Got the new iPhone 15 and wondering how to quickly turn off the screen? You’re not alone. Apple has refined its design over the years, and while the basics remain familiar, small changes in buttons and gestures sometimes confuse new users.
In this guide, we’ll walk through different methods to turn off your iPhone 15 screen—whether you want to save battery, lock it instantly, or schedule auto screen-off. By the end, you’ll know multiple ways to control your display with ease.
Key Takeaways
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The easiest way to turn off the iPhone 15 screen is by pressing the Side button once.
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You can also use AssistiveTouch or set auto-lock for hands-free screen management.
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Turning off the screen does not power off the device—it just locks it until you wake it again.
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Customizing screen-off settings can help save battery life and prevent accidental touches.
Why Turn Off the iPhone 15 Screen?
Your iPhone’s display is the biggest battery drain. Turning it off when not in use helps:
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Save battery power throughout the day.
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Prevent accidental touches when your phone is in your pocket or bag.
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Protect privacy by instantly hiding sensitive content.
Think of it as closing your laptop lid—it’s not shutting down, just resting.
Method 1: Using the Side Button
The fastest and most common way to turn off the iPhone 15 screen is with the physical Side button.
Steps:
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Locate the Side button on the right edge of your iPhone 15.
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Press it once.
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The screen turns off instantly, locking your phone.
✅ Tip: Pressing and holding the Side button brings up the power-off slider—so for just turning off the screen, use a quick press only.
Method 2: Let the Screen Auto-Lock
If you don’t want to press the button every time, set your iPhone to turn off the screen automatically after a set period.
Steps:
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Open Settings.
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Tap Display & Brightness.
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Select Auto-Lock.
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Choose a time (30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, etc.).
Now, your iPhone will automatically turn off the screen after the set duration of inactivity.
Method 3: Use AssistiveTouch (No Button Press Needed)
If your Side button is damaged or you prefer touch controls, AssistiveTouch is a great option.
Steps:
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Open Settings → Accessibility.
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Tap Touch → AssistiveTouch.
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Turn AssistiveTouch ON.
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A floating on-screen button will appear.
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Tap it → select Device → Lock Screen.
This instantly turns off your iPhone 15 screen without pressing physical buttons.
Method 4: Use Back Tap Gesture
Another cool trick is assigning a Back Tap gesture to lock the screen.
Steps:
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Go to Settings → Accessibility.
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Tap Touch → Back Tap.
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Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap.
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Assign it to Lock Screen.
Now, just tap the back of your iPhone, and the screen will turn off.
Method 5: Use Siri
If your hands are busy, you can ask Siri to lock your phone.
Steps:
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Activate Siri (say “Hey Siri” or press and hold the Side button).
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Say: “Lock my iPhone.”
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Siri will immediately turn off the screen.
Troubleshooting: Screen Won’t Turn Off
If your iPhone 15 screen stays on even after pressing the button:
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Make sure Raise to Wake is off: Settings → Display & Brightness → toggle off.
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Restart your iPhone by holding the Side + Volume Down buttons.
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Check if Attention Aware Features (Settings → Face ID & Passcode) is keeping the screen on when you’re looking at it.
Tips for Better Screen Management
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Use Dark Mode to reduce strain and save battery on OLED displays.
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Lower Auto-Lock time if you want maximum battery savings.
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Turn on Low Power Mode to automatically shorten screen-on time.
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Keep your Side button responsive by avoiding sticky cases that press against it.
Quick Comparison of Methods
| Method | Ease of Use | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Side Button | ★★★★★ | Everyday quick access |
| Auto-Lock | ★★★★☆ | Battery saving, hands-free use |
| AssistiveTouch | ★★★★☆ | Users with button issues |
| Back Tap | ★★★★☆ | Fast gestures, accessibility users |
| Siri | ★★★☆☆ | Hands-free, when voice is possible |
Conclusion
Turning off the iPhone 15 screen is quick and simple—whether you prefer the Side button, Auto-Lock, AssistiveTouch, gestures, or Siri. Each method offers flexibility depending on your habits and needs.
Next time you want to save battery or lock your phone instantly, try one of these tricks. With just a tap, press, or command, your screen is under control.
FAQs: How to Turn Off iPhone 15 Screen
1. Does turning off the screen power off the iPhone?
No, it only locks the device. Your iPhone remains on and running in the background.
2. How do I completely power off my iPhone 15?
Press and hold the Side button + Volume Up/Down, then slide to power off.
3. Can I schedule my iPhone screen to turn off automatically?
Yes, via Auto-Lock in Display & Brightness settings.
4. Why does my screen turn back on after locking?
Check Raise to Wake or Attention Aware Features—they might be waking it automatically.
5. Is it bad to frequently press the Side button to turn off the screen?
No, the Side button is designed for frequent use. If you want alternatives, use AssistiveTouch or Back Tap.