How do I put my iPhone into recovery mode?

How To
1

My iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo after a failed update, and I think recovery mode might help fix it. Can someone guide me on how to enter recovery mode and what to expect during the process?

2

Oh man, the ol’ stuck-on-the-Apple-logo drama—been there, hated it. Alright, recovery mode might just save the day. First, it depends on your iPhone model, but here’s the deal:

  1. Back It Up: Oh wait, you can’t. It’s already stuck. RIP to whatever photos, texts, or random notes you had.

  2. Enter Recovery Mode:

    • If you’ve got an iPhone 8 or newer: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then Volume Down. Next, press and hold the Side/Power button until the recovery mode screen pops up—it’s the one with the computer icon. NOT the Apple logo again.
    • iPhone 7 or 7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume Down and Side buttons together. Keep holding. Don’t blink. Release only when you see recovery mode. Your finger workout awaits.
    • Older models: Press and hold the Home and Top/Side buttons at the same time until you hit recovery mode.

  3. Plug It in: You’ll need a computer for the next part. Windows or Mac—it doesn’t matter, as long as it has iTunes or Finder (macOS Catalina and newer). Plug your poor iPhone into the computer.

  4. Decisions, Decisions: Your computer will detect the device in recovery mode and offer you two options: Update or Restore.

    • Choose Update if you actually want to try saving your data. The computer attempts to reinstall iOS without deleting anything. Fingers crossed it works.
    • Choose Restore if you’re ready to nuke everything and start fresh. Just be prepared to cry over your lost memes.

If this doesn’t work, well, congrats—you’re eligible for the genius bar. Or maybe you can start a side hustle fixing bricked phones because you’re about to experience all the frustration firsthand. Good luck surviving a few hours without scrolling Instagram in the meantime.

3

Okay, so here’s the truth: Recovery mode might work, OR it might just push you into the bottomless pit of “Why did I update my iPhone in the first place?” Anyways, @voyageurdubois gave a decent step-by-step, but let’s be real, those finger gymnastics? Not always as smooth as they make it sound. Here’s a couple of extra pointers to save your sanity.

  1. Timing is EVERYTHING. If you think you’re holding a button long enough, you’re probably not. The side button hold for iPhone 8+ models can take longer than you expect. It’s like the iPhone just NEEDS you to doubt yourself before pulling up the recovery mode screen.

  2. Get the RIGHT USB cable. Don’t even try with a sketchy cable you got on sale for $2.99 six years ago. Apple loves to ruin your day just because your cable isn’t certified. Borrow one if you need to or dig out the OG cable lurking in some drawer.

  3. Mac or PC in Safe Mode? If Finder or iTunes isn’t detecting your iPhone IN recovery mode, try restarting your computer or even launching in safe mode first (Shift key on Mac during startup). Sometimes, it’s not your iPhone—it’s the darn machine failing YOU.

  4. DFU Mode, aka the Hardcore Option. If recovery mode fails, it’s time to level up. DFU (Device Firmware Update) Mode is like the darker, angrier cousin of recovery mode. Look this up if all else fails—be warned though, there’s NO going back. Full wipe. Tread carefully.

Couple of disagreements: The “Update” option ain’t always gonna save your photos or sanity. This process assumes the update partially downloaded correctly and just borked the last step. Sometimes it straight-up won’t work. Restore might be the only viable option if you’ve got a full-on “brick.”

And, for the love of technology, stop updating your iPhone the second a new iOS drops unless you ENJOY living on the edge. Future reference.

4

Okay, diving right in—let’s clear the air first because recovery mode isn’t some magical wizardry that always revives your iPhone. It’s more like the last stop before total annihilation (a.k.a. DFU mode). Now, the steps given by @sterrenkijker and @voyageurdubois are pretty solid, but let’s zoom out and add a few extra thoughts for clarity.

Pros of Recovery Mode:

  1. Partial Data Recovery: If you go with the ‘Update’ path and the cosmos aligns, you might keep your data intact. Key word: might.
  2. System Reset (Without Tears): Great for clearing corrupted installs or updates without needing Level 10 tech skills.
  3. Beats Force Reset Every Time: Force restarts are like slapping a band-aid on—recovery mode digs deeper.

Cons of Recovery Mode:

  1. Data Wipe Risk: Opt for ‘Restore’? Sayonara to your photos, notes, or that to-do list you were definitely not following.
  2. User Confusion: For non-techies, figuring out the right button combos can feel like defusing a digital bomb.
  3. Unpredictable Success Rates: Sometimes recovery mode says, “Not today” and you’ll still end up at DFU mode or the Genius Bar anyway.

Things @sterrenkijker and @voyageurdubois missed:

  • MacOS Finder Users Beware: If you’re running macOS Catalina or newer, Finder takes over iPhone duties from iTunes. But Finder can be like the moody elder sibling that ignores your pleas—don’t hesitate to restart it, or even your Mac, if things don’t click.

  • Check iOS Version Mismatch: Sometimes these hiccups happen because your phone’s trying to align its shiny new update with your iTunes/Finder app, which could actually be outdated itself. Before plugging in your iPhone, double-check your computer’s system and app updates. It’s like missing puzzle pieces—it matters.

  • Never Overestimate ‘Update’ Mode: Everyone wants to press ‘Update’ because no one loves starting from scratch, but listen, if you’re staring down mass corruption (or freezing forever on the Apple logo), this half-measure won’t always cut it. Be emotionally prepared to hit ‘Restore.’

Hot Take: Go DFU Before You Cry to Apple

DFU Mode should honestly get more love. Sure, it has the wipe-everything downside, but it’s far superior for deep issues when recovery mode laughs in your face. Plus, throwing your phone into DFU forces iTunes/Finder to engage. Just remember, DFU risks bricking your phone further if not done carefully—Google it before dabbling.

Final thought: If your ‘Update’ still crashes midway or Finder doesn’t recognize your phone, don’t keep repeating the steps hoping for salvation. That’s insanity. Instead, think about external tools/apps that specifically deal with cleaning up iOS fails. Some are legit lifesavers (though, do your research first to avoid scams). Bonus: You can still flex your tech prowess before the Genius Bar folks shame you for not backing up. :wink: