If you’re exploring how to soft reset iPhone in 2025, you’re in the right place. Whether you own an iPhone 8 or the latest iPhone 16, a soft reset is a quick way to solve frozen screens, app crashes, and sluggish performance—without losing your data. This simple trick can restore speed and functionality in just a few seconds.
In this guide, we’ll explain what a soft reset is, how it works, and step-by-step methods to soft reset iPhone models from 8 through 16. We’ll also cover factory reset differences, troubleshooting tips, and FAQs to make sure you have everything you need.
What is a Soft Reset on iPhone?
A soft reset is an effortless restart of your iPhone. Unlike a factory reset, it does not erase your apps, photos, or files. Instead, it refreshes system memory, closes background processes, and clears temporary glitches.
- Safe: No data loss.
- Fast: Takes less than a minute.
- Effective: Fixes common problems like app crashes, lag, or frozen screens.
If you’re asking, “How to soft reset iPhone without losing data?”—this is precisely the method you need.
Benefits of Performing a Soft Reset
Here’s why you should know how to soft reset iPhone whenever issues arise:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Fixes Temporary Glitches | Solves app crashes, unresponsive screens, and slowdowns. |
| Improves Performance | Refreshes memory and clears background tasks. |
| Restores Network Issues | Helps fix Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular connection problems. |
| Safe to Use | No risk of losing photos, apps, or settings. |
| Quick & Easy | Can be done in seconds using buttons or settings. |
How to Soft Reset iPhone 8 Through 16 (Step-by-Step)
To soft reset iPhone 8 through 16, quickly press Volume Up, then Volume Down, and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears. Release the button, and your iPhone will safely restart without deleting any data.
Follow these steps to soft reset iPhone models 8, X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16:
- Press and quickly remove the Volume Up button.
- Press and quickly remove the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
- Release the button and wait for your iPhone to restart.
That’s it! This process won’t delete your data—it only refreshes your device.
How to Soft Reset iPhone from Settings
If your iPhone buttons aren’t working, go to Settings > General > Shut Down, then slide to power off. After a few seconds, press and keep the Side button until the Apple logo appears to restart.
If your buttons aren’t working, you can still soft reset using the Settings app:
- Open Settings > General.
- Scroll down and tap Shut Down.
- Slide the power slider to turn off your iPhone.
- Hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
This method works on iPhone 8 through iPhone 16.
How to Soft Reset iPhone Without Buttons (AssistiveTouch)
To soft reset your iPhone without buttons, enable AssistiveTouch in Settings > Accessibility > Touch. Use the floating menu to choose Device > More > Restart, and your iPhone will reboot safely.
Apple’s AssistiveTouch feature makes it possible to soft reset without physical buttons:
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch.
- Toggle AssistiveTouch On.
- Tap the floating AssistiveTouch icon.
- Go to Device > More > Restart.
This is especially helpful if your side button is broken.
Difference Between Soft Reset, Hard Reset, and Factory Reset
| Reset Type | Data Loss? | Purpose | How It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft Reset | ❌ No | Fixes minor glitches | Restarts the device |
| Hard Reset | ❌ No | Restarts an unresponsive iPhone | Force reboot using button combo |
| Factory Reset | ✅ Yes | Erases all data | Returns iPhone to factory settings |
Always try to soft reset iPhone first before moving to harder resets.
How to Factory Reset iPhone (If Needed)
If soft resetting doesn’t solve your problem, a factory reset may be required:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Confirm with your passcode or Apple ID.
- Wait for the iPhone to restart and follow the setup instructions.
Unlike a soft reset, a factory reset erases everything—so back up your data first.
Troubleshooting If Soft Reset Doesn’t Work
If your iPhone still misbehaves after a soft reset, try these solutions:
- Force Restart: Use the button combo for unresponsive devices.
- Update iOS: Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Reset Network Settings: Clears Wi-Fi & Bluetooth issues.
- Check Storage Space: Free up storage for a better version.
- Uninstall Problematic Apps: Remove apps causing crashes.
- Restore via iTunes/Finder: Reinstall iOS cleanly.
- Contact Apple Support: For hardware or deep software issues.
How to Soft Reset iPhone – Quick Recap
A soft reset is a quick restart that fixes minor glitches without deleting data. You can do it using the button sequence, Settings app, or AssistiveTouch, and it works on iPhone 8 through iPhone 16.
- A soft reset = safe restart, no data loss.
- Works on iPhone 8 through iPhone 16.
- Methods: Buttons, Settings app, or AssistiveTouch.
- Best for freezing, lag, or connectivity issues.
Knowing how to reset iPhone software provides smoother performance, fewer crashes, and a longer device lifespan.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to soft reset iPhone in 2025 is an essential skill for every iPhone user. This simple process is quick, completely safe, and highly effective for fixing everyday problems like lagging apps, frozen screens, or poor connectivity. Unlike a factory reset, it won’t erase your data, so you don’t have to worry about losing photos, contacts, or essential files.
Whether you own an older model like the iPhone 8 or the latest iPhone 16, a soft reset can instantly refresh system resources and restore smooth performance. It’s often the first and easiest step in troubleshooting before moving on to more advanced fixes.
So, the next time your iPhone starts acting up—freezing, slowing down, or dropping connections—don’t panic. Try a quick soft reset first, and you’ll likely have your device running perfectly again within seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does a soft reset erase data on iPhone?
No, a soft reset does not delete your personal data, apps, or photos. It only restarts your iPhone to refresh the system memory. This makes it a safe troubleshooting option for fixing minor glitches without risking data loss.
How often should I soft reset my iPhone?
You don’t need to perform a soft reset every day. However, if your iPhone feels slow, freezes, or apps keep crashing, doing a quick soft reset can help improve performance and restore smooth functionality.
What’s the contrast between a soft reset and a hard reset?
A soft reset is an effortless restart of your iPhone and is usually done to fix minor issues. A hard reset, on the other hand, is used when the device is unresponsive and involves forcing the phone to reboot using button combinations.
Can I soft reset iPhone 16 the same way as iPhone 8?
Yes! The same button sequence and settings method work across iPhone 8 through iPhone 16. Apple has kept the process consistent, so you can use the same steps to restart all these models safely.
Is a soft reset safe for my battery?
Yes, a soft reset is entirely safe for your battery and device. In fact, it can even improve battery life by clearing unnecessary background processes and refreshing system resources.
