Why does my iPhone keep restarting by itself?

Most common causes: a buggy app crashing the system, an iOS update that didn't install cleanly, low storage causing memory crashes, an aging battery that can't deliver peak power, or rarely a hardware fault. Settings > Battery shows recent issues. Force restart, then check for iOS update.

How do I stop my iPhone from restarting in a loop?

Force restart the iPhone (Volume Up, Volume Down, hold Side button until Apple logo). If still looping, plug into a computer and put it in Recovery Mode to update iOS without erasing data. Most loops are software issues fixable this way.

Can a bad battery cause an iPhone to restart?

Yes. When the battery degrades below 80% capacity, it sometimes can't deliver enough power during demanding moments and the iPhone shuts down or restarts. Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging shows your capacity. If under 80%, battery replacement usually solves the restarts.

iPhone Keeps Restarting? 7 Fixes

By Isaac Farris·Updated May 23, 2026·5 minute read

Your iPhone shuts down, shows the Apple logo, comes back on, and minutes later does it again. Sometimes it loops forever and you can't even use it. Here's how to break the cycle.

Quick fix to try first

Force restart your iPhone. Press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears (10-15 seconds). Often breaks a software-caused restart loop.

1. Force restart

Detailed steps above. Works for iPhone 8 and newer. For iPhone 7: hold Volume Down + Side button. For iPhone 6s and older: hold Home + Side button.

2. Check for an iOS update

Many restart loops are fixed by Apple in a point update. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Install anything pending. If your iPhone is restarting too often to do this, plug into a computer and use Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) to update in Recovery Mode.

3. Check for the culprit app

An app crashing badly can take down the whole iPhone. Settings > Battery shows recent app usage. If one app is using disproportionate power right before the restarts, suspect it. Update or delete it.

4. Free up storage

iPhones get unstable below 1 GB free. Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Use the Recommendations at the top to free space. Aim for at least 5 GB free.

5. Check battery health

Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. If Maximum Capacity is below 80% or you see "Service" / "Performance Management has been applied," the battery is contributing. Apple battery replacement is $69-99.

6. Reset all settings

Resets settings to defaults without deleting data. Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings. Often fixes mysterious restart loops.

7. Restore as new (last resort before service)

Back up first to iCloud or computer. Then erase the iPhone and restore from backup. If problems return after restore, the backup is corrupted. Set up as new instead. If problems still return, it's hardware.

When to take it to Apple

If all software fixes fail, you're looking at hardware: battery, charging circuit, or motherboard. Apple Store does free diagnostics.

Video walkthrough

Video by iCave on YouTube

iPhone still looping?

If the restart cycle won't stop, we can take a look and recommend next steps.

Get in touch Email Isaac

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