Written by: Deeba Kamran
Deeba Kamran is a tech reviewer and writer obsessed with finding the best tools for the modern world. From hardware to SaaS, she delivers clear, actionable insights into the products and services shaping our digital future.
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Introduction

This article is part of our Mobile Phones & Smartphones resource section.

If you own an iPhone and have ever run into trouble, you’re likely aware of the recovery mode screen: a white screen with an iTunes logo and a USB cable. This happens when your iPhone is stuck in recovery mode and won’t restore, but it can be resolved by following some simple steps.

An iPhone is a type of smartphone that combines communication, apps, photography, entertainment, and other features in one device. Recovery procedures can vary between generations, so it also helps to know which model you are using. You can compare the iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16, review some useful facts about the iPhone 12, or explore the differences between the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max.

Like other types of smartphone, an iPhone can encounter software, firmware, or hardware problems that prevent it from starting normally. Recovery procedures can differ slightly between generations, so users may also want to compare the iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 or review useful facts about the iPhone 12 when identifying their device and its capabilities.

In this blog post, we’ll outline how to fix your iPhone if it’s stuck in recovery mode. Keep reading for tips on how to get your phone back up and running like new.

iPhone Stuck in Recovery Mode on iOS 16\iOS 15

When you update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch in iTunes on your Mac or PC, you might see an alert message that says “There was a problem downloading the software.” If you see this message, it means that your device is in recovery mode.

The recovery mode screen appears because of a software update or restore. Other causes can include a failed jailbreak attempt, corrupt iOS firmware, or even hardware damage.

Startup problems do not always result in the recovery-mode screen. In some cases, an iPhone may restart repeatedly without loading iOS normally; if that happens, follow our guide to fix an iPhone stuck in a boot loop. It is also useful to maintain sufficient available storage before installing major iOS updates, so consider learning how to free up space on your iPhone before performing an update or restore.

Some startup problems can also appear as repeated restarts rather than a recovery screen. If your device continually restarts and cannot reach the normal iOS interface, follow our separate guide on how to fix an iPhone stuck in a boot loop. Keeping sufficient storage available may also help avoid problems during large iOS installations, so it is worth learning how to free up space on your iPhone before installing major updates.

Why is the iPhone Stuck in Recovery Mode?

There are many reasons why iPhone is stuck on the restored screens. It might be due to iTunes undergoing some issues, the operating system not being appropriately updated, or a system issue with apple’s features. It may be due to the hardware damage which causes this issue.

It is always suggested to use original Apple accessories like USB cables for your iPhone. It ensures that your iPhone data does not get corrupted.

Protecting your iPhone also means safeguarding its software and personal information. Before performing major troubleshooting, consider using reliable iPhone backup software to protect important files. Users should also recognize signs that an iPhone might be at risk and consider ways to protect iOS devices through a VPN when using public or untrusted networks.

Protecting the device involves more than using reliable accessories. Before attempting major repairs or restores, consider using iPhone backup software to protect important photos, messages, contacts, and other files. You should also be aware of signs that your iPhone might be at risk when unusual behavior appears alongside startup or system problems.

Full Guide to Fix iPhone Stuck In Recovery Mode

1. Fix iPhone Stuck in Recovery Mode By Using Useful tool (iOS 15 &iOS 16 Supported):

There are many useful tools to fix iPhone stuck while recovering. Tenorshare ReiBoot is a helpful software that has recently received endorsements from numerous technology websites, including 9to5mac and Macworld. It is possible to remove the iPhone from recovery mode without restoring it by using this app. Follow will show the steps to use this tool fix iPhone Stuck in Recovery Mode.

  • First, download this software to a Windows or Mac computer and connect your iPhone with a cable.
  • This tool will detect if your iPhone is stuck in recovery mode.
  • Click the Exit Recovery Mode button and wait for a few seconds.
  • Your iPhone should exit recovery mode in around less than 10 seconds.

2. Restore iPhone In iTunes:

iTunes is a software program used as a media player and mobile device management utility running on MacOS and Windows operating systems devices. So another valuable way to solve the iPhone’s issue of being stuck in recovery mode is to restore it in iTunes.

iTunes is useful for restoring and managing an iPhone, but users who want other ways to organize their device content can explore the best iTunes alternatives for iPhone data management. If you regularly manage your iPhone through a computer, you may also find iPhone-to-PC mirroring useful for displaying mobile content on a larger screen.

