Fix iPhone Keeps Restarting Randomly
You are in the middle of a text or watching a video, and suddenly the screen goes black. The Apple logo appears, the phone turns back on, but five minutes later, it happens again. And again.
The Problem
This is known as a Random Reboot Loop. Unlike a "Boot Loop" (where it never turns on), here your phone works for a few minutes before crashing.
This is usually caused by the battery failing to deliver enough power during peak usage, or a specific app crashing the entire operating system (Kernel Panic).
The Short Answer
First, check your Battery Health. If it says "Service," your battery is physically worn out and causing the shutdowns. If the battery is fine, it is likely a software conflict—updating all apps and iOS usually fixes it.
Quick Fixes
Method 1: Update iOS & Apps (Software Fix)
An outdated app running in the background can crash iOS 18+. Update everything to rule this out.
- Open the App Store.
- Tap your profile icon (top right).
- Tap Update All.
- Then, go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any pending iOS updates.
Method 2: Check Battery Health (Hardware Fix)
If your battery is old, it might shut down when the processor asks for high power (like staring a video).
- Go to Settings > Battery.
- Tap Battery Health & Charging.
- Look at Maximum Capacity.
- If it is below 80%, or if it says "Service", you need a new battery. No software trick will fix this.
Method 3: The "Panic Full" Check (Pro Tip)
Your iPhone actually keeps a log of why it restarts. You can read it.
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements.
- Tap Analytics Data.
- Scroll down (it is alphabetical) and look for files starting with panic-full.
- If you see many of these files, it confirms a hardware sensor is failing (often the charging port sensor or volume button cable).
If Nothing Worked
If you see "panic-full" logs or if your battery is fine but it still restarts, the issue is likely the Charging Port Flex Cable. This part has a "micrometer" usage sensor that, when broken, causes the phone to restart every 3 minutes exactly. A repair shop can replace this part cheaply.
Check Also: Stuck on Apple Logo
Common Questions
- Does overheating cause restarts?
- Yes. If your phone gets too hot, it will shut down to protect the components. Let it cool down before using it.
- Will resetting settings help?
- Sometimes. "Reset All Settings" (not Erase All Content) can fix software glitches without deleting your photos.
- Is it a virus?
- No. iPhones do not get viruses that cause restarts. It is almost always a battery or sensor issue.