What if your iPhone 15 screen is frozen, unresponsive, or completely broken—and you need to turn it off? Don’t worry, you’re not stuck. Apple provides alternative methods to shut down your iPhone without using the touch screen.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explain how to turn off iPhone 15 without screen using button combinations, AssistiveTouch (if enabled), and even force restart options. These methods work if your display is cracked, frozen, or your phone won’t respond to touch.
Why You Might Need to Turn Off iPhone 15 Without Screen
You may need to shut down your iPhone without using the touch screen if:
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The screen is cracked and not responding.
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The iPhone is frozen or stuck on an app.
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You want to conserve battery while waiting for repairs.
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Your device is overheating and needs a quick shutdown.
Important Things to Know Before Shutting Down
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Always try a normal shutdown first if your screen is still partially responsive.
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If your iPhone won’t respond, you may need to use a force restart.
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Shutting down doesn’t erase your data—it just powers off the device.
Method 1: Turn Off iPhone 15 Using Button Combination
Even if the screen isn’t working, you can shut down your iPhone with hardware buttons.
Steps:
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Press and hold the Side button and either Volume Up or Volume Down button.
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Keep holding until you feel a vibration or see the screen dim (if it still partially lights up).
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Your iPhone should power off after a few seconds.
Method 2: Force Restart iPhone 15 When Screen Doesn’t Work
If the screen is completely unresponsive, a force restart might be your only option.
Steps to Force Restart iPhone 15:
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Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
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Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
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Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
👉 Note: This doesn’t shut the phone down permanently—it restarts the iPhone. But it can help if your phone is frozen.
Method 3: Use AssistiveTouch to Shut Down (If Enabled)
If you had AssistiveTouch enabled before the screen stopped working, you can use it to power off without using physical buttons.
Steps:
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Tap the AssistiveTouch button (floating on-screen circle).
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Go to Device > More > Restart or Shut Down.
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Confirm the action.
(This method only works if your screen is still somewhat functional.)
Method 4: Let the Battery Drain Out
If none of the button combinations work and your screen is completely dead, you can simply let the battery run down.
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Leave the phone unused until it powers off on its own.
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This can take several hours depending on battery level.
How to Turn On iPhone 15 After Shutting Down Without Screen
Once your iPhone is off, turning it back on is easy:
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Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
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If the screen is still broken, you may need to connect it to iTunes/Finder on a computer for backup and troubleshooting.
Tips to Prevent Screen Issues in the Future
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Always use a screen protector and protective case.
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Avoid exposing your phone to extreme heat or cold.
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Keep iOS updated to prevent software freezes.
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Handle the phone carefully to avoid accidental drops.
Conclusion: Powering Off Your iPhone 15 Without a Working Screen
Turning off your iPhone 15 without using the screen is possible with the right steps:
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Use button combinations for shutdown.
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Perform a force restart if frozen.
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Use AssistiveTouch if it was enabled.
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As a last resort, let the battery drain out.
With these methods, you can safely shut down your iPhone even if the screen is completely unresponsive.
FAQs About Turning Off iPhone 15 Without Screen
1. Can I turn off my iPhone 15 without using the screen?
Yes, by holding the Side button + Volume button together until it shuts down.
2. What if my iPhone screen is broken and buttons don’t work?
In that case, let the battery drain out or seek professional repair.
3. Is force restart the same as shutting down?
No, force restart reboots your iPhone, while shutdown turns it off completely.
4. Will shutting down delete my data?
No, powering off does not erase data—it only stops the device temporarily.
5. Can I turn off iPhone 15 using Siri?
Yes, but only if your screen and touch still work enough to confirm the shutdown command.
✅ Key Takeaway: If your iPhone 15 screen doesn’t work, you can still turn it off using hardware button shortcuts, force restart, AssistiveTouch, or by draining the battery.