How to Force Restart an iPhone 6 in 3 Simple Steps

Is your iPhone 6 faulty? Frozen screens, unresponsive apps, and software bugs can be frustrating, but there’s a simple solution waiting for you. Enter the force restart—a powerful troubleshooting method that can bring your device back to life.
This user-friendly guide will walk you through the three simple steps needed to force reset your iPhone 6. Whether you’re tech-savvy or a beginner, you’ll find this method quick and easy.
When Should You Force Restart an iPhone 6?
Before jumping into the step-by-step process, let’s go over situations where a force restart might be necessary:
- Frozen Screen – Your iPhone 6 becomes completely unresponsive to touch.
- App Crashes – Some apps won’t open or keep freezing unexpectedly.
- Stuck on the Apple Logo – Your device turns on but gets stuck during boot-up.
- Performance Issues – Your iPhone slows down drastically or starts behaving erratically.
- Black Screen with Vibrations or Sounds – The display is black, but the phone still vibrates or receives notifications.
In most cases, these issues result from temporary software glitches, which a force restart can fix. Unlike a normal restart, a force restart is more effective at resolving deeper system issues.
Pre-Restart Precautions: What to Do First
Before performing a force restart, take these precautions to avoid data loss:
✔ Save your work – If possible, save open files or documents to prevent losing unsaved data.
✔ Disconnect from a computer – If your iPhone is plugged into a computer, unplug it to avoid data corruption.
✔ Check battery levels – If your battery is low, charge your iPhone before attempting a restart.
✔ Wait for updates to finish – If your iPhone is installing an update, let it complete the process to avoid further complications.
The Three-Step Guide to Force Restarting an iPhone 6
Now, let’s get to the actual process. Follow these three simple steps to force restart your iPhone 6:
Step 1: Press and Hold the Sleep/Wake Button
- Locate the Sleep/Wake button on the top-right side of your iPhone 6.
- Press and hold the button firmly.
Step 2: Press and Hold the Home Button
- While still holding the Sleep/Wake button, locate the Home button at the bottom center of the front panel.
- Press and hold the Home button at the same time.
Step 3: Wait for the Apple Logo
- Keep holding both buttons for about 10 seconds.
- Once you see the Apple logo, release both buttons.
And that’s it! Your iPhone 6 will restart, potentially resolving any issues you were experiencing.
Want to Restart a Different iPhone Model?
Recently, we wrote about force restarting newer iPhone models. If you’re interested, check out:
- How to Force Start an iPhone X in 4 Easy Steps – The process is different since the iPhone X has no Home button.
- Restarting an iPhone 7 Plus by Force – If you own an iPhone 7 Plus, follow this guide instead.
Extra Tips for a Smoother Restart Process
To make sure your force restart goes smoothly, keep these additional tips in mind:
- Timing is crucial – If you release the buttons too early, the restart might not work. Hold them for at least 10 seconds.
- Press firmly but carefully – Apply enough pressure, but avoid pressing too hard, as it might damage your iPhone.
- Clean your buttons – Dust or debris around the Home and Sleep/Wake buttons can cause unresponsiveness. Use a soft, dry cloth to clean them.
- Check for iOS updates – After restarting, check for software updates in Settings > General > Software Update to prevent future issues.
- Free up space – If your iPhone storage is nearly full, delete unnecessary apps or files to improve performance.
- Update your apps – Outdated apps may cause crashes. Make sure your apps are up to date in the App Store.
- Back up your data – If you frequently need to force restart your iPhone, regular backups are highly recommended to prevent data loss.
If your iPhone 6 has been exposed to water, it’s important to take immediate action. Read Do’s and Don’ts for Water-Damaged Phones before attempting any repairs.
What If Force Restart Doesn’t Work?
If your iPhone 6 is still experiencing issues after a force restart, you might have a more serious software or hardware problem.
- Persistent software issues? You may need professional repairs. Explore iPhone 6 Repair Services for expert help.
- Need a trusted repair technician? MrFIX Electronics offers expert iPhone repair services to diagnose and resolve any hardware or software issues.