Turning off an iPhone when the touch screen is broken can be a hassle, but it’s not impossible. You’ll need to use the physical buttons on your iPhone to perform a force restart, which will effectively turn off the device. This quick overview will give you a basic understanding, but keep reading for a detailed step-by-step guide.
After completing the action, your iPhone will be turned off. It will not respond to any touch inputs or button presses until it is turned back on or repaired.
Introduction
Picture this: your iPhone slips out of your hand, tumbles to the ground, and when you pick it up, the screen is shattered. To add insult to injury, the touch screen won’t respond. Now you’re stuck with a lit-up phone that’s slowly draining its battery, and you can’t even turn it off the usual way. Frustrating, right?
Well, don’t worry! While a broken touch screen might seem like a dead end, there are ways to work around it. Knowing how to turn off your iPhone in this situation is important because it can save your battery life, prevent potential security issues, and stop any errant behavior caused by the damaged screen. This knowledge is relevant to anyone who owns an iPhone, as accidents can happen to anyone. In the following paragraphs, we’ll go over the steps you need to take to turn off your iPhone without using the touch screen.
Step by Step Tutorial: Turning off an iPhone with a Broken Touch Screen
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to note that performing these actions will force your iPhone to shut down. This is generally safe but should be used sparingly as it bypasses the normal shutdown process.
Step 1: Press and Release the Volume Up Button
Quickly press and release the Volume Up button on your iPhone.
This step is part of what’s called a “force restart” and is the first action in a series of button presses that will lead to your iPhone turning off.
Step 2: Press and Release the Volume Down Button
Immediately after the first step, quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
This step follows the Volume Up press and is essential to continue the force restart process.
Step 3: Press and Hold the Side Button
Finally, press and hold the Side button until the screen turns off.
You’ll need to keep holding the Side button even after the screen goes dark to ensure that the iPhone completely shuts down.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Saves Battery Life | Turning off your iPhone when the touch screen is broken prevents unnecessary battery drain. |
| Protects Privacy | Shutting down your device ensures that no one can access your data without your permission. |
| Stops Erratic Behavior | Turning off the iPhone stops any unpredictable actions caused by the damaged screen. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Inaccessibility | Without the touch screen, you cannot use your iPhone until it’s repaired. |
| Potential Data Loss | Force restarting can sometimes lead to loss of unsaved data. |
| Inconvenience | The process is less straightforward than using the touch screen and may be cumbersome. |
Additional Information
When the touch screen of your iPhone is broken, it’s not just about turning off the device; it’s also about what to do next. First and foremost, avoid attempting DIY screen repairs unless you’re confident in your skills. iPhone components are delicate, and improper handling can lead to further damage or void your warranty. Seek professional repair services to get your touch screen fixed.
In the meantime, if you need to turn your iPhone back on, simply press and hold the Side button again until the Apple logo appears. However, keep in mind that with a non-responsive touch screen, you won’t get much use out of your iPhone until it’s repaired.
If you’re concerned about data loss during force restarts, regularly back up your iPhone. This way, you can restore your data if anything goes wrong.
Summary
- Press and release the Volume Up button.
- Press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button until the screen turns off.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my iPhone turns back on by itself after I try to turn it off?
If your iPhone turns back on automatically, it might be due to a faulty component. Try the steps again, ensuring you’re holding the Side button long enough.
Can I use this method to restart my iPhone even if the touch screen is working?
Yes, this method can be used to force restart an iPhone in other situations, not just when the touch screen is broken.
Will I lose any data by force restarting my iPhone?
Typically, no. However, any unsaved data or open apps might not be saved or could close unexpectedly.
Is it safe to use a force restart often?
While it’s safe, it’s not recommended to use it frequently. Use it only when necessary to avoid potential issues.
What should I do if this method doesn’t work?
If your iPhone still won’t turn off, contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider for assistance.
Conclusion
Dealing with a broken iPhone touch screen is no fun, but knowing how to turn off your iPhone in this situation is crucial. Whether you’re saving battery life, protecting your privacy, or stopping erratic screen behavior, the steps outlined above will help you regain a bit of control over your device.
Remember, always back up your iPhone regularly to safeguard against data loss, and when in doubt, seek professional repair services. Now that you know how to turn off an iPhone when the touch screen is broken, you’re prepared for one of the many curveballs technology can throw at you.
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.