How to Turn Off Your iPhone When the Screen is Broken

A cracked screen can be a major inconvenience. Not only does it hinder your ability to interact with your iPhone, but it might also make you think you can’t turn it off entirely. Fear not! There’s a way to turn off your iPhone without needing the touchscreen or when your screen is broken.

This method uses a button combination that forces a restart, effectively powering down the phone off. Here’s how to do it depending on your iPhone model:

For iPhone X (and later) and iPhone 8/8 Plus:

1. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.

2. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.

3. Hold the Side Button (the power button on the right side) until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 7/7 Plus and earlier models with a Home button:

1. Press and hold both the Home button and the Side Button (power button) at the same time.

2. Keep holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears.

That’s it! Your iPhone will now shut down completely.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

i. This process performs a forced restart, which is essentially the same as turning your iPhone off and on again.

ii. If your screen isn’t broken but unresponsive, this method might also help resolve temporary glitches.

iii. To turn your iPhone back on, simply press and hold the Side/Power button until the Apple logo appears.

With this knowledge, a broken screen won’t leave you stranded with a constantly running iPhone. You can now confidently perform a forced restart and get your device back under control.

Here are some frequently asked questions about turning off an iPhone without a touchscreen:

1. Q: Will this process erase any data from my iPhone?

A: No, forcing a restart will not erase any data from your iPhone. It’s a safe way to turn your phone off and on again, similar to a regular restart.

2. Q: My iPhone model isn’t listed here. What should I do?

A: If you have a newer iPhone model with a Face ID and no home button, the method for forcing a restart is the same as for iPhone X and later (Volume Up, Volume Down, Hold Side Button).

For older models with a home button but not listed specifically (like iPhone 6S or SE), the method involves holding the Home button and Side button together.

If you’re unsure about your model, a quick web search for “force restart iPhone [your model]” should provide the exact steps.

3. Q: My screen isn’t broken, but it’s unresponsive. Will this work?

A: Yes, a forced restart can sometimes resolve temporary glitches that might be causing your screen to be unresponsive. It’s a good first step to try before seeking further troubleshooting.

4. Q: After forcing a restart, my iPhone is still having problems. What can I do?

A: If the forced restart doesn’t fix the issue, there might be a more serious problem with your iPhone. Apple’s support website or contacting Apple Support directly would be the best course of action for further diagnosis and potential solutions.