It can be frustrating when the touchscreen of an iPhone stops working, especially if you want to turn the device off. Many users wonder how to power down their device in this condition. Fortunately, there are several ways to turn off an iPhone without using the touchscreen. Understanding these methods is useful not only when the screen becomes unresponsive but also when the phone faces software glitches or damage. The solutions vary depending on the iPhone model, button combinations, and the tools available, so knowing the right steps can help you handle the situation smoothly.
Why You May Need to Turn Off iPhone Without Touchscreen
There are different situations where the touchscreen may not work but you still need to turn off the device. For example
- The screen is cracked or physically damaged, preventing touch response.
- Software freezes make the screen unresponsive to finger gestures.
- The phone is stuck in an application and needs a restart.
- You want to save battery when the device cannot be used normally.
In these cases, knowing how to switch off the iPhone without relying on touch controls is essential.
Using Physical Buttons to Power Off
One of the most common solutions is using button combinations. Depending on your iPhone model, the method may differ slightly
For iPhone X and Later
On newer models that use Face ID, you can turn off the iPhone by pressing and holding the Side button together with either the Volume Up or Volume Down button. Hold both buttons until the power-off slider appears. Even if the screen is unresponsive, keep holding until the phone shuts down automatically after a few seconds.
For iPhone 7, 8, and SE (2nd Generation)
Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo disappear. If the screen does not respond, continue holding the button until the device powers off completely.
For Older iPhones with a Top Button
On devices like the iPhone 6, 6s, or earlier, hold the Power button on the top edge of the phone. Keep pressing until the device turns off even if you cannot swipe the power slider.
Using Hard Reset to Turn Off
A hard reset, also known as a force restart, can be helpful if you cannot interact with the screen at all. Although it is mainly used to restart the phone, it also shuts down temporarily and can resolve unresponsive screen issues.
Steps for Hard Reset
- For iPhone 8 and later Quickly press Volume Up, then Volume Down, and then hold the Side button until the device shuts off.
- For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus Hold both the Volume Down button and the Side button together until the screen goes black.
- For iPhone 6s or earlier Press and hold both the Home button and the Power button until the phone powers off.
This method forces the iPhone to turn off without needing the touchscreen.
Turning Off iPhone via AssistiveTouch
If the touchscreen is partially working but difficult to use, you can enable AssistiveTouch. This feature allows you to navigate functions using on-screen tools instead of hardware buttons. Normally, you enable it in Settings, but if already activated, it provides an option to power off the device. By accessing AssistiveTouch’s Device menu, you can choose to restart or shut down without needing to press physical buttons.
Using a Computer to Shut Down
When the iPhone screen does not respond, another way to manage the device is by connecting it to a computer. Using iTunes or Finder, you can initiate actions that may include restarting or restoring. While this method is not the most direct way to turn off the iPhone, it provides control when the touchscreen is unusable and buttons are unresponsive.
Why Knowing These Methods Is Important
Learning how to power down an iPhone without the touchscreen can prevent further issues. For instance, keeping a frozen device on may drain the battery completely or cause overheating. Shutting down properly allows you to preserve power, prepare the phone for repair, or attempt fixes later. It also helps when troubleshooting software glitches that require a restart before normal operation returns.
Tips to Avoid Touchscreen Problems
While knowing how to turn off the iPhone without touch is important, preventing issues is even better. Here are some helpful tips
- Use a protective case and screen protector to reduce the risk of physical damage.
- Keep the phone software updated to minimize bugs that may freeze the touchscreen.
- Avoid exposing the device to extreme temperatures or moisture that may affect touch sensitivity.
- Restart the iPhone occasionally to clear temporary glitches.
What to Do After Turning Off the iPhone
Once you have successfully shut down the iPhone without using the touchscreen, the next step is to decide how to fix the issue. If the screen is damaged, a replacement may be necessary. If the problem is software-related, turning the phone back on after a few minutes can sometimes restore functionality. Connecting the device to a computer for an update or restore may also help. In more severe cases, professional repair services will be required.
Turning off an iPhone without the touchscreen is possible through several methods, including button combinations, force restart, AssistiveTouch, or connecting to a computer. These techniques are essential for handling frozen or damaged screens. By learning these approaches, you can manage unexpected problems and ensure your device is protected until you can fix the underlying issue. Keeping your phone well-maintained will reduce the chances of needing these methods, but knowing them provides peace of mind in difficult situations.