You might feel confused when holding the side button brings up Siri instead of turning off your phone. To shut down an iPhone 14 completely, you must perform a specific button combination. Press and hold the side button on the right and either one of the volume buttons on the left simultaneously. Keep holding both buttons until the power slider appears on the screen. Once you see the slider, swipe it to the right to power down the device. This simple two-handed action is the standard way to turn off modern iPhones.
Modern smartphones are like pocket-sized supercomputers, and sometimes they need a break. Turning off your device helps clear out temporary files and gives the battery a rest. The following steps will guide you through the physical button combination needed to power down your handset safely.
Step 1: Locate the side button and volume buttons on your device.
The side button is the single button found on the right edge of your iPhone 14. The volume up and volume down buttons are the two separate keys located on the left edge. You will need to position your hand so you can press both sides of the phone at once.
Step 2: Press and hold the side button and either volume button simultaneously.
It does not matter if you choose the volume up or volume down button for this step. The important part is that you press the side button and your chosen volume button at the exact same time. You need to keep holding them down firmly for a few seconds.
Step 3: Release the buttons when the power slider appears.
Your screen will blur and a menu will pop up showing a slider at the top. Once you see the words “slide to power off,” you can let go of the physical buttons. If you continue holding them for too long, the emergency alarm might start counting down.
Step 4: Drag the slider to the right to turn off the phone.
Place your finger on the circular power icon located on the left side of the slider. Drag your finger all the way to the right side of the screen. The device will now initiate its shutdown sequence.
After you complete the swipe, the screen will go completely black. It usually takes about thirty seconds for the device to fully shut down all its internal processes. You should wait a moment before attempting to turn it back on to ensure the system has completely reset.
- Do not just click the buttons quickly because that will take a screenshot instead of opening the power menu.
- Remove any thick or rugged cases if you find it difficult to press the buttons down simultaneously.
- Check your grip to ensure you are not accidentally pressing both volume buttons at the same time.
- Remember that this exact same method works for the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 models as well.
- Clean around the buttons periodically to prevent dust buildup from making them sticky or unresponsive.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Siri activate when I press the side button?
Apple changed the function of the side button on newer iPhones to activate the voice assistant. This allows you to access Siri quickly without using your voice. Because of this change, the power off function was moved to a two-button combination.
Can I turn off my iPhone 14 without using buttons?
Yes, there is a software option available if your buttons are not working. You can open the Settings app and go to the General section. Scroll to the very bottom of that menu to find a Shut Down option.
How do I turn the phone back on?
Turning the phone on is much simpler than turning it off. You only need to press and hold the side button on the right. Keep holding it until you see the white Apple logo appear on the center of the screen.
What if my phone is frozen and the slider won’t appear?
If the screen is unresponsive, you need to perform a force restart. Press and release volume up, then press and release volume down, and then hold the side button. Keep holding the side button until the phone restarts and the Apple logo appears.
Does this delete any data from my phone?
No, turning off your phone normally does not delete any of your personal data. It simply stops the operating system and turns off the hardware components. Your photos, messages, and apps will be exactly where you left them when you turn it back on.
Summary of steps
- Find the side button and volume buttons.
- Hold the side button and one volume button together.
- Release buttons when the slider appears.
- Swipe the slider to the right.
Conclusion
Mastering the controls of your device is a small but satisfying victory. It can feel frustrating when technology changes the rules on us, like moving the power function from a single click to a combination press. However, these changes are usually made to add more features, such as easy access to Siri or Apple Pay. Learning to navigate these physical controls ensures you are never stuck with a drained battery or a glitchy app. It gives you full control over when your device is active and when it gets to rest.
Taking the time to turn off your phone occasionally is actually good for its health. It allows the memory to clear out and the internal components to cool down. Think of it like a good night’s sleep for your electronics. Just as we need rest to function at our best, your smartphone benefits from a complete reboot now and then. It can solve minor bugs and make the interface feel snappier.
Now that you know exactly how to turn off iPhone 14 with buttons, you won’t have to fumble around or accidentally call someone when you just want some peace and quiet. It becomes muscle memory after you do it a few times. You will be swiping that slider without even thinking about it. Share this knowledge with friends who might be struggling with their new upgrades. Staying informed helps us all get the most out of the technology we carry in our pockets every day.
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.