iPhone Keeps Restarting on Its Own? Here’s How to Fix It

ByRonald Updated on iPhone
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Is your iPhone randomly restarting out of nowhere? It could be a glitchy app, a bug in iOS, or a deeper hardware issue. Before you book a Genius Bar appointment, there are a bunch of simple fixes you can try to stop the reboot loop and get your iPhone back to normal.

This guide walks you through all the proven troubleshooting steps — from quick reboots to deep system restores — to fix an iPhone that keeps restarting itself.

1. Force Restart Your iPhone

Sometimes, a forced restart is all you need to fix a glitchy system.

On iPhone 8 or later:

  • Press and release Volume Up.
  • Press and release Volume Down.
  • Hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.

On iPhone 7/7 Plus:

  • Hold Volume Down + Power together until you see the Apple logo.

On iPhone 6s or earlier:

  • Hold Home + Power until the Apple logo shows.

This won’t erase your data — it just refreshes the system.

2. Delete Problematic Apps

If your iPhone started restarting after installing or updating an app, that app might be the cause.

To uninstall it:

  1. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
  2. Scroll and tap the app you suspect is causing the issue.
  3. Tap Delete App, then confirm.

Restart your iPhone and check if the issue is gone.

3. Update All Apps and iOS

Outdated apps or a buggy iOS version can lead to random crashes and restarts.

To update apps:

  1. Open the App Store.
  2. Tap your profile icon at the top.
  3. Tap Update All.

To update iOS:

  1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
  2. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.

After updating, restart your iPhone and monitor for reboots.

4. Reset All Settings

If something in your settings is corrupted (often after an iOS update), this can fix it without wiping your data.

To do it:

  1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  2. Tap Reset > Reset All Settings.
  3. Enter your passcode and confirm.

This resets Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and preferences — not your personal files.

5. Reseat or Replace Your SIM Card

Believe it or not, a loose or damaged SIM can cause restart issues, especially if the iPhone struggles to connect to the network.

Here’s what to do:

  1. Turn off your iPhone.
  2. Use a SIM ejector tool or paperclip to remove the SIM tray.
  3. Remove the SIM, inspect for damage, then reinsert it properly.
  4. Slide the tray back in and power on the phone.

Try using your iPhone for a while and see if it still restarts.

6. Factory Reset via iTunes (or Finder)

If the problem persists, you can erase your iPhone completely and restore it to factory settings. This is best done through a computer.

Steps:

  1. On your Mac or PC, open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
  2. Connect your iPhone using a Lightning cable.
  3. Select your iPhone once it appears.
  4. Click Restore iPhone.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

This will wipe everything — back up first if you want to keep your data.

7. Restore in Recovery Mode

If your iPhone crashes too often to finish a factory reset, use Recovery Mode.

To enter Recovery Mode (iPhone 8 or later):

  1. Connect your iPhone to the computer.
  2. Press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down.
  3. Hold the Side button until the Recovery Mode screen appears.

Choose Restore when prompted in iTunes/Finder.

8. DFU Mode Restore (Deepest Fix)

If all else fails, a DFU restore might be your last shot before repair. This reloads the firmware and operating system from scratch.

How to enter DFU mode (iPhone 8 or newer):

  1. Connect iPhone to your computer.
  2. Press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down.
  3. Hold Side button until screen goes black.
  4. As screen turns black, press and hold Volume Down for 5 seconds.
  5. Release the Side button, keep holding Volume Down for 5 more seconds.

If the screen stays black and iTunes/Finder detects the iPhone, you’re in DFU mode.

Click Restore when prompted. If the Apple logo appears, you didn’t get into DFU mode — try again.

Still Restarting? It Might Be Hardware

If your iPhone keeps rebooting after all software resets and restores, you might be looking at a hardware issue. Potential causes include:

  • Water or liquid damage
  • Faulty battery
  • Logic board damage

What to do:

  • Visit an Apple Store or authorized service provider
  • Or contact Apple Support online for diagnostics

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