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If your iPhone is stuck in recovery mode and won’t restore or update, you’re not alone. Many users, whether on iPhone 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, or older models, have faced this frustrating issue. The screen shows the cable pointing to a PC along with support.apple.com/iphone/restore at the top, but attempts to update or restore through the computer repeatedly fail. In this article, we’ll explain why your iPhone is stuck in recovery mode and won’t restore or update and guide you through the steps to fix the issue.
When an iPhone is stuck in recovery mode, it’s usually due to a software glitch, failed update, corrupted system files, or unusual human action, such as repeated turning off and on. However, once in recovery mode, the iPhone should theoretically be able to be restored or updated from a computer using iTunes or Finder.
The reason your iPhone won’t update or restore while stuck in recovery mode could be due to several factors:
Connection Issues: Faulty USB cables, ports, or connections can impede the communication between your iPhone and computer, resulting in unsuccessful update or restore attempts.
iPhone Issues: Software glitches, corrupted files, insufficient storage, low battery, or hardware malfunction can cause the iPhone to fail to update or restore.
iTunes Issues: An outdated or corrupted version of iTunes (or Finder on macOS) can prevent proper communication with your iPhone, leading to failed restoration or update attempts.
Computer-Related Factors: Problems with your computer, such as outdated drivers or software conflicts, can disrupt the connection between your iPhone and iTunes. This disruption can prevent successful updates or restorations, leaving your iPhone stuck in recovery mode.
Now that we know the potential reasons, let’s explore the solutions you can use to fix the issue.
Reinstalled iTunes and switched to a different USB and computer, but your iPhone is still stuck in recovery mode and won't update and restore? Here are more effective workarounds you can try.
When your iPhone is stuck in a recovery mode loop, you may not need to update or restore it. Sometimes, a simple forced reboot can help get your iPhone out of recovery and back to normal functionality. This method is quick and easy, and it won’t erase any of your data.
Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then quickly press and release the Volume Down button. After that, press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
This forced restart can often break the recovery mode loop and allow your iPhone to function normally again. If this method doesn’t work, you may need to try more advanced recovery options outlined in this guide.
Another way to fix an iPhone that is stuck in recovery mode and won’t restore is to let the battery drain completely. While this may seem unconventional, it has worked for many users.
1. Unplug your iPhone and leave it on the recovery mode screen.
2. Wait until the battery is fully drained and the device powers off completely. This may take several hours depending on how much charge the battery has left.
3. Once the iPhone is completely dead, plug it into a charger and wait for the device to power back on automatically.
For some unknown reason, this trick can sometimes jolt the iPhone back to normal functionality without any issues. However, if this does not work for you, continue with the next solutions.
When your iPhone is stuck in recovery mode, you may have repeatedly tried to update or restore it using iTunes, only to face failure. In this situation, it’s advisable to switch to another app, such as Apple Devices, to update or restore your iPhone in recovery mode.
1. Connect the iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
2. Open the Apple device on your computer. The app will immediately detect the iPhone stuck in recovery mode and pop up a dialog box for you to choose whether to update or restore the device. Choose Update and follow the on-screen instructions to update the iPhone, which may get it out of recovery mode.
3. If updating doesn’t work, choose Restore to restore your iPhone to factory settings.
When your iPhone is stuck in recovery mode and won’t restore or update, DFU Mode offers a more advanced option for resolving the issue.
1. Make sure your iPhone is connected to your computer via a USB cable.
2. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button. Hold the Side button until the screen goes black. Release it, then hold both the Side and Volume Down buttons for 5 seconds. Release the Side button but keep holding the Volume Down for another 10 seconds. If your iPhone screen stays black, it means you’ve successfully entered DFU mode.
3. While your iPhone is in DFU mode, iTunes or Apple Devices should be able to detect it and let you update or restore your device to exit recovery mode and restart normally.
If none of the above works and your iPhone is still stuck in recovery mode, consider using iSumsoft iOS Refixer to fix the issue. This is a reliable third-party iOS system repair tool that can help you fix iPhones stuck in recovery mode without losing data. The tool is designed to solve various iOS issues, including a stuck in recovery mode without needing to restore the iPhone to factory settings.
1. Connect your iPhone stuck in recovery mode to your computer using a USB cable.
2. Download and install iSumsoft iOS Refixer on your computer, and when the installation is complete, launch the program.
3. On the software screen, select the System Repair option.
4. On the next page, choose the Standard Mode (this mode won’t erase your data).
5. Click on Start to confirm your selection, then click Next when prompted, and the software will immediately detect your iPhone in recