iPhone/iPad Recovery Mode Not Working? 5 Fixes Are Here!

Part 1: What is Recovery Mode? What Can Recovery Mode Do?

iOS devices are known for the variety of features they offer to their users. The Recovery Mode is one of the effective features that can be proficiently used to manage different problems of iOS devices. While restoring the device to a firmware, Recovery Mode makes sure that you cover the software problems occurring across your iOS device.

There are multiple events where the respective feature makes itself useful. From saving your device stuck in the boot loop to restoring your locked device due to forgotten passwords, Recovery Mode is the first haven for many users around the corner. They consider it the optimal option for restoring and recovering all the issues with the iOS device.

Along with the reinstallation of the software across your iOS device, the use of Recovery Mode is specifically implemented as a source to avoid the software problems such as failed updates, unresponsive touchscreens, and poor battery life of your iOS device. However, before going into Recovery Mode, the user should always be careful with setting their device backups to avoid inappropriate situations.

Part 2: Why is iPhone/iPad Recovery Mode Not Working?

As we proceed to understand how we can resolve the iPhone/iPad Recovery Mode not working, it is necessary to take the reasons into notice. This will help you get to the root of your problem and figure out the right remedy for you to try on your device. Look into the reasons mentioned as follows:

• Your iOS device will be facing some software bugs which are leading to glitches that are preventing you from using the Recovery Mode. You should look across the software version that you are using on your device.
• The cable that you've used to connect with iTunes on your computer may be broken. A broken cable can be a direct reason for issues with your phone getting into Recovery Mode.
• iTunes can be another major reason for such a case. There might be some damaged files or problematic settings on your iTunes.

Part 3: How to Fix iPhone/iPad Recovery Mode Not Working?

Once you are aware of the reasons that are preventing you from using Recovery Mode on your iOS device, it is time to proceed into the plausible resolutions that can be implied on the devices for a consistent recovery of your iOS device. Go through the provided details to know more about how you can fix iPad or iPhone recovery not working.

Fix 1: Update iTunes

The first solution that you can seek to resolve the issue with your Recovery Mode is by updating iTunes. As exclaimed before, iTunes can be a major reason for such a problem on your iPhone and iPad. Thus, it is essential to have it updated to the latest version to avoid any glitches across it which are directly affecting the iOS device. To cover this process across Windows and Mac, look into the provided steps separately:

For Windows Users

Step 1: Open the iTunes application on your Windows computer and proceed to the "Help" section on the top-most menu.

Step 2: Look for the option of "Check for Updates" in the drop-down menu and check whether iTunes has any updates to be installed.

Step 3: Click on “Install” to update your iTunes. Your iPhone or iPad will successfully get into Recovery Mode now if the problem involves iTunes.

For Mac Users

Step 1: If you are a Mac user with an OS older than Catalina, then you can use the iTunes app on your Mac. You have to locate and open it on your MacBook.

Step 2: Now, click on the “iTunes” option from the toolbar of the Mac. A small menu will display on the screen, and you have to select the option of “Check for Updates” to update the iTunes on Mac.

Fix 2: Force Restart iPhone/iPad

Facing an issue with the Recovery Mode of your iPhone X currently? Force restarting your device is another solution that can preemptively take you out of such miserable situations. This restarts the complete device for you. Look into the procedure to understand how you can resolve the issue of the iPhone X/iPhone11/iPhone 12/iPhone 13 Recovery Mode not working.

For iPhone 6 or Previous Models/iPad with Home Button

Step 1: You need to press and hold the “Home” and “Power” buttons simultaneously.

Step 2: Once the Apple logo appears on the device’s screen, leave the buttons.

For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus

Step 1: Hold the “Power” and “Volume Down” buttons of your iOS device at the same time.

Step 2: Leave the buttons once you see the Apple logo on the screen.

For iPhone 8 and Later/iPad with Face ID

Step 1: First, tap and release the “Volume Up” button. Do the same with the “Volume Down” button.

Step 2: Hold the “Power” button of your iOS device until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

Fix 3: Restore Device in DFU Mode

Are you still stuck with the problem of iPhone Recovery Mode not working? For this method, we shall provide you with a detailed explanation of how you can restore your device in DFU mode. This method allows the hardware to interfere with the software by bypassing the OS loading of the device. It is believed to be a stronger process than the other techniques. Go through the steps provided in detail:

Step 1: Launch iTunes/Finder on your computer and proceed to connect your iOS device with the computer through a lightning cable.

Step 2: To put your device in DFU mode, you need to look into the steps displayed as follows:

For iOS Devices with Home Button

Step 1: Hold the “Power” and “Home” button of your device simultaneously. After a few seconds, leave the “Home” button but keep holding the other.

Step 2: You need to hold the “Power” button for a while. As you find the iOS device displayed on the iTunes screen, you can leave the button. The device is in DFU mode.

For iOS Devices with Face ID

Step 1: Tap the “Volume Up” button followed by the “Volume Down” button in this order.

Step 2: Hold the "Power Button" for a few seconds until the screen of your iOS turns black and iTunes detect it on the platform.

Step 3: Once your device is in Recovery Mode, proceed into the “Summary” section if you are using iTunes. For Finder, find the option of “Restore iPhone/iPad” directly on the interface. Select the option and let the device restore to exempt all problems across it.

Fix 4: Use the iTunes/Finder Alternative: Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS)

Dr.Fone - System Repair

Repair iOS System Errors Without data loss.

• Only fix your iOS to normal, no data loss at all.
• Fix various iOS system issues stuck in recovery mode, white Apple logo, black screen, looping on start, etc.
• Downgrade iOS without iTunes at all.
• Works for all models of iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
• Fully compatible with the latest iOS 16.

Available on: Windows Mac

Start Download

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While you look into the variety of solutions that can be directly executed across the iOS device, you should have a particular alternative to iTunes/Finder, and these solutions can be used if you are not discovering a clear resolution to your issues. Dr.Fone – System Repair (iOS) provides you with a complete haven for resolving all concerns with your iOS device.

The expressive and easy platform helps you fix issues as big as boot loop, white screen of death, etc. As it keeps the data intact, it is definitely a great solution to make sure that you do not face the problem of iPad recovery mode not working. Follow the steps described below for a better understanding of this tool:

Step 1: Use System Repair Tool

Download and install Dr.Fone on your computer. Launch and select “System Repair” from the available tools on the homepage.

Step 2: Choose Repair Mode

Connect your iOS device with the computer and make sure that Dr.Fone detects it. Select “Standard Mode” out of the available options on the next screen.

Step 3: Confirm Device Details

The tool automatically detects and displays the model type and system version of the iOS device. Now, confirm the iOS device details and tap on the "Start" button.

Step 4: Firmware Verification

The respective iOS firmware downloads across the platform. After completing the download, the tool verifies the firmware. Find the option of “Fix Now” after completing the procedure to this point.

Step 5: Fix iOS Device

Click the option to repair your iOS device. Once the firmware is installed across the device successfully, you will get a prompt message.

Fix 5: Contact Apple Support

If none of the methods provided above helps you figure out the solution to iPhone recovery not working, you should consider going for Apple Support. They will help you sort out the concerns across your device and make it operational with perfection.