How to Hard Reset an Unresponsive iPhone (Keep Your Data)

If your iPhone screen goes black, freezes, or the touch function completely stops responding, you don’t necessarily have a broken phone. Often, a system crash requires a “hard reset” to reinitialize the hardware.

Here is how to perform a hard reset for your iPhone without wiping any data.

Note: If at any point in this process you see or hear the SOS emergency countdown, you held the wrong buttons. Let go, cancel the SOS, and start over.

The iPhone Hard Reset Sequence

Step 1: Unplug the Device

Unplug the device from any charging cable.

Step 2: Volume Up

Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.

Step 3: Volume Down

Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.

Step 4: Hold Power

Press and hold the Power (Side) button.

Do not let impatience get hold of you! Keep holding the power button. This can take up to 40 seconds. As soon as you see the Apple logo appear on the screen, it is safe to release the button.

[!TIP] Did the Hard Reset Fail to Turn the Screen Back On?
If you held the power button for 40 seconds and the screen stays black (especially if the phone still buzzes or rings), your display panel or touch digitizer has suffered a physical hardware failure.
👉 Check Your Exact iPhone Screen Price in 10 Seconds (30–60 Min Turnaround) →

What If It Didn’t Work?

If your iPhone restarts and the Apple logo appears, your touch function should be reinitialized and working perfectly.

However, if your screen remains black after a full 40-second hold, or if the phone turns on but the touch function still does not work, it is a physical display failure. If you are in the Chicago Loop, visit us at Arbor Mac (8 S Michigan Ave, Suite 312). Enter 8 S Michigan Ave, check in briefly with the lobby security desk for Suite 312 (Arbor Mac), and take the elevators to the 3rd Floor! We keep replacement displays in stock ($110–$160) for 30 to 60 minute walk-in service, never require your passcode for screen repairs, and back every screen with our Limited Lifetime Warranty. You can also calculate your instant quote online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does performing a hard reset (Volume Up, Volume Down, Hold Power) erase my photos or contacts?

No. A forced hard reset only cuts and restarts power from the battery to the processor—similar to unplugging and restarting a desktop computer. Your photos, apps, and personal data are completely untouched.

Why is the SOS Emergency Slider popping up when I try to hard reset?

The SOS screen appears if you hold the Volume button and Side Power button at the same time. Make sure to tap and quickly release Volume Up, tap and quickly release Volume Down, and then hold ONLY the Side Power button by itself.

What does it mean if my iPhone still has a black or frozen screen after holding Power for 40 seconds?

If a hard reset doesn't bring the display back—especially if the phone still vibrates or chimes—the physical display panel or touch digitizer has failed. You can walk into our Chicago Loop office for a free quick check and a 30–60 minute screen replacement ($110–$160 for most models).