Repair Troublesome iOS & Android Issues at Ease

Seeing a cable and computer icon can be concerning, but an iPhone 18 Pro stuck in Recovery Mode does not necessarily mean your data is lost. A failed iOS update, interrupted restore, software issue, or connection problem can leave the device on the recovery screen.

A force restart may be enough to exit Recovery Mode if the iPhone can boot normally afterward. If the screen returns, the underlying issue may require further repair. This guide covers 6 solutions, including non-destructive options like Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS), before moving to a full restore that erases your data.

Part 1. Is Your iPhone 18 Pro Actually in Recovery Mode?

An iPhone 18 Pro recovery screen can appear for several reasons, so the first step is to identify exactly what you see on the display. Standard Recovery Mode, Recovery Assistant, Nearby Restore, and an interrupted iOS installation indicate different situations and require different solutions.

Note: Entering Recovery Mode does not erase your iPhone or its data. Data is erased only when you perform an erasing restore. For example, Apple’s computer-based Restore option reinstalls iOS and erases the device.

Part 2. Why Is iPhone 18 Pro Stuck in Recovery Mode?

When your iPhone 18 Pro won't exit Recovery Mode, the problem usually points to an interrupted update, restore failure, connection issue, software modification, or hardware fault. Here are 5 possible causes to consider:

1. Failed iOS Updates: An incomplete software installation can prevent iOS from starting normally. The interruption may leave the iPhone stuck on the Recovery Mode screen.
2. Incomplete Restores: A system restore that stops unexpectedly can leave iOS installation incomplete. As a result, the iPhone may remain in Recovery Mode instead of starting normally.
3. Connection Errors: Faulty USB cables, unstable computer connections, security software, or network interruptions can disrupt an update or restore. The iPhone may enter Recovery Mode when the process cannot finish.
4. Modified Software: Unauthorized modifications like jailbreaking or unsuccessful downgrade attempts can interfere with normal iOS operation. These changes may cause startup problems or prevent the iPhone from booting properly.
5. Hardware Failures: Problems involving internal storage, the logic board, power components, or required buttons can interfere with recovery. Persistent failures after software and connection troubleshooting can indicate an underlying hardware problem.

Part 3. How to Exit Recovery Mode on iPhone 18 Pro Without Restoring

Exiting Recovery Mode only solves the problem if the iPhone starts normally afterward. Try these 2 solutions to exit Recovery Mode and address the iPhone 18 Pro Recovery Mode loop:

Method 1. Force Restart iPhone 18 Pro to Exit Recovery Mode

If your iPhone 18 Pro won't exit Recovery Mode, try a force restart before reinstalling iOS. Apple recommends restarting an iPhone when the Restore screen appears. A force restart does not erase your personal data, so follow these steps to proceed:

Instruction. With the Recovery Mode screen displayed, press and quickly release the ‘Volume Up’ button, then the ‘Volume Down’ button. Hold the ‘Side’ button until the Apple logo appears, then release it. If the iPhone restarts normally, no further recovery steps may be necessary.

Method 2. Exit Recovery Mode with Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS)

In case the button sequence does not work, Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) provides a computer-based Exit Recovery Mode option. Dr.Fone offers this feature for free, allowing you to exit Recovery Mode with one click without erasing personal data.

It works without iTunes, Apple Devices, or Finder, offering a simpler way to get the device out of Recovery Mode. Dr.Fone supports a broad range of iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models and iOS versions. Follow these steps to exit the iPhone 18 Pro Recovery Mode loop:

Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS)

Repair iOS System Errors

• Fix iOS issues, no data loss.
• One-click repair for all iOS problems.
• Solve recovery mode, Apple logo, black screen, etc.
• Upgrade or downgrade iOS without iTunes

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1. Step 1. Choose Enter/Exit Recovery Mode

   From the System Repair tool for iPhone, choose ‘Enter/Exit Recovery Mode’ and tap ‘Exit’ after you connect the iPhone 18 Pro.

   

2. Step 2. Confirm Your Exit Action

   Press the ‘Ok’ button in the pop-up menu and wait for the process to complete. Let the iPhone restart, then check whether it boots normally. If Recovery Mode returns, an underlying iOS issue may still need repair.

   

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Windows 11/10/8/7

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Part 4. How to Fix an iPhone 18 Pro Recovery Mode Loop?

If your iPhone 18 Pro won't exit Recovery Mode after repeated attempts, an underlying iOS issue may need repair. Try these 4 methods in order, starting with non-destructive options before moving to a full restore:

Method 1. Update iPhone 18 Pro with Finder, iTunes, or Apple Devices

Apple’s computer-based Update is the next non-erasing option to try. Apple explains that Update reinstalls iOS while keeping your personal data, whereas Restore reinstalls iOS and erases the device. To fix the iPhone 18 Pro recovery screen without erasing your data, follow these steps to update the device:

1. Step 1 Connect the iPhone

   With the ‘Connect to Computer’ Recovery Mode screen displayed, connect your iPhone 18 Pro to a Mac or Windows PC using a USB-C cable.

   

2. Step 2 Update the iPhone

   Open ‘Finder’ on your Mac, select the iPhone 18 Pro from the sidebar, and choose ‘Update’ when prompted to reinstall iOS without erasing your data.

   

Tip: If the update fails, note the error code first. Update your computer software, try another USB port or cable, and check for network or security software issues. If the error continues, try another computer or consider a possible hardware problem.

Method 2. Repair the Recovery Mode Loop with Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS)

If the iPhone 18 Pro Recovery Mode loop continues after exiting Recovery Mode, an underlying iOS issue may require repair. Unlike Method 2, which only exits the recovery screen, Dr.Fone’s Standard Repair addresses iOS system problems without erasing data. It can resolve 150+ issues, including boot loops, black screens, Apple logo freezes, and startup failures.

