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Published on: 04.03.2024 | updated on: 04.03.2024
Is your iPhone refusing to power down no matter how many times you attempt to turn it off? Don’t panic, there are several practical troubleshooting tips that can be followed to get an unresponsive iPhone to successfully turn off. In this article, we will discuss why your iPhone is failing to turn off, and also provide solutions to fix the problem while sharing our insights on what to do to prevent the issue in the future. So, read on until the very end to understand why it happens and what to do about it.
In this detailed guide, we’ll address the most common question: “Why won’t my iPhone turn off”? Some of the common causes include software bugs, screen damage, or overheating. We’ll also guide you through the troubleshooting process and mention some quick fixes such as updating the iOS, force restart, and as simple as cooling your iPhone down.
It can be concerning if your iPhone is failing to turn off. This could happen due to a variety of reasons, ranging from software to hardware problems. Here are some common reasons why your iPhone might not be turning off:
Sometimes, a temporary software glitch can prevent the phone from shutting down.
If the touch screen is not responding, you won't be able to slide to power off.
A damaged power button or screen may prevent your device from turning off.
If the phone is overheating, it might fail to turn off.
While the issue is surely concerning and even sometimes exhausting, here is what you can do if your iPhone is not turning off:
Perform a force restart. This is the most effective way to resolve the problem. Press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button, and then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears
Check the physical buttons for any damage. Impact on the button can prevent it from functioning so inspect if the lock button is damaged.
Try connecting your iPhone to iTunes and reset the device from there.
Let the iPhone's battery drain completely until it shuts off on its own, then charge it and turn it back on or you can also wait for the system to turn the screen off itself due to auto-lock.
If the iPhone is working, check for an iOS update to resolve known bugs and issues.
Here is why your iPhone won’t turn off even with a hard reset and how you can fix it:
The system might be frozen or unresponsive, which is not letting the device turn off.
There might be hardware issues like a faulty power button.
A glitch in the iOS causing the phone not to turn off.
Force restart by pressing Volume Up, Volume Down, and then holding the Side button until the logo appears.
Fully drain the battery to force the iPhone to power off.
Backup data and reset to factory settings by going to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Check for and install the latest iOS update.
In case of hardware issues, get it replaced by a skilled technician.
If your iPhone is frozen, and won’t turn off or reset, here is why it could happen and how you can fix it:
An app is not responding and is stuck in a loop.
The lock button is damaged.
There are bugs or glitches in the operating system.
The internal components are damaged.
Hard reset by pressing Volume Up, and Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
Completely drain the battery to force shutdown.
Update to the latest iOS version.
If none of the above works, take your device to a nearby repair store for inspection.
If your iPhone screen is not turning off, there could be a few reasons behind it:
A system or a software glitch is affecting the screen.
If you have a case over your iPhone, it might be applying pressure on the screen, preventing it from turning on.
The Auto-Lock setting is set to “Never”.
Change the Auto-Lock settings by going to Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock and then choose a time frame.
Remove the case from your iPhone and check if the issue is resolved.
Perform a force restart as mentioned above.
If nothing works, it’s recommended that you seek help from a reliable phone repair store near you.
Here is why it is happening and what to do if your iPhone won’t turn off with the side button;
The side button might be damaged or stuck.
A temporary software issue might be preventing the button from functioning properly.
Your iPhone case is blocking the button, causing it to not respond.
Clean the button with a soft cloth to remove the dirt. In case of any damage, contact a repair store.
Force restart your iPhone to resolve temporary software glitches.
Ensure your iPhone's software is up to date. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates.
Temporarily use Assistive Touch to lock or turn off your iPhone. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Assistive Touch and turn it on.
If the button is physically damaged or if none of the above solutions work, it's best to contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service center.
Some of the most popular reasons why your iPhone won’t turn off are as follows:
Software glitches can sometimes prevent your iPhone from turning off or won’t let you open any apps.
Insufficient storage space on your iPhone may prevent the apps from opening.
If your iOS software is outdated, it can affect some apps.
Perform a forced restart to fix the software glitches.
Delete unnecessary files and apps from your iPhone to clear some space.
Look for any iOS update in the settings and update to the newer version.
As a last resort, take your device to the Apple store if none of the above steps work.
iPhone 11 won’t turn off? Find below some reasons and solutions to fix this issue:
The physical lock button is damaged or being blocked by the phone case causing it to not function properly.
The iPhone 11 screen is frozen or unresponsive.
There is a software glitch in the iOS that is preventing the device from turning off.
For the damaged button, enable the Assistive Touch option by going to Settings > Accessibility > Touch. This will help you restart the device without using the button.
Force restart your iPhone 11 by pressing and quickly releasing the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button, and then press and hold the Side button until the logo appears.
