How to Properly Power Down Your iPhone With Face ID

Modern iPhones, especially those equipped with Face ID, offer an elegant, buttonless design. While this sleek experience makes unlocking seamless, it can also leave users puzzled when trying to perform basic actions, like turning off the device. If you’ve ever asked yourself how to turn off an iPhone with Face ID, you’re not alone.

At PCmag, we simplify tech for everyday users. Whether you’re a new iPhone owner or upgrading from an older model with a home button, this guide is designed to help you power off your iPhone quickly and safely.

Why Powering Off Matters

It might seem like a small thing, but knowing how to shut down your phone properly is important for several reasons:

• Battery Health: Occasionally powering off your device can help extend battery longevity.
• Software Performance: Restarting clears temporary bugs or software glitches.
• Security: Turning off your phone is a quick way to cut off access if you’re concerned about privacy.

Unlike older iPhones, the latest models don’t have a dedicated power button that works on its own. The process now involves a combination of buttons or accessing the software settings.

Quick Button Combination Method

If you need to shut down your iPhone quickly, using the physical buttons is the fastest route.

Here’s what to do:

1. Press and hold the Side button (located on the right side of the phone).
2. Simultaneously press and hold one of the Volume buttons (either up or down).
3. Continue holding both buttons until you see the “slide to power off” screen.
4. Slide your finger across the screen from left to right to power off.

Tip: This method also brings up options for Emergency SOS and Medical ID.

This is the go-to way for most users and works across Face ID-enabled models like the iPhone X, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and later generations.

Using Settings to Power Off

There may be times when your physical buttons aren’t responsive, or you simply prefer using the software. Apple has included a built-in method via the Settings app.

Follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap General.
3. Scroll to the bottom and tap Shut Down.
4. Slide the power off slider when it appears.

This method is particularly helpful if you have limited mobility or if your Side button isn’t working properly.

How to Force Restart (When Powering Off Isn’t Enough)

Sometimes your iPhone may freeze or become unresponsive, and a standard shutdown won’t work. In such cases, a force restart is the solution, not to be confused with turning off your iPhone normally.

Here’s how to force restart:

1. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
2. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
3. Then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.

This process won’t delete any data; it simply forces the device to reboot.

Why Face ID Models Changed the Power-Off Process

When Apple removed the home button, it had to rethink the way users interact with their phones. The introduction of Face ID brought more gestures and fewer buttons. Consequently, turning off your iPhone now requires a combination of actions, designed to prevent accidental shutdowns while keeping security features intact.

Apple’s software-centered approach ensures that shutting down the device isn’t too easy or triggered unintentionally, especially in emergencies or theft situations.

What If Your iPhone Won’t Turn Off?

If you’ve followed the steps above and your iPhone still won’t shut down, try the following:

• Check for a software update under Settings > General > Software Update.
• Try a force restart as detailed above.
• Use AssistiveTouch, which allows on-screen navigation of all button functions. To activate, go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch.

If none of these work, contacting Apple Support or visiting a service center may be necessary.

Conclusion

Whether you use the button combo or the software menu, learning how to turn off an iPhone with Face ID is a small but essential piece of tech knowledge. It’s part of what makes you a more confident and capable smartphone user.

At PCmag, our mission is to make technology work for everyone, reliably, and without jargon. Bookmark us, and anytime you need help understanding your devices, you’ll find simple solutions written with you in mind.

Want to learn more about your iPhone’s capabilities? Explore our other guides on privacy settings, battery optimization, and emergency features. We’re here to ensure that you make the most of your tech, one tap at a time.