Back to All Posts

iPhone Keeps Restarting By Itself? 9 Fixes That Actually Work (2026)

Is your iPhone randomly restarting by itself? This frustrating problem can happen to any iPhone model, but the good news is that most causes are fixable! Here’s your complete troubleshooting guide.

Why Your iPhone Keeps Restarting

The most common causes are:

  • Software glitches after iOS updates
  • Battery issues (especially older batteries)
  • Overheating (common in Singapore’s climate)
  • Corrupted apps causing system crashes
  • Hardware problems (loose connections, failing components)
  • Water damage (even from high humidity)

Let’s fix this step by step!


Quick Fixes to Try First (5 Minutes)

Fix #1: Force Restart Your iPhone

This clears temporary glitches and is safe to try first.

For iPhone 8 and newer (including 15, 16):

  1. Press and quickly release Volume Up button
  2. Press and quickly release Volume Down button
  3. Press and HOLD Side button until Apple logo appears (10-20 seconds)

For iPhone 7:

  1. Press and hold Volume Down + Side button together
  2. Keep holding until Apple logo appears

For iPhone 6s and older:

  1. Press and hold Home + Side/Top button together
  2. Keep holding until Apple logo appears

Did it work? If yes, monitor for 24 hours. If restarts stop, problem solved!


Fix #2: Check for iOS Updates

Outdated iOS versions often have bugs that cause random restarts.

How to update:

  1. Settings → General → Software Update
  2. If an update is available, tap Download and Install
  3. Make sure your iPhone is charged (50%+) and connected to Wi-Fi

⚠️ Important: Back up your iPhone first (Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now)


Fix #3: Check Battery Health

A degraded battery can cause unexpected shutdowns and restarts.

Check your battery:

  1. Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging
  2. Look at Maximum Capacity percentage

What the numbers mean:

  • 100%-85%: Battery is healthy ✅
  • 84%-80%: Battery is degrading, may cause issues ⚠️
  • 79% or below: Battery needs replacement 🔋

Additional signs of battery problems:

  • iPhone shuts down at 20-30% battery
  • Battery drains very fast
  • iPhone gets hot during charging
  • Restarts happen more often when battery is low

Random restarts often indicate battery failure. Consider iPhone battery replacement if your battery health is degraded below 80%.

💡 In Singapore: Hot weather accelerates battery degradation!


Advanced Troubleshooting (15-30 Minutes)

Fix #4: Identify Problematic Apps

A buggy app can crash your iPhone repeatedly.

How to find the culprit:

  1. Settings → Privacy & Security → Analytics & Improvements
  2. Tap Analytics Data
  3. Look for files starting with “panic” or your app names
  4. If you see the same app name repeatedly, that’s likely the problem!

What to do:

  • Update the app (App Store → Updates)
  • Delete and reinstall the app
  • If problem persists, delete the app completely

Common problematic apps in Singapore:

  • Banking apps after updates
  • Grab/Gojek (sometimes)
  • WhatsApp (if storage is full)
  • Games with heavy graphics

Fix #5: Free Up Storage Space

iPhones act strangely when storage is critically low (under 1GB free).

Check your storage:

  1. Settings → General → iPhone Storage
  2. If you have less than 5GB free, you need to clear space!

Quick ways to free up space: ✅ Delete Recently Deleted photos (Photos → Albums → Recently Deleted → Delete All)
✅ Offload unused apps (Settings → General → iPhone Storage → Offload Unused Apps)
✅ Clear Safari cache (Settings → Safari → Clear History and Website Data)
✅ Delete old messages (Settings → Messages → Keep Messages → 30 Days)

🎯 Target: Aim for at least 10GB free space for stable performance


Fix #6: Reset All Settings

This fixes configuration problems without deleting your data.

How to do it:

  1. Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone
  2. Tap Reset
  3. Select Reset All Settings
  4. Enter your passcode
  5. Confirm

⚠️ What you’ll need to reconfigure:

  • Wi-Fi passwords
  • Bluetooth pairings
  • Wallpapers and display settings
  • Privacy settings

What stays safe:

  • Photos, videos, files
  • Apps and app data
  • Messages and contacts

Fix #7: Check for Water/Moisture Damage

Singapore’s high humidity can cause issues over time!

Check the Liquid Contact Indicator:

  • iPhone 5 and newer: Inside the SIM card tray
  • Look for a red or pink dot (means liquid contact detected)
  • Normal color is white or silver

Signs of moisture damage:

  • Random restarts started after rain/beach visit
  • iPhone feels unusually warm
  • Camera lens is foggy
  • Speakers sound muffled

What to do:

  1. Power off your iPhone
  2. Put it in a dry, cool place (NOT rice!)
  3. Use a fan or dehumidifier (important in Singapore!)
  4. Wait 24-48 hours before turning on
  5. If problems persist → professional repair needed

💧 Singapore tip: Never charge a wet iPhone! Wait until completely dry.


Serious Issues (Requires Attention)

Fix #8: Restore iPhone via Computer

If nothing else works, a full restore often fixes software corruption.

