Why does an iPhone 13 Pro Max keep turning off and restarting every few minutes?
Answer
Repeated power-offs on an iPhone are often caused by a software crash loop, a failing battery under load, or a hardware fault that also breaks Face ID. Force-restarting, updating or restoring through a computer, and checking battery health usually identify whether software or service is needed.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Restoring an iPhone erases data that is not already backed up.
- Repeated unexpected shutdowns can eventually leave the phone unable to stay on long enough for backup, so back up as soon as it stays awake.
Follow these steps
Force restart the iPhone
Quickly press and release volume up, quickly press and release volume down, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. Let it boot fully and watch whether the restart loop continues.
You should see: The phone either stays on longer or returns to the same restart pattern, which helps decide the next step.
Check battery health and heat when possible
If Settings stays open long enough, go to Battery and review Battery Health. Also note whether the phone feels hot before it shuts down.
You should see: You know whether battery health is severely degraded or the phone is overheating with the restarts.
Update or restore with a computer
Connect the iPhone to a computer, open Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes, and try Update first. If restarts continue, use Restore, knowing this erases the phone and reloads iOS.
You should see: iOS reinstalls successfully; afterward the phone either runs normally or still restarts, pointing to hardware.
Seek service if restarts continue after restore
If a fresh restore does not stop the power-offs, especially with Face ID failing, schedule service with Apple or an authorized provider and describe the restart loop plus Face ID message.
You should see: A technician can diagnose battery, logic board, or Face ID hardware faults.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Restart interval of a few minutes, any Face ID unavailable message, battery health percentage, and whether the phone gets unusually warm before shutting down.
Before you change anything: Back up to iCloud or a computer if the phone stays on long enough. Note battery health in Settings if you can open it. Use an official Apple or MFi cable and a Mac or PC with Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes. Do not repeatedly force hardware repairs yourself.