Restart Rescue: How to Reboot a Frozen iPhone or Android the Right Way

Restart Rescue: How to Reboot a Frozen iPhone or Android the Right Way

When your phone stops responding, knowing how to restart it properly can save time, stress, and even your data. Here's how to perform both a standard and force restart on iPhone and Android.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

June 8, 2025

You're mid-call, juggling apps, or just checking your email when your phone suddenly freezes. 

No swipes. 

No taps. 

Just the digital equivalent of a cold stare. 

Before you head to a repair store or panic-reboot your phone 20 times, take a breath. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Force a Restart.

Whether you're using an iPhone or an Android device, there's a correct way to reboot - and knowing the difference between a normal and a force restart is key.

Standard Restart: The Safe Way to Reboot

Before you force anything, always try the normal restart. 

It's gentler on the system and allows the OS to close apps properly and save data.

iPhone (All Models)

1. Press and hold the Side button and either Volume button until you see the power-off slider.
2. Slide to power off.
3. After the screen goes black, hold the Side button again until the Apple logo appears.

Android (Most Devices)

1. Hold the Power button (sometimes called Side or Lock) until a menu appears.
2. Tap Restart or Power Off, then turn the phone back on manually.
3. Some Androids (like Samsung) have a Restart button directly in the power menu.

Force Restart: When Your Phone is Completely Frozen

When your screen won’t respond, the buttons don't work, and everything seems locked up, a force restart is your emergency eject button.

Force Restart for iPhone

iPhone 8 or later (Face ID models)

1. Quickly press and release Volume Up.
2. Quickly press and release Volume Down.
3. Hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.

iPhone 7 / 7 Plus

1. Hold the Volume Down + Side button until the Apple logo appears.

iPhone 6s, SE (1st gen), or earlier

1. Hold the Home + Top/Side button until the Apple logo appears.

Force Restart for Android Devices

General Android (Google Pixel, Motorola, etc.)

1. Hold the Power button for 30 seconds until the device restarts.

Samsung Devices

1. Hold Volume Down + Side (Power) button together for 7–10 seconds.

Other Brands (LG, OnePlus, etc.)

1. Try Power + Volume Down for 10–20 seconds. 
2. If that doesn't work, try Power + Volume Up.

What You’ll Gain

• Regain control of a frozen phone without losing your data.
• Learn safe troubleshooting steps before resorting to factory resets.
• Save time, stress, and a trip to tech support.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Instant recovery from crashes or unresponsive states.
• Works even when screen is black or touch input fails.
• Doesn’t delete any personal data or apps.

Cons:

• Unsaved changes in apps may be lost.
• Frequent use could indicate underlying software issues that need attention.

Key Takeaways

• Use a normal restart when possible to avoid disrupting app operations.
• Reserve force restart for when your device is frozen and unresponsive.
• Mastering both methods keeps you productive and in control.

Try It Yourself

Test both restart methods on your device (without forcing a crash) so you’re confident when it matters. Know someone who always panics when their phone locks up? 

Share this article and help them stay cool and in control.

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned tech expert, is the mastermind behind www.OneCoolTip.com where he serves as both writer and editor. With a keen eye for simplifying complex tech, Rodger delivers practical advice that empowers readers to navigate the digital world with confidence. Dive into www.OneCoolTip.com for a treasure trove of savvy tips and tricks that keep you one step ahead in tech.

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