 Pro Max, this guide is here to help.

In this guide, we learn different methods to power off, restart, and force restart iPhone 16 models, so you can handle any situation—whether it’s a routine shutdown or troubleshooting an unresponsive device.

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1. How to Turn Off Your iPhone 16, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max

Turning off your iPhone may seem straightforward, but Apple has made a few changes in recent models that might catch you off guard.

Method 1: Using Buttons

1. Press and Hold the Side Button and Volume Button:
   • Press and hold either the Volume Up or Volume Down button along with the Side button on the right side of the device.
   • Wait for the Power Off slider to appear.
   • Slide it from left to right to turn off your iPhone.
2. Wait for the Screen to Go Black: This confirms your iPhone is fully powered off.

This method is quite similar to previous iPhone models, but Apple’s recent iOS updates have also introduced new ways to shut down your device without using hardware buttons.

Method 2: Using Settings Menu

If the physical buttons aren’t working or you simply prefer not to use them:

1. Go to Settings > General.
2. Scroll to the bottom and tap Shut Down.
3. Slide the Power Off slider to turn off your device.

Method 3: Turning Off via Control Center (iOS 18)

With iOS 18, Apple has added a new shortcut:

1. Swipe down from the top-right corner to open the Control Center.
2. Tap and hold the Power icon (if available).
3. Slide the Power Off slider to shut down your device.

These options give you flexibility in managing your device, especially if you’re dealing with hardware issues.

Also read: How to Recover Recently Deleted Photos in iOS 18 on iPhone

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2. How to Restart iPhone 16, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max

Unlike Android devices, iPhones traditionally do not have a dedicated restart option. However, there are multiple ways to reboot your iPhone effectively.

Using Buttons (Soft Restart)

1. Press and Hold the Side Button and Volume Button:
   • Hold them until the Power Off slider appears.
2. Release the Buttons:
   • Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.
   • After the device is off, press and hold the Side button again until the Apple logo appears.

Restart Using Siri (iOS 16 and Later)

Siri can also help you restart your device:

1. Activate Siri by saying “Hey Siri” or by holding the Side button.
2. Command Siri to “Restart my iPhone.”
3. Confirm by saying “Yes” or tapping Confirm on the screen.

This feature is perfect if your hands are full or if you want a hands-free option.

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3. Force Restart: When Your iPhone is Unresponsive

Sometimes, your iPhone might freeze or become completely unresponsive. This is where a force restart comes in handy.

Steps to Force Restart

1. Quickly Press and Release the Volume Up Button.
2. Quickly Press and Release the Volume Down Button.
3. Press and Hold the Side Button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

This method is particularly useful if your iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo, has a frozen screen, or is not responding to touch inputs. Don’t worry—this won’t delete any of your data; it just reboots the system.

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4. Using AssistiveTouch to Restart iPhone

If your physical buttons are not functioning, you can use AssistiveTouch to restart your iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch.
2. Enable AssistiveTouch.
3. Tap on the floating AssistiveTouch button on your screen.
4. Go to Device > More (three dots) > Restart.

This method ensures that even if your buttons are broken, you still have full control over your iPhone’s power options.

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5. Quick Tips for iPhone Maintenance

Restarting your iPhone periodically can help with performance, especially if you notice your device getting slow or apps crashing frequently. Here are some additional tips:

• Clear Background Apps: Regularly closing background apps can free up memory.
• Update iOS: Keeping your iOS updated ensures you have the latest optimizations and bug fixes.
• Reset Settings: If persistent issues occur, consider resetting all settings (this won’t delete your data, just preferences).

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6. Troubleshooting Common Power Issues

If you’re experiencing difficulties turning off or restarting your iPhone, it could be due to software glitches or hardware malfunctions. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

• iPhone Won’t Turn Off: Try a force restart as described above.
• iPhone Stuck on Apple Logo: Use iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later) to restore your device.
• Persistent Freezing: Check for software updates or consider a factory reset as a last resort.

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7. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Will Force Restarting My iPhone Delete My Data?

No, a force restart simply reboots your device without affecting your data.

Q2: How Often Should I Restart My iPhone?

It’s good practice to restart your device once a week to keep it running smoothly.

Q3: Can I Turn Off My iPhone Without Using the Buttons?

Yes, by going to Settings > General > Shut Down or using the AssistiveTouch feature.

Q4: How Can I Schedule My iPhone to Turn Off or Restart Automatically?

