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Published on: 23.06.2023 | updated on: 01.04.2024
The first time your iPhone randomly turns itself off, you might rightfully brush it off as nothing. But if this keeps happening, it's time to look into the problem and try to fix it, which is what our guide can help you with. Supported by the expertise of our technicians and tech experts, we've prepared a guide that will help you fix your iPhone that turns itself off.
Our guide follows a structure that's both logical and helpful, starting with a user-friendly, but in-depth troubleshooting process and then progressing into diagnosis, only to finally help you fix your iPhone.
Troubleshooting the problem will involve steps such as checking the battery and the charger as well as performing a soft reset. This will be followed by tried-and-tested fixes such as a hard reset or using a new charger. We will also discuss advanced problems, such as the aftermath of overheating.
In the vast majority of cases, our guide covers everything you need to diagnose and fix your iPhone that turns itself off. However, if none of our steps help, we will help you decide whether it's time to contact a repair service and get your phone fixed by a professional. One way or another, with the help of our guide, you'll fix your iPhone and prevent this problem from happening again.
iPhones may turn off at random sometimes, regardless of whether you're using the latest iPhone 15 or an older model, such as the iPhone 8. The causes are similar across phones both new and old, and are usually one of, or a combination of, the following:
Your iPhone's battery health may have fallen below a certain threshold, meaning that it can no longer hold a charge
Faulty apps or firmware issues glitch the phone out
Your phone may be overheating and is shutting itself down as a security measure
Once you pinpoint the issue with the help of our guide, there are several ways to address it at home. For instance, if the issue pops up after you've updated your phone or tried a new app, a soft reset and uninstalling the faulty app may be all that it takes. To do that, follow these steps:
Uninstall any recently downloaded apps, even if they come from trustworthy sources
Restart your phone
If the problem keeps happening, try a soft restart by pressing and releasing the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button, and lastly, pressing and holding the Side button
Doing the above, as well as trying out a new charger or a different outlet, usually addresses the problem and should get your iPhone to stop turning itself off. Even if the problem is slightly more advanced, such as a firmware problem, it can be remedied by installing a new update or restoring your iPhone via a PC or a Mac.
In rare cases, the problem may be hardware-based or so deeply rooted in the iPhone's software that you may be unable to fix it by yourself. We point out these scenarios in our guide, so don't worry—we'll let you know when it's time to give up on the DIY route and consult a professional repair service.
At Simply Fixable, our expertise lies in troubleshooting, diagnosing, and fixing all kinds of problems with the iPhone, including bothersome issues such as the iPhone turning itself off. Throughout this article, the steps we provide have been carefully refined based on our experience dealing with this problem over countless different instances. The information found in this article comes from our highly experienced repair technicians, and the guide has been written by a tech journalist who personally tested every method.
If your iPhone keeps turning off by itself, it can be very infuriating, especially if you use it for business purposes. There are many reasons why your iPhone turns itself off, but some of the main reasons are mentioned below:
Damaged or overused battery
Outdated software or software bugs
Overheating your phone
Hardware issues
Water damage
Malfunctioning app
Too many background apps running
Missing sensor data
Logic board problems
Brute force damage
Imagine you are in a middle of a meeting, and your iPhone turns off; frustrating, isn’t it? Any such issue in your iPhone can disrupt your work duties, communication, and daily activities. There can be many reasons why your iPhone acts in such a way, but by following some basic steps, you might be able to make your iPhone work again.
iPhone has a loyal customer base mainly due to its impressive functionality. However, like any other electronic device, iPhones can come up with their own issues. One such issue is that it keeps turning off and on by itself.
If you noticed that your iPhone turned off and on by itself it is important to prevent the issue from happening again. Let’s look at the ideal prevention to avoid iPhone turns itself off problem:
Ensure the phone is updated often
Close all your apps when you are not using them
Avoid water or moisture near the phone
Always keep a cover on the phone to protect it from drops.
Avoid downloading apps that have bad ratings
Like many other phones, iPhones, too, can cause many issues which can disturb your daily routine. One such issue is iPhone turning on by itself after turning off. If you have ever faced this issue, there can be a few reasons behind it which can be resolved easily by following some steps.
