Is your phone’s power button not working? Whether it’s stuck, broken, or unresponsive, it can be frustrating—especially when you need to turn off your device. Fortunately, both Android and iPhone offer alternative ways to shut down your phone without using the power button.
In this guide, we’ll explore proven methods to power off your device safely and effectively using built-in settings, accessibility features, and backup tools. This guide is for all age groups and levels of technical comfort—whether you’re a beginner or someone who helps others with tech issues.
Let’s start by understanding the tools available to you, then walk through each method step by step.
Why Would You Need to Turn Off a Phone Without the Power Button?
The power button may stop working due to:
- Physical damage or wear and tear
- A software glitch
- Dirt or debris stuck in the button
- Water damage
- Manufacturing defect
If this happens, you might be unable to restart your phone, put it into recovery mode, or even reset it. That’s why knowing how to power off your phone without physical buttons is essential.
How to Turn Off an Android Phone Without the Power Button
Most Android phones today include system-level options that allow users to control power functions via software. These methods vary slightly depending on your phone brand (Samsung, Pixel, OnePlus, etc.), but the general steps are similar.
1. Use the Accessibility Menu (Android 11 and up)
Best for: Users who want a simple, built-in solution with no extra apps.
Steps:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Accessibility.
- Tap Accessibility Menu (found under Interaction controls).
- Enable the shortcut. (You’ll now see a small human icon at the bottom or side of the screen.)
- Tap the icon > choose Power > select Power off or Restart.
This gives you full control over power options directly on-screen—no buttons needed.
2. Use Quick Settings (For Some Android Versions)
On some phones, you can access power options from the Quick Settings panel:
- Swipe down twice from the top of the screen.
- Tap the Power icon (near the bottom corner).
- Choose Power Off or Restart.
If this feature isn’t available, try the next method.
3. Use the “Assistive Touch” Feature (Samsung Only)
If you’re using a Samsung device:
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Interaction and Dexterity.
- Turn on Assistant Menu.
- You’ll now see a floating menu—tap it to find Power off.
This floating menu acts like a touch-based replacement for physical buttons.
4. Use ADB (Advanced, but Works When Screen is On)
For tech-savvy users with USB debugging enabled:
- Connect your phone to a PC.
- Run the command: bashCopyEdit
adb shell reboot -p
This command powers off your phone instantly. Useful if you’re stuck and other methods don’t work.
5. Use a Third-Party App (Last Resort)
Apps like Power Menu, Shutdown, or Assistive Touch for Android can offer virtual power buttons—but most require accessibility permissions or root access. Only use trusted apps from the Google Play Store.
How to Turn Off an iPhone Without the Power Button
Apple also includes built-in ways to turn off your iPhone without using hardware buttons. These features are safe, easy to access, and work across most modern iOS versions.
1. Use Settings Menu
Applies to: iPhone 8 and later (iOS 11 and up)
Steps:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Scroll down and tap Shut Down.
- Slide to power off.
This is the most direct way to shut down without touching the power button.
2. Enable AssistiveTouch (Apple’s Virtual Button)
AssistiveTouch is a floating on-screen button that mimics all hardware controls.
To enable:
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch.
- Turn it on.
To shut down using AssistiveTouch:
- Tap the floating AssistiveTouch button.
- Tap Device > More > Restart (on iOS 16 and later).
- If no restart option is available, tap Device > Lock Screen until the shutdown screen appears.
AssistiveTouch is ideal for long-term use when the power button is completely unusable.
3. Use Voice Control (Hands-Free Option)
If you have Voice Control set up:
- Say “Open Settings.”
- Say “Scroll down,” then “Tap General.”
- Say “Shut Down.”
Voice Control is a powerful accessibility feature that gives full hands-free access. First-time users may need to enable it via Settings > Accessibility > Voice Control.
How to Restart Without Power Button (Bonus Tip)
You might also want to restart (not shut down) your phone. Here’s how:
On Android:
- Use Accessibility Menu > Restart
- Or plug in the charger if the phone is off—it often boots automatically
On iPhone:
- Use AssistiveTouch > Device > More > Restart (available on iOS 16+)
What If My Phone Is Frozen?
If your screen is frozen and you can’t use touch, you’ll need a harder workaround.
iPhone:
- Wait for the battery to die, then plug in a charger.
- Once it powers on, access Settings to enable AssistiveTouch or replace the button’s function.
Android:
- If ADB is set up, use your computer to issue commands.
- Otherwise, let the phone power off naturally and restart when plugged in.
Should You Get the Power Button Repaired?
Yes—while these methods are great as temporary fixes, your power button is essential for:
- Force restarting your device
- Entering recovery or DFU mode
- Taking screenshots (combined button presses)
Visit an authorized repair center if:
- Your phone is under warranty
- The issue is hardware-related (unresponsive or stuck button)
Until then, the solutions above will keep you up and running.
Quick Reference
| Device | Method | Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Android | Accessibility Menu | Settings > Accessibility > Accessibility Menu > Power |
| Android (Samsung) | Assistant Menu | Settings > Accessibility > Assistant Menu |
| Android | ADB (Advanced) | Use command line: adb shell reboot -p |
| iPhone | Settings | Settings > General > Shut Down |
| iPhone | AssistiveTouch | Enable in Settings > Accessibility > Touch |
| iPhone | Voice Control | Enable Voice Control and navigate via speech |
Final Thoughts
While a non-working power button can feel like a major inconvenience, today’s smartphones come with thoughtful software features that let you control your device without relying on physical buttons.
Whether you’re using an Android phone or an iPhone, you now have the knowledge to turn off or restart your device easily without the power button. These methods are built-in, safe, and designed to be used by anyone—regardless of technical skill.
