There are a few reasons why you may be unable to hard reset your iPhone 13. Here are some potential causes and solutions:
Incorrect Hard Reset Procedure
A hard reset, also known as a forced restart, is performed by pressing and quickly releasing the Volume Up button, then pressing and quickly releasing the Volume Down button, then pressing and holding the Side button until the Apple logo appears. This process may not work if you press and hold the buttons for too long or in the wrong order.
Hardware or Software Issue
Sometimes a hardware or software issue prevents the iPhone from responding to a hard reset. Potential culprits include:
- Faulty power or volume buttons
- Corrupted software due to a failed update
- Hardware damage or defect
- Jailbroken device with incompatible tweaks
If your iPhone has any physical or software damage, you may need to take it to an Apple store for service before being able to hard reset it.
Frozen Screen
If your iPhone screen is visibly frozen, unresponsive to touch, or stuck on the Apple logo, it’s essentially non-functional. A hard reset will not work in this state. You will need to wait for the battery to fully drain, then charge the iPhone for at least 30 minutes before trying to hard reset again.
Incorrect Side Button
On the iPhone 13, the Side button is located on the right side of the phone. It is possible to mistake the Volume buttons for the Side button. Make sure you are pressing the button on the right side of the phone when performing a hard reset.
Low Battery
Your iPhone may not respond to a hard reset if the battery charge is too low. Let the phone charge for at least 5-10 minutes before attempting the reset procedure again.
Charged Through Computer
If you’ve been charging your iPhone 13 through a computer instead of a wall adapter, the battery percentage displayed may be inaccurate. Try charging with a wall adapter for at least 30 minutes to ensure the phone has ample power to hard reset.
Software Glitch
In some cases, a minor software glitch or app conflict makes the iPhone unresponsive. Connecting the iPhone to a computer and rebooting or updating iOS through iTunes can resolve such issues.
Third-party Case or Accessory
Thick cases or accessories that block the physical buttons could prevent a hard reset from working properly. Try removing the case and performing the reset on the bare iPhone.
iPhone Still Under Warranty
If your iPhone 13 is still under Apple’s 1 year limited warranty and you’ve tried the troubleshooting steps without success, your best course of action is to contact Apple Support or take the device to an Apple Store for assistance.
iPhone No Longer Under Warranty
For iPhones no longer covered by the 1 year warranty, you may need to resort to a paid repair or replacement if a hard reset still does not work. Apple’s out-of-warranty iPhone servicing options include:
- Apple authorized service providers – Apple will diagnose the issue and give you a repair quote
- AppleCare+ coverage – Extends hardware coverage with deductibles for accidental damage
- Third party repair shops – May offer lower cost repairs compared to Apple
- iPhone replacement – Buying a used iPhone or upgrading to a newer model
As a last resort, you can contact Apple Support and inquire about any other available options for your specific device and situation.
Conclusion
A non-responsive iPhone 13 that won’t hard reset often indicates an underlying hardware or software problem. Try the troubleshooting tips above to see if you can get the phone to reset. For iPhones still under warranty, Apple can provide assistance. Out-of-warranty devices may need third party repair or replacement if hard reset and basic troubleshooting fail to revive the iPhone.