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Master the Art of Powering Off Your iPhone 12: A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide

Learn the simple steps to power off your iPhone 12 smoothly. This article guides you through the process, rectifies common issues like unresponsive sliders, and offers useful tips on restarting your device. Perfect for new users, or those wanting a refresher.

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Published Jan 27, 2024

Got a brand new iPhone 12 and can't figure out how to power it off? You're not alone. Apple, in its quest for sleek, button-less design, has made the process a bit less intuitive than on other smartphones.

But don't worry. We'll guide you through the steps to turn off your iPhone 12. It's easier than you might think, and once you've done it a few times, it'll become second nature. So, let's dive right in and get your iPhone 12 powered down.

Why is turning off an iPhone 12 different?

You might wonder, why the fuss over turning off an iPhone 12 when it's just a simple task, right? Well, it's not necessarily complicated, but Apple's shift towards a more streamlined functionality means that basic operations on your iPhone 12 may differ from previous models.

Let's delve into why powering off your iPhone 12 is a slightly different task.

First off, Apple eliminated the home button on iPhone 12. This significant move means that the once straightforward process of holding down the home and side buttons to turn off your phone, no longer works. Additionally, everyday operations—like returning to the home screen, switching between apps, and yes, even powering off—now hinge entirely on the side button and a sequence of other gestures.

What's more, Apple now utilizes the side button for many functions on your iPhone 12:

  • Activating Siri
  • Initiating Apple Pay
  • Emergency SOS trigger

These multiple functions tied to the side button make shutting down your phone a bit trickier. It's crucial to know the right patterns to avoid initiating an unwanted action.

Have you ever noticed how Apple devices rely heavily on button combinations? It's a design element that gives your iPhone its sleek, streamlined look. It's less about buttons and more about gesture-based controls. So, it's not that powering down your iPhone 12 is overly complex; it's just that Apple wants you to adapt to their evolved design approach.

Whether you are a seasoned Apple enthusiast or new to the brand, these changes might take a moment to get used to. However, with a bit of practice, you'll find that these modifications aim to make interaction with your device smoother.

Step 1: Locating the side button

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Introducing the side button- a key player in your journey to understanding how to power off an iPhone 12. You'll find it sitting snugly on the right side of your device, right above the volume buttons. It's no longer just the power button- in the iPhone 12, it's evolved into a multi-functional button. From waking up your phone to activating Siri, or even for initiating Apple Pay transactions, the side button's got your back.

Unlike the older models, you can't simply hold down this button alone to switch off your iPhone 12. This set-up is Apple's brainchild to avoid accidental shut-downs while attempting other functions. A clever move, don't you think? But worry not, we're going to demystify exactly how you can use this tool to switch off your device.

In the spirit of getting comfortable with your iPhone 12, let's check out some other functions the side button holds. If you give it a quick press, you'll wake your phone or put it to sleep. A double quick press will take you straight to Apple Pay. Hold it down a bit longer, here comes Siri waiting for your command. Now, that's one versatile button!

Getting to know your iPhone 12's side button and its uses brings you one step closer to mastering your device. In the next section, we'll dive deeper into the process of powering off your phone. So get set and continue browsing through to find all the information you need to optimise your iPhone 12 experience.

Step 2: Pressing and holding the side button

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Notably, this step diverges from older models. With your iPhone 12, pressing and holding the side button activates a host of different functions. Let's walk through this process, step by step.

In order to power off the iPhone 12, it's crucial to pair the side button with one of the volume buttons. Firmly press and hold both together. Doing so triggers the power-off screen, which you'll notice swiftly appear.

Do remember that timing plays a key role in this action. If you hold these two buttons for too long - more than 5 seconds - your iPhone 12 will implement the Emergency SOS feature. This feature prompts a countdown, at the end of which it sends a distress signal to local emergency services. It's a fantastic safety feature, but probably not what you're aiming for in this context.

To avoid this, try keeping a mental count, or even an audible one, until you're comfortable with the timings. With a little practice, you'll find the optimal duration it takes to summon the power-off screen without triggering the emergency signal.

An essential takeaway here is that holding down only the side button isn't enough to power off your phone anymore. While it might be an adjustment if you're used to older models, understanding these changes is key to mastering the iPhone 12. It's no longer about simply holding the side button. It's about knowing which buttons to press, when to press them, and for how long. This knowledge not only helps in powering off your device but also plays an instrumental role in handling potential emergencies, should the need arise.

You understand the importance of pressing and holding the side button in conjunction with one of the volume buttons. Let's move on to the next step to see what you need to do once you've successfully accessed the power-off screen.

Step 3: Waiting for the power-off slider

Your next step after pressing down those buttons comes into play - waiting for the power-off slider. This necessitates patience. It might seem a trivial part of the process yet holds immense importance. Here's why.

After holding down the side button and one of the volume buttons, your iPhone 12 screen will change considerably. Expect to see an emergency SOS countdown initially kick-off. Please beware! Do not let this countdown finish! If it does, it'll automatically dial emergency services. To prevent this, release the buttons immediately.

