iPhone 7 Stuck in Recovery Mode, Apple Logo, or Black Screen? Here’s How to Fix It

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:

  1. Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC using the Lightning cable.
  2. Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina or later).
  3. If your iPhone is detected in recovery mode, you’ll be prompted to Update or Restore.
  4. Choose Update first — this attempts to reinstall iOS without erasing data.
  5. 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:

  1. Plug your iPhone into a computer.
  2. Hold Power + Volume Down for 8 seconds.
  3. Release the Power button but continue holding Volume Down for another 5 seconds.
  4. 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

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