Although iTunes remains useful for restoring an iPhone, it is not the only option for organizing and managing iOS content from a computer. Users looking for other approaches can explore the best iTunes alternatives for iPhone data management before deciding which method best suits their needs.

Although iTunes remains useful for restoring an iPhone, it is not the only option for organizing and managing iOS content from a computer. Users looking for other approaches can explore the best iTunes alternatives for iPhone data management before deciding which method best suits their needs.

Follow these simple steps.

  • Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to the computer, then open iTunes on a PC.
  • When you sync the device to the computer, click the iPhone icon.
  • Select Summary > Restore iPhone > Restore.
  • When iTunes detects the device in the recovery mode, you’ll have the choice to Restore or Update. Select the Restore option and wait for the processing.

When it’s finished, your iPhone is out of recovery mode, and you can set it as new. However, following this method, all your content and setting on your phone will be erased.

If the restore results in important files becoming unavailable, you can investigate iPhone data recovery software for photos, contacts, messages, documents, and other information. Another option is discussed in our AceThinker iPhone Data Recovery review, which covers a tool designed specifically for recovering lost iOS data.

If important files were not backed up before the restore, you may need to investigate iPhone data recovery software to determine whether lost photos, messages, contacts, or other information can be recovered. You can also read our AceThinker iPhone Data Recovery review for another data-recovery option.

3. Use DFU mode to restore the iPhone:

Device Firmware Update (DFU) reloads the firmware and software of your device and a more profound restore method for recovery mode. While following this step, make sure iTunes is updated to the most recent version. After doing this, immediately exit iTunes.

Follow these steps to put your iPhone into DFU mode.

  • Plug your iPhone into your Mac or PC and open iTunes.
  • For 3 seconds, hold down the “Power” button.
  • Press and hold the ‘Volume Down’ button while holding the ‘Power’ button.
  • Leave the On/Off Button but hold the Volume down button for about 5 seconds.
  • If the screen stays black, then it means that your iPhone is now in DFU mode.
  • Once your iPhone is in DFU mode, iTunes will detect and ask you to update or restore it.

4. Force Restart iPhone to get Out of iPhone Recovery Mode (Risky)

One of the simplest ways to fix issues with tech devices is to reset them, and it mostly resolves the problem. You can also try this method to force restart the iPhone if it is stuck in recovery mode. Many times forcing a restart fixes a lot of problems in your phone.

The correct restart procedure depends on the iPhone generation you are using. For example, owners of older devices can review the differences between the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max, while users considering newer hardware can read our Apple iPhone 15 review.

The appropriate restart and recovery procedure can depend on the iPhone model you own. If you are researching newer devices, you can read our Apple iPhone 15 review. For smaller iPhone models, see the third-generation iPhone SE review and our review of the iPhone SE.

Follow these steps for guidelines.

  • For iPhone 6 or 7, Hold down the Power and Home buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
  • Whereas for iPhone 8 or later models. First, quickly press and release the Volume Up button. Then press and release the Volume down button quickly.
  • Finally, hold the Power button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

5. With The Help Of the Apple Store:

If the above steps fail to help your problem, then why not get help from the experts at an Apple Service Center or Apple Support. The best thing is that if your device covers Apple’s One Year Limited Warranty, AppleCare+, or AppleCare Protection Plan, you don’t have to worry about financial expenditure.

But it is important to remember that not even an Apple expert can ensure that your data will be saved after the fix.

After recovering the device, you may encounter a different access problem if you cannot remember your passcode. In that situation, learn how to access your iPhone when you forgot the password, review additional tips to unlock an iPhone, or see how to unlock an iPhone passcode without a computer.

Once the iPhone is working again, another issue you may encounter is being unable to access the device because of forgotten credentials. In that situation, see how to access an iPhone when you forgot the password, explore additional tips to unlock an iPhone, or learn how to unlock an iPhone passcode without a computer.

Part 3: What To Do When iPhone Is Stuck In Recovery Mode?

Is your iPhone still not working and still stuck in Recovery Mode after using the above solutions? Then, use an Advanced Method to Fix iPhone Stuck on Restore Screen without Data Loss, Tenorshare ReiBoot. This IOS device repair tool is designed to fix common issues with simple fixes.

