iPhone Power Button Not Working? How to Turn Off Any Model Using Settings and Assistive Touch

Your iPhone’s power button is one of those tiny hardware features you barely think about—until it stops responding. Whether it feels stuck, has become unreliable, or simply does nothing when pressed, a broken Side button or Top button can make basic tasks feel surprisingly difficult. The good news is that you can still turn off almost any iPhone model without using the physical power button, thanks to built-in iOS options like Settings and AssistiveTouch.

TLDR: If your iPhone power button is not working, go to Settings > General > Shut Down to power it off without pressing any buttons. You can also enable AssistiveTouch and use its on-screen controls to restart or lock your device. These methods work across most modern iPhone models, including Face ID and older Home button models. If the button failure continues, back up your iPhone and consider Apple service or a qualified repair provider.

Why the iPhone Power Button Matters

Depending on your iPhone model, the power button may be called the Side button or the Top button. On newer iPhones with Face ID, it sits on the right side of the device. On some older models, it is located along the top edge. It helps you lock the screen, wake the phone, use Siri, activate Apple Pay, take screenshots, force restart the device, and of course, turn the iPhone off.

When it stops working, you might assume you are stuck leaving the phone on forever. Fortunately, Apple has included several software-based alternatives. These are especially useful if the button is physically damaged, if your case is blocking it, or if you simply want to avoid pressing it while waiting for a repair.

Common Reasons the Power Button Stops Working

Before jumping into the shutdown methods, it helps to understand what may be happening. A non-working power button can be caused by several things:

• Dirt or debris: Dust, pocket lint, or grime may collect around the button and prevent it from moving properly.
• A tight or damaged case: Some cases press too hard against the Side button or make it difficult to click.
• Physical damage: Drops, impacts, or pressure can damage the internal button mechanism.
• Liquid exposure: Moisture can affect the hardware around the button, even if the phone still appears to work.
• Software glitches: In rare cases, iOS may behave strangely and make it seem like a hardware button is failing.

If your button feels sticky, remove the case and gently clean around the button with a dry, soft brush or microfiber cloth. Avoid pushing liquid into the button area. If the button clicks normally but the iPhone does not respond, the issue may be internal or software-related.

Method 1: Turn Off Your iPhone Using Settings

The easiest and most reliable way to turn off an iPhone without the power button is through the Settings app. Apple added a dedicated Shut Down option inside iOS, and it works even if the physical button is broken.

Here is how to use it:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap General.
3. Scroll all the way to the bottom.
4. Tap Shut Down.
5. When the power slider appears, drag slide to power off from left to right.

Your iPhone will then begin shutting down. The screen will go black after a few seconds. This method works on iPhones running modern versions of iOS and is especially helpful because it does not require any button combination at all.

Important: Once your iPhone is fully powered off, you normally need the Side or Top button to turn it back on. However, there is a workaround: plug your iPhone into a charger or connect it to a computer with a cable. In most cases, the iPhone will automatically turn on after receiving power.

Which iPhone Models Can Use the Settings Shut Down Option?

The Settings method works on a wide range of models, including:

• iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 14 series and iPhone 13 series
• iPhone 12 series and iPhone 11 series
• iPhone XS, XR, and X
• iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and iPhone SE models
• Many older iPhones that support a compatible version of iOS

The exact menu wording may vary slightly depending on your iOS version, but the path is usually Settings > General > Shut Down.

Method 2: Use AssistiveTouch to Lock, Restart, or Access Power Controls

AssistiveTouch is one of the most useful accessibility features on the iPhone. It places a floating button on your screen that can perform many physical-button actions. If your power button is unreliable, AssistiveTouch can act as a virtual replacement for everyday tasks like locking the screen, opening the control menu, and restarting your phone.

To enable AssistiveTouch:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Accessibility.
3. Select Touch.
4. Tap AssistiveTouch.
5. Turn on the AssistiveTouch switch.

A small floating button will appear on your display. You can drag it to any edge of the screen so it stays out of the way.

How to Lock Your iPhone with AssistiveTouch

If your power button does not work, the first thing you may miss is the simple ability to lock the screen. AssistiveTouch solves that immediately.

