When your iPhone encounters serious issues such as being completely frozen, stuck on the Apple logo, or not recognized by your computer, putting it in recovery mode can be a lifesaver. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to put your iPhone in recovery mode and restore it using your Mac or PC.
Preparing Your Computer and iPhone
Before you start, ensure your computer is up to date and has the necessary software. For Mac users, you need macOS Catalina or later, while PC users need the latest version of iTunes or the Apple Devices app.
- For Mac Users: Open Finder if you're running macOS Catalina or newer. If you're using macOS Mojave or earlier, open iTunes instead.
- For PC Users: Ensure you have the latest version of iTunes installed and open it.
Connecting Your iPhone to the Computer
- Connect Your iPhone: Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer. Make sure the cable is compatible with your iPhone model.
Putting Your iPhone in Recovery Mode
The steps to put your iPhone in recovery mode vary depending on the iPhone model you have:
iPhone 8 or Later (Including iPhone SE 2nd Generation and Later)
- Press Volume Up and Down Buttons: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, followed by the Volume Down button.
- Hold the Side Button: Press and hold the Side button until you see the Connect to computer screen.
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
- Press and Hold Buttons: Press and hold both the Top (or Side) and Volume Down buttons at the same time until you see the Connect to computer screen.
iPhone 6s or Earlier (Including iPhone SE 1st Generation)
- Press and Hold Buttons: Press and hold both the Home and Top (or Side) buttons at the same time until you see the Connect to computer screen.
Restoring Your iPhone
Once your iPhone is in recovery mode, follow these steps:
- Locate Your iPhone on the Computer: In Finder or iTunes, locate your iPhone. You should see an option to Update or Restore your device.
- Choose Update or Restore: First, attempt to Update your iPhone. If the issue persists, choose Restore. This will erase all data on your iPhone, so use this option only if necessary.
- Wait for the Process to Complete: The computer will download the necessary software and begin the restore process. If the download takes more than 15 minutes and your device exits recovery mode, let the download finish, then repeat the steps.
Setting Up Your iPhone After Recovery
After the restore process is complete, your iPhone will restart and display the setup screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your device. If you have a backup, you can restore your data and settings from it. Otherwise, set up your iPhone as a new device and download any data from iCloud.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If Your iPhone is Disabled
If your iPhone is disabled due to too many incorrect passcode attempts, you can still put it in recovery mode and restore it. This process will erase your iPhone, allowing you to set it up again and regain access.
If You Encounter Errors
If you see an error during the update or restore process, refer to Apple Support for detailed troubleshooting steps. Common errors can often be resolved by repeating the recovery mode process or seeking additional help from Apple Support.
If Recovery Mode Doesn’t Work
If putting your iPhone in recovery mode does not resolve the issue, it may be necessary to contact Apple Support for further assistance. In some cases, a visit to an Apple Retail Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider may be required.