Turned on your iPhone 11 and all you see is the Apple logo stuck on the screen? It’s a common issue — but thankfully, it’s often fixable right at home. Whether it was caused by a failed update, rogue app, or glitch, we’ve got the solutions to help you get your iPhone booting normally again.
Try these proven fixes, starting with the easiest:
1. Force Restart Your iPhone 11
A hard reset is often all it takes to break the Apple logo loop.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears again.
This can refresh the system and resolve boot glitches.
2. Charge Your iPhone Fully
If your phone died mid-startup, low battery might be keeping it stuck.
- Plug it in with a reliable charger and let it charge for at least 30 minutes.
- Once charged, press and hold the Side button to try booting again.
3. Use Recovery Mode to Update iOS
If an iOS update was interrupted or corrupted, Recovery Mode can finish the job — without erasing your data.
- Connect your iPhone to a computer using a USB cable.
- On the iPhone:
- Quickly press Volume Up, then Volume Down,
- Then hold the Side button until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
- On your computer (in iTunes or Finder), choose Update (not Restore).
Your computer will try to reinstall iOS while preserving your data.
4. Restore Your iPhone in Recovery Mode (If Update Fails)
If the Update option doesn’t work, go back into Recovery Mode and this time select Restore.
⚠️ This will erase all data. Use only if you have a backup or nothing else worked.
5. Try a DFU Restore (Advanced)
DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode can fix deep-level software corruption.
- Connect your iPhone 11 to your computer via USB.
- Quickly press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down.
- Press and hold the Side button for 10 seconds.
- While still holding the Side button, press and hold Volume Down for 5 seconds.
- Release the Side button but keep holding Volume Down for another 5 seconds.
If the screen stays black and your computer detects the iPhone in recovery, you’re in DFU mode. Use Restore from iTunes or Finder to install a clean version of iOS.
6. Erase All Content and Settings (If You Can Boot to Home Screen)
If your iPhone eventually boots but acts up again:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Confirm and follow the prompts.
This starts fresh and can eliminate leftover bugs.
7. Contact Apple Support
If none of the above worked, there may be a hardware issue — especially if your iPhone was dropped or exposed to water.
Visit Apple Support or schedule a Genius Bar appointment to get your iPhone checked.