How to fix an Apple iPhone XS Max that keeps rebooting by itself, infinite boot loops [Troubleshooting Guide]

Random crashes and reboots (boot loops) are usually attributed to memory problems like when the internal memory of the phone is shrinking. They often occur among other performance issues such as lags and freezes that usually transpire as wear-and-tear symptoms in early devices. However, there are some factors that can trigger the same symptoms to occur even in modern powerful devices and Apple’s new iPhone XS Max handset is no exception.

This post highlights some helpful workarounds and potential solutions to a problem on infinite boot loops occurring on the new iPhone XS Max. Feel free to refer to this context if ever you need more inputs on what to do when your new iPhone suddenly misbehave and just keeps rebooting by itself.

For owners 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 problems with this device. Browse through the page to find issues that are similar with yours and use the solutions we suggested. If they don’t work or if you need further assistance don’t hesitate to contact us by filling up our iPhone issues questionnaire.

First solution: Force restart (reboot).

A device restart is often the key to resolving minor errors and random glitches. Thus a restart or soft reset is often highlighted among the first workarounds to try on. Performing a soft reset on a smartphone clears out rogue apps and corrupted data that usually cause the system to suddenly become unstable. For an iPhone that’s stuck on infinite boot loops, restarting the system through a force restart is recommended. And here’s how it’s done:

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

If your phone managed to stay up longer after a force restart, install pending app updates and delete bad apps.

How to Update or delete bad apps on your iPhone XS Max

Keeping apps up-to-date is recommended. Aside from the new features, app updates also offer patch codes to clear any bug-inflicted symptoms that might have affected certain app functions. To manually check for, download and install pending app updates on your iPhone XS Max, refer to these steps:

  1. Tap App Store from the Home screen.
  2. Scroll down to and then tap the Updates tab to show the list of apps with pending updates.
  3. Tap the Update button next to the name of the app to update apps individually.
  4. Tap the Update All button on the upper-right to update all apps simultaneously.

If the problem occurs after installing a new app and updating the suspected app doesn’t help, try deleting the app instead and see how your phone behaves with that app removed. Here’s how to delete or uninstall apps on the iPhone XS Max:

  1. From the Home screen, tap and hold on an app icon until the icons start jiggling.
  2. Tap the X on the app you want to delete or uninstall.
  3. Read the warning prompt, and then select Delete to confirm deletion of the app.

To refresh the operating system, reboot your iPhone (soft reset) after updating or deleting bad apps.

Second solution: Update your iPhone software to the latest version through iTunes.

The symptom your iPhone is showing may be due to a system error inflicted by malicious software from a downloaded file or application. System issues are often resolved by a system update. With that said, installing the latest iOS version on your iPhone XS Max will likely fix the problem. To get this done, you will need to use iTunes on a computer since your iPhone system is not stable. You can use either Windows or Mac computer that runs on a compatible operating system with your iPhone XS Max, and has the latest iTunes software installed. Once you’re all set, follow these steps to update your iPhone through iTunes:

  1. Connect your iPhone XS Max to your computer using the supplied USB cable/Lightning cable.
  2. Open iTunes on your computer.
  3. Select your iPhone XS Max when it appears in iTunes.
  4. Click on Summary and then click the button to Check for Update.
  5. If an update is available, click the option to Download and Update.
  6. Enter your device passcode if prompted to proceed.

Follow the rest of the onscreen commands to finish installing new iOS update on your iPhone. After updating, reboot your iPhone to apply the recent system changes and to prevent apps from acting up from the platform transition.

Third solution: Restore iPhone in recovery mode.

If updating doesn’t solve the problem, then you may have to consider resorting to system restore. The process typically involves wiping system data and then restoring the system back to its working state. If possible, back up all your important files beforehand to prevent permanent data loss. To perform a recovery mode restore, you will need to use iTunes on a computer. Here’s how it’s done:

  1. Connect your iPhone XS Max to your computer using the Apple-supplied USB/Lightning cable.
  2. While it’s connected, press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
  3. Then quick press and release the Volume Down button.
  4. Next, press and hold the Side/Power button and continue to hold as it restarts. Don’t release the Side/Power button when the Apple logo appears as you need to put the device in a recovery state.
  5. Release the Side/Power button when you see the Connect to iTunes logo on the screen.
  6. On your computer, navigate to iTunes then you should see a message saying that your connected iOS device is in recovery mode and prompts options to update or restore.
  7. Select the Restore option to wipe everything from the phone system and then restore iOS through iTunes.

Follow the rest of the given commands to complete the recovery mode restore. Don’t disconnect your iPhone from the computer unless iTunes is finished downloading files and installed the latest software on your device.

Fourth solution: Restore iPhone in DFU mode.

A last-ditch solution can try on whenever a recovery mode restore failed to fix the problem would be a DFU or Device Firmware Update mode restore. This is considered as the deepest type of system restore done on an iPhone. While in DFU mode, your device would still be able to communicate with iTunes even when the system is totally corrupted. This makes it possible for you to repair system errors and restore iOS back to its normal working state. This method however is only recommended for iPhones that don’t have any sort of liquid or physical damage. If you suspect that hardware damage is present, then you better take your device to an iPhone technician at the nearest Genius bar. But if you wish to proceed, refer to these steps to put your iPhone XS Max in DFU mode and restore iOS in iTunes:

  1. Connect your iPhone XS Max to the computer using the Apple-supplied Lightning cable or USB cable.
  2. While your device is connected, quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
  3. Then press and hold the Side/Power button until the screen becomes black.
  4. As soon as your iPhone screen turns black, press and hold the Volume Down button while continuing to hold the Side/Power button.
  5. After 5 seconds, let go of the Side/Power button but keep holding down the Volume Down button until your iPhone shows up in iTunes.
  6. Release the Volume Down button as soon as it appears in iTunes. Your device should now enter DFU mode.
  7. Then you can start restoring your iPhone in iTunes by following the command prompts to complete the system restore.

To exit DFU mode, just force restart your iPhone XS Max.

Other options

You can also try using third-party iPhone system repair tools that can be downloaded online. These tools are designed to work like iTunes in fixing system errors, repairing major software errors and restoring iOS. You can download any of these tools to your Windows or Mac computer and then use it to repair your iPhone system. Just pick the most credible and effective tool to use.  

Your device may still end up being stuck on infinite boot loops due to hardware damage. To rule this out, take it to the nearest Apple service center and have it scrutinized by an iPhone technician.

Connect with us

If you need more help with the use of certain functions and features of the Apple iPhone XS Max smartphone, feel free to visit our Tutorial Page. There you can find a list of how-to contents, step-by-step tutorials, as well as answers to FAQs regarding iPhone XS Max. If you have other concerns or encountered some troubles while using the phone, you can reach us through this form. Just be sure to tell us more details of the problem or device issue(s) you may have and we will be more than happy to assist you further.

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