How to Turn Off an iPhone When the Touch Screen Is Broken

If your iPhone’s touchscreen is unresponsive or broken, turning it off can be essential for troubleshooting, conserving battery, or preparing it for repairs. Since the usual method involves using the on-screen controls, a broken screen can make this difficult. Fortunately, there are alternative ways to power down your iPhone without relying on the touch interface. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions to help you turn off your iPhone safely and effectively, even when the screen is damaged.

What You’ll Need

• Your iPhone device
• Optional: Lightning cable and computer (if using iTunes/Finder method)

Step-by-Step

1. Identify Your iPhone Model
   Different iPhone models have different button configurations. Most recent models (iPhone 8 and later) have a side button, while older models may have a top or side button. Confirm which model you have to follow the correct procedure.
2. Use Hardware Buttons to Force Restart and Power Off
   For most iPhones, pressing and holding specific button combinations will force the device to shut down.
   • iPhone 8 and later (including iPhone SE 2nd generation and newer):
     • Press and quickly release the volume up button.
     • Press and quickly release the volume down button.
     • Press and hold the side button until the screen turns black and the device powers off.
   • iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus:
     • Press and hold both the volume down button and the Sleep/Wake (side or top) button simultaneously.
     • Keep holding until the screen goes black and the device powers off.
   • iPhone 6s or earlier:
     • Press and hold both the Home button and the Sleep/Wake button simultaneously.
     • Release both buttons when the screen turns black and the device powers down.
3. Wait for the Device to Power Off
   Once the screen turns black and the device vibrates (if applicable), release the buttons. The iPhone is now turned off.
4. If the device does not turn off with the above method, connect it to a computer and use iTunes (Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later).
   Connect your iPhone to your computer using a Lightning cable. If the device is recognized, you can choose the option to shut down or perform a force restart via the computer interface.

Common Mistakes

• Using the wrong button combination for your specific iPhone model.
• Trying to turn off the device by simply holding the side button without timing it correctly.
• Forcing a restart repeatedly without giving the device time to respond.
• Disconnecting the device during a force restart, which can cause data corruption.

Tips

• Familiarize yourself with your specific iPhone model’s button layout to perform the correct steps quickly.
• Perform a force restart only when necessary, especially if the screen is unresponsive, to avoid potential data loss.
• If you need to turn off your iPhone regularly due to screen issues, consider scheduling repairs or screen replacement.
• Keep a Lightning cable and computer nearby if you anticipate needing to turn off or troubleshoot your device in the future.

Troubleshooting

If your iPhone does not turn off following the above steps, consider the following options:

• Ensure you are using the correct button combination for your specific iPhone model.
• Check if the device is responding to other inputs or buttons; sometimes, a different method may be required.
• Connect your iPhone to a computer and use iTunes or Finder to attempt a shutdown or recovery mode.
• If the device is completely unresponsive, you may need to perform a hard reset or contact Apple Support for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I turn off my iPhone without using the touchscreen?

Yes, by using hardware button combinations specific to your iPhone model, you can force the device to turn off.

2. Will forcing my iPhone to shut down cause data loss?

In most cases, a force shutdown does not cause data loss, but frequent or improper use may lead to issues. Always try to shut down normally if possible.

3. What if my iPhone still won’t turn off after trying these methods?

Try connecting it to a computer and using iTunes or Finder, or contact Apple Support for further assistance.

4. How can I prevent my touchscreen from breaking in the future?

Use a screen protector, handle your device carefully, and avoid exposing it to extreme conditions to minimize damage risks.

5. Is there a way to turn off my iPhone remotely?

No, Apple does not currently support remote shutdown of iPhones for security reasons. Manual methods are required when the device is unresponsive.

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