Hard resetting your iPhone 12 can be a handy trick to know when your device is acting up, frozen, or unresponsive. It’s like giving your iPhone a fresh start, and it’s pretty simple to do. Just follow a few steps, and you’ll have your iPhone back to its original state in no time.
Step by Step Tutorial to Hard Reset iPhone 12
Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what we’ll achieve by performing a hard reset. This process will force your iPhone to restart without using the standard power-off method. It’s particularly useful when your phone is unresponsive.
Step 1: Press and release the Volume Up button
Quickly press and release the Volume Up button on the left side of your iPhone.
This step is like saying “Hey, iPhone, wake up!” It’s the beginning of a three-part command that will lead to the hard reset.
Step 2: Press and release the Volume Down button
Immediately after Step 1, quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
Think of this step as the second knock on the door to ensure your iPhone is paying attention.
Step 3: Press and hold the Side button
Now, press and hold the Side button (previously known as the Sleep/Wake button) until the Apple logo appears.
This part might take a few seconds. Keep holding the button, even if the “slide to power off” screen pops up. We’re aiming for a full restart, not just a nap.
After completing these steps, your iPhone will go through the usual startup routine. You’ll see the Apple logo, and in a moment, the lock screen should appear, signaling that the hard reset was successful.
Tips for Hard Resetting iPhone 12
- Make sure your iPhone has enough battery life before attempting a hard reset. If the battery is too low, the reset might not work.
- If your iPhone is in a case, you might want to remove it to ensure you can press the buttons properly.
- Don’t hold the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons at the same time. It’s a quick press and release for each button.
- If the hard reset doesn’t work the first time, try it again. Sometimes it takes a couple of attempts.
- Remember, a hard reset doesn’t erase any data on your iPhone, so you don’t have to worry about losing your pictures or messages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a hard reset delete any of my data or settings?
No, a hard reset won’t delete any of your data or settings. It’s simply a way to force your iPhone to restart.
How often should I hard reset my iPhone 12?
It’s not something you should do regularly. Only use it when your device is unresponsive or facing issues that can’t be resolved by a standard restart.
Can a hard reset fix software issues?
Sometimes. If an app or software glitch is causing your iPhone to freeze, a hard reset might resolve the problem. However, it’s not a guaranteed fix for deeper software issues.
What’s the difference between a hard reset and a factory reset?
A hard reset is a forced restart that doesn’t affect your data. A factory reset, on the other hand, erases all your data and settings, returning your iPhone to its original state when it was first turned on.
Should I back up my iPhone before doing a hard reset?
It’s not necessary to back up your iPhone before a hard reset since it won’t affect your data. However, regularly backing up your iPhone is a good practice in case you ever need to do a factory reset.
Summary
- Press and release the Volume Up button.
- Press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
Conclusion
Mastering the hard reset is like having a secret weapon in your tech arsenal. It’s quick, easy, and can save you a lot of headaches. Whether your iPhone 12 is frozen on an app or just being stubborn, a hard reset is often all it takes to get things back on track. And the best part? It’s a completely safe maneuver that won’t mess with your data or settings. So next time your iPhone acts up, don’t panic. Just remember the simple button combination, and you’ll have your trusty device up and running in no time. If you find yourself frequently needing to hard reset, though, it might be time to look into any underlying issues. Keep your software updated, manage your apps wisely, and treat your iPhone to regular restarts to keep it at peak performance. That way, you’ll only need to hard reset your iPhone 12 when it’s absolutely necessary.
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 Bachelor’s and Master’s 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.