Knowing how to restart an iPhone 6s is a fundamental skill that ensures the device runs smoothly, especially when it feels sluggish or unresponsive. This specific model, released in 2015, relies on 3D Touch and a unique hardware button for its operation, which means the restart process differs from newer iPhones without a physical home button. This guide provides the exact steps to perform both a standard restart and a force restart, ensuring you can resolve minor software glitches effectively.
Understanding the iPhone 6s Hardware
The iPhone 6s features a signature physical home button that serves multiple functions, including returning to the main screen and activating Siri. Unlike newer models, this hardware component is integral to the device's operation and is used specifically for the restart process. The integration of 3D Touch allows the device to distinguish between a simple tap and a press-and-hold action, which is the key to initiating a restart. Recognizing these hardware capabilities is essential for following the correct procedures.
Standard Restart Procedure
A standard restart is the ideal first step when your iPhone 6s is acting slowly or an app is malfunctioning. This method safely closes all background activities and refreshes the operating system without erasing any data. It mimics the function of a power button on other electronics and is the least disruptive way to troubleshoot minor issues.
Steps to Restart
Locate the Side Button on the right edge of your device.
Press and hold the Side Button until the Slide to Power Off slider appears on the screen.
Swipe the slider from left to right to completely turn the device off.
After a few seconds, press and hold the Side Button again until you see the Apple logo.
Wait for the home screen to load, indicating the restart is complete.
Force Restart for Frozen Devices
When your screen is unresponsive or the device is completely frozen, a standard restart will not work because the touch input is not registering. In this scenario, you need to perform a force restart, which manually resets the device's hardware. This technique tricks the phone into rebooting by simulating a power cut, and it is a safe procedure that will not delete your photos, messages, or apps.
Force Restart Steps
Follow these steps in sequence to successfully reboot your device when it is stuck.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, the physical buttons on the iPhone 6s can accumulate dust or debris, preventing them from being pressed correctly. If the device does not respond to the force restart method, check the buttons for obstructions. Additionally, if the phone remains stuck on the loading screen after a restart, it may require a software update or connection to iTunes to restore the operating system, although this is rare for typical restarts.
