Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

An iPhone that restarts repeatedly is showing a symptom, not identifying its cause. It could involve software, power, a connection, or hardware, and the pattern alone cannot tell you which. Start with the model-specific force restart, check power or computer connections if they are relevant, and use recovery mode cautiously: choosing Restore erases the iPhone’s data.

Why does an iPhone keep restarting?

There is no single cause established by the fact that an iPhone restarts again and again. Note when it happens—during startup, while charging, or during an update—and record any alert or error code. Those details help determine which troubleshooting path applies; they do not, by themselves, prove a particular component has failed.

Apple’s iPhone Support hub covers update, backup, startup, battery, and service topics, but its categories do not establish one explanation for every restart loop.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What should you try first?

1. Identify the iPhone’s button layout

Before using a button sequence, identify whether the iPhone has Face ID, a Home button, or another model-specific layout. Apple’s force-restart instructions vary by generation, so do not apply the Face ID sequence to an older model without checking its instructions.

#1 Best Overall
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
  • Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
  • The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
  • Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.

2. Force restart using the matching procedure

For an iPhone with Face ID, Apple’s procedure is to quickly press and release Volume Up, quickly press and release Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears; release the Side button when the logo appears. Follow Apple’s model-specific guidance for other iPhones.

A force restart is intended for an unresponsive device. It is not a diagnosis and does not guarantee that repeated restarts will stop. If the phone still cannot start, move to Apple’s recovery guidance or seek support.

Rank #2
Sale
Apple iPhone 16, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
  • 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
  • Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
  • 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
  • Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.

3. Check charging or computer connections when they fit the symptom

If the iPhone is not charging or appears to lose power, inspect the charging cable and USB adapter for damage, use a working power source, and make sure connections are secure. Apple’s charging guidance also advises seeking service if the device still will not power on or charge. These checks can expose a cable, adapter, or power-source issue; they do not prove it caused the repeated restarts.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

If the problem occurs while updating or restoring through a computer, check the USB cable and port, and try another cable or computer if available. Apple’s restore-error guidance recommends connection checks; some error codes can have hardware context, but an error code and diagnostic assessment are needed before drawing that conclusion.

Rank #3
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
  • Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
  • Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
  • Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
  • Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID

4. Use update or recovery steps with the data risk in view

If the iPhone can reach Settings, Apple says updating iOS may address an issue. If startup remains stuck or an update cannot complete, Apple’s recovery-mode guidance explains how to connect the iPhone to a Mac or PC and follow the on-screen Update or Restore choice. If Update has not already been tried, Apple recommends trying it first.

Restore reinstalls iOS and erases the device’s data. Before choosing it, consider whether you have a backup and whether you can accept losing data that is not backed up. Restore is not a harmless first troubleshooting step.

Rank #4
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
  • There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
  • This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
  • Product may come in generic Box.

When should you contact Apple or seek service?

  • Recovery mode cannot update or restore the iPhone.
  • The iPhone still will not turn on after the relevant troubleshooting steps.
  • A button required for recovery is broken or stuck.
  • The phone still will not charge after checking the cable, adapter, and power source.

Apple’s service and repair options explain how to pursue Apple-certified service. The appropriate repair, cost, and coverage depend on the device assessment and region; a recurring restart alone does not establish a specific hardware fault.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Will a new cable fix repeated restarts?

Not necessarily. A compatible cable can be useful when checking charging or a computer connection, but connector compatibility depends on the iPhone model. A cable is not a universal fix for repeated restarts, and replacing one will not address causes unrelated to the connection.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.; Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
$300.00
Bestseller No. 3
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU; Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
$409.00
Bestseller No. 4
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.; Product may come in generic Box.
$262.00
Best Value
Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
  • 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
  • Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
  • Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
  • Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.