Is your iPhone 7 stuck on the Apple logo, a black or red screen, or stuck endlessly in recovery mode? These issues usually point to a major iOS glitch or a failed update. Thankfully, there are a few ways you can get your iPhone working again without heading straight to the repair shop — though hardware issues should always be considered if these steps fail.
Why Your iPhone 7 Might Be Stuck in Recovery Mode
This issue can be triggered by:
- Interrupted iOS update or restore
- Corrupted system files
- Failed jailbreak attempt
- Installing a buggy iOS beta
- Hardware problems (e.g., logic board, NAND, or battery damage)
Step-by-Step Fixes for iPhone 7 Stuck in Recovery or Apple Logo
1. Force Restart the iPhone
This is your first and safest attempt to bring it back to normal.
- Press and hold the Power (Side) button and Volume Down button at the same time.
- Keep holding both buttons until you see the Apple logo.
- If the phone boots to normal mode, you’re all set!
2. Restore Using iTunes (Standard Recovery Mode)
If the force restart doesn’t work, restore the device via iTunes:
- Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC using the Lightning cable.
- Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina or later).
- If your iPhone is detected in recovery mode, you’ll be prompted to Update or Restore.
- Choose Update first — this attempts to reinstall iOS without erasing data.
- If Update fails, try Restore (this will erase all data and restore to factory settings).
3. DFU Mode Restore (Advanced Fix)
If normal recovery doesn’t work, a DFU (Device Firmware Update) restore gives you deeper access to your iPhone’s firmware.
⚠️ Warning: A DFU restore erases your data. Only use this if you’re okay with starting fresh or already have a backup.
Steps to enter DFU mode on iPhone 7:
- Plug your iPhone into a computer.
- Hold Power + Volume Down for 8 seconds.
- Release the Power button but continue holding Volume Down for another 5 seconds.
- If the screen stays black and iTunes/Finder detects a device in recovery, you’re in DFU mode.
Now, follow the onscreen prompt to Restore your iPhone.
4. Use Third-Party iOS Repair Software (Optional)
There are a few trusted tools that can help restore your iPhone without erasing your data:
- ReiBoot by Tenorshare
- Dr.Fone – Repair
- iMyFone Fixppo
- PhoneRescue for iOS
Download the software on your computer, connect your device, and follow the recovery prompts. Most offer a free version with basic functions.
5. Still Not Working? Consider Hardware Repair
If all else fails, your iPhone may have a hardware-level issue:
- Recent drops or water exposure may have damaged internal components
- A malfunctioning NAND chip or corrupted boot sector could be the culprit