iPhone keeps restarting on its own? First work out which kind of restart it is. A random restart while you’re using it is usually software. An iPhone stuck on the Apple logo needs recovery mode. One that shuts down at 20% or in the cold usually has a worn battery. Here’s how to tell, and Apple’s fix for each.
📋 Quick Summary
- Update iOS first. iOS 27.0.1 fixed iPhone 18 Pro restarting after a failed Face ID scan.
- Free up storage, update your apps, and remove any app you installed just before it started.
- Stuck restarting on the Apple logo? Use recovery mode and choose Update, which keeps your data.
- Shuts down at low battery or in the cold? Check Battery Health. A worn battery is the usual cause.
- Still restarting after all that? Back up and contact Apple.
Table of Contents
Which Kind of Restart Is It?
- Random restarts during use: the screen goes black and the Apple logo appears, then it works again. Usually software or an app. Start with the quick fixes.
- A restart loop: it shows the Apple logo, goes black and starts again, over and over, and never reaches the Lock Screen. Go to restart loop.
- Turns off, not restarts: at low battery, in the cold, or under heavy use. Usually the battery. Go to battery shutdowns.
- Only while charging: try a different cable, adapter and outlet.
iPhone Keeps Restarting? Quick Fixes
- Update iOS in Settings → General → Software Update. Point updates often fix restart bugs. See iOS 27 problems.
- Force restart once using the buttons. Apple’s steps: volume up, volume down, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
- Free up storage. A nearly full iPhone can behave badly. Check Settings → General → iPhone Storage. See iPhone storage full.
- Update your apps in the App Store, and delete any app you installed just before the restarts began.
- Check whether one app triggers it. If it always restarts in the same app, update or reinstall that app. See iPhone apps crashing.
- Reset All Settings in Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset. It resets settings like Wi-Fi and wallpaper but doesn’t delete your photos, apps or data.
Want a clue? Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Analytics & Improvements → Analytics Data. Entries starting with panic are logged when iPhone restarts unexpectedly. Lots of them on the same day is worth mentioning to Apple Support.
iPhone 18 Pro Restarting After Face ID
If you have an iPhone 18 Pro or 18 Pro Max that restarts when Face ID fails, it’s a known bug. Apple says iOS 27.0.1 fixes an issue where these models may unexpectedly restart when Face ID fails to authenticate. Install iOS 27.0.1 or later. Still happening after updating? Back up and contact Apple, since your iPhone is under warranty. More tips in Face ID not working.
Stuck in a Restart Loop
If iPhone never gets past the Apple logo, the software needs reinstalling. Apple’s recovery mode steps also cover an iPhone that keeps starting up to Recovery Assistant:
- Connect iPhone to a Mac (Finder) or a Windows PC (Apple Devices app).
- Use the force restart buttons for your model, but keep holding until you see the Connect to computer screen.
- Choose Update. It reinstalls iOS and keeps your data.
- Only choose Restore if Update fails. Restore erases your iPhone.
If the download takes over 15 minutes, iPhone may leave recovery mode. Let it finish and start again. Full steps in iPhone stuck on the Apple logo.
Shuts Down at Low Battery or in the Cold
If your iPhone switches off suddenly, especially at low battery, in the cold or while gaming or filming, the battery may not be able to supply enough power. Apple explains that iPhone shuts down to protect its components when the battery can’t deliver peak power, and that this is more likely when the battery is low, old or cold.
- Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Health.
- If Maximum Capacity is below 80%, or you see a message that iPhone had an unexpected shutdown or that service is recommended, the battery needs replacing.
- In the cold, keep iPhone in an inside pocket. Shutdowns caused by cold are temporary.
A new battery costs about $69 to $119 at Apple. See battery replacement cost and iPhone dies at 20 percent.
When It’s Hardware
Hardware is likely if the restarts started after a drop, water exposure or a repair, if the iPhone gets hot for no reason, or if it keeps restarting even after a recovery mode update. Back up first if you can, then contact Apple Support. Hot iPhone? See iPhone overheating.
Match Your Situation
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Random restarts during use | Software or an app | Update iOS and apps, free up storage |
| Restarts in the same app | That app | Update or reinstall the app |
| iPhone 18 Pro restarts after Face ID fails | iOS 27.0 bug | Install iOS 27.0.1 or later |
| Stuck in a loop on the Apple logo | Damaged software | Recovery mode, choose Update |
| Turns off at low battery or in cold | Worn battery | Check Battery Health, replace battery |
| Restarts only while charging | Charger or cable | Try a different cable, adapter and outlet |
| Restarts after a drop or water | Hardware damage | Back up and get service |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my iPhone keep restarting?
Usually a software bug, an app, low storage or a worn battery. Update iOS and your apps, free up storage and check Battery Health.
How do I stop my iPhone from restarting over and over?
If it can’t reach the Lock Screen, connect it to a computer, enter recovery mode and choose Update. This keeps your data.
Why does my iPhone 18 Pro restart by itself?
Apple says iOS 27.0.1 fixes an issue where iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max may restart when Face ID fails. Update to iOS 27.0.1 or later.
Can a bad battery make my iPhone restart?
Yes. Apple says iPhone may shut down when the battery can’t deliver peak power, which is more likely when it is old, low or cold.
Will Reset All Settings delete my data?
No. It resets settings like Wi-Fi networks and wallpaper but keeps your photos, apps and data.
When should I take my iPhone to Apple?
If it still restarts after updating, a recovery mode update and checking the battery, or if it started after a drop or water damage.
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Written by S M Momin Arif
Founder and lead writer at iPhoneFixDaily, writing practical iPhone troubleshooting guides checked against Apple’s official support documentation. Read more about our approach →
