How to Fix an iPhone Stuck on the Apple Logo

Why your iPhone gets stuck on the Apple logo

An iPhone can get stuck on the Apple logo when iOS cannot finish the normal startup process. The most common causes are interrupted iOS updates, failed restores, low storage during an update, jailbreak changes, corrupted system files, or hardware damage.

Software-related startup problems are usually worth troubleshooting at home. Hardware-related problems are different: if the device was dropped, bent, exposed to liquid, or becomes unusually hot, avoid repeated restores and contact Apple Support or an authorized service provider.

Fix 1. Wait if the Apple logo appears during an update

If your iPhone shows the Apple logo with a progress bar, it may still be updating. Keep it connected to power and give it time to finish. Interrupting an update too early can make the startup problem worse.

If the progress bar has not moved for a long time, or the iPhone stays on the Apple logo without a progress bar, move to a force restart.

Fix 2. Force restart your iPhone

A force restart is the safest first action because it does not erase data. Use the button sequence for your iPhone model.

If the iPhone starts normally, back it up before installing another update. If it returns to the Apple logo loop, continue with a system repair or Recovery Mode.

Fix 3. Fix iPhone Stuck on Apple Logo with Dr.Fone - System Repair without erasing data

If the iPhone is still stuck on the Apple logo and you want to avoid erasing data, use Dr.Fone - System Repair Standard Repair. Standard Repair is designed for common iOS system issues such as startup loops, recovery mode problems, black screen, and a frozen Apple logo.

Use Advanced Repair only when Standard Repair cannot fix the issue. Advanced Repair may erase the data on the device, so it should not be your first choice if you do not have a backup.

Dr.Fone - System Repair

Fix common iOS system issues without erasing data in Standard Repair mode.

• Repair common iOS startup issues, including an iPhone stuck on the Apple logo, recovery mode problems, black screen, and boot loops.
• Use Standard Repair first when you want to keep device data.
• Use Advanced Repair only when stronger repair is needed and you accept the data-erasing risk.
• Works for all models of iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
• Fully compatible with the latest iOS version.

Available on: Windows Mac

Start Download

Start Download

1. Step 1. Install and open Dr.Fone on your Windows PC or Mac, then choose System Repair from the main dashboard.

   

2. Step 2. Select iPhone, choose iOS Repair, and continue with Standard Repair first.

   

3. Step 3. Connect your iPhone to the computer and follow the on-screen instructions to put the device into the required mode if Dr.Fone asks for it.
4. Step 4. Confirm the detected device model and download the matching iOS firmware package.

   

5. Step 5. Start the repair and keep the iPhone connected until the process finishes and the device restarts.

   

safe & secure

Fix 4. Use Recovery Mode and choose Update before Restore

Recovery Mode can reinstall iOS when normal startup fails. If you need to keep your data, choose Update first. Update attempts to reinstall iOS without erasing your content. Choose Restore only if Update fails or you are ready to erase the iPhone and restore from a backup.

On a Mac, use Finder. On Windows, use the Apple Devices app or iTunes, depending on your setup.

1. Connect the iPhone to your computer and open Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes.
2. Put the iPhone into Recovery Mode using the button sequence for your model.
3. When the computer offers Update or Restore, choose Update first.
4. If Update fails and you have a backup, choose Restore and follow the on-screen instructions.

For iPhone 8 or later, press and quickly release Volume Up, press and quickly release Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the recovery screen appears. For iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, hold the Side and Volume Down buttons. For iPhone 6s or earlier, hold the Home and Side or Top buttons.

Fix 5. Use DFU restore only as a last resort

DFU restore is a deeper restore method and can erase the iPhone. Use it only after force restart, Standard Repair, and Recovery Mode Update have failed, or when you are prepared to restore the device from a backup.

Because DFU steps are easy to mistime, follow the exact button sequence for your iPhone model and keep the device connected until the restore finishes.

5.1 Fix iPhone 8/8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone 11/12/13/14/15 stuck on Apple logo in DFU mode, you can follow these steps.

1. Plug your iPhone 12 or iPhone 13/iPhone 14/iPhone 15 into your Mac or PC.
2. Make sure iTunes/Finder is running.
3. Press and release the Volume Up button quickly.
4. Press and release the Volume Down button quickly.
5. Then hold the Power/Slide button until the screen goes black.
6. Then press and hold the Volume Down button while continuing to hold the Side button.
7. After 5 seconds, release the Side button but continue to hold the Volume Down button, until you see the "iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode." popup.

Once you put the iPhone in DFU mode, click the OK button on the iTunes popup window and then click Restore to restore your iPhone in DFU mode.

5.2 Fix iPhone 7 and 7 Plus stuck on the Apple logo in DFU mode, you can follow these steps.

1. Connect your iPhone to your PC or laptop with a USB, and turn on iTunes/Finder.
2. Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Power button at the same time for at least 8 seconds.
3. Let go of the Power button, but keep pressing the Volume Down button. You should see a message that says, "iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode."
4. When you let go of the Volume button your screen should go fully black (if it doesn’t you’ll need to repeat the process).
5. At this point, you can restore your iPhone in DFU mode using iTunes.

5.3 Fix iPhone 6S, iPhone SE (1st generation), or Earlier stuck on the Apple logo in DFU mode, follow the steps below.

1. Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button together.
2. Keep holding the two buttons for about eight seconds, and then only release the Sleep/Wake button.
3. Keep holding the Home button until your iPhone is detected by the computer.
4. Click "OK" to restore iPhone via DFU mode.

Also, some useful DFU tools are really helpful when you need to boot the iPhone in DFU mode.

Fix 6. Contact Apple Support if hardware damage may be involved

Software fixes cannot repair a damaged display connector, battery issue, logic board problem, water damage, or impact damage. Contact Apple Support or an authorized repair provider if the iPhone was dropped, exposed to liquid, overheats, is not detected by a computer, or keeps returning to the Apple logo after multiple repair attempts.

FAQs about iPhone Frozen on Apple Logo

Why is my iPhone stuck on the Apple logo?

It usually means iOS cannot complete startup. Common reasons include an interrupted update, failed restore, low storage during an update, jailbreak changes, corrupted system files, or hardware damage.

Can I fix an iPhone stuck on the Apple logo without losing data?

Yes, start with a force restart, then try Recovery Mode Update or Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) Standard Repair. Avoid Restore, DFU restore, or Advanced Repair unless you have a backup or accept the risk of erasing the device.

Should I use Recovery Mode or DFU Mode first?

Use Recovery Mode first and choose Update. DFU restore should be a last resort because it is more advanced and can erase the iPhone.

What should I do if my iPhone is frozen on the Apple logo after an update?

If a progress bar is visible, wait and keep the iPhone connected to power. If it stays frozen with no progress, force restart it, then try Recovery Mode Update.

Solved: Fix an iPhone Stuck on the Apple Logo

An iPhone stuck on the Apple logo does not always mean your data is gone. Start with the lowest-risk fixes, use Update before Restore, and choose a data-preserving system repair path before trying destructive options. If the iPhone shows signs of physical damage or cannot be detected by a computer, stop troubleshooting and contact Apple Support.

safe & secure