iPhone won't turn off? 5 ways to shut it down
On iPhones with Face ID, holding the side button alone opens Siri instead of the power menu. That is the most common reason people think the phone will not turn off.
The fix
5 ways to turn off an iPhone
- 1
Use the right buttons for your model.
iPhone X and later (Face ID): hold the side button and either volume button. iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation), 8 and earlier: hold the side (or top) button alone. Then drag the slider.
- 2
Turn it off from Settings.
Go to Settings › General, scroll to the bottom and tap Shut Down. This works even if a button is broken.
- 3
Ask Siri.
Say “Siri, turn off my iPhone” and confirm.
- 4
Force restart a frozen iPhone.
Press and release volume up, press and release volume down, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. When it responds again, use one of the methods above.
- 5
Use AssistiveTouch if a button is broken.
Go to Settings › Accessibility › Touch › AssistiveTouch and turn it on. Tap the floating button, then Device › More › Restart, or use Lock Screen as a replacement for the side button.
Slider does not respond to your finger?
If the power off slider appears but will not move, the touch screen has frozen. Force restart the iPhone. If the screen still does not respond to touch after the restart, see our guide to an iPhone touch screen that is not working.
Frequently asked questions
Why does holding the side button open Siri?
On iPhone X and later, holding the side button alone activates Siri. To turn the phone off, hold the side button and either volume button together until the slider appears.
How do I turn off my iPhone if the screen is frozen?
Force restart it: press volume up, press volume down, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. Once it restarts and responds, turn it off normally.
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