Ever encountered a situation where your iPhone 12 just freezes or starts acting up? Maybe itโs time for a hard reset. A hard reset can solve a lot of issues by rebooting your iPhoneโs operating system. In less than a minute, you can get your iPhone 12 up and running again. Just follow these simple steps, and youโll be good to go.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Hard Reset iPhone 12
Before we dive into the steps, itโs important to understand that a hard reset is like a forced reboot. It does not erase any of your data or settings. Itโs simply a way to forcefully restart your iPhone when itโs unresponsive.
Step 1: Quickly press and release the volume up button.
Find the volume up button on the left side of your iPhone. Give it a quick press and release.
Step 2: Quickly press and release the volume down button.
Immediately after step 1, press and release the volume down button, which is right below the volume up button.
Step 3: Press and hold the side button.
The side button is what you use to wake your iPhone or put it to sleep. After steps 1 and 2, press and hold this side button.
Keep holding the side button even after you see the power-off slider. The screen will eventually go black, and the Apple logo will appear. Once the Apple logo shows up, you can release the side button. Your iPhone 12 will now restart.
After completing the steps, your iPhone 12 will restart and should be back to normal. If your phone was frozen or not responding before, it should be working fine now.
Tips for a Successful Hard Reset on iPhone 12
- Ensure your iPhone 12 has sufficient battery life before attempting a hard reset. A low battery can sometimes cause more issues.
- If your iPhone 12 is in a case, consider removing it. Cases can sometimes press on buttons unintentionally.
- A hard reset does not delete any data, but itโs always good practice to back up your iPhone regularly.
- If your iPhone 12 is still unresponsive after a hard reset, try connecting it to a computer and using iTunes to restore it.
- Remember, a hard reset is not a cure-all. If youโre experiencing persistent issues, you may need to contact Apple support or visit an Apple store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whatโs the difference between a hard reset and a factory reset?
A hard reset is a forced reboot of your iPhone, which does not affect your data or settings. A factory reset, on the other hand, erases all data and settings, returning your iPhone to its original state.
Will a hard reset delete any of my photos or apps?
No, a hard reset will not delete any of your personal data or apps. Itโs simply a way to force your iPhone to restart if itโs not responding.
How often should I perform a hard reset on my iPhone 12?
You should only need to perform a hard reset if your iPhone is frozen or unresponsive. Itโs not something that needs to be done regularly.
Can I hard reset my iPhone 12 if itโs charging?
Yes, you can perform a hard reset on your iPhone 12 while itโs charging, but itโs generally better to do it when itโs unplugged.
What should I do if my iPhone 12 is still frozen after a hard reset?
If your iPhone 12 remains unresponsive after a hard reset, try connecting it to a computer and using iTunes to restore it. If that doesnโt work, you may need to contact Apple support.
Summary
- Quickly press and release the volume up button.
- Quickly press and release the volume down button.
- Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
Conclusion
A hard reset on your iPhone 12 can be a quick fix for a variety of issues. From an unresponsive touch screen to apps that wonโt close, a simple reboot of your device can often be the solution. Remember, this process doesnโt delete any of your personal data or settings; itโs just a fresh start for your phoneโs operating system. If you ever find yourself stuck with a frozen phone, donโt panic. Just follow the steps outlined above, and your iPhone 12 will be back in action in no time. And if youโre ever in doubt, remember that Apple support is always there to help you out.

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelorโs and Masterโs degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.