After the phone is fixed and the problem is gone, you need to have preventative measures in place to avoid needing the same repair again in the future.
Keep an eye on the battery health if it gets towards 80% then you need a replacement ASAP as when it gets less than 80%, it can switch off and will not turn back on.
Avoid overcharging the device, as this can degrade the battery quickly
Clean the phone out and remove apps, photos, and documents you don't need. Too much junk can cause the phone to malfunction
Restart the phone every now and again to reset everything
Update the device whenever there is an update pending
Delete incompatible apps or ones that have caused problems before like iPhone turns itself off
One of the most annoying issues that can happen with an iPhone is the device shutting off even with the battery left in it. This mishap is not pinned down to any specific iPhone model, as it has become increasingly common in many devices. Fortunately, there are a number of solutions that you can follow to fix this issue if you find the exact reason why this is happening.
There are several things you can try to prevent this from occurring again.
Turn on battery optimization so your battery can charge safer
Close apps that you are not using
Always use Apple-certified products like charging cables and plugs
Download a legit phone troubleshooter to keep an eye on problems
Restart the phone every few days to fix any minor glitches
Avoid using the phone in high-humidity or moisture-prone areas
While new iPhone devices rarely report any issues, when you have used a device for a long time, it starts to create issues. One of the common issues is iPhone turning off when you unlock it. The main reason could be the damaged battery, but there are many other causes behind it.
Avoid overcharging the phone as it degrades the battery
Ensure you have optimized battery changing turned on
Only charge the phone when it is extremely low
Always update the phone when you get a notification that an update is available
iPhones are constantly evolving throughout the years. But, with these new innovations comes new issues that might show up, especially after an update. Users of iPhone 11 can relate to it as this specific device has reported to have an issue where iPhone 11 randomly shut off and won't turn back on.
Ensure you pop the phone on the charger when the battery is getting low
Always update when there is one available to keep things running smoothly
Replace the battery when the battery health is close to 80%
Delete any apps that are causing problems
Do not jailbreak the phone it causes so many problems that cannot be resolved
This may seem very disappointing when you put your hard-earned money into a new phone, and it starts creating issues. The last year’s iPhone 13 was nothing but a beast, but people had reported that this specific device randomly shuts off. Here is why this issue happens and how you can resolve it:
Preventing the problem is important to avoid the need to pay repair fees again. Here’s how you can do it.
Don’t expose the phone to extreme temperatures it can overheat
Uninstall apps you don't use or are causing problems
Keep your phone updated at all times
Keep the phone away from liquid and moisture
iPhone 14 Pro has dominated the market ever since it was released last year. People have been saying nothing but praise about how good this new model is. But, on the other hand, many have complained about a common issue: iPhone 14 pro turns off randomly. By following simple steps, you may be able to fix this issue.
Keep your phone updated, which can help avoid software glitches
Clean out the phone of old, unused apps, pictures and documents
Avoid downloading anything from suspicious sites or emails
Keep the phone at optimal temperature and don’t put it in direct sunlight
Avoid playing with the phone while it is charging
It can be frustrating when your iPhone turns itself off during a call or midway through texting a message. There are a few things that can cause this with some having easy solutions and others that will need professional advice.
A degraded battery
Water damage
Overheated battery
If your phone has a degraded battery, it is most likely due to overcharging or overheating, as it will turn off to protect itself. Sometimes, letting the battery cool down will get the phone back in working order. If the heat has caused damage, you will need a new battery. Unfortunately, water damage can only be fixed by a professional.
Avoid overcharging the phone, as it can significantly degrade your battery
Turn on optimized battery charging to help keep the battery healthy
Try not to expose the phone to harsh temperatures
Why does your iPhone randomly turn off? We have the answers and what you can do to fix the problem and prevent the iPhone turns itself off issue.
The phone is too hot, so it shuts off to cool down
Software or an app is malfunctioning
The battery is flat
The battery is failing
Problem with the motherboard
Water damage
Update the phone if possible
Conduct a soft result on the phone. > Do a soft reset by pressing and releasing the volume up switch then do the same for the volume down. Then press and hold the button on the side until the Apple logo appears. The phone will proceed to start up.
