Apple devices are generally stable, but sometimes an iPhone or iPad can run into startup issues or repeated crashes that prevent it from functioning properly. In these situations, Apple has built in a system tool called Recovery Assistant in iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 that helps restore the device by downloading and applying a recovery package over Wi-Fi. This makes it possible to fix critical issues without needing to connect to a computer or visit a service center immediately.
Recovery Assistant is designed to start automatically when your device cannot boot correctly, but it can also be triggered manually if needed. The process is simple and only takes a few minutes to complete, provided the device has access to a supported Wi-Fi network.
When Recovery Assistant appears on your device, the steps are straightforward. You just need to click Continue, and the tool will begin downloading the required software to restore the operating system. Once the recovery is complete, the device will restart. If the problem continues, it is recommended to update to the latest iOS or iPadOS version. If issues still persist, Apple suggests getting the device serviced.
If you need to manually start Recovery Assistant, follow these steps:
- Connect your iPhone or iPad to a computer or a power source.
- Turn off the device.
- Press and hold the side button until the “connect to computer” screen appears, then release the button.
- Double-press the side button to launch Recovery Assistant.
- On screen, tap Continue.
- Review the details and choose whether you want to share diagnostic data with Apple.
Diagnostic data can include device information such as model, software version, disk size, available storage, stability logs, and recent system activity. This data may contain personal details like your name, serial number, or file names. Sending this information to Apple is optional, and Apple states it is handled according to their privacy policy.
It is important to note that Recovery Assistant requires a Wi-Fi connection to work, but it does not support captive networks or those that need 802.1X authentication. If your home or work network requires these, you may need to connect to a different Wi-Fi before proceeding.
Recovery Assistant is especially useful for users who want a direct way to repair software issues without needing iTunes or Finder. While it cannot resolve hardware problems, it provides a fast, built-in option for handling many software-related boot errors on iPhone and iPad. For more advanced situations, you may want to try a clean install of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 or even follow our guide on how to downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18. These additional methods give you more control over your device when Recovery Assistant alone cannot fix the issue.