Update the iOS of your iPhone 11 to the latest version to fix software glitches.
iPhone 12 may refuse to turn off for many reasons, some of which are mentioned below:
There is an issue with the iPhone 12 screen, either because it's damaged or experiencing a freeze, which can result in the screen not responding to touch.
Damage to the lock button or obstruction from a phone case can cause it to malfunction.
A glitch within the iPhone 12’s iOS software, causing it not to power off.
To temporarily address a damaged lock button, enable Assistive Touch for screen management through Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Assistive Touch.
Allow the battery to run out naturally or wait for the auto-lock feature to turn off the screen.
Reset your iPhone's settings by going to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.
Ensure your device is updated to the latest iOS version via the Settings app.
Users of iPhone 13 encounter this issue when their iPhone 13 won’t turn off. Here is why it is happening and what you should do to fix it:
Damage or obstruction from a phone case to the lock button might result in malfunctioning.
The iPhone software could have a glitch that prevents the device from shutting down as it should.
The iPhone 13 screen may be unresponsive to touch due to damage or a freezing issue, hindering normal operation.
Remove the iPhone 13 case to check if it turns off through the button.
Check for and install any available iOS updates in Settings to rectify software issues.
Activate Assistive Touch in Accessibility settings for virtual button use if the physical button is damaged.
If nothing works, have an authorized technician thoroughly inspect your iPhone 13 and fix the issue.
iPhone 14 is one of the most reliable phones by Apple. But it can encounter some issues, such as not turning off. Here are some reasons behind it:
An unresponsive or damaged screen could be a reason for the iPhone 14’s inability to turn off, affecting interaction with shutdown commands.
A glitch in the iOS can also cause system malfunctions, leading to issues like the device not powering off as expected.
The iPhone might not turn off due to a damaged or blocked physical button, which can prevent proper functionality.
There could be many reasons why your iPhone 14 Pro won’t turn off. It may happen due to an unresponsive screen, damage to the screen or power button, or software bugs.
Sometimes, the case over your iPhone 14 Pro Max can obstruct the buttons, preventing the screen from turning off. Bugs in the app or broken screen can also lead to this issue.
Force restart a frozen iPhone by pressing and releasing the Volume Up button, Volume Down button, and then the Power button until you see the Apple logo.
Allow the iPhone battery to drain itself out over time until the phone powers down. This may help turn it off.
Check Settings and download the latest iOS update for your device.
Schedule an appointment with a trustworthy repair store in your area to inspect the buttons and display of your iPhone 14.
iPhone 15 is the latest beast in the market by Apple. But like previous models, users have been complaining about the phone not turning off. There could be some simple reasons such as software glitches or damaged lock button.
Issues with the iOS, such as glitches, might disrupt normal operations, including the capability to power down the device.
The power button is either damaged or obstructed, which might hinder the iPhone's ability to switch off.
The screen's unresponsiveness or damage could prevent the iPhone 15 from turning off.
Perform a hard reset on your iPhone 15 to fix the software issues.
Update to the latest iOS version by checking for updates in Settings.
Allow the battery to deplete or wait for the auto-lock to turn off the screen.
Restore your iPhone 15 with iTunes by connecting it to a computer. Then, locate your iPhone, click on “Summary,” and then, on the right tab, click on “Restore iPhone”.
Have a skilled technician inspect the physical lock button and the screen of your iPhone 15.
Here is why your iPhone XR won’t turn off and what you should do to fix it:
A software glitch has occurred due to a recent iOS update containing bugs.
The iPhone screen has either sustained physical cracks or water damage or is experiencing a complete software freeze.
The lock button on the iPhone is damaged or blocked by a phone case, which causes the button to not function properly when trying to power down the device.
Consider resetting your iPhone by connecting it to iTunes, as mentioned earlier.
Either wait for the battery to run out or for the auto-lock feature to switch off the screen.
Perform a hard reset of your device.
Ensure your iPhone is up-to-date by checking for iOS updates in the settings.
Have the lock button and screen checked by a certified Apple technician.
Here is how you can prevent the iPhone from not turning off in the future;
Keep your iPhone's software up to date.
Close apps that are not in use to free up storage space.
Utilize a good quality protective case that doesn't obstruct any buttons or ports and offers adequate protection against physical damage.
Regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud or your computer. This ensures that your data is safe and can be easily restored if needed.
Be gentle with your iPhone. Avoid dropping it, and be cautious not to exert too much pressure on buttons.
An iPhone not responding to commands to turn off can be annoying as it can affect your phone’s battery and also ruin the user experience. However, it can often be resolved through some troubleshooting steps. By performing some of the steps mentioned in the guide, such as trying resets, letting the battery drain completely, and using Assistive Touch, amongst others, you may be able to solve the issue. If the problem continues, head to a repair store for help.
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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