Tenorshare ReiBoot would be one of the best options that offer a free way to fix an iPhone stuck in recovery mode with only one click. Besides this, it can assist you in resolving over 150 iOS system issues, downgrading iOS 16 beta without iTunes, fixing issues with Apple TV, fixing iPhone or  iTunes issues, and more. Problems like a disabled iPhone, freezing, crashing, a wrong network, a notice that won’t work, etc., are now easier to fix than ever with the launch of Tenorshare ReiBoot.

Video Tutorial:

Suppose you are still confused about its works. Here is a video tutorial to help you fix it.

Part 4: FAQs about iPhone Recovery Mode

Q1: Is Tenorshare ReiBoot useful?

Yes, Tenorshare ReiBoot is an excellent iOS system recovery for all iOS devices, iOS versions, and Mac and PCs. It has a solid ability to handle various iOS system issues efficiently. With straightforward instructions, ease of use, little need for technology, and applicability to all iPhone users, it’s great to consider.

Q2: Does Recovery Mode Delete iPhone Data?

Yes, it removes everything from the device, so before putting your iPhone into recovery mode, it is advised to make a backup of any crucial data.

A current backup is particularly valuable if you need to restore the device or move personal information to another phone. Users switching platforms can learn how to transfer messages from Android to iPhone or explore methods to transfer WhatsApp from Android to iPhone. If you want to avoid resetting the destination device, see how to transfer WhatsApp from Android to iPhone without resetting.

There are additional options depending on the phones and data involved in the migration. For example, you can learn how to transfer WhatsApp messages to a new iPhone 13 or use Backuptrans for transferring WhatsApp from iPhone to Android. Choosing an appropriate transfer method can help preserve conversations when moving between devices.

A recent backup can make recovery much easier because personal files and app information can be restored after the device is operational again. If you are moving data between platforms afterward, see the available methods to transfer messages from Android to iPhone or learn how to transfer WhatsApp from Android to iPhone.

Q3: Is Recovery Mode Bad For The iPhone?

No, because it helps solve many iPhone problems that are difficult to fix using any other technique. But a significant drawback of using this mode is the potential data loss. In contrast, a simple and practical solution is offered by Tenorshare ReiBoot.

Part 5: Conclusion

If you have followed the above steps and your iPhone is still stuck in Recovery Mode, you can try to fix it by using a professional iOS repair tool like Tenorshare ReiBoot. This software can easily get your device out of Recovery Mode without any data loss. Besides, it also supports fixing various iOS issues such as black iPhone screen, white Apple logo, boot loop, etc.

Once your iPhone is working normally again, you can take advantage of other everyday iOS features. For example, learn how to forward a text message on iPhone, discover ways to learn new skills using your iPhone, or follow the correct steps when you need to update the Crazy Time app on Android or iOS.

Device monitoring and parental controls are also useful areas to understand after restoring an iPhone. You can explore apps that can track an iPhone online, learn about ways to track your child’s iPhone, or find out how to block apps on your child’s iOS device.

For users who need another way to locate a device, our guide also discusses how to track an iPhone location by number. Remember that location and monitoring features should be used appropriately and with the necessary permission when another person’s device is involved.

After resolving the recovery-mode problem, you may want to review other useful iPhone features and security options. For example, you can learn how to forward a text message on iPhone, understand how iPhone-to-PC mirroring works, or find out how to protect iOS devices through a VPN.

After resolving the recovery-mode problem, you may want to review other useful iPhone features and security options. For example, you can learn how to forward a text message on iPhone, understand how iPhone-to-PC mirroring works, or find out how to protect iOS devices through a VPN.

For families and device monitoring, additional resources explain apps that can track an iPhone online, ways to track your child’s iPhone, and how to block apps on a child’s iOS device. These features can be useful after the device has been successfully restored and returned to normal operation.

After resolving software problems, protecting the physical device is another practical consideration. Owners of Apple’s larger premium model can read our guide to choosing the perfect iPhone 15 Pro Max cover, while users of a newer Pro model can learn why an iPhone 16 Pro case can be useful for everyday protection.

We hope this article has helped you fix your iPhone that is stuck in Recovery Mode. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.