When your iPhone displays a Connect to iTunes screen and it stops working and remains on that screen, you are dealing with a stuck problem, particularly being stuck on recovery mode. This usually happens while attempting to restore or update your iPhone through iTunes and it couldn’t get through because something is halting the process. As a result, your iPhone system gave up and stuck on that screen.
Tackled in this post is a similar issue on the iPhone 11 Pro that’s stuck on recovery mode after updating to iOS 13.2.3. Feel free to refer to this walk-through is you need additional inputs when troubleshooting your stuck iPhone after installing the latest iOS update.
Troubleshooting an iPhone 11 Pro that’s stuck on recovery mode after updating to iOS 13.2.3
The following solutions will help rule out software-related factors including post-update errors and bugs that might have ruined the phone’s system functions and thereby results in this problem. You’ve only got a few options to try here (as end-user) since the main problem is on the operating system. And they are as follows.
First solution: Force restart your iPhone.
An iPhone could usually get stuck from an update due to some bad apps. This is usually what happens if some third-party apps would seem to act up after the recent system changes. Any app, especially those that are not up to date will likely end up being rogue from an iOS update as they couldn’t get to easily adapt with the system transition. But on a positive note, most post-update symptoms that are attributed to rogue apps are easily remedied by a device restart. Performing the usual reboot or soft reset however, wouldn’t be possible in this case, given that your iPhone is stuck. Hence, you will need to force restart your iPhone 11 Pro. Just follow these steps to do so:
- Quickly press then release the Volume Up key.
- Quickly press then release the Volume Down key.
- Press and hold the Side button for about 10 seconds then release when you see the Apple logo.
A force restart on an iPhone works by forcing all erratic apps and system services to end, thus giving a way for the system to shutdown and execute the normal boot sequence. It does not affect any saved information on the internal memory of your iPhone, so backing up files from your iPhone storage won’t be necessary.
If your iPhone is able to boot and load up to the Home screen, it’s an indication that the problem is resolved. Otherwise, you’ve got to try other options to eliminate other major culprits.
Installing all pending app updates is also recommended to prevent any outdated apps from triggering the system to crash and get stuck again. And if necessary, you can also try resetting all settings on your iPhone to erase all recent system settings changes including automatic overrides from the recent update that caused some conflicts.
ALSO READ: How to fix an iPhone 11 Pro that’s stuck on blank, black or blue screen after iOS 13.2.3 update
Second solution: Put your iPhone 11 Pro in DFU mode and repair iOS through iTunes.
Your next option if a force restart doesn’t yield an ultimate solution would be to restore your iPhone in DFU or Device Firmware Update mode. It is the deepest type of system restore you can do to repair major system errors inflicted by iOS bugs. Putting your device in DFU state will allow iTunes to communicate with it and access its system services to carry out necessary system repairs. But it’s also worth to note that while restoring an iPhone in DFU mode offers a higher chance of resolving major issues, it may also result to other worse problems if not properly executed. The same thing can happen if a DFU mode restore won’t complete or gets interrupted. Having said that, a DFU mode restore is also not recommended to iPhones with some physical damage or liquid damage. Any damaged components could hinder the DFU mode restore process from completing and thus, your device could end up being totally inoperative. If you wish to proceed at your own risks, then you can refer to these steps to get started in entering DFU mode and carry out an in-depth system repair through iTunes:
- Connect your iPhone to the computer then launch iTunes (on Windows or earlier Mac) or Finder (on macOS Catalina) app.
- While your device is connected, quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Then, quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Finally, press and hold the Side button until your iPhone screen turns black.
- Keep holding the Side button when the screen turns black and then press the Volume Down button.
- Hold both buttons for 5 seconds.
- After 5 seconds, release the Side/Power button but keep holding the Volume Down button for another 10 seconds.
If your iPhone screen remains black (no logos or text) after 10 seconds, it means that you have successfully entered DFU mode. After a few seconds, you should see a message saying that “iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode and that you must restore it before it can be used with iTunes.”
When you see that pop-up message, select the Restore iPhone option. This should trigger iTunes to instigate the system restoration process. Just follow the next onscreen commands to finish restoring your device.
ALSO READ: How to fix an iPhone 11 Pro that’s stuck on white Apple logo after iOS 13.2.3 update
Third solution: Use third-party software to fix your iPhone 11 Pro that’s stuck on recovery mode after updating iOS.
Not all iOS issues can be handled with iTunes. And thus, third-party software developers also come up with their own versions of iOS repair and restoration software. These tools usually comes with free versions that can be downloaded and installed straight to a compatible computer without any fee required. Others also require a one-time purchase for you to benefit full system access and utilize advanced features to fix your corrupted iOS device. Among the most popular tools that serve this purpose would include but not limited to Tenorshare ReiBoot, Wondershare Dr. Fone – Repair, Fucosoft iOS System Recovery, iMobie PhoneRescue, FonePaw iOS System Recovery, and TunesKit iOS System Recovery.
Be sure to read and review each software description as well as their pros and cons, so you will get some hints and gauge their effectiveness.
Once you’ve decided, download and install your preferred software on your computer then connect your iPhone to the computer and start repairing fatal system errors using the available commands. Generally, these tools are designed with a very user-friendly interface to ensure that novice users won’t have a hard time navigating and using the system.
Is your iPhone 11 Pro still stuck on recovery mode in iOS 13.2.3?
Most iPhones that got stuck on recovery mode after an update were fixed and able to work properly again after applying any of the above solutions. If none of them is able to fix your stuck iphone 11 Pro, then this is when you should consider asking for an iPhone technician’s aid. With that said, take your iPhone to the nearest Apple Genius bar in your place and have it thoroughly assessed by an authorized technician for any possible indications of hardware damage. Although the onset of the problem was after the new iOS update was installed, it’s still possible that your device has already obtained some hardware damage way before updating.
For further suggestions and assistance, you can also escalate the matter to Apple Support. Should this be confirmed to be another iOS bug to fix, then Apple will be obliged to develop and rollout new iOS update with the dedicated fix patch.
ALSO READ: Fixing different types of display issues on an Apple iPhone 11 Pro