If your iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo, caught in a boot loop, or refuses to start after a software update, fixing it used to mean connecting it to a Mac or Windows PC. With iOS 27, you can open a built-in recovery screen yourself and try the fixes on the iPhone first.
The recovery screen lets you install an update, run diagnostics, erase your iPhone, or switch to the traditional recovery mode, and several of those options do not need a computer. Here is how to open it and which option to try first.
The iOS 27 Recovery Screen Only Opens on an iPhone Already Running iOS 27
The recovery screen is part of iOS 27, so your iPhone has to be running iOS 27 for it to appear. If your iPhone is on an older version, or it cannot start at all after a failed update to iOS 27, use the traditional method in our guide to putting an iPhone in recovery mode on every model.
Before iOS 27, Recovery Assistant appeared on its own when an iPhone failed to start, and starting it by hand meant connecting to a computer or a power source. Our explainer on Recovery Assistant covers that older behavior.
How to Open the iOS 27 Recovery Screen
- Turn off your iPhone completely.
- Wait about one minute to make sure it has fully powered down.
- Press and hold the Side button.
- Keep holding the button after the Apple logo appears.
- Keep holding until you see Continue holding for recovery.
- Release the button when Loading recovery options appears.
Your iPhone then opens the recovery screen instead of starting iOS. On an iPad running iPadOS 27, the same steps work with the top button.
If you let go while the Apple logo is still on screen, your iPhone starts up normally and you have to begin again.
What Each Recovery Screen Option Does
The screen offers five options, plus a hidden sixth on newer iPhones. Start at the top of the list and work down, since the first options are the least disruptive.
Recovery Assistant
Recovery Assistant scans your iPhone for software problems and tries to fix them automatically. It downloads a software package to resolve startup issues, needs a Wi-Fi connection, and can take several minutes.
If the problem continues after it finishes, restart your iPhone and make sure it is on the latest version of iOS.
Software Update
Software Update installs the latest version of iOS available for your iPhone, which can help if a failed update left it stuck in a boot loop. Trying an update before erasing is generally the better first move.
Diagnostics
Diagnostics checks your iPhone for hardware and software problems. If it finds one, it can help you decide whether the iPhone needs repair or servicing.
Erase All Content and Settings
This resets your iPhone to factory settings and permanently removes everything stored on it. Use it only after you have a backup, or when the other options have not fixed the problem.
Recovery Mode
Recovery Mode opens the familiar Connect to computer screen without the usual Volume Up, Volume Down, and Side button sequence. From there you can connect to a Mac or Windows PC to update or restore your iPhone.
Nearby Device Recovery
Some newer iPhones also have a hidden Nearby Device Recovery option. While you are on the recovery screen, press and hold the Side button again to show it, and you can restore your iPhone with the help of another Apple device close by.
How to Leave the iOS 27 Recovery Screen
If you opened the recovery screen by accident or no longer need it, tap the power button in the upper-right corner and confirm that you want to restart your iPhone.
You can also press and hold the Side button to bring up the menu, then choose Restart or Shut Down.
Common Questions About the iOS 27 Recovery Screen
Does the iOS 27 Recovery Screen Erase My iPhone?
Opening the recovery screen does not erase anything, and only Erase All Content and Settings wipes your iPhone, along with a full restore through Recovery Mode, so trying an update before a restore is the safer order.
Why Won’t the Recovery Screen Appear?
The usual cause is releasing the Side button too early. Keep holding through the Apple logo until Loading recovery options appears, and check that your iPhone is running iOS 27.
Does the iOS 27 Recovery Screen Work on iPad?
Yes. On an iPad running iPadOS 27, turn it off, then hold the top button until the same recovery options appear.
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