How To Force Restart iPhone 8, SE (2nd And 3rd Gen) And Face ID Models

Guide 1a · Restart & Recovery

Screen frozen or stuck on black? A force restart cuts the power to the software and starts it fresh. It takes about 15 seconds and you won't lose any photos or data.

Works on: iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation), and every iPhone with Face ID, from iPhone X through iPhone 18 Pro Max. If you have a different iPhone, the buttons are different, so use the guide for your model.

How To Force Restart

1. Press the volume up button and let go right away.
2. Press the volume down button and let go right away.
3. Press and hold the side button on the right. Keep holding, even if you see the "slide to power off" screen, and even when the screen goes dark.
4. Let go when you see the Apple logo. This can take about 10 seconds.

Do the first two presses quickly, one after the other. If you pause too long, nothing happens. Just start over.

If It Still Won't Turn On

• Plug it into a charger you trust and wait one hour. Then try the steps again.
• If you see the Apple logo but it never finishes starting, the phone may need recovery. On iOS 27 (iPhone 11 and later, SE 2nd gen and later), try iOS Recovery first. It runs on the phone, no computer needed. Older iOS needs a computer. See our recovery mode guide for your model.
• Side button broken? Try restarting without buttons.

Source: Restart an unresponsive iPhone, Force restart iPhone (Apple Support, checked Oct 18, 2026).

Franchitti's Fix LLC is an independent repair shop, not affiliated with Apple.