Dr.Fone can also address iOS update and restore errors, including Error 4013 and 1110. For more severe cases, it provides options to reset locked or disabled devices to factory settings. It supports current iOS and iPadOS versions across a broad range of iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models, with regular software updates and a straightforward repair process.

Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS)

Repair iOS System Errors

• Fix iOS issues, no data loss.
• One-click repair for all iOS problems.
• Solve recovery mode, Apple logo, black screen, etc.
• Upgrade or downgrade iOS without iTunes

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Guide to Repair the Recovery Mode Loop on iPhone 18 Pro

Still unable to fix the iPhone 18 Pro Recovery Mode after an update? Follow the steps below to repair underlying iOS system issues with Dr.Fone:

1. Step 1 Connect and Open System Repair

   Connect the iPhone 18 Pro to your computer, open the ‘System Repair’ tool for iPhone, and select ‘iOS Repair.’ Then, choose ‘Standard Repair’ to proceed.

   

2. Step 2 Select Enter Recovery Mode

   With the iPhone 18 Pro connected, select ‘Enter Recovery Mode’ or ‘Guide.’ Dr.Fone will detect compatible iOS firmware for the device. Choose the required version and click ‘Download’ to proceed.

   

3. Step 3 Repair the iPhone 18 Pro Now

   Once the firmware is downloaded, click ‘Repair Now’ and wait while Dr.Fone repairs the iOS system issues. Keep the iPhone connected until the repair process is complete.

   

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Windows 11/10/8/7

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macOS 10.14 or later

Method 3. Restore iPhone 18 Pro with a Nearby iPhone or iPad

A recovery screen showing two devices moving together indicates that your iPhone 18 Pro can be restored wirelessly using a nearby iPhone or iPad. Make sure the helper device is unlocked, connected to Wi-Fi, and running iOS 18, iPadOS 18, or later. Follow the steps below to complete the Nearby Restore process:

1. Step 1 Connect the affected iPhone

   Connect the affected iPhone to a power source. Place it near another unlocked iPhone or iPad that is already connected to Wi-Fi.

2. Step 2 Complete Nearby Restore

   When ‘Restore Nearby [device]’ appears on the helper device, tap ‘Continue’ and wait for the devices to connect. A 6-digit code will appear on the device in Recovery Mode. Enter the code on the helper device to share its Wi-Fi connection. Tap ‘Exit Recovery Mode,’ then tap ‘Continue’ on the helper device.

Note: Apple states that Nearby Restore does not support captive Wi-Fi networks or networks requiring 802.1X authentication. As a result, some hotels, campuses, enterprises, and other managed networks may not work with this feature.

Method 4. Restore iPhone 18 Pro Through Recovery Mode

If safer fixes fail to resolve an iPhone 18 Pro stuck in Recovery Mode after a restore loop, use Recovery Mode Restore as a last resort. This process reinstalls iOS and erases the device, so try the non-erasing Update option first when possible. Follow the instructions below to restore your iPhone through Recovery Mode:

Instructions. Keep the iPhone in Recovery Mode and connected to your computer. In ‘Finder’ on Mac, select the iPhone 18 Pro and choose ‘Restore.’ Keep the device connected while iOS downloads and reinstalls. Once the restore finishes, the iPhone will restart. Set it up again and restore your personal data from an available backup, if needed.

Part 5. Why Does iPhone 18 Pro Keep Going Back into Recovery Mode?

An iPhone 18 Pro stuck in a Recovery Mode loop may behave differently after each recovery attempt. What happens next can help identify the cause and determine the appropriate troubleshooting step. Review the table below to see what to do next:

Part 6. Recovery Mode After an Update vs. After a Restore

Seeing your iPhone 18 Pro in Recovery Mode after a restore can indicate a different problem than Recovery Mode following an iOS update. Checking what the iPhone was doing before the recovery screen appeared can help identify the likely cause, determine the next step, and assess the potential risk to your data.

Part 7. When Does Recovery Mode Point to an iPhone Hardware Problem?

In case the iPhone 18 Pro Recovery Mode loop continues after ruling out software and connection issues, the problem may involve the device hardware. Look for these signs that make a hardware failure more likely:

1. Recovery Mode Loop After Clean Restore: The iPhone 18 Pro keeps returning to Recovery Mode even after you successfully erase and reinstall iOS. Persistent boot failures after a clean restore make an underlying hardware problem much more likely.
2. Hardware Error Codes Persist: Finder, iTunes, or Apple Devices repeatedly report the same update or restore errors. Persistent errors such as 9, 4005, 4013, or 4014 after recommended troubleshooting may require further support.
3. Failures Across Different Computers: The update or restore continues to fail after trying known-good USB cables, direct ports, and different computers. This makes the original computer or connection less likely to be the cause.
4. Repeated Disconnections During Recovery: The iPhone repeatedly disconnects from the computer during an update or restore. If the issue continues after trying different cables, ports, and computers, an underlying hardware problem becomes more likely.
5. Damaged Physical Buttons: Broken or stuck buttons can prevent you from entering Recovery Mode correctly. If a required button does not work and Recovery Mode cannot be used, Apple recommends seeking service.

Conclusion

When an iPhone 18 Pro stuck in Recovery Mode repeatedly fails to boot, simply exiting the mode may not fix the underlying problem. Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) can exit Recovery Mode for free and repair iOS system issues causing recovery loops without data loss. If these non-destructive solutions fail, consider a full restore or seek professional service when an underlying hardware problem is suspected.

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Windows 11/10/8/7

Free Download

macOS 10.14 or later