1. Tap the floating AssistiveTouch button.
2. Tap Device.
3. Tap Lock Screen.

Your iPhone screen will turn off just as if you pressed the Side button. This is helpful if you want to prevent accidental taps, save battery, or quickly put your phone away.

How to Restart Your iPhone with AssistiveTouch

In many iOS versions, AssistiveTouch also includes a restart option. This is helpful when your iPhone is acting slow, apps are freezing, or you want to refresh the system without using the hardware buttons.

1. Tap the AssistiveTouch button.
2. Tap Device.
3. Tap More.
4. Select Restart.
5. Confirm when prompted.

The iPhone will shut down and start up again automatically. Unlike using the Settings shutdown option, this restart command does not leave the phone completely off, so you do not need the power button to turn it back on.

Can AssistiveTouch Turn the iPhone Completely Off?

AssistiveTouch is excellent for replacing many button functions, but it may not always provide a direct “power off” command depending on your iOS version and device configuration. If you specifically want to shut the iPhone down completely, the most consistent method is still:

Settings > General > Shut Down

Think of AssistiveTouch as your daily workaround and the Settings shutdown option as the cleanest way to fully power off the device.

How to Turn the iPhone Back On Without the Power Button

This part is important. If your power button is broken and you shut your iPhone down, you need a way to switch it back on. Fortunately, iPhones usually power on automatically when connected to power.

Try one of these options:

• Connect it to a wall charger: Use a working cable and power adapter, then wait a few seconds.
• Plug it into a computer: Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC using a compatible cable.
• Use a MagSafe charger: On supported models, attaching a MagSafe charger may wake and power the phone.

If the battery is completely drained, the iPhone may show a low-battery icon before turning on. Leave it connected for at least 10 to 20 minutes if nothing happens immediately.

What If Your iPhone Is Frozen and the Power Button Does Not Work?

A frozen iPhone is more complicated because the Settings app and AssistiveTouch may be inaccessible. Normally, you would perform a force restart using physical buttons. If the Side or Top button is broken, that option may not work.

In that situation, try these steps:

• Connect the iPhone to a charger and wait to see if the screen responds.
• Ask Siri to open an app or settings page, if Siri is still responding.
• Connect the iPhone to a computer and see whether Finder or iTunes recognizes it.
• Let the battery drain completely, then recharge the iPhone to start it again.

Letting the battery drain is not the most elegant solution, but for a fully frozen phone with a broken power button, it may be the only non-repair workaround available.

Set Up AssistiveTouch Before You Need It

If your power button still works sometimes, enable AssistiveTouch now rather than waiting for it to fail completely. You can also customize the AssistiveTouch menu so the most important actions are easy to reach.

To customize it:

1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch.
2. Tap Customize Top Level Menu.
3. Add shortcuts such as Lock Screen, Restart, Siri, or Control Center.

You can also assign actions to single tap, double tap, or long press. For example, you could set a single tap to open the menu and a long press to lock the screen. This makes your iPhone much easier to manage without relying on the physical button.

Should You Repair the Power Button?

Software workarounds are convenient, but they do not fix the underlying hardware issue. If your iPhone is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store or authorized service provider. A technician can determine whether the button itself, the internal flex cable, or another component is damaged.

Before any repair appointment, make sure you:

• Back up your iPhone to iCloud or a computer.
• Remove any case or accessories before testing the button again.
• Update iOS if your phone is otherwise working normally.
• Check for signs of liquid or impact damage.

If your iPhone is older, compare the repair cost with the device’s current value. Sometimes a button repair makes sense; other times, upgrading may be more practical.

Final Thoughts

A broken iPhone power button is inconvenient, but it does not make your device unusable. For a complete shutdown, use Settings > General > Shut Down. For everyday control, enable AssistiveTouch so you can lock the screen, restart the device, and access key functions from a floating on-screen menu.

The smartest approach is to set up AssistiveTouch as soon as you notice the button becoming unreliable. That way, you have a backup control system ready before the hardware fails completely. And if the problem persists, do not ignore it—back up your data and get the button checked, especially if you rely on your iPhone every day.