To reboot your iPhone 17 quickly, you need to press a specific sequence of buttons in the right rhythm. First, press and release the Volume Up button on the left side. Immediately after that, press and release the Volume Down button. Finally, press and hold the Side button on the right side of the device. Keep holding that button down until the screen turns black and the Apple logo appears. Once you see the logo, let go of the button and let the phone start up normally.
Step-by-step guide on how to reboot iPhone 17
This process is often called a force restart. It is the best way to fix a frozen screen or a glitchy app. It cuts the power from the battery to the logic board for a split second. This forces the software to reload from scratch.
Step 1: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
You need to locate the Volume Up button on the left side of your device. It is the button closest to the top of the phone. Give it a quick click and then let go immediately. Do not hold it down for more than a second. If you hold it too long, the phone might think you are trying to adjust the volume instead.
Step 2: Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
Right after you let go of the first button, move your finger to the Volume Down button. This is located directly below the Volume Up button. Click it once and release it just as fast as you did before. Speed is key here. You want to create a rapid rhythm between these two presses.
Step 3: Press and hold the Side button.
Now switch your attention to the right side of the iPhone 17. Place your thumb or finger on the Side button. Press it down firmly and do not let go. You might see the “slide to power off” slider appear on the screen. Ignore that slider completely and keep holding the button down.
Step 4: Release the Side button when the Apple logo appears.
After holding the button for about ten to fifteen seconds, the screen will go completely black. Keep holding until you see the white Apple logo pop up on the center of the screen. This is the sign that the system is rebooting. As soon as you see that logo, remove your finger from the button. The phone will now finish the startup process on its own.
After you complete this action, your iPhone 17 will take a few moments to reload the operating system. You will eventually see your lock screen. You must enter your passcode to unlock the device, as Face ID does not work immediately after a reboot. Your phone should now run smoother and faster.
Tips to help you learn how to reboot iPhone 17
- You should remove any thick protective cases if you are having trouble pressing the buttons. Sometimes a case can make it hard to feel if you have actually clicked the button.
- Timing is everything with this method. If you pause too long between the Volume Up and Volume Down presses, the phone will reset the command sequence. You have to be quick.
- Do not press the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons at the same time. This will not work. They must be pressed one after the other in a distinct order.
- If the slide to power off screen stays up and the phone does not go black, you likely let go of the side button too early. You have to be patient and keep holding it until the screen changes.
- This method is safe to use and will not delete your photos or apps. It simply clears out the temporary memory, which is like giving your phone a quick nap.
Will I lose my data if I force reboot my iPhone?
No, you will not lose any data. A reboot simply turns the phone off and back on abruptly. Your photos, messages, and apps remain safe. It is different from a factory reset.
Why is the force restart not working for me?
You are probably pressing the buttons too slowly. Try to speed up the “click, click, hold” rhythm. Also, make sure the buttons are not stuck or broken. If the Side button is broken, this method will not work.
How often should I reboot my iPhone 17?
You do not need to do this every day. It is best to do it once a week to keep things running smoothly. You should also do it whenever the screen freezes or an app crashes. Think of it as occasional maintenance.
Can I reboot if my buttons are broken?
If your buttons do not work, you can use AssistiveTouch in the settings menu. This puts a virtual button on your screen. You can navigate through the device menu to restart the phone using the touchscreen. However, this only works if the screen is responsive.
Does this work if my battery is dead?
No, a reboot requires some battery power to function. If your screen is black because the battery is drained, you need to charge it first. Plug it in for at least fifteen minutes. Then try to turn it on normally.
Summary
- Press and release Volume Up.
- Press and release Volume Down.
- Hold the Side button.
- Release at the Apple logo.
Conclusion
Taking care of your device is about more than just keeping the screen clean. Knowing how to manage the software glitches that inevitably pop up is a vital skill for any smartphone owner. When you force a restart, you are essentially clearing out the cobwebs from the phone’s short-term memory. It stops all the background processes that might be stuck in a loop. This can save you a trip to the repair shop or a frustrating call with customer support. It is a simple trick, but it is incredibly powerful.
You should try to remember this button combination. It has been the standard for iPhones for several years, and it is likely to stay that way. It is the first thing a technician will do if you hand them a frozen phone. By mastering this simple sequence, you become the master of your own technology. You no longer have to wait helplessly for the battery to drain when your screen locks up.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.
Read his full bio here.