Try charging the phone with a new apple branded charger
For overheating let it cool in a dark place
For degraded battery and water damage, you will need a professional for those repairs.
The best thing you can do when an iPhone shuts off randomly is to ensure you have preventative measures in place.
Keep the phone updated
Restart the phone every now and again to fix glitches
Use a proper Apple-certified charger
Don’t overcharge the phone
Keep it away from water
If your iPhone is turning itself off when charging it is most likely a charging problem.
The phone is overheating
You may have too much open and running in the background
Playing with the phone while charging
Defective charger or cord
Dirty or wet charging port
Cool the phone down by placing in a dark spot for an hour or two
Close open apps that you dont need running in the background
Stop playing with the phone when charging and see if it charges ok after
Try using a new Apple branded charger
The powerpoint could be defective try using another one and see if problem persists
Leave the phone to dry if there is a notification stating the port has water in it
Clean the port out with a soft brush if you suspect there is something in there
Avoid using or leaving the phone in hot areas
Try to close open apps before you charge the phone
Turn the phone off while charging to prevent you from playing with it
Always use Apple certified chargers
Keep any type of liquid away from the phone
Keep a cover over the port to avoid dust, dirt and water from entering
If you are experiencing iPhone turns off by itself problem there are a few thigns that you can try to see if it fixes the problem. If none of the tips below help you, then you may need to consider seeking advice from a professional repair store.
The battery is flat
Damaged battery
A glitch in the system
Overheating
Phone died while updating
When too hot it will turn off and not turn back on. Wait till it cools down
Do a soft reset: Do a soft reset by pressing and releasing the volume up switch then do the same for the volume down. Then press and hold the button on the side until the Apple logo appears. The phone will proceed to start up.
Try charging the phone in case it is dead flat
Ensure the phone is fully charged before installing an update
Do a soft reset every now and again to fix minor problems
If the battery is degraded replacing it will stop it turning off
Keep the phone optimally charged all the time
Are you experiencing issues with your iPhone turning off unexpectedly even when there is enough battery left, and then not turning back on? Read on to learn about the reasons behind this problem and how to resolve it.
Several things can cause the iPhone keeps turning itself off problem such as a glitch in the system, software or app malfunction, flat battery, failed battery, and water damage.
Check to make sure the charger and cord are working properly and have charged the phone
For water damage and a degraded battery, repairs will need to be seen by a professional at the Apple store or other third-party repairer
A soft reset can fix any app malfunctions and glitches
First of all, make sure you are not overcharging the phone by leaving it sitting on the charger overnight or for hours at a time. You also want to make sure that no water or food gets into the charging port or other parts of the phone which can cause them to not charge or to corrode.
Looking after your battery is important to avoid damaging it and reducing its lifespan.
There are various reasons as to why your phone keeps turning off. From overheating to a degraded battery. In a lot of cases, it is linked to the battery due to being degraded and not working properly. Try to limit how many times you are charging the phone, avoid overcharging it, and play with the phone while it is charging. Avoiding these things can help to keep your phone healthy.
If you find your iPhone 13 Pro Max keeps turning off first close all your apps and unistall any recent ones as corrupted apps can cause problems with the phone. It is also recommended to try charging your phone with a new charger as the previous one may be faulty and isn't charging the phone properly. Finally, ensure the phone is not overheating. When the phone is too hot, it can turn off to try and cool itself down.
Does your iPhone keep shutting down even when you have charged it? Check out the reasons below and what you can do to stop it from happening.
Hardware issues
Software issues
Degraded battery
Water damage
Other types of damage from being dropped
The phone temp is too high
First, try another charger in case that one isn't charging the phone sufficiently
Close any apps causing problems or recently installed apps
Check your battery health if it is 80% or under it is degraded and needs replacing ASAP
If you drop the phone, then the internals could be broken and need professional repair
Leave the phone alone to cool down for a few hours
Keep the phone updated so everything can run smoothly
Avoid overcharging the device, as it causes battery failure
Avoid downloading any apps that don’t have good ratings or seem fake
Keep a hardcover on the phone to protect it when you drop it
Avoid using the phone around liquid or keeping it in moist areas
Is your iPhone 15 turning off by itself? While it can be frustrating there is a common problem that can cause this to happen. Let’s look at what it could be.
