How to fix an iPhone XS Max that’s stuck on infinite bootloop in iOS 13

One of the dreaded problems smartphone users could encounter at some point is having a phone that’s stuck on infinite bootloops. This is when your device would just shut down and then restart on its own. If by any chance, you ended up troubled with the same issue on your iPhone XS Max following the recent iOS 13 update installation, then this post might be able to help you out. Keep reading to find out what to do to fix your iPhone XS Max that’s stuck on infinite bootloop in iOS 13, before setting up a service appointment at the Genius bar.

Troubleshooting an iPhone XS Max that’s stuck on infinite bootloop in iOS 13

A device that keeps restarting on its own likely succumbs to some fatal system errors that ruined its boot-up function. Other possible causes are rogue apps, unsuccessful jailbreak as well as a defective battery connector. The following solutions will help rule out software-related triggers. If none of these methods is able to solve the problem, that’s when you should consider opting for physical repair. But before rushing to a service center, try to apply each of the following procedures.

First solution: Perform a force restart on your iPhone XS Max. 

Any device could become a bit unstable or problematic after a major system transition. And the iPhone XR is no exception. Usually, minor system glitches are causing such adverse post-update behaviours and so they can easily be resolved by restarting the phone. In the case where your iPhone is stuck on infinite bootloop, the usual reboot may not be applicable, hence performing a force restart would be necessary. Random system glitches from the recent iOS 13 update including those that ruined the phone’s boot-up system will likely be addressed and eliminated in the process. Apps that have gone rogue from the update that eventually caused your iPhone system to act up like this can also be fixed. If you haven’t already, then follow the steps below to carry out a force restart on your iPhone XS Max:

  1. Press and release the Volume Up button quickly.
  2. Press and release the Volume Down button quickly. 
  3. Lastly, press and hold the Side button for a few seconds until you see the Apple logo.

Allow your phone to finish booting up then use it as you normally do and see if the problem is fixed.

ALSO READ: How to fix an iPhone 6s that keeps lagging and freezing in iOS 13

Second solution: Sync your iPhone XS Max with the latest version of iTunes and carry out a standard iOS restore. 

If the phone continues to reboot on its own after performing a forced restart, then rogue apps aren’t likely the trigger. To eliminate major system errors that caused your iPhone to portray such atypical behaviour, use iTunes to restore and repair system errors inflicted by the recent iOS 13 update. Also be sure to use the latest version of iTunes application to avoid bumping into other issues attributed to system conflicts. If necessary, download and install the latest version of iTunes app on your computer and then use it to restore your iPhone XS Max in recovery mode. If you’ve got a recent backup of your iPhone on your computer, then you can restore your iPhone from that backup and see if that fixes everything. Just follow these steps whenever you’re all set:

  1. Using the Apple-supplied USB/lightning cable, connect your iPhone to the computer that you used to synced before. 
  2. Open iTunes on your computer once it’s connected.
  3. From the iTunes main screen, select the Sync option. 
  4. Once prompted, enter your device passcode to unlock your phone. This will backup your iPhone to the computer. 
  5. Click the option to Restore iPhone from the most recent backup.
  6. Then follow the rest of the on-screen prompts to complete the process.

Only disconnect your iPhone XS Max from the computer right after the restore process is completed. Then follow the rest of the onscreen commands to start setting up your device.

Third solution: Use recovery mode restore on your iPhone XS Max. 

Recovery mode restore is one of the advanced solutions you can perform when dealing with complex system issues among iOS devices. If the infinite boot loop persists after performing the previous solutions, restoring your iPhone XS Max in recovery mode can be considered as the next option. Performing a recovery mode restore will erase everything on your iPhone XS Max along with existing fatal system errors that triggered your device to shutdown and restart on its own. All saved data on your iPhone storage will be deleted in the process, so be sure to back them up beforehand. Failure to do so will result in permanent data loss, so you won’t be able to retrieve the information. Nonetheless, you’ve got a higher chance of resolving the problem through this solution. If everything is ready, just follow these steps to put your iPhone XS Max in recovery mode and restore it through iTunes:

  1. Using the supplied USB/Lightning cable, connect your iPhone to the computer and then open iTunes on your computer. While your iPhone is connected, continue with these subsequent steps.
  2. Press and release the Volume up button quickly.
  3. Press and release the Volume down button quickly.
  4. Then press and hold the Side button until you see Recovery Mode on your phone. Do not release the Side button if you’ll see the Apple logo screen as you will need to enter recovery mode to restore your device.
  5. Once iTunes prompts you to Restore or Update, select Restore. This will allow iTunes to download the software for your device. Your phone will exit recovery mode if the download takes more than 15 minutes. If that happens, just repeat the steps to enter recovery mode again. 

After the recovery mode restore process is completed, exit recovery mode and then continue with the initial set up process. 

ALSO READ: How to fix iOS 13 ghost touch bug on your iPhone, screen reacts even when untouched

Fourth solution: Perform DFU mode restore on your iPhone XS Max. 

A Device Firmware Update (DFU) mode restore would be the last Apple-recommended option you’ve got if the recovery mode restore still failed to fix the problem on your iPhone XS Max. DFU is a special iOS state wherein your iPhone is still able to communicate with iTunes even when the boot loader or iOS is not activated. Thus, it would still be possible for your device to be updated, restored, or bypassed even if the operating system is corrupted. But just like a recovery mode restore, the main downside of a DFU mode restore is permanent data loss. If you wish to continue, then you may do so at your own discretion.  Just follow these steps on how to put your iPhone XS Max in DFU mode and restore it through iTunes:

  1. Connect your iPhone XS to the computer using the supplied USB/Lightning cable. Once connected, open iTunes on your computer. The continue with the next steps.
  2. Press and quickly release the Volume up button.
  3. Press and quickly release the Volume down button.
  4. Press and hold the Side/Power button until the screen goes black.
  5. After the screen turns black, press and hold the Volume down button while keep holding down the Power/Side button
  6. Wait for 5 seconds then release the Power/Side button but keep holding the Volume down button until your iPhone XS Max shows up in iTunes. 
  7. Release the Volume down button once you see your iPhone in iTunes then follow the rest of the on-screen instructions to start restoring the operating system in DFU mode.

If the process is successful and the infinite bootloop problem on your iPhone XS Max has been resolved, disconnect your iPhone XS Max from the computer and then perform a force restart to exit DFU mode and run your iPhone back to normal mode. 

Fifth solution: Use third-party software to fix the issue. 

Third-party iOS repair tools may come in handy if iTunes failed to resolve existing system errors including those inflicted by a major iOS update bug. These tools may contain some advanced repair features that are not present in iTunes so you’ll have a higher chance of finding a fix using any of these tools. There are actually a lot of alternatives you can use to serve this purpose. You can get them through a one-time purchase or download a free (trial version) on a compatible computer. You can get ideas from its description, system requirements and reviews from previous users. This will help you determine if the software is indeed compatible with your computer and iOS device and likewise to gauge its capacity and efficacy to resolve major system flaws.

Among the leading brands are Tenorshare ReiBoot, Dr. Fone – Repair, Joyoshare UltFix, FonePaw iOS System Recovery, and PhoneRescue for iOS.

Just download your pick on your computer then connect your iPhone when everything is ready. These tools are generally designed with a friendly user-interface to ensure the needs of both expert and novice users are met. All you have to do is click on the given controls and the software will process the command.

ALSO READ: How to fix iPhone XR iOS 13 delayed touchscreen response issue

Is your iPhone XS Max still stuck on infinite bootloop in iOS 13?

At this point, you should look into the possibility of a damaged component present on your device. Although the symptoms started from the update, it’s still possible that your iPhone has already acquired the damage before and it just so happened that the symptoms emerge after the new system was installed. To rule this out, you can take a trip to the nearest Apple-authorized service center and ask an iPhone technician to check your iPhone’s hardware components.

If you are too far away from the Apple service center, then you can escalate the problem directly to Apple Support for further assistance and official recommendations.

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