How to fix an iPhone 8 that is stuck on the Apple logo, infinite bootloop [Troubleshooting Guide]

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The main reason why your iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo or infinite bootloop is because something went wrong during its startup routine. In most cases, the software is to blame but there are also some instances wherein a bad component (hardware damage) is causing the same trouble. If hardware damage is the root-cause, then service would be necessary.

Software-related stuck problems on the iPhone can be due to faulty updates, failed restores and data transfers from a computer to the iPhone. Failed data transfer or iOS restore due to security software, defective USB cables, and faulty USB ports cause the system to get corrupted and that’s when your device gets stuck and couldn’t complete the startup. The same thing can happen when you jailbreak your iPhone and the jailbreak process failed or was not completed.

Assuming that the problem you’re dealing with is not associated with a busted component on your iPhone (hardware damage), you can try a few workarounds to deal with software errors that might have caused your device to get stuck on bootloop or Apple logo. Here are your options.

Before we move any further, if you are looking for a solution to a different problem, them drop by our iPhone 8 troubleshooting page for we have already addressed some of the most common problems with this device. Odds are that there are already existing solutions to your problem. Try to find issues that are similar with yours and use the solutions we suggested. If they don’t work or if you need more help, fill up our iPhone issues questionnaire and we’ll help you with you problem.

First solution: Force your iPhone 8 to restart.

Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.

Then press and quickly release the Volume Down button.

Finally, press and hold the Side/Power button for a few seconds or until the Apple logo appears.

If your iPhone is able to boot up successfully, then it means that the problem is fixed and you’re good. Otherwise, you will need to try other applicable solutions.

Second solution: Use iTunes to update software or restore iOS on a computer.

Using recovery mode to restore your iPhone is the next possible solution to consider if a forced restart failed to fix the problem. It might a more serious software error that needs more advanced solution. In order to get started, you will need to secure a computer (Windows PC or Mac) with the latest version of iTunes software installed. Then proceed with these steps whenever you’re all set:

  1. Connect your iPhone to a computer using the Apple-supplied USB connector or Lightning cable.
  2. Open iTunes on your computer.
  3. While your device is connected, force it to restart and enter recovery mode with these steps:
  4. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
  5. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
  6. Then press and hold the Side/Power button until the Recovery Mode screen appears. Do not release the Power button when you see the Apple logo as you’ll need to enter recovery mode.
  7. If prompted with the option to Update or Restore, select Update. Doing so allows iTunes to reinstall iOS without wiping your iPhone data.

Wait for iTunes to download the software for your device. If the download takes more than 15 minutes, your iPhone will exit recovery mode. When this happens, you will need to go back to the steps to enter recovery mode again and restore your iPhone.

Third solution:  Restore your iPhone in DFU mode.

If your iPhone is not fixed by a recovery mode update and restore then your last best hope would be a DFU mode restore. It’s the deepest type of system restore you can do on your iPhone. Apple technicians often used this method to fix complex software problems that caused the iPhone to act weird or stop working properly.
DFU or Device Firmware Upgrade mode is different from the usual recovery mode. It allows your device to interact with iTunes without loading the operating system. In order to get started, you will need to secure a computer with the latest iTunes software installed. Then follow these steps to perform a DFU mode restore on your iPhone 8:

  1. Close any apps or programs on your computer, then open iTunes.
  2. With your iPhone turned off, connect it to the computer using the original USB connector or Lightning cable.
  3. Press and hold the Side/Power button on your iPhone for about 3 seconds.
  4. While holding down the Side/Power button, press and hold the Volume Down button. Keep holding both buttons for 10 seconds more.
  5. If the Apple logo appears, it means you’ve held the buttons too long and that you need to start all over.
  6. Release the Side/Power button but keep holding the Volume Down button for another 5 seconds.

If the screen stays black, it means you have successfully entered DFU mode. If you see an alert on your computer saying that iTunes has detected your iPhone in recovery mode, then at this point you can proceed and restore your iPhone through iTunes. But if you see the Plug into iTUnes screen, go back to step 3 until you’ll access DFU mode on your iPhone.
Important note: A DFU mode restore is not recommended for iPhones with hardware damage. There is a chance that your iPhone system gets bricked and becomes totally useless if DFU mode restore is not completed or failed due to hardware damage.
Alternative iOS recovery/repair tools
You may also resort to use an iOS recovery/repair software and attempt to recover your data and repair your iPhone system. There are actually a wide range of iOS recovery and repair tools downloaded for free online. Just pick the highly credible and recommended software that’s compatible with your computer and meets the minimum system requirements with your iPhone 8 or iOS 11. Download and install the desired software on your computer the follow the onscreen instructions to instigate iOS recovery and system restore on your iPhone.
Repair options
If none of the prior methods is able to help and your iPhone 8 remained stuck on the Apple logo or infinite bootloop, then you should already consider opting for service. Your device might have acquired some form of physical or liquid damage and so it doesn’t work anymore. Don’t forget to avail for warranty, if your device is still eligible for one. For more information regarding service and replacement warranty, contact your carrier or Apple Support.

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