Turning off your new Apple device might seem tricky at first because it is different from older models. You cannot simply press the button on the side anymore because that now wakes up Siri. To shut off your iPhone 14 properly, you need to press and hold two buttons at the same time. Press the side button on the right and either volume button on the left simultaneously. Hold them until a slider appears on the screen. Swipe that slider to the right to power down. Alternatively, you can open the Settings app, tap General, and select Shut Down.
This section will guide you through the physical button combination required to turn off your phone. It is like learning a secret handshake for your device. Once you master this simple motion, you will be able to power down your device in seconds without looking at the screen.
Step 1: Locate the side button and the volume buttons on your device.
You need to find the correct buttons before you start the process to ensure it works. The side button is the large button found alone on the right edge of the phone. The volume buttons are the two buttons located on the left edge.
Step 2: Press and hold the side button and either volume button at the same time.
You must squeeze these buttons simultaneously for a few seconds. It does not matter if you choose the volume up or volume down button. Just make sure you are holding the side button firmly along with it.
Step 3: Release the buttons when the power menu appears on the screen.
You will feel a small vibration or haptic feedback when the screen changes. You will see a slider at the top that says “slide to power off.” Once you see this, you can let go of the physical buttons.
Step 4: Drag the slider to the right to turn off the phone.
Place your finger on the power icon within the slider. Move your finger all the way to the right side of the screen. The screen will begin to fade to black immediately.
Step 5: Wait for the device to power down completely.
The spinning wheel might appear for a moment in the center of the screen. It usually takes about thirty seconds for the phone to fully shut down. Do not try to turn it back on until the screen is completely black.
Once you have completed these steps, your iPhone 14 will be entirely powered off. It will not receive calls, notifications, or track your location. The battery will stop draining from background activity. This is the state the phone must be in if you want to clean the screen or save battery life during a long trip.
Tips for how to shut off iPhone 14
- If you only press the side button quickly, the phone will just go to sleep instead of turning off.
- You can also shut off the phone through the Settings menu if your physical buttons are stuck or broken.
- Always wait at least thirty seconds after the screen goes black before you try to turn the phone back on.
- If your phone is frozen and won’t slide, you might need to perform a force restart instead of a standard shutdown.
- Turning your phone off and on again once a week can help clear out memory glitches and keep it running smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Siri activate when I try to turn off my phone?
This happens because you are likely only pressing the side button by itself. On newer iPhones, holding the side button alone is the command to wake up Siri. You must hold a volume button along with the side button to trigger the power menu.
Can I turn off my iPhone 14 without using any buttons?
Yes, you can do this through the software menu. Go to your Settings app and tap on General. Scroll all the way to the bottom of that list and tap Shut Down to see the power slider.
How do I turn the phone back on after shutting it off?
To turn the device back on, you only need to use one button. Press and hold the side button on the right edge until you see the Apple logo. You do not need to touch the volume buttons to turn it on.
What do I do if the slider screen never appears?
If the slider does not appear, you might not be holding the buttons long enough. Ensure you are pressing both the side and volume buttons firmly at the same time. If it still fails, your case might be blocking the buttons.
Does turning off the phone delete my data?
No, turning off your phone does not delete any of your photos or apps. It simply stops the operating system from running. All your data will be there safely when you turn it back on.
Summary
- Find the side button and volume buttons.
- Hold side and volume buttons together.
- Release buttons when the slider appears.
- Swipe the slider to the right.
- Wait for the screen to go black.
Conclusion
Mastering the basics of your smartphone is essential for a frustration-free experience. While it might feel strange that a simple power button no longer turns off the device, the new method is designed to prevent accidental shutdowns in your pocket. Think of it like a safety lock on a door. It requires a little extra intention to engage. By using the two-button squeeze or the settings menu, you have full control over when your device rests. This knowledge is handy not just for turning the phone off, but for troubleshooting minor issues that pop up over time.
Giving your phone a break is actually good for its health. Just like humans need sleep to function at their best, your iPhone benefits from a reboot now and then. It allows the system to clear out temporary files and reset network connections. If you notice your apps are lagging or your Wi-Fi is acting weird, a simple shutdown is often the best cure. It is the oldest trick in the book for a reason. It works.
Now that you know exactly how to shut off iPhone 14, you are ready to handle any situation. Whether you are sitting in a movie theater or just trying to save battery, you can power down with confidence. Remember to practice the button combination a few times so your fingers memorize the movement. If you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend who might be struggling with their new phone. Taking control of your technology is the first step to enjoying it fully.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.