iPhone

How to Restart iPhone 16 or 17 Without Emergency SOS?

Restarting Your iPhone Without Triggering Emergency SOS

Restarting your iPhone can often solve various issues, but it’s essential to know how to do this without accidentally triggering Emergency SOS, which can happen if the right button combinations are pressed. This guide provides a detailed overview of how to restart newer iPhone models like the iPhone 16 and 17 properly.

Method to restart iphone 16 and 17

  1. Quickly Press and Release Volume Up Button:
    Start by pressing the Volume Up button on the left side of your iPhone. Do this quickly, ensuring you release it immediately.

  2. Quickly Press and Release Volume Down Button:
    Next, press the Volume Down button, also found on the left side. As with the previous step, press and release it quickly.

  3. Press and Hold the Side Button:
    Now, press and hold the Side button (the button on the right side of your iPhone). Keep holding it until you see the Apple logo on the screen.

  4. Release the Button:
    Once the Apple logo appears, you can release the Side button. Your iPhone will restart and should function normally afterward.

This sequence not only bypasses triggering the Emergency SOS feature but also effectively performs a reboot of your device.

Alternative Method for force restart

If your device is unresponsive and you want to try an alternative way to revive your iPhone, you can use this method:

  1. Press and Hold Volume Down and Side Button:
    Press and hold both the Volume Down button and the Side button simultaneously until you see the Apple logo.

  2. Release Both Buttons:
    Once the Apple logo shows, you can let go of both buttons, enabling the device to reboot.

This technique can be beneficial for fixing devices that are frozen or unresponsive.

Disabling Emergency SOS Feature

If you frequently find yourself triggering the Emergency SOS feature accidentally, you may want to disable the ability for your iPhone to call emergency services when the Side button is pressed five times. Here’s how:

  1. Open Settings:
    Access the settings app on your iPhone.

  2. Select Emergency SOS:
    Scroll until you find “Emergency SOS” and tap on it.

  3. Toggle Off Call with Side Button:
    Find the option labeled “Call with Side Button” and turn it off. This will stop your phone from initiating an emergency call when that series of button presses is used.

Troubleshooting Emergency Mode

Sometimes, users end up stuck in Emergency Mode, typically prompted by the wrong button combination. If this occurs:

  1. Reset Using Button Sequence:
    You can exit this mode by pressing the Volume Up button quickly followed by the Volume Down button, and finally pressing and holding the Side button till the Apple logo appears.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my iPhone won’t respond at all?

  • First, ensure that your battery is charged. If it is fully drained, connect it to the charger. After a few minutes, attempt to restart it using the methods mentioned above.

2. Can I reset my iPhone to factory settings through the restart methods?

  • No, the restart methods only reboot the device. To reset to factory settings, you need to go to Settings → General → Transfer or reset iphone → Erase All Content and Settings.

3. Is there a different method for earlier iPhone models?

  • Yes, older models like the iPhone 7 and below require different button combinations. For instance, iPhone 7 users should press and hold the Side and Volume Down buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.

About the author

Lucas Harrington

Lucas Harrington

Lucas Harrington is a technology specialist focused on Apple hardware and the broader Apple ecosystem. With over 10 years of experience working with devices such as the iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and other Apple products, he has developed deep expertise in device optimization, troubleshooting, and ecosystem integration. Lucas regularly writes online articles, reviews, and practical guides covering Apple hardware, macOS, iOS features, performance tips, and device maintenance. His work helps Apple users better understand their devices and get the most out of the Apple ecosystem.