iPhone X Keeps Shutting Off After iOS 13.3 Update? Here’s How to Fix It
If your iPhone X started randomly turning off after installing the iOS 13.3 update, you’re not alone. This kind of issue usually boils down to a software bug or a glitch introduced during the update. In rare cases, it could be hardware-related — but before jumping to conclusions, try these fixes first.
Force Restart Your iPhone X
A force restart is one of the simplest yet most effective fixes for post-update glitches.
Here’s how to do it:
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
Once your iPhone restarts, check if it still shuts down unexpectedly. If it boots up fine, the next smart move is to update your apps:
- Open the App Store.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right.
- Scroll to Available Updates.
- Tap Update All to refresh all your apps.
Outdated apps can sometimes cause stability issues, especially after a major iOS update.
Reset All Settings
Sometimes, new iOS versions tweak your settings under the hood, which can cause problems like random shutdowns. Resetting all settings puts everything back to factory defaults — without deleting your data.
To do it:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
- Tap Reset All Settings.
- Enter your passcode if prompted, then confirm.
Your iPhone will reboot. Monitor it to see if the issue returns.
Restore Your iPhone via Recovery Mode
If the force restart and settings reset don’t help, it’s time to go deeper. A recovery mode restore reloads iOS and wipes out bugs introduced during the update process.
Here’s how:
- Connect your iPhone X to a Mac or PC using a Lightning cable.
- Open Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (on Windows or older macOS).
- Quickly press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button.
- Keep holding until you see the Recovery Mode screen (not just the Apple logo).
- Choose Restore when prompted.
If the download takes longer than 15 minutes and the phone exits recovery mode, repeat the steps.
Perform a DFU Restore
Still no luck? DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is your last resort before calling in the pros. It wipes your iPhone clean and installs a fresh version of iOS — skipping the bootloader.
Here’s how to enter DFU mode on iPhone X:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer.
- Quickly press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down.
- Press and hold the Side button until the screen turns black.
- Now press and hold the Volume Down button while still holding the Side button for 5 seconds.
- Release the Side button, but keep holding Volume Down until your iPhone shows up in iTunes or Finder.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your device.
To exit DFU mode at any time, do a force restart.
Still Shutting Down?
If your iPhone X keeps turning off even after trying all of the above, it might be a hardware issue — possibly battery-related. Reach out to Apple Support or book an appointment at a nearby Apple Store for a hands-on diagnostic.