Before you start: ✅ Backup to iCloud (Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup)
✅ Backup to computer (iTunes/Finder)
✅ Know your Apple ID password
✅ Set aside 1-2 hours

Steps:

  1. Connect iPhone to computer
  2. Open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows)
  3. Select your iPhone
  4. Click Restore iPhone
  5. Wait for the process to complete
  6. Set up as new iPhone OR restore from backup

⚠️ Warning: This erases everything! Backup first!


Fix #9: Check for Hardware Issues

If restarts continue after trying everything, you likely have hardware problems.

Common hardware causes:

  • Loose battery connector – happens after drops
  • Failing logic board components – can be caused by overheating
  • Damaged power button – causing unintended restarts
  • Internal corrosion – from humidity or water exposure

Signs you need hardware repair:

  • iPhone restarts at specific battery percentages (e.g., always at 40%)
  • Restarts during specific activities (camera, calls, charging)
  • iPhone gets very hot before restarting
  • Restarts started immediately after a drop

🔧 Solution: Visit a professional repair shop for diagnosis


Prevention Tips for Singapore iPhone Users

1. Manage the Heat

Singapore’s weather is tough on iPhones!

Do this: ✅ Remove thick cases during outdoor use
✅ Keep iPhone out of direct sunlight
✅ Avoid leaving in hot cars
✅ Take breaks during gaming/video recording
✅ Charge in cool, ventilated spaces


2. Keep iOS Updated

Enable automatic updates:

  • Settings → General → Software Update → Automatic Updates
  • Turn on Download iOS Updates and Install iOS Updates

✅ This ensures you always have the latest bug fixes!


3. Maintain Battery Health

Best practices:

  • Charge when battery hits 20-30%
  • Unplug at 80-90% (don’t always charge to 100%)
  • Use official Apple or MFi-certified cables
  • Enable Optimized Battery Charging (Settings → Battery → Battery Health)
  • Avoid charging overnight in hot rooms

🌡️ Singapore tip: Charge in aircon rooms when possible!


4. Regular Maintenance

Monthly checklist: 📋 Clear Recently Deleted photos
📋 Check available storage (keep 10GB+ free)
📋 Update all apps
📋 Restart iPhone once per week
📋 Check battery health


When to Seek Professional Repair

Visit a repair shop if: ❌ Random restarts continue after trying all fixes
❌ iPhone overheats frequently
❌ Battery health below 80%
❌ Restarts started after physical damage/water exposure
❌ You see error messages or boot loops
❌ iPhone restarts during specific functions consistently


Professional iPhone Repair in Singapore

Can’t fix your restarting iPhone? BreakFixNow is here to help!

Our expert technicians can:Diagnose hardware issues accurately with specialized tools
Replace failing batteries (official capacity parts)
Repair water damage and corrosion
Fix logic board issues causing random restarts
Replace damaged components (power buttons, connectors)
Same-day service for most repairs

Why choose BreakFixNow: 🏆 Experienced with all iPhone models
🏆 Transparent pricing – no hidden fees
🏆 Warranty on all repairs
🏆 Fast turnaround time
🏆 Located in Singapore – convenient!

📍 Walk-ins welcome
📞 Contact BreakFixNow today for expert iPhone repair!


Troubleshooting Flowchart

Start here:

Is your iPhone under 1 year old?
YES: Contact Apple Support (free warranty repair)
NO: Continue below

Did restarts start after an iOS update?
YES: Force restart, check for new iOS update
NO: Continue below

Is battery health below 80%?
YES: Battery replacement needed
NO: Continue below

Does iPhone get very hot before restarting?
YES: Likely hardware issue – get professional diagnosis
NO: Continue below

Did you try all software fixes above?
YES: Hardware problem – visit repair shop
NO: Go back and try remaining fixes!


FAQ: Random iPhone Restarts

Q: Is it normal for iPhone to restart occasionally?
A: Very rare restarts (once every few months) during updates are normal. Weekly or daily restarts are NOT normal.

Q: Will Apple fix this for free?
A: If under warranty (1 year) or you have AppleCare+, yes! Make an appointment at Apple Orchard.

Q: Can a virus cause iPhone to restart?
A: Very unlikely. iPhones rarely get viruses. It’s almost always software bugs or hardware issues.

Q: Should I wait or fix immediately?
A: If it happens multiple times daily → fix immediately. Occasional restarts (weekly) → monitor for a few weeks.

Q: How much does battery replacement cost in Singapore?
A: Apple Store: $108-$138. Third-party: $50-$90. BreakFixNow offers competitive pricing with quality parts!


Summary: Step-by-Step Fix Guide

Try in this order:

  1. ✅ Force restart iPhone
  2. ✅ Update iOS to latest version
  3. ✅ Check battery health (replace if below 80%)
  4. ✅ Delete problematic apps
  5. ✅ Free up storage (keep 10GB+ free)
  6. ✅ Reset all settings
  7. ✅ Check for water damage
  8. ✅ Restore iPhone via computer
  9. ✅ If nothing works → Professional repair needed

Success rate:

  • Software fixes work: ~70% of cases
  • Battery replacement fixes: ~20% of cases
  • Hardware repair needed: ~10% of cases

Don’t let random restarts ruin your iPhone experience! Try these fixes today, and if you need help, BreakFixNow is just a call away. 📞


Last updated: February 2026