How to Fix an iPhone Stuck in Recovery Mode

Part 1. Why an iPhone Can Get Stuck in Recovery Mode

An iPhone can remain on the recovery screen after an interrupted iOS update, a failed restore, corrupted system software, or a hardware/button problem. The symptom matters more than guessing the cause: if a force restart works, you may only have needed to exit the temporary recovery state. If the phone immediately returns to the recovery screen, the underlying iOS installation or hardware still needs attention.

1. Interrupted Update or Restore

A power loss, unstable connection, or cable disconnection during an update or restore can leave the iPhone unable to start normally and return it to Recovery Mode.

2. iOS System Problem

Damaged or incomplete system files can prevent a normal startup. In that case, simply leaving Recovery Mode may not be enough, and the phone may return to the recovery screen.

3. Failed System Modification

Unsupported system modifications or a failed jailbreak can destabilize iOS and leave the device unable to complete its normal boot sequence.

4. Button, Cable, Port, or Hardware Problem

A stuck button, unreliable cable or USB port, or an internal hardware fault can interrupt recovery. If the phone cannot be updated or restored in Recovery Mode, or a required button does not work, Apple says service may be needed.

Part 2. How to Fix an iPhone Stuck in Recovery Mode

Use the least destructive fix that matches the phone's current state. Start with a force restart, then try a Recovery Mode exit tool if you only need to leave the recovery screen. If the phone still cannot boot, use Apple's Update-first recovery path before considering Restore.

safe & secure

Fix 1. Force Restart the iPhone

Use the button sequence for your model. A force restart does not erase the iPhone and is the first thing to try when the device may only need to exit a temporary recovery state.

For iPhone 8 and Later, Including iPhone SE (2nd Generation and Later)

• Press and quickly release Volume Up.
• Press and quickly release Volume Down.
• Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus

• Press and hold the Side and Volume Down buttons together until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 6s and Earlier, Including iPhone SE (1st Generation)

• Press and hold the Home and Side/Top buttons together until the Apple logo appears.

If the iPhone boots normally, stop here. If it returns to the Connect to computer screen, continue to the next fix instead of repeating the same restart.

Fix 2. One-Click Exit Recovery Mode with Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS)

If you want a guided desktop option specifically for leaving Recovery Mode, Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) includes an Enter/Exit Recovery Mode feature. This step is for leaving Recovery Mode; it does not replace Apple's later Update or Restore decision if the iPhone still cannot start. This app is designed to resolve various iOS glitches, like issues with recovery mode, boot loops, or frozen screens.

Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS)

Repair iOS System Errors Without data loss.

• Only fix your iOS to normal, no data loss at all.
• Fix various iOS system issues like stucking in recovery mode, white Apple logo, black screen, looping on start, etc.
• Downgrade iOS without iTunes at all.
• Work for all iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch, running on all iOS versions

Available on: Windows Mac

Try It Free

Try It Free

3981454 people have downloaded it

Step 1. Open System Repair

Launch Dr.Fone, open Toolbox, and choose System Repair.

Step 2. Choose iPhone

On the System Repair screen, choose iPhone as the device type.

Step 3. Open Enter/Exit Recovery Mode

Select Enter/Exit Recovery Mode from the available repair tools.

Step 4. Exit Recovery Mode

Choose Exit, then confirm with OK. Check whether the iPhone starts normally.

Step 5. Check the Result

If the exit completes but the iPhone still does not start, you can head to Standard Mode as the next repair path. You can also continue with Apple's Update-first recovery flow below.

safe & secure

Fix 3. Use Apple Devices or Finder - Try Update Before Restore

Connect the iPhone to your computer with USB. On a Mac, open Finder. On a Windows PC, open the Apple Devices app.

• Step 1. Make sure your Mac is up to date or install the latest Apple Devices app on Windows, then connect the iPhone.
• Step 2. When Update and Restore appear, try Update first if you have not already tried it.
• Step 3. If Update does not solve the problem and you choose Restore, understand that Restore reinstalls iOS and erases all data on the iPhone.

If the software download takes more than 15 minutes and the iPhone leaves the Connect to computer screen, let the download finish, then put the iPhone back into Recovery Mode and continue. See Apple's current recovery instructions.

Fix 4. Get Apple Service When Recovery Mode Still Fails

Move to Apple service/support when the iPhone cannot be updated or restored in Recovery Mode, or when a required button is stuck or not working. At that point, repeated software attempts are less useful than checking for a hardware or connection problem.

Before requesting service, note the steps you already tried and any error message or code you saw. This makes it easier to continue troubleshooting without repeating destructive actions unnecessarily.

Conclusion

For an iPhone stuck in Recovery Mode issue, the safest troubleshooting order is force restart > Recovery Mode exit > Apple Update > Restore > service. That sequence gives you a clear escalation path and keeps the destructive Restore step until it is actually needed.

For a more efficient fix, Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) stands out as an excellent option. Its one-click solution to exit Recovery Mode is not only fast and reliable but also ensures data security. With its wide range of repair features, the program is a valuable tool to keep on hand for any iOS-related problems.

safe & secure