iPhone 12 won't turn off. Can't slide button to switch off or use number 3 on keyboard!

Since yesterday my iPhone has stopped being able to switch off. If I press the volume and power button it goes to the switch off screen but won't let me slide across to turn the phone off. For some reason at this time it was also not letting me press number 3 on the keyboard when typing on messenger or WhatsApp. I've tried various methods to switch my phone off, charged it up fully, then reset the phone completely but it's still having the same issues. Any recommendations as to what to do next? It's an iPhone 12, I bought it at the beginning of the year and had no problems until now. Currently using iOS 18.5 which is the up to date version.

iPhone 12, iOS 18

Posted on Jun 26, 2025 2:54 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 26, 2025 2:58 AM

If your iPhone is not operating as expected, try a forced-restart - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:

Force restart iPhone - Apple Support


If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPhone settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings


If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the iPhone to factory settings:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support


Otherwise, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044


You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPhone - and you can explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 26, 2025 2:58 AM in response to ashj77

If your iPhone is not operating as expected, try a forced-restart - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:

Force restart iPhone - Apple Support


If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPhone settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings


If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the iPhone to factory settings:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support


Otherwise, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044


You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPhone - and you can explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

iPhone 12 won't turn off. Can't slide button to switch off or use number 3 on keyboard!

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.