iPhone (iOS) · Troubleshooting
Restore an iPhone That Won't Start Normally
Recovery Mode is a special startup state used with a computer running Finder (or iTunes on older systems) to reinstall or restore iOS when an iPhone is frozen, stuck on the Apple logo, or won't update normally.
How to open Recovery Mode & Restore
- Connect the iPhone to a computer with a cable and open Finder (or iTunes).
- Use your model's specific button sequence to force it into Recovery Mode.
- When the computer detects a device in Recovery Mode, choose Update first.
- If Update fails or the issue persists, use Restore as a last resort, understanding it erases the device.
What you should know
- Entered using a specific button-press sequence that varies by iPhone model.
- Connects to a Mac or PC, which then offers to Update (keeping data) or Restore (erasing data) the device.
- Update in Recovery Mode reinstalls iOS while attempting to preserve existing data.
- Restore in Recovery Mode erases the device entirely and reinstalls iOS from scratch.
Always try Update before Restore in Recovery Mode, since Update preserves your data while Restore erases everything on the device.
Why it matters
Recovery Mode is often the only way to bring back an iPhone that's completely stuck — frozen at startup, unresponsive to force restarts, or bricked by a failed update — without a trip to a repair shop. Knowing the difference between Update and Restore in this mode can be the difference between fixing the device with your data intact or losing everything unnecessarily.
Best practices
- Keep a recent iCloud or computer backup so a Restore in Recovery Mode, if it becomes necessary, isn't catastrophic.
- Try a standard force restart first, since Recovery Mode should be a later step, not the first thing you try.
- Use a genuine or certified Lightning/USB-C cable, since some third-party cables fail to maintain the connection Recovery Mode needs.
Common problems and fixes
- iPhone won't enter Recovery Mode with the button sequence
- Double-check the exact sequence for your specific iPhone model, since it differs between Face ID models, Touch ID models with a Home button, and older devices.
- Finder or iTunes doesn't detect the iPhone in Recovery Mode
- Try a different USB port or cable, restart the computer, and make sure Finder or iTunes is fully up to date.
Tips and tricks
- If Update in Recovery Mode fails twice, the device usually needs a full Restore followed by restoring from a backup rather than repeated Update attempts.
Frequently asked questions
Is Recovery Mode the same as DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode?
No, DFU mode is a deeper, more thorough restore state used mainly by advanced troubleshooting or repair scenarios, while Recovery Mode is the more common everyday fix.
Will using Recovery Mode's Update option delete my apps and photos?
No, the Update option is designed to reinstall iOS while preserving your existing data, unlike the Restore option which erases everything.
Related settings
- Reset iPhoneReset options let you fix persistent software issues by resetting specific settings (like network or keyboard dictionary) or fully erase the device back to factory defaults.
- Software UpdateSoftware Update keeps iOS current with the latest security fixes, features, and app compatibility. You can update wirelessly, overnight while charging, or via a computer.
- iCloud BackupiCloud Backup automatically saves a copy of your photos, app data, device settings, and more, so you can restore everything on a new or reset device.
More Troubleshooting guides for iPhone (iOS)
- Analytics & ImprovementsAnalytics & Improvements controls whether your iPhone automatically sends anonymized crash reports and usage analytics to Apple, and optionally to third-party app developers, to help diagnose problems and improve software.
- Diagnostic LogEvery app crash or system hang on iPhone generates a diagnostic log you can view directly on the device, useful for troubleshooting a misbehaving app yourself or sharing details with a developer or support team.
- Battery Health & ChargingBattery Health & Charging shows your battery's Maximum Capacity as a percentage of its original capacity, its Peak Performance Capability status, and charging optimization options — the key diagnostic info for battery-related complaints.
- Force Restart & Shut DownA force restart or full shut down can resolve a frozen or unresponsive iPhone using a physical button sequence, without needing to reach Settings at all.
- Erase All Content and SettingsErase All Content and Settings permanently deletes everything on the iPhone, including apps, photos, settings, and accounts, restoring it to an out-of-box state, distinct from resetting individual settings categories.
- DFU Mode RestoreDevice Firmware Update (DFU) Mode is the lowest-level restore state available on iPhone, used when the device won't respond to a force restart or standard Recovery Mode, typically requiring a computer with Finder or iTunes.