iPhone XR Stuck on Apple Logo? Here’s How to Fix It
If your iPhone XR is frozen on the Apple logo and won’t boot up, don’t panic just yet. This issue usually points to a failed update, corrupt software, or a glitch during startup. The good news? In most cases, you can fix it yourself with the right steps—no trip to the Apple Store required (yet).
Try these proven solutions to get your iPhone XR past the Apple logo screen.
1. Force Restart Your iPhone XR
This is the first thing to try—it can shake off minor software hiccups.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button
- Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo disappears and reappears
If your iPhone boots normally, you’re good to go. If not, keep reading.
2. Connect to iTunes and Check for Updates
If the logo loop was caused by a failed update, reconnecting your iPhone to iTunes might let you fix it without erasing your data.
- Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC with iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina+)
- Launch iTunes/Finder and wait for your device to be recognized
- If prompted to update or restore, choose Update
- This will attempt to reinstall iOS without deleting your files
3. Restore via iTunes (Factory Reset)
If updating fails, a full restore might be your next move. Be aware: this will erase all data on your iPhone.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer
- Open iTunes or Finder and choose your iPhone
- Click Restore iPhone
- Follow the prompts to erase and restore to factory settings
You can restore your backup afterward if one is available.
4. Use Recovery Mode
If your iPhone isn’t being recognized by iTunes, try putting it into recovery mode:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer
- Force restart (Volume Up → Volume Down → hold Side button)
- Keep holding the Side button until the Connect to iTunes screen appears
- In iTunes/Finder, choose Restore
If Restore doesn’t work, you may need to move on to DFU mode.
5. DFU Restore (Last Resort)
DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode goes deeper than recovery mode—it bypasses the bootloader.
Warning: DFU mode wipes everything from your phone.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer
- Quickly press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down
- Press and hold the Side button until the screen goes black
- Once black, hold Volume Down while continuing to hold the Side button
- After 5 seconds, release the Side button, but continue holding Volume Down
- If the screen stays black and iTunes/Finder detects the iPhone, you’re in DFU mode
- Follow the on-screen instructions to Restore
6. Use a Third-Party iOS Repair Tool
If iTunes and DFU mode fail, tools like ReiBoot, Dr.Fone, or iMyFone Fixppo may help.
- Install the tool on your Mac/PC
- Connect your iPhone XR
- Choose the Standard Repair (to keep your data) or Advanced Repair (wipes data)
- Let the tool reinstall iOS and fix boot loop issues
7. Get Your iPhone Repaired
If your iPhone XR is still stuck on the Apple logo after all software attempts:
- The problem may be hardware-related—like a failing NAND chip or power IC
- Visit an Apple Store or authorized service provider
- If you’re under warranty or AppleCare+, repairs may be free or discounted