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2 Ways to Hard Reset iPhone (iPhone 8 to 17 and Older)

Alvin Cantero

Posted by Alvin Cantero to iOS Recovery Apr 17, 2026

Every iPhone user faces a moment when a simple power off won't work, especially in scenarios like a frozen screen or when the touch interface is not responding. For this, you can get things moving again by knowing how to hard reset iPhone. While the process is straightforward, specific steps depend on which model you're using. Thus, today's guide is here to dive into two proven ways to force reset iPhone models, alongside tips and comparisons about resetting iPhone.

How to Hard Reset iPhone 8 and Later Models

When a simple restart fails, a hard reset is the most reliable way to jumpstart your device's hardware. Doing so won't delete your data, but it does force your processor to reboot quickly to eliminate system glitches. Modern iPhones without a Home button have a specific set of steps to eliminate glitches. So, to help you hard reboot iPhone 8 and the latest series, here's the specific combinations to use:

Step 1Quickly press and release the "Volume Up" button, and repeat the same action with the "Volume Down" button.

Step 2Following that, press and keep the "Power" button on hold until your screen goes black and flashes the Apple logo.

Hard Reset iPhone 8 And Later

Hard Reset iPhone 7/7 Plus and Models Older than 6/6s

Moving to classic designs, if you're using an iPhone 7 or older than 6/6s, the hard reset depends on the physical Home button at the bottom of the screen. Here, identifying your specific model's layout is needed since using the wrong button combinations may result in a screenshot or volume change. Use the following steps based on your specific models to force restart iPhone:

How to Hard Reset iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:

Hard Reset iPhone 7 And 7 Plus

Step 1Press and hold the "Volume Down" button and the "Power" button at the same time for about 10 seconds.

Step 2Release the buttons only once the Apple logo shows up on your screen.

How to Hard Reset iPhone 6s, SE (1st Gen), and Older:

Hard Reset iPhone 6 And Older

Step 1Find the "Home" button on the front and the "Power" button on the top or side.

Step 2Press and keep both on hold until your screen turns black and shows the Apple logo.

Bonus Tips to Recover the Data After Hard Resetting iPhone

While doing an iPhone hard reset is generally safe for your files, sometimes, unexpected crashes can lead to data loss. Therefore, to guarantee your digital life safety, it is wise to have a recovery method ready: 4Easysoft iPhone Data Recovery. This software offers a streamlined way to safeguard your iOS device by creating backups that are more accessible than cloud-based alternatives. Also, it lets you preview specific files before recovering, so you can have total control over what returns to your iPhone. It is a lightweight yet powerful tool that covers all recent iOS versions and hardware models.

iOS System Recovery
4Easysoft iOS System Recovery

Quickly secure all your iOS data to a computer with a single clip.

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Fast and safe scanning of data, ensuring no existing files will be sacrificed.

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Step 1Begin by launching 4Easysoft iPhone Data Recovery on your computer. Plug in your computer using a reliable USB cable. To make sure the recovery process can proceed, unlock your iPhone screen and tap "Trust" to grant access to your device.

Trust This Computer

Step 2Within the main screen, navigate to "iPhone Data Recovery" and aim for the "Recover from iOS Device" mode. Once selected, click the "Start Scan" button to allow it to perform the scan, searching for any files that may have been lost during the hard reset.

Recover from iOS Device Start Scan

Step 3After the scan concludes, your data will be categorized by type. Simple head to the file category to preview it, such as videos, pictures, messages, etc. Select the file you wish to get back and click the "Recover" button to export and save it safely.

Choose The Desired Data to Recover
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The Difference Between Restarting, Hard Resetting, and Factory Resetting

Finally, to prevent confusion in the future, it is nice to categorize the different types of resets you might encounter to manage your iPhone. Having the right approach depends on how your iOS device is behaving and whether you want to keep your personal data safe. While a simple restart is enough for minor glitches, more reset methods are for serious freezes. Knowing their difference can ensure you maintain your device's performance without any sudden data loss.

Here's a quick comparison of Restart, Hard Reset, and Factory Reset an iPhone:

Feature Standard Restart Hard Reset (Force Restart) Factory Reset
Main Use Case Minor bugs or app lag. Unresponsive buttons or frozen screens. Fixing deep system errors.
Difficulty Level Easy Moderate Advanced
Data Impact No data is deleted. No data is deleted. Wipes all data and settings.
Device State iPhone must be responsive. iPhone can be unresponsive. iPhone must be unlocked and accessible.

Conclusion

Mastering how to hard reset or force restart iPhone is a vital skill for every user, ensuring a frozen screen won't disrupt your day. Today, you have learned the steps for modern iPhones with Face ID and older models with a physical Home button. Also, you understand the clear distinctions between a restart, a hard reset, and a factory reset. While hard resetting an iPhone is a safe procedure, sometimes crashes may occur, so give yourself peace of mind with 4Easysoft iPhone Data Recovery. This tool scans your device at a fast speed and retrieves lost photos, videos, messages, and more after a major system hiccup. Keep everything secure with this utility today!

Free Download

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Free Download

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Alvin Cantero

Alvin covers common iPhone & Android problems and practical ways to solve them. His work centers on iOS data recovery, phone unlocking, storage cleanup, and device-to-device transfers. Alvin tests tools in real scenarios, like forgotten passcodes or accidental data loss. His writing avoids jargon and gets straight to the point. The goal is simple: help users fix iPhone issues quickly without risking their data.