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10 Tech How-To

Force Restart iPhone 14: Step-by-Step Guide

Guide 10-31995 · Updated · Step by step

If your iPhone 14 is frozen, unresponsive, or the screen is black, a force restart is the quickest way to get it working again without losing any data. This guide walks you through the exact button sequence and what to do if it doesn’t work the first time.

What You’ll Need

  • Your iPhone 14 (any model: standard, Plus, Pro, or Pro Max)
  • Nothing else — no tools or computer required

Step-by-Step

  1. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button (the button on the left side, just above the mute switch).
  2. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button (the button on the left side, just below the mute switch).
  3. Press and hold the Side button (the button on the right edge of the phone). Keep holding it.
  4. Keep holding the Side button even after the Apple logo appears. Do not release it until you see the lock screen or home screen. This usually takes about 10–15 seconds total.
  5. If the screen stays black after the logo, release the Side button and try the sequence again, making sure to press the volume buttons firmly and quickly.

Common Mistakes

  • Holding the volume buttons — they should be tapped, not held. Holding them can trigger other actions or make the sequence fail.
  • Releasing the Side button too early — many people let go as soon as the Apple logo appears. You must keep holding until the home screen shows.
  • Pressing the buttons too slowly — the three presses need to happen in quick succession. If you pause, the phone may not register the command.
  • Using the wrong buttons — the Side button is on the right edge, not the top. The volume buttons are on the left edge.

Tips

  • Force restarting is safe and does not erase any data. It’s different from a factory reset.
  • If your phone is completely dead (battery drained), plug it into power and wait a few minutes before attempting a force restart.
  • If the screen is cracked or unresponsive, the force restart can still work — just press the buttons normally.
  • After the restart, your iPhone may take a minute to reconnect to Wi-Fi and cellular networks. Give it a moment.

Troubleshooting

If the force restart doesn’t work on the first try, here’s what to do:

  • Try again. Sometimes the timing is off. Repeat the exact sequence, making sure the volume presses are quick and the Side button is held firmly.
  • Check for physical damage. If the Side button is stuck or broken, the force restart won’t work. In that case, contact Apple Support or a repair shop.
  • Connect to power. If the battery is completely drained, the phone may not respond. Plug it into a charger and wait 10–15 minutes, then try again.
  • Try a different charger. A faulty cable or adapter may not deliver power. Use an Apple-certified cable and a wall outlet, not a computer’s USB port.
  • If the Apple logo appears but the phone stays on it, try a force restart again. If it still gets stuck, you may need to put the phone into recovery mode and restore it via a computer (this erases data).
  • If nothing works and the screen remains black, the issue may be hardware-related. Seek professional repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a force restart delete my data?

No. A force restart only interrupts the current session and reboots the system. All your apps, photos, and settings remain intact.

How is a force restart different from turning the phone off and on?

A normal shutdown goes through the software’s power-off process. A force restart bypasses that and directly resets the hardware, which is useful when the software is frozen.

My iPhone 14 has a black screen but the phone is warm. Will the force restart help?

Yes, a black screen that isn’t due to a drained battery often responds to a force restart. The phone being warm suggests it’s powered on but the display or software is stuck.

Can I force restart an iPhone 14 Pro Max the same way?

Yes, all iPhone 14 models (standard, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max) use the same button sequence: Volume Up, Volume Down, then hold Side.

What if my iPhone 14 is frozen but the screen is still on?

A force restart works for any unresponsive state, whether the screen is black, frozen, or showing a spinning wheel. The same steps apply.

How often can I force restart my iPhone?

As often as needed. There’s no limit or harm to the hardware. It’s a standard troubleshooting step recommended by Apple.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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