Knowing how to close an iPhone can mean a few different things: turning the phone off, closing an app, or restarting a device that is frozen. The right method depends on what you want to do and which iPhone model you have. This guide explains how to shut down an iPhone using its buttons or Settings, how to close apps, and what to try if your iPhone will not respond.
Turning off your iPhone is useful when you need to conserve its battery, troubleshoot a problem, or simply stop using it for a while. Closing an app can help when that app is stuck, although routinely force-closing every app is usually unnecessary. Follow the steps below to choose the right option for your situation.
How to Turn Off an iPhone With Buttons
The button combination depends on your iPhone model. On most newer iPhones, you can use the side button and either volume button to bring up the power-off screen.
- iPhone X and later, including iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and newer models: Press and hold the side button and either volume button at the same time.
- iPhone 6, 7, 8, and iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generations): Press and hold the side button. If the power-off slider does not appear, try holding the side button and a volume button together.
- iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone 5, and earlier models: Press and hold the top button.
When the power-off slider appears, drag the slider from left to right. Your iPhone screen will go dark, and the device will shut down after a few seconds. If you see an Emergency SOS slider, keep holding the buttons only long enough to display the controls, then use the power-off slider. Avoid holding the buttons for an extended time unless you intend to use an emergency feature.
To turn the iPhone back on, press and hold the side button or top button until the Apple logo appears. Release the button and allow the phone to finish starting up. If it does not turn on, connect it to a charger and try again after a few minutes.
How to Turn Off an iPhone Without Using the Buttons
If a button is broken, difficult to press, or inconvenient to reach, you can shut down your iPhone through the Settings app. This method is available on iPhones running recent versions of iOS.
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Scroll to the bottom of the screen.
- Tap Shut Down.
- Drag the power-off slider to turn off the iPhone.
You can also use AssistiveTouch as an on-screen alternative for some button functions. To enable it, go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch and turn on AssistiveTouch. The on-screen menu can provide shortcuts for device controls, though the exact options may vary by iOS version. If you only need to shut down the phone, the Shut Down option in General is usually the simplest approach.
How to Close an App on an iPhone
Closing an app removes it from the app switcher. The gesture depends on whether your iPhone has a Home button.
On an iPhone without a Home button: Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and pause near the middle. Wait for the app switcher to appear, then swipe left or right to find the app. Swipe up on the app preview to close it.
On an iPhone with a Home button: Double-click the Home button to open the app switcher. Find the app by swiping through the previews, then swipe up on its preview to close it.
To return to the Home Screen without closing an app, swipe up from the bottom of the screen on newer models, or press the Home button on models that have one. Leaving an app this way does not necessarily close it. iOS may keep it suspended in the background so it can reopen more quickly.
Should You Force-Close iPhone Apps?
Most of the time, you do not need to close apps just because they appear in the app switcher. iOS manages background activity and pauses many apps when you are not using them. Swiping away every app can make it take longer to reopen them and is not a reliable way to improve battery life.
Force-close an app when it is frozen, behaving incorrectly, or refusing to load properly. After closing it, wait a moment and open it again. If the same issue continues, check whether the app has an update in the App Store, restart your iPhone, or contact the app developer.
If an app is using an unusual amount of battery, you can check its usage instead of closing all your apps. Open Settings > Battery and review the activity shown for each app. Background activity can be normal for apps that provide services such as navigation, music, or location updates, but the battery screen can help you spot an app that is using more power than expected.
How to Force Restart a Frozen iPhone
A force restart is different from closing an app or turning off an iPhone normally. It can help when the screen is frozen or the buttons and display are not responding. A force restart does not usually erase your data, but use it only when a normal shutdown is not possible or does not fix the problem.
- iPhone 8 and later, including iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generations): Quickly press and release the volume-up button. Quickly press and release the volume-down button. Then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
- iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold the volume-down button and the side button together. Release both when the Apple logo appears.
- iPhone 6s, iPhone SE (1st generation), and earlier models: Press and hold the Home button and the side or top button together. Release them when the Apple logo appears.
On models that require a sequence, press and release the volume buttons quickly rather than holding them down. Keep holding the final button until the Apple logo shows; it may take several seconds. If your iPhone remains unresponsive, charge it for at least 30 minutes and try the force-restart steps again.
What to Do if Your iPhone Will Not Turn Off
If the power-off slider does not appear, check that you are pressing the correct button or combination for your model. On an iPhone with Face ID, hold the side button and either volume button together. On an older model, use the side button, top button, or Home-button combination described above.
If the screen is responsive but the physical buttons are not working, shut down through Settings > General > Shut Down. If the screen is frozen, try a force restart. Remove a case or accessory if it is pressing a button unintentionally, and make sure the buttons are not blocked by dirt or debris. Do not insert sharp objects into the buttons or charging port.
If the phone repeatedly turns back on, overheats, or cannot complete a restart, disconnect accessories and let it cool in a safe place. Do not place it in a refrigerator or freezer. Persistent problems may require support from Apple or an authorized service provider, especially if a button is damaged or the phone has been exposed to liquid.
Does Turning Off an iPhone Save Battery?
Turning off your iPhone stops most activity until you switch it on again, so it can be useful if you will not use the device for an extended period. For everyday battery management, you usually do not need to power down the phone or force-close all apps. Instead, lower screen brightness, enable Low Power Mode when appropriate, and check Settings > Battery for apps or settings that are using significant power.
Restarting can also help resolve minor software issues, such as an app that will not open or a connection that is behaving strangely. A restart is not a substitute for installing software updates or addressing a damaged battery, but it is a simple troubleshooting step to try before seeking help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I close an iPhone completely? To shut down the whole phone, use the appropriate button combination for your model and drag the power-off slider. You can also open Settings > General > Shut Down.
How do I close an app without turning off my iPhone? Open the app switcher, find the app, and swipe up on its preview. Use a swipe-up gesture and pause on models without a Home button, or double-click the Home button on models that have one.
Will closing apps delete my data? Closing an app normally does not delete its saved data. However, unsaved work in an app may be lost if the app closes unexpectedly, so save your work before force-closing it whenever possible.
How often should I turn off my iPhone? There is no required shutdown schedule. You can turn it off whenever you want, or restart it when troubleshooting. For routine use, it is fine to leave the iPhone on.
Conclusion
To close an iPhone completely, use its buttons or choose Settings > General > Shut Down, then drag the slider. To close just one app, open the app switcher and swipe up on its preview. If the iPhone is frozen, use the force-restart sequence for your model. Choosing the right method makes it easier to shut down, troubleshoot, or manage an app without taking unnecessary steps.
Disclaimer: Articles are written by Humans, AI or Both. Verify Important information.
Shrewdnia
Shrewdnia is a destination for curious minds seeking clarity, knowledge, and informed perspectives. Through insightful articles and practical guides our passionate team explores a wide range of topics designed to help readers understand the world around them, make smarter decisions, and stay informed in an ever-changing landscape.
