How to Fix an iPhone That’s Not Opening Apps with a Hard Reset

Are you frustrated because your iPhone is not opening apps or turning off? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered! This post is aimed to provide effective solutions to fix this issue and restore your iPhone to its normal functioning. So, let’s dive in and explore how to resolve this frustrating problem with your iPhone!

If your iPhone refuses to open apps or turn them off, it can be quite a headache. But fret not! We have the solution you need. This article will guide you through the steps to perform a hard reset on your iPhone. This simple troubleshooting method can often resolve temporary software glitches and bring your apps back to life. Say goodbye to app-opening woes and hello to a fully functional iPhone!

Is your iPhone stuck in a state where it won’t open apps or even turn off? No need to panic! We have the perfect fit for you. You can overcome this frustrating issue by performing a hard reset on your iPhone and regaining control over your device. This post will walk you through the steps to perform a hard reset and additional troubleshooting steps if needed. So, get ready to bid farewell to app-opening troubles and say hello to a smoothly operating iPhone again!

Step 1: Determine the Model of Your iPhone

Before proceeding with a hard reset, it’s important to know the specific steps for your iPhone model. Different models have slightly different button combinations for a force restart. Here are the common iPhone models and their respective steps:

iphone not opening apps models
  • iPhone X and later: Press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button, then press and hold the side button. When the Apple logo appears, release the button.
  • iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus: Press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button, then press and hold the side button. When the Apple logo appears, release the button.
  • iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus: Press the side and volume-down buttons simultaneously. Continue holding them until the Apple logo appears.
  • iPhone 6s or earlier models: Press and hold the home button and the sleep/wake (side or top) button simultaneously. Keep holding them until the Apple logo appears.

Step 2: Perform the Hard Reset

Now that you know the specific steps for your iPhone model, follow the instructions below to perform a hard reset once again:

iphone xr stuck on black screen
  • Based on your iPhone model, press the necessary buttons in the correct sequence, as described in the previous step.
  • Hold the buttons until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen. This may take a few seconds.
  • Release the buttons as soon as the Apple logo appears. Your iPhone will restart.

Step 3: Test the Apps

After your iPhone restarts, test whether the apps are now opening properly. Try launching various apps and check if they respond as expected. 

organize iphone apps 10

If the apps work fine, the hard reset likely resolves the issue. However, if you’re still facing problems with app opening, consider other troubleshooting steps or seek further assistance.

Additional Troubleshooting Steps

If performing a hard reset doesn’t solve the problem, here are a few additional troubleshooting steps you can try:

1. Update iOS

Ensure that your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. Go to “Settings” > “General” > “Software Update” to check for any available updates. If an update is available, download and install it.

2. Clear App Cache

Sometimes, the app cache can cause issues with app performance. Try clearing the cache for the problematic app. Go to “Settings” > “General” > “iPhone Storage” and select the app causing the problem. Tap on “Offload App” or “Delete App” to clear the app cache.

3. Reset All Settings

Resetting all settings can help resolve any system-level issues that might be affecting app performance. Go to “Settings” > “General” > “Transfer or Reset iPhone”>  “Reset” > “Reset All Settings.” Note that this action will not delete personal data but will reset your preferences and settings.

4. Restore from Backup

If none of the above steps work, you can restore your iPhone from a backup. Connect your iPhone to a computer with iTunes or Finder, select your device, and choose the “Restore Backup” option. Make sure you have a recent backup available before proceeding with the restore.

master reset iphone restore backup

A hard reset can help resolve temporary software glitches and restore your iPhone’s functionality. Remember to follow the specific button combinations based on your iPhone model. 

If the issue persists, you can try additional troubleshooting steps such as updating iOS, clearing the app cache, resetting all settings, or restoring from a backup. 

Following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve the problem with your iPhone apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Why is my iPhone not opening any apps or turning off?

    If your iPhone is unresponsive and won’t open apps or turn off, it could be due to a software issue or a problem with the device’s buttons. Try performing a force restart by following the specific steps for your iPhone model.

  2. What should I do if the buttons on my iPhone aren’t working to force a shutdown?

    Suppose the buttons on your iPhone are not functioning properly, and you can’t force a shutdown. In that case, consider getting the buttons repaired or contacting Apple Support for further assistance.

  3. Can I still navigate through screens and swipe on my iPhone even if the apps won’t open?

    You can still swipe from screen to screen and navigate through different pages on your iPhone, even if the apps won’t open. This indicates that the issue might be specific to app functionality rather than a complete device malfunction.

  4. How do I perform a force restart on my iPhone?

    To perform a force restart on your iPhone, press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button, and then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. Release the button, and your iPhone should restart.

  5. What should I do if a force restart doesn’t resolve the issue?

    If performing a force restart doesn’t solve the problem of apps not opening or the iPhone not turning off, there might be a deeper software or hardware issue. In such cases, it is recommended to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for further diagnosis and assistance.

These answers are based on general troubleshooting steps, and individual cases may vary. It’s always a good idea to seek professional help if you encounter persistent issues with your iPhone.


Posts you might like