Unfortunately, iPhones do not have a built-in feature to schedule automatic shutdowns or restarts like some Android devices. However, you can set up a workaround using Shortcuts:

1. Open the Shortcuts app.
2. Create a new automation.
3. Set a trigger (like a specific time of day).
4. Add the action to turn on Airplane Mode (simulating a shutdown).

Note: This doesn’t fully power down your device but can help reduce distractions at certain times.

Q5: What Should I Do If My iPhone 16 Won’t Turn Back On?

If your iPhone 16 won’t turn on, try the following steps:

• Force Restart: Follow the force restart method by pressing Volume Up, Volume Down, then holding the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
• Check the Battery: Plug your iPhone into a charger and leave it for 15–30 minutes to ensure it has enough power.
• Restore Using iTunes/Finder: If it still doesn’t power on, you may need to connect it to a computer and use iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later) to restore the device.

These steps often resolve most power-related issues​.

Q6: Can I Restart My iPhone Without Using Any Buttons?

Yes, if your hardware buttons are unresponsive, you can restart your iPhone using AssistiveTouch:

1. Enable AssistiveTouch under Settings > Accessibility > Touch.
2. Tap on the AssistiveTouch menu, select Device, then More, and tap Restart.

Alternatively, you can ask Siri to “Restart my iPhone” if you’re running iOS 16 or later​.​

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Q7: What is the Difference Between a Soft Restart, Force Restart, and a Reset?

Soft Restart: Simply turning your iPhone off and on again. It’s a normal restart that doesn’t affect any data.

• Force Restart (Hard Reset): Used to fix unresponsive devices. It involves a specific button sequence (Volume Up, Volume Down, and holding the Side button) to reboot your iPhone.
• Reset: This can mean different things, such as resetting settings, network settings, or a factory reset which erases all content. Be cautious, as factory resets will delete all your data​.

Q8: Why is My iPhone 16 Turning Off Randomly?

If your iPhone is shutting down unexpectedly, it could be due to:

• Battery Health Issues: Check the battery health under Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. If the maximum capacity is below 80%, it may need replacing.
• Software Bugs: Make sure your iOS is up-to-date. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
• Overheating: iPhones may power off to prevent damage if they get too hot. Remove any case and let it cool down​.

Q9: Can I Use My iPhone While It’s Restarting?

No, once you initiate a restart, your iPhone will go through the shutdown and startup process, making it temporarily unusable. The process usually takes a minute or two, depending on your iPhone’s performance and the number of apps installed.

Q10: Is It Safe to Force Restart My iPhone Often?

While force restarting is generally safe, it should not be your go-to solution for everyday problems. It’s best used for troubleshooting freezes, crashes, or unresponsive behavior. Repeatedly force restarting can cause minor wear on internal components over time​.

Q11: How Do I Fix a Frozen App Without Restarting My iPhone?

If an app becomes unresponsive, try these steps before restarting your iPhone:

1. Swipe up from the bottom (or double-click the Home button if you have one) to open the App Switcher.
2. Swipe the problematic app upward to close it.
3. Reopen the app from the Home screen.

If the issue persists, consider uninstalling and reinstalling the app.

Q12: Can I Turn Off My iPhone Using Siri While It’s Locked?

No, for security reasons, Siri cannot power off your iPhone while it is locked. You will need to unlock your device first before Siri can execute shutdown or restart commands.

Q13: How Can I Turn Off My iPhone If the Screen is Unresponsive?

If your screen isn’t responding, you can still shut down your iPhone by using a force restart. Alternatively, if AssistiveTouch is enabled, you can navigate through the virtual menu to turn off your device without using the touchscreen.

Q14: Does Restarting My iPhone Delete Any Data?

No, restarting or force restarting your iPhone does not delete any data. It simply refreshes the system, clears temporary glitches, and improves performance.

Q15: What is the Best Way to Restart My iPhone to Improve Performance?

For routine maintenance:

1. Close all background apps.
2. Use the soft restart method (using buttons or settings).
3. Restart your iPhone at least once a week to keep it running efficiently.

Doing so can help resolve minor bugs, improve battery life, and maintain optimal performance.

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By knowing these methods, you can easily manage your iPhone 16, 16 Pro, or 16 Pro Max, whether you’re shutting it down, restarting for performance, or troubleshooting unexpected issues. Stay ahead of the tech curve by mastering these essential skills for your latest iPhone device.