If your iPhone 11 Pro is stuck on the “Connect to iTunes” screen after updating to iOS 13.2.3, you’re likely dealing with a recovery mode loop. This usually happens when an update or restore via iTunes fails, leaving the phone stuck and unresponsive. Here’s how to get it out of recovery mode and working again.
Force Restart Your iPhone
Sometimes your iPhone just needs a push to get back on track. A force restart can help clear minor glitches that might be freezing the system.
Here’s how to force restart your iPhone 11 Pro:
- 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 appears.
This doesn’t erase any data—it just forces your phone to reboot. If it boots normally to the Home screen, you’re all set.
Once you’re back in, update all your apps and consider resetting your settings by going to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings to clear out any conflicting system tweaks.
Use DFU Mode to Restore with iTunes or Finder
If the force restart doesn’t work, your next best option is a DFU (Device Firmware Update) restore. This goes deeper than standard recovery mode and allows iTunes or Finder to completely reinstall iOS.
⚠️ Important: Don’t attempt this if your iPhone has any signs of hardware or liquid damage—DFU mode can make things worse if there are hardware faults.
Steps to enter DFU mode on iPhone 11 Pro:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer.
- Open iTunes (Windows/macOS Mojave or earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina or later).
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button until the screen goes black.
- As soon as the screen turns black, hold Volume Down while continuing to hold the Side button for 5 seconds.
- Release the Side button but keep holding Volume Down for another 10 seconds.
If your screen stays black (no Apple logo), you’re in DFU mode. A message should pop up in iTunes or Finder saying a device in recovery mode has been detected. Choose Restore iPhone and follow the prompts.
Try Third-Party iOS Repair Tools
If you’re not comfortable with DFU mode or it didn’t work, there are third-party tools that can fix this without wiping your data. These apps are designed to fix system glitches like being stuck in recovery mode, boot loops, and more.
Popular options include:
- Tenorshare ReiBoot
- Dr.Fone – Repair (Wondershare)
- FonePaw iOS System Recovery
- iMobie PhoneRescue
- TunesKit iOS System Recovery
Most of them offer a free basic scan and some repair features. Just download one, connect your iPhone, and follow the on-screen steps to exit recovery mode or perform a standard repair.
Still Stuck? Time to Get Help
If none of the above fixes work, there could be a deeper system issue or even hardware damage. At this point, it’s best to bring your iPhone to an Apple Store or authorized repair center for a full diagnostic.
You can also contact Apple Support online. If the problem is tied to an iOS bug, Apple may release a patch in the next update.