My iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo and won’t turn on. I heard recovery mode might fix this issue, but I don’t know how to access it. Could someone guide me through the steps to put my iPhone into recovery mode?
Alright, so your iPhone’s stuck on the Apple logo, huh? It’s like it just decided, ‘Nah, that’s as far as I’m going today.’ But yeah, recovery mode might save the day, so here’s what to do:
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First, grab a computer – Windows or Mac, doesn’t matter, as long as it’s got iTunes (or Finder for newer macOS versions). Update that software because Apple loves making stuff conditional on you having the latest version.
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Switch your iPhone off – Can’t power it off? Force it:
- iPhone 8 or later: Press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the Side button till it powers off.
- iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold Volume Down + Sleep/Wake button together.
- iPhone 6/6s or earlier: Hold Sleep/Wake + Home button.
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Enter recovery mode – Here’s where the magic starts:
- For iPhone 8 & later: Connect it to the computer, press Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the Side button till the recovery mode screen (a cable pointing to a computer icon) pops up.
- For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold Volume Down + Sleep/Wake while plugging it in till you see that screen.
- For older ones: Same deal as before with Sleep/Wake + Home button combo while connecting it.
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Once in recovery mode, iTunes or Finder should recognize your phone and give you two options: Restore or Update.
- Update will try to fix your phone without wiping everything. Start with that if you’re attached to your data.
- Restore, though? Yeah, that’s like wiping it all clean and starting fresh. Only go there if Update doesn’t work or you’re fine losing stuff.
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Let the process finsh – Sit back, cross your fingers, and let your phone do its thing. If it exits recovery mode without fixing, you might need to repeat or, I don’t know, consider professional help (and I mean for the phone, not you…yet).
There, that’s it. If it doesn’t work, go yell at Apple support, because I promise they won’t care, but at least you’ll feel better venting.
Oh man, stuck on the Apple logo? Been there, hated that. Recovery mode can definitely help in a lot of these cases, but let me throw in a bit of advice alongside what @andarilhonoturno already laid out (they nailed the process, honestly). Here’s where I’d diverge slightly:
First off, if your phone absolutely refuses to get into recovery mode after multiple attempts, try DFU mode instead. It’s like recovery mode’s hardcore sibling—deeper and more thorough. How to get there depends on your iPhone model, but Google “DFU mode for [your iPhone model]” for exact steps since it’s a bit more finicky.
Second, if you’re going for recovery mode and your computer isn’t recognizing the iPhone after you get that cable-to-computer symbol screen (@andarilhonoturno mentioned it), switch USB ports or cables. Sounds basic, but sometimes the simplest thing screws ya.
Also, I slightly disagree with the “Update before Restore” bit if your phone has been frozen on the logo forever. Sometimes the Update option can just hang for hours and eventually fail anyway, so I say skip that frustration and go straight for the Restore if you’re okay with losing stuff. (You’ve got iCloud backups, right? …Right?)
Finally, if you end up at Apple Support, brace yourself. Between being passed between clueless reps and waiting forever at the Genius Bar, it’s a patience test you didn’t sign up for. But hey, could be worse—at least your phone isn’t a literal brick yet. You’ve got options!