How do I hard reset an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus?
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I’m having trouble with my iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus—it’s frozen, unresponsive, or stuck on the Apple logo, and even restarting it through the usual methods (pressing buttons) isn’t working. I’ve tried basic troubleshooting like charging it or checking for software updates, but nothing has resolved the issue. I suspect a hard reset (force restart) might be needed to clear up the glitch, possibly a system crash or corrupted temporary files. Could you walk me through the exact steps to perform a hard reset specifically for iPhone 7/7 Plus? Also, I want to confirm: will this erase all my data, or is it only a temporary fix? Should I back up my important contacts/photos first using iTunes or iCloud, and what’s the difference between this and a full factory reset?
To hard reset an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus, follow these steps:
- Press and Hold the Side Button: Locate the Side button (also called the power button) on the right side of the device.
- Simultaneously Press the Volume Down Button: With your other hand, press and hold the Volume Down button on the left side of the device.
- Continue Holding Both Buttons: Keep both buttons pressed together for approximately 10 to 20 seconds.
- Watch for the Apple Logo: Do not release the buttons until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This indicates the device is restarting.
- Release the Buttons: Once the Apple logo is visible, let go of both buttons. The iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus will reboot normally afterward.
Key Notes:
- This process resolves issues like frozen screens, unresponsive apps, or crashes without erasing data.
- The hard reset temporarily cuts power to the device, unlike a factory reset (which erases all content via "Settings > General > Reset").
- If the Apple logo doesn’t appear after 20 seconds, repeat the steps or ensure the device has sufficient battery (charge for 15 minutes if completely dead).
- Compatible with iOS versions 10.0 and later.