iPhone Recovery Mode is a built-in troubleshooting feature that lets you connect an iPhone to a Mac or Windows PC when the device cannot start normally. It can help when your iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo, fails during an iOS update, repeatedly restarts, or is otherwise unresponsive.
Recovery Mode gives you the option to update or restore iOS using a computer. An update can reinstall iOS while attempting to keep your personal data, while a restore erases the iPhone and installs iOS from scratch.
Here is what iPhone Recovery Mode does, when you should use it, and how to put different iPhone models into Recovery Mode.
What Is Recovery Mode on iPhone?
Recovery Mode is a special state that allows a computer to communicate with an iPhone when iOS is unable to start normally.
When an iPhone enters Recovery Mode, its screen displays an image indicating that it should be connected to a computer. You can then connect the iPhone to a Mac or Windows PC and use Finder, the Apple Devices app, or iTunes to troubleshoot the device.
Recovery Mode can be useful if your iPhone:
- Is stuck on the Apple logo
- Gets stuck while installing an iOS update
- Keeps restarting or gets stuck in a boot loop
- Displays the Recovery Mode screen
- Will not start normally
- Cannot be updated through the usual Settings app
- Is not responding normally after a software problem
Recovery Mode does not automatically erase your iPhone. What happens to your data depends on whether you choose to update or restore the device.
When Should You Use Recovery Mode?
You generally do not need Recovery Mode for everyday iPhone problems.
Try a normal restart or force restart first if your iPhone is simply frozen or behaving unusually. Recovery Mode becomes useful when the device cannot start properly or when a software update has gone wrong.
For example, if your iPhone has been stuck on the Apple logo for several minutes and a force restart does not help, Recovery Mode gives you another way to reinstall iOS.
How to Put an iPhone in Recovery Mode
The process depends on your iPhone model because Apple has changed the physical buttons over the years.
Before starting, connect your iPhone to a computer using a USB cable.
On a Mac running macOS Catalina or later, use Finder. On a Windows PC, use the Apple Devices app. Older versions of macOS and Windows may use iTunes.
iPhone 8 and Later
The same Recovery Mode process applies to iPhone 8 and newer models, including iPhone X and later generations.
- Connect your iPhone to your Mac or Windows PC with a USB cable.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button.
- Keep holding the Side button when the Apple logo appears.
- Continue holding it until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
- Open Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes on your computer.
- Select your iPhone when it appears.
- Choose Update or Restore.
If you want to try fixing the software without erasing your data, choose Update first.
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
The iPhone 7 series uses a different button combination.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer.
- Press and hold the Side button and Volume Down button at the same time.
- Continue holding both buttons when the Apple logo appears.
- Keep holding them until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
- Open Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes on your computer.
- Select your iPhone.
- Choose Update or Restore.
iPhone 6s and Earlier
This method applies to the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE (1st generation), and earlier iPhone models with a physical Home button.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer.
- Press and hold the Home button and the Side or Top button at the same time.
- Keep holding both buttons when the Apple logo appears.
- Continue holding them until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
- Open Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes on your computer.
- Select your iPhone.
- Choose Update or Restore.
What Happens After You Enter Recovery Mode?
Once your iPhone enters Recovery Mode, your computer should detect it and display options to Update or Restore.
Update iOS
Choose Update if you want to try fixing the problem without erasing your iPhone.
Your computer downloads and reinstalls the latest version of iOS while attempting to preserve your personal data.
This is usually the best option to try first when an iPhone is stuck during startup or an iOS update.
Restore iPhone
Choose Restore if updating does not solve the problem or if you need to completely reinstall iOS.
Restoring erases all data and settings from the iPhone and installs the latest version of iOS.
If possible, make sure you have an iCloud or computer backup before restoring your iPhone.
Does Recovery Mode Erase Everything on an iPhone?
No. Simply entering Recovery Mode does not erase your iPhone.
The important distinction is what you choose after entering Recovery Mode.
- Recovery Mode: Does not automatically erase your data.
- Update: Reinstalls iOS while attempting to preserve your data.
- Restore: Erases the iPhone and reinstalls iOS.
If your iPhone is still usable, backing it up before troubleshooting is always a good idea.
How to Exit Recovery Mode on iPhone
If you entered Recovery Mode accidentally and do not want to update or restore your iPhone, you can usually exit by performing a force restart.
iPhone 8 and Later
- Quickly press and release Volume Up.
- Quickly press and release Volume Down.
- Press and hold the Side button.
- Keep holding until the Apple logo appears.
- Release the Side button.
Your iPhone should restart normally.
If it immediately returns to the Recovery Mode screen, there may be an underlying software problem that needs to be fixed.
What If Your iPhone Is Stuck in Recovery Mode?
If your iPhone keeps returning to the Recovery Mode screen, try the following:
- Disconnect the iPhone and reconnect it to your computer.
- Try another USB cable if you have one available.
- Try another USB port.
- Make sure your Mac or Windows PC has the latest available software.
- Try forcing the iPhone to restart.
- Enter Recovery Mode again and choose Update.
- If the update fails, consider Restore after confirming that you have a backup.
If the computer does not recognize your iPhone or the update and restore processes repeatedly fail, the problem may require additional troubleshooting or hardware service.
Recovery Mode vs. DFU Mode
Recovery Mode and DFU Mode are not the same thing.
Recovery Mode allows your computer to communicate with an iPhone when iOS cannot start normally. It is the simpler option and is generally the first recovery method you should try.
DFU Mode, or Device Firmware Update Mode, goes deeper into the iPhone’s startup process. It allows a computer to communicate with the device without loading the normal operating system or recovery environment.
Most iPhone users will never need DFU Mode. Recovery Mode is usually enough for problems involving failed updates, startup issues, or an iPhone that will not boot normally.
Recovery Mode vs. Factory Reset
Recovery Mode is also different from a factory reset.
A factory reset erases your iPhone and returns it to its setup state. Recovery Mode itself does not erase anything.
You can enter Recovery Mode and choose Update without intentionally erasing your personal data. If you choose Restore, however, the iPhone will be erased.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Recovery Mode do on an iPhone?
Recovery Mode lets you connect an iPhone to a Mac or Windows PC when iOS cannot start normally. You can use it to update or restore iOS and troubleshoot software problems.
Will Recovery Mode delete my data?
No. Simply entering Recovery Mode does not erase your iPhone. Choosing Update attempts to reinstall iOS while preserving your data, while Restore erases the iPhone and reinstalls iOS.
How do I exit Recovery Mode on iPhone?
You can usually exit Recovery Mode by performing a force restart. On iPhone 8 and later, quickly press and release Volume Up, quickly press and release Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
What should I do if my iPhone is stuck in Recovery Mode?
Try reconnecting the iPhone to your computer, using a different USB cable or port, and performing a force restart. If it keeps returning to Recovery Mode, connect it to a computer and try choosing Update before using Restore.
Is Recovery Mode the same as DFU Mode?
No. Recovery Mode is a standard troubleshooting method that lets you update or restore iOS when an iPhone cannot start normally. DFU Mode is a deeper recovery state intended for more advanced troubleshooting.
Bottom Line
iPhone Recovery Mode is useful when your device cannot start normally and standard troubleshooting does not fix the problem. It lets you connect the iPhone to a computer and attempt an iOS update before resorting to a complete restore.
If you are trying to fix an iPhone that is stuck on the Apple logo or failed during an iOS update, try Update through Recovery Mode first. If that does not work, Restore may be necessary, but remember that it erases the device.