Overheating is a common problem that can happen to your phone and cause it to overheat. Having too many apps open, a degraded battery, using the phone while charging, and having a phone that’s full can cause the phone to overheat.
Avoid using the phone while charging
Do not leave the charger in overnight
Clear out the phone of old files and photos you no longer need
A degraded battery will need to be replaced
Give your phone a good clean out every few months
Use optimized battery charging
Check your battery usage to ensure it doesn't get down too low and start causing problems
Always turn the phone off to avoid using it while charging
It is important to look after your phone to ensure it is kept healthy and avoid the need for costly repairs. You can try our tips below. Alternatively you can check this video out.
Always use a hard cover to protect from drops
Always use Apple-certified chargers and accessories
Never overcharge the device
Avoid using it while charging as it can overheat
Delete old files and pictures to keep space free
Close apps you are not using
Avoid downloading apps from unreliable sources
Do not jailbreak the phone
Consider scanning software to detect corrupted files
Delete any apps that are causing problems
Keep the phone away from water and moisture
You might have enabled any option due to which the alarm turns off by itself. Check if you have enabled Do Not Disturb Mode. If yes, disable it before turning the alarm on. Also, make sure your alarm volume is loud enough to wake you. If the problem persists, contact Apple Store for further assistance.
There can be a software bug due to which the flashlight turns off by itself. Try rebooting your phone, and this should fix the problem.
Your router might be causing issues due to which the Wi-Fi on your phone keeps turning off. Try restarting your Wi-Fi device and see if it helps.
Your iOS might be outdated, or you might have enabled Low Data Mode on your device. You can fix this problem by going to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will reset the cellular settings and may fix the issue.
One of the reasons behind this issue is you may have enabled “Do Not Disturb Mode”. You can easily turn it off by going to settings and then clicking on Do Not Disturb.
If you are not connected to your Wi-Fi for a long time, your iPhone can switch location off. You can fix this issue by going to system services on your phone and turning the location on.
If your device transmitter or receiver is out of range, Bluetooth can turn off by itself. If you want the Bluetooth to remain on, ensure the devices are close to each other.
Have you turned this option on “share across devices”? This might be causing this issue. If you want “Do Not Disturb” to remain on, switch off the option of sharing across devices.
In case you decide to take your iPhone to proefssionals to fix, here's Simply Fixable's average iPhone repair costs:
Simply Fixable |
Apple |
|
Avg iPhone repair cost |
$110.88 |
$261.85 |
Table. iPhone repair cost
*Data in the given table is based on Simply Fixable's market research and the official Apple website
iPhone turning off unexpectedly can be caused by many factors, mainly battery or software issues. If you are an iPhone user and face any of the issues, follow the easy tips mentioned above, and hopefully, it can fix your issue without any professional help.
Reviewed by Monica J. White
Linkedin: Monica J.White
Expertise: Technology, PC Hardware, Software, Gaming
Monica is a journalist with a lifelong interest in technology. Monica attended King's College London and obtained her bachelor's degree in English Language and Linguistics. She then went on to get a master's at that same university, this time focusing on Global Media Industries. She first started writing over ten years ago and has made a career out of it, with a special focus on PCs and mobile devices. She enjoys the challenge of explaining complex topics to a broader audience, whether it's how semiconductors work or how to troubleshoot a tablet. Her work has previously appeared in Digital Trends, Tom's Hardware, Pay.com, SlashGear, Forbes, Springboard, Looper, Money, WePC, and more.
Tech Writer | Photographer
LinkedIn: Madiha Khadim
Madi is a dynamic tech writer with a passion for simplifying complex concepts. Her expertise lies in creating clear and concise guides, blogs, manuals, and tutorials that empower users to navigate the technological landscape with ease. Throughout her career, Madi has worked with numerous leading tech companies, collaborating with engineers, developers, designers and marketers to create user manuals, FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and tech articles, on the websites such as "Technology Castle" and "Bilzimo". She can transform intricate technical jargon into user-friendly language, empowering users to understand and utilize products effectively.
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