iPhone XS Keeps Restarting and Stuck on Apple Logo After Update? Here’s How to Fix It

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If your iPhone XS is stuck in a boot loop or freezing on the Apple logo after updating to a new iOS version, you’re not alone. This kind of glitch is fairly common after updates, and usually tied to software bugs, corrupted files, or outdated apps. The good news? You’ve got several ways to fix it yourself — no need to run to the Genius Bar just yet.

Here’s a full list of fixes to try when your iPhone XS keeps restarting or won’t go past the Apple logo screen.

Check for Signs of Liquid Damage

Before diving into software fixes, rule out hardware issues. If your phone was recently dropped or got wet, that might be the real cause.

Here’s how to check:

  1. Power off your iPhone XS.
  2. Use a SIM ejector tool or paperclip to remove the SIM tray.
  3. Look inside the SIM tray slot. If you see a red dot or strip, that indicates liquid damage.
  4. If it’s white or silver, your phone likely hasn’t been exposed to liquid.

No liquid damage? Move on to the next steps.

Force Restart Your iPhone XS

This is the fastest and easiest fix to try — and often, it’s all you need.

  1. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
  2. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
  3. Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.

This doesn’t delete any data. If your iPhone still restarts on its own or gets stuck again, keep going.

Reset All Settings

If you can get into the phone’s settings, resetting all system settings can undo any conflicting changes that may have been introduced by the update.

  1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  2. Tap Reset > Reset All Settings.
  3. Enter your passcode if prompted, then confirm.

This won’t delete your photos or apps — just resets settings like Wi-Fi passwords, accessibility options, etc.

Update All Your Apps

Outdated apps can misbehave after an iOS update and cause system-level bugs, especially if they weren’t optimized for the new version.

  1. Open the App Store.
  2. Tap your profile icon in the top right.
  3. Scroll down and tap Update All.

After updates install, restart your phone again to see if the issue clears up.

Use Recovery Mode to Restore Your iPhone

If your iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo and won’t boot up fully, restoring via Recovery Mode might help.

Here’s how:

  1. Connect your iPhone XS to a computer with iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
  2. While connected:
    • Press and quickly release Volume Up.
    • Press and quickly release Volume Down.
    • Then press and hold the Side button until you see the Recovery Mode screen (iTunes logo and cable).
  3. Choose Update first — this will try to reinstall iOS without erasing your data.
  4. If that doesn’t work, repeat the steps and choose Restore instead (note: this will erase your phone).

Try a DFU Restore (Deep-Level Firmware Reinstall)

Still stuck? A DFU (Device Firmware Update) restore is the most in-depth restore you can do yourself. It reloads both the firmware and software from scratch.

  1. Connect your iPhone to your computer with iTunes open.
  2. Follow these steps exactly:
    • Quickly press and release Volume Up.
    • Quickly press and release Volume Down.
    • Hold the Side button until the screen goes black.
    • Once black, hold Volume Down while continuing to hold the Side button for 5 seconds.
    • Release the Side button but keep holding Volume Down until iTunes/Finder says it has detected an iPhone in recovery mode.
  3. Click Restore.

If you see the Apple logo or Recovery Mode screen, you didn’t enter DFU mode. Try again.

Use a Third-Party iOS Repair Tool (No Data Loss)

If you’d rather not mess with Recovery or DFU modes, some tools can help repair iOS system issues without wiping your data.

Here are a few reputable ones:

  • ReiBoot by Tenorshare
  • iMyFone Fixppo
  • Dr.Fone – Repair (iOS)

Just download the software to your computer, connect your iPhone, and follow the guided steps to fix iOS issues. Most of them have a free basic mode that doesn’t erase your data.

Still Stuck? It Might Be a Hardware Problem

If your iPhone XS keeps restarting or won’t boot even after all of these, it could be a hardware fault. At this point:

  • Contact Apple Support
  • Visit an Apple Store or authorized service provider for diagnostics

Especially if your phone has a history of water damage or drops, a Genius Bar appointment might be your best bet.

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