Turning off your iPhone 15 is a bit different if you are upgrading from an older model with a home button. You cannot simply hold the side button down anymore because that action now activates Siri. To shut down the device properly, you need to use a two-button combination. Press and hold the Side button on the right side and either Volume button on the left side at the same time. Keep holding them until you see the power slider appear on the screen. Then, just drag that slider to the right to turn the phone off completely.
Tutorial for Turning Off an iPhone 15
This section will guide you through the specific button presses required to shut down your device. It is a simple physical process that works on the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max. We will walk through exactly where to place your fingers and what to look for on the screen.
Step 1: Locate the Side button and the Volume buttons on your device
First, you need to find the physical buttons on the edge of your phone. The Side button is the single button located on the right edge of the device. On the left edge, you will find the two Volume buttons. You can use either the Volume Up or Volume Down button for this process.
Step 2: Press and hold the Side button and a Volume button simultaneously
Place one finger on the Side button and another finger on one of the Volume buttons. Squeeze both buttons inward at the exact same time. You need to hold this squeeze for a couple of seconds. Think of it like you are pinching the phone from both sides.
Step 3: Release the buttons when the power menu appears
Once the screen changes, you can let go of the buttons. You will see a screen with a slider at the top that says “slide to power off”. If you keep holding the buttons for too long, the emergency countdown might start. Just release the buttons as soon as you see the slider.
Step 4: Drag the slider to the right to turn off the phone
Place your finger on the power icon within the slider. Swipe your finger all the way to the right side of the screen. The screen will fade to black as the phone shuts down.
After you complete this action, your iPhone 15 will begin its shutdown sequence. The screen will go completely dark immediately. However, the phone might still be active in the background for another thirty seconds. It takes a brief moment for the operating system to close all the apps and cut the power. You should wait a minute before trying to turn it back on to ensure it has fully reset.
Tips for How To Turn Off iPhone 15
- If you are uncomfortable using the buttons, you can turn off the phone through the Settings app. Go to Settings, tap General, and scroll all the way to the bottom to find “Shut Down”.
- Do not hold the buttons for too long after the slider appears. If you continue to hold them, the phone will emit a loud siren and call emergency services.
- Turning off your phone is a great way to fix minor software glitches. If an app is crashing or the Wi-Fi is acting weird, a simple restart often solves the problem.
- Make sure your screen is clean before you try to slide the power toggle. Sometimes grease or water on the glass can make the touch screen unresponsive to your swipe.
- If you only press the Side button and Volume Up quickly and release them, you will take a screenshot instead of turning off the phone. You must hold the buttons down to get the power menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Siri activate when I hold the side button?
By default, Apple has programmed the Side button to wake up Siri on newer iPhones. This allows you to access the voice assistant quickly without saying “Hey Siri”. Because this button has a specific job, the power off function was moved to the two-button combination.
Is there a way to restart the phone if the screen is frozen?
Yes, you can perform a force restart if the screen will not respond to your touch. Quickly press and release Volume Up, then quickly press and release Volume Down. Finally, hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
How do I turn the iPhone 15 back on?
Turning the phone back on is much simpler than turning it off. You just need to press and hold the Side button on the right edge. Keep holding it until the white Apple logo appears on the black screen.
Does turning off my iPhone save battery health?
Turning off your phone occasionally does not significantly impact battery health, but it can help reset background processes. It is more beneficial for clearing out the system memory. However, keeping the phone off overnight will obviously save the battery charge for the next day.
Can I change the button settings so the Side button turns it off?
No, Apple does not currently allow you to remap the Side button to act as a simple power switch. The operating system is designed to use that button for locking the screen and summoning Siri. You have to use the two-button method or the Settings menu.
Summary
- Locate Side button and Volume button.
- Press and hold both buttons.
- Wait for slider.
- Slide to off.
Conclusion
Mastering the basic functions of your new device is the first step to enjoying it fully. While it might feel strange that the “power” button does not actually cut the power anymore, you will get used to the new gesture quickly. It is actually a safety feature designed to prevent your phone from turning off accidentally in your pocket. The two-button squeeze requires a deliberate action. This ensures that your phone stays on when you need it most.
It is a good idea to turn your phone off completely every once in a while. Think of it like a power nap for your device. It clears out the temporary memory and stops any processes that might have gotten stuck in a loop. This can make your phone feel faster and more responsive when you turn it back on. It is also a great way to disconnect from the digital world for a bit.
If you find that your phone is struggling even after a restart, you might need to look into more advanced troubleshooting. But for ninety percent of daily issues, a simple power cycle is the cure. Remember this technique. You never know when you will need to reset your connection or fix a frozen app. Now you know exactly how to turn off iPhone 15 without any confusion. Keep your device updated and restart it weekly for the best performance.
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.