Look for the power-off slider on your screen. It's no fancy feature - just a simple, swipe-able slider with a straightforward directive: "slide to power off". You might think you've seen a similar slider before while using other models. You're not mistaken - it's served as the basis for powering off previous iPhones. It's exactly this same unassuming slider that fulfills a major task on the iPhone 12.

Remember to be quick but careful. If you press for too long on the side button along with the volume button, the emergency SOS will be activated. And, you wouldn't want this unless there's a true crisis at hand. Understanding the appropriate timing is therefore intrinsic to effectively powering off your iPhone 12 without unintentionally accessing other features.

Leveraging this power-off process, you can improve how you interact with your iPhone 12. Being quick, precise, and patient with the power-off slider prepares you for potential emergencies, ensuring you can handle them effectively should they unexpectedly arise.

Step 4: Sliding to power off

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At this point, you've successfully initiated the shutdown process. Now comes the crucial step of turning off your iPhone 12. Remember, it's as simple as operating a regular slide on your screen! Here's how you'll perform this action.

Once the power-off slider appears on the screen, you'll see the exact words, 'slide to power off.' This part is designed to be hassle-free – so don't overthink it.

Place your finger on the power off slider. Silently count to two. In a swift, yet firm motion, slide your finger across the screen. Make sure your swipe is in line with the slider and moves from left to right.

It's worth mentioning you'll probably feel the slider's haptic feedback. Yes, that tiny vibration is normal and just the iPhone 12's way of achieving an intuitive user experience.

What if the slider isn’t responding? If the slider isn't fitting under your fingers or if you're unable to see it, don't panic. There could be a myriad of reasons for this issue – perhaps your screen is too dirty, there's a minor glitch, or you're accidentally in landscape mode. Here are some quick remedies to try:

  • Cleaning your screen with a microfiber cloth
  • Restarting your device
  • Ensuring you're in portrait mode

Once you've successfully slid your finger across the screen, your iPhone 12 will commence the power-off process. As the screen dims, your device will go into sleep mode and eventually switch off.

We can't overstate the importance of this step as it emphasises that anyone can master the process of shutting down an iPhone 12 by just being patient and following these simple steps. Yes, even in an emergency situation!

Sliding to power off might seem initially intimidating, but with the right know-how, it will become second nature. Just keep practicing and trusting your judgement.

Step 5: Turning your iPhone 12 back on

Turning your iPhone 12 back on is just as simple as powering it off. But, you need to remember that if your device was completely off, it may take a few moments for it to turn back on. Now, let's dive into the step-by-step process to power your device back on.

Place your Finger on the Right Side Button.

Let's start by reaching out for the side button that you used previously. It's located on the right side of the device and it's there for several functions, one of which is turning your iPhone 12 back on.

Press and Hold the Side Button.

Press down on the side button and hold it there. Patience is key here - don't rush things. You might think nothing's happening initially, but give it a few seconds.

Wait for the Apple Logo to Appear.

After you've held down the button for a few moments, you should see the Apple logo appear on your screen. That logo is a signal that your iPhone 12 is rebooting and coming back to life.

Enter Your Passcode.

As an extra level of security, your iPhone will likely ask for your passcode to unlock and access your data.

Turning back on your device shouldn't be a stressful event. With these simple steps, you're able to bring your iPhone 12 back to life whenever you need to. Familiarize yourself with this process so it becomes as natural as breathing for you.

Let's get you ready for the next steps, as we move to explore other useful tips on handling your iPhone 12. After all, it's all about making your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Conclusion

You've now learned the ins and outs of powering off your iPhone 12 and turning it back on again. With this knowledge, you're well-equipped to handle your device confidently, even in urgent situations. Remember, it's all about the slide to power off and the hold to turn on. If you ever encounter a non-responsive slider, don't forget the troubleshooting tips we've shared. Keep practicing these steps until they become second nature. Stay tuned for more insightful iPhone 12 tips and tricks to make your user experience even better.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to power off an iPhone 12?

To power off an iPhone 12, press and hold the side button until the power off slider appears. Place your finger on the slider and swipe from left to right. You should feel a haptic feedback indicating the device is about to turn off.

What can I do if the power off slider isn't responding?

In instances where the power off slider isn't responding, consider cleaning your device's screen. If this doesn't work, try restarting the device. This should typically solve the problem.

How should I turn my iPhone 12 back on?

Turning the iPhone 12 back on entails pressing and holding the side button. Wait for the Apple logo to appear, and then enter your passcode.

Is mastering the iPhone 12 power-off process important?

Yes, it's crucial to know how to power off and restart your iPhone 12. Besides basic usage, it might prove helpful in emergency situations where your device is not responding normally.

This article was originally published on 27 Jan 2024 but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.
Kyle Crisp
Kyle has been using Apple products for over 25 years. He loves helping people learn how to use their Apple devices.
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