What is a Hard Reset, and Why Do iPhone Users Should Consider It?
A hard reset doesn't just reboot your device; it is a critical troubleshooting step that helps fix software problems, such as apps freezing, crashing or unresponsive touch, without losing your data. Hard reset will reboot your iPhone 12 and clear temporary glitches while refreshing system operations.
Key Benefits of a Hard Reset:
- Quick Solution: Instantly fixes freezing, unresponsiveness, and app crashes.
- No Data Loss: It does not delete your files, photos, or apps, unlike factory resets.
- Improved Device Performance: Restores your device's functionality when the system becomes overwhelmed by multitasking or excessive processing.
Common Situations That Require a Hard Reset:
- The touchscreen fails to respond to taps or swipes.
- Your iPhone is stuck on a boot loop, which is the Apple logo screen.
- Repeatedly, apps crash when launched.
- The device overheats from excessive use or a malicious app.
If your iPhone 12 is experiencing any of these issues, you can master the art of using a hard reset with our guide and resolve the technical issues of your iPhone 12.
Common Issues Fixed by a Hard Reset
A hard reset can fix numerous problems with your iPhone 12, such as:
- Frozen Screen: When the screen does not respond to touch or button commands
- Apps Crashing or Not Loading: If some applications will not load or close themselves, a hard reset removes temporary system bugs.
- Stuck on Apple Logo or Boot Loop: For devices that will not pass the Apple logo when booting up, a hard reset allows normal boot-up again
- Audio and Display Glitches: Some issues, such as warped audio, a delay in the video or simply no display, can be remedied.
- Overheating or Lag: Prolonged usage or malfunctioning apps may result in your iPhone over-heating or lagging, and a hard reset eliminates the transitory issues
Though it is a very useful procedure, the hard reset only works as a short-term remedy. Professional diagnosis might be called for in recurrent problems.
Precautions Before Doing Hard Reset
Although a hard reset is generally safe, there are some things you should note in order to minimize risks.
- Close Active Apps (if possible): Before hard resetting, attempt to close active applications to prevent any data conflict during the hard reset process.
- Unplug all charging cables: Disconnect your iPhone from any connected cable or charger to avoid the possibility of power fluctuation while resetting.
- Check for System Updates First: If the problem is recurring, it might be due to outdated software. Update your iOS version under Settings > General > Software Update before attempting a hard reset.
Pro Tip: Use a hard reset sparingly. If your iPhone freezes or crashes frequently, it may be a sign of deeper software or hardware issues that need professional evaluation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hard Reset Your iPhone
For a successful hard reset, follow the instructions on your iPhone 12.
1. Press and Quickly Release the Volume Up Button
- Locate the volume up button on the left side of your device
- Tap and then quickly release the button without holding down
2. Press and Quickly Release the Volume Down Button
- Immediately press and then release the volume down button, located right below the volume up button.
3. Press and Hold the Side Button
- Locate the side power button on the right side of your iPhone. Press and hold it.
- Continue holding the button until it displays the Apple logo across the screen, meaning your device restarted successfully
- A Common Mistake to Avoid: In the first two steps, timing counts. Release each button promptly, as holding it too long may trigger a screenshot instead of a hard reset on the device.
What to Do If Hard Reset Doesn't Fix the Problem
Sometimes, the hard reset of your iPhone 12 might not solve the issue. For those cases, consider the following:
1. Put Your iPhone into Recovery Mode
- Connect your iPhone using a lightning cable to your Mac or PC.
- Launch Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (on Windows or earlier macOS versions).
- Proceed with the button sequence to enter Recovery Mode: Volume Up > Volume Down > Hold Side Button until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
- Select Update to install iOS without wiping your data or restore to restore it completely.
2. Examine Your iPhone's Battery and Storage
- Access Settings > Battery > Battery Health to determine if your battery has degraded.
- Free up storage under Settings > General > iPhone Storage, as lack of space can cause performance issues.
3. Visit a Repair Professional
- There could be some hardware, software or performance issues with your iPhone that may be causing persistent problems, such as a failing logic board or defective components. In that case, visit professional mobile repair technicians, and they will provide detailed diagnostics after performing performance tests and provide you with the best solution. If your iPhone is still unresponsive after a reset, you might need expert repairs. Visit our iPhone Repair in Edmonton page for more details.
Soft Reset vs. Hard Reset: Which One is Right for You?
Many users confuse these two processes and wonder which one is better for resolving their device issues.
Type of Reset When to Use How It Works Effect on Data
Soft Reset Routine restart or minor glitches Simply power the device off and back on. No impact: all data remains intact.
Hard Reset: Severe unresponsiveness or freezing Forces a reboot by cutting power temporarily. No impact; clears temporary system glitches.
What is a Forced Restart?
The procedure of forcing restart, also called hard reset, bypasses the usual restart on your iPhone 12. The technique is usually utilized to power cycle an unresponsive device without any need to use the touchscreen or other normal shutdown options.
How a Forced Restart Works:
Interrupts all the processes running on the device; clears the RAM and restarts the operating system.
A forced restart saves all your data, apps, and settings; it is thus a safe and quick solution to minor glitches that do not need a factory reset.
Forced restarts are very helpful in cases where the iPhone is frozen, unresponsive, or stuck on a specific screen.
How to Force Restart an iPhone 12
Force restart your iPhone 12 as follows:
1. Press and Release the Volume Up Button
Tap the Volume Up button and release it as soon as the button is tapped on the left side of the device.
2. Tap the Volume Down Button
Tap and release the Volume Down button in quick succession with the Volume Down button.
3. Pause and Press and Hold the Side Button
- Press the Side button and let go of the button when the Apple logo appears for 10–15 seconds.
- Release and your iPhone will restart.
- Important: Timing is everything. If the sequence of buttons is not done properly, the reboot may not engage.
Tips for Preventing Future Performance Issues on iPhone 12
Avoid frequent hard resets by considering the following best practices:
- Maintain Up-to-Date Software: Updates will periodically eliminate bugs. Set up automatic downloads to save steps.
- Delete Unused Applications: The useless applications waste crucial storage space as your iPhone experiences a slow period.
- Track Crashing Apps: Remove problematic apps that restart often or utilize excessive battery.
- Maintain Regular Upgrades: Clean your device's ports, update accessories, and check battery health to ensure long-term functionality.
iPhone 12 Hard Reset FAQs
Does a hard reset delete my data?
No, a hard reset does not erase your data, applications, and settings. It just simply reboots your device and clears temporary memory.
Does too much hard resetting damage my iPhone?
Hard resets are considered safe. However, frequent hard resets may show an underlying problem in software or hardware, and, therefore, attention is required.
If a hard reset does not work, then?
Connect your iPhone to a computer. Use recovery mode to find out the reason for the problem further. If this cannot be sorted, then visit a professional repairer.
Hard Reset vs. Factory Reset
A hard reset will reboot your iPhone without affecting your data, whereas a factory reset will erase all data and restore the device to its original settings. Need a professional fix? Head to our Edmonton Phone Repair Location for expert solutions.
Why Doctor Mobile Profix is Your Best Choice for iPhone 12 Troubleshooting?
At Doctor Mobile, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing all kinds of iPhone issues. Here is what makes us stand out:
- Skilled Technicians: Our team is trained and has years of experience in handling everything from basic resets to complex hardware repairs.
- Quality Parts: We only use first-rate parts to make sure your iPhone acts like it was freshly taken out of the box after a repair.
- Cost-Effective Services: Whether you need a screen replacement or take your software through various adjustments, our services are competitively priced.
- Same-Day Repairs: A large number of the available repairs are completed on the same day.
- Warranty: We provide a warranty on all of our repair services.
