How to fix an Apple iPhone XR that cannot complete startup process, stuck on the Apple logo [Troubleshooting Guide]

When a new phone is acting up, it’s likely just due to some minor glitches on certain apps or system functions. In these instances, the transpiring symptoms are usually minor and therefore can easily be remedied by simple workarounds. However, this isn’t always the case especially if tough bugs and fatal system errors are involved. To deal with major system issues in mobile devices, system resets and restore are often needed. And this also denotes potential data loss. On the positive note, the problem is rectifiable unless hardware damage is present.

Highlighted below are potential solutions to a pertinent issue on the new iPhone XR, which for some reason, unable to complete the start-up process and stuck on the Apple logo. Read on to learn what to do in case you too would bump into the same issue on the same iOS device.
For those who are looking for a solution to a different problem, drop by our troubleshooting page for we have already addressed some of the most common issues with this phone. Browse through the page to find issues that are similar with yours and use the solutions we suggested. If they don’t work for you or if you still need our help, contact us anytime through our iPhone issues questionnaire.

First solution: Force restart.

The simplest workaround to deal with stuck screen issues that are attributed to minor software errors would be a force restart. It works the same as soft reset on the phone but carried out using the hardware keys since the phone’s display is unresponsive. This does not affect any saved data on the phone memory hence it won’t cause permanent data loss. If you haven’t done it already, then you should force restart your iPhone XR with these steps:

Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
Then, press and hold the Power button on the side of the phone and then release when the phone reboots.

Forcing the phone to restart abruptly ends all apps that crashed and clears up all corrupt data from the internal memory that might have halted the startup process.

Second solution: Connect to iTunes then update iOS.

If the phone is still stuck on the Apple logo even after carrying a forced restart, then you can try installing update through iTunes. Apple typically rolls out update as dedicated fix patch for existing system issues, particularly those inflicted by system bugs and malwares. To get this done, you will need to secure a computer that has the latest version of iTunes software installed. Once you have the equipment ready, proceed with these steps to check for and manually install iOS update to clear out system bugs from your iPhone XR:

Connect your iPhone to your computer using the Apple-supplied syncing cable or Lightning cable.
Open iTunes then select your iPhone XR.
Click Summary on the left panel.
Then check the button to Check for Update.
Click Download and Update.
Enter your passcode when asked to proceed.

Follow the rest of the onscreen commands to finish installing the update. If the update is finished, you can disconnect your iPhone from the computer then soft reset or restart the phone to refresh its memory and operating system.
ALSO READ: How to fix an Apple iPhone XR that is disabled completely, stuck on Connect to iTunes screen [Troubleshooting Guide]

Third solution: Factory reset through iTunes.

Resetting the system to factory defaults is often needed to deal with persistent system errors on the phone. While this method offers a higher chance of solving the problem, it can also cause permanent data loss as it wipes everything from your phone system including files saved in the internal memory. Thus, backing up important files is recommended beforehand. Since the phone is not responding to touches, you will need to use iTunes to reset your device on a computer. Be sure to use the latest version of iTunes software to evade from bumping into system compatibility errors. Once you’re all set, follow these steps to wipe and reset factory default settings on your iPhone XR through iTunes:

Connect your iPhone XR to the computer that you synced with it before.
Open iTunes on that computer then wait for it to sync your iPhone and create a backup.
After the sync and backup process, click the button to Restore [Your Device].
Follow the onscreen prompts and when you reach the Set Up screen while restoring your iPhone, tap to select the option to Restore from iTunes backup.
Select your iPhone XR in iTunes then follow the next command prompts.

Allow the phone to finish the reset and then reboots when done. See if that solves the problem or not.

Fourth solution: Restore in recovery mode.

Performing iOS restores will be the next possible solution to consider if a factory reset failed to rectify the errors. This will put the phone in a recovery state and repair system through iTunes. To get started, you will need to use a compatible computer that has the latest version of iTunes software installed. Then connect your phone to the computer via USB or Lightning cable. Once connected, continue with these steps to put the phone in a recovery state and then carry out a system restore through iTunes:

Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
Next, press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
Then, press and hold the Side/Power button until you see the Connect to iTunes screen. This means that your iPhone has entered recovery mode.
When you see the option to Update or Restore, choose Restore. Doing so will prompt iTunes to start downloading the software for your device and then restore iOS.

Wait for iTunes to finish downloading software and then restore your phone system. You can disconnect your device as soon as the restore process is complete.
ALSO READ: How to fix caller ID that is not working on Apple iPhone XR [Troubleshooting Guide]

Fifth solution: Restore in DFU mode.

The deepest type of system restore done on an iPhone is a DFU mode restore. It puts the device in a state that’s still able to communicate with iTunes even if without activating the boot loader or operating system. This method is often used to repair a totally corrupt iOS. And like a factory reset and recovery mode restore, it also causes permanent data loss. But nonetheless, you also have a higher chance of fixing the problem. To get started, secure a computer with the latest iTunes app version installed. Once it’s ready, connect your phone to the computer via USB or Lightning cable, then follow these steps to put your device in DFU or Device Firmware Update mode:

Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then quickly press and release the Volume Down button. Finally, press and hold the Side/Power button until the screen turns completely black.
As soon as the screen turns goes black, press and hold the Volume Down button while you keep holding the Side/Power button.
After 5 seconds, release the Side/Power button but continue to hold the Volume Down button until your iPhone shows up in iTunes on your computer.
When your iPhone appears in iTunes, you can release the Volume button as your iPhone is already in DFU mode.

Do not disconnect your phone from the computer if you don’t see any message from iTunes that says so. To exit DFU mode, force restart your iPhone XR.

Other options

Use iTunes alternatives. If the phone remains stuck on the Apple logo after updating and restoring through iTunes, then you can use alternative software to repair your iPhone’s damaged system. Similar to iTunes, these tools can be downloaded and installed on a compatible computer either Windows or Mac OS. There are a wide variety of options for you to choose from. Among the widely used tools for such purposes would include but not limited to PhoneRescue, Dr. Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver, iMyFone, and UltData. Just pick the one that supports iOS 12 devices, particularly iPhone XR.
Service/iPhone repair. If your iPhone XR is still unable to complete startup and stuck on the Apple logo even when using alternative iOS repair and recovery software, chances are that your phone had acquired some sort of liquid or physical damage and therefore requires physical repair. If your iPhone is still covered by warranty, then contact your phone provider or carrier and avail for warranty instead.

You can also escalate the problem to your carrier or Apple Support for further assistance and other potential solutions. Unfortunately, there’s not much can be done to fix the problem on your end.
I hope that we’ve been able to help you fix the problem with your device. We would appreciate it if you helped us spread the word so please share this post if you found it helpful. Thank you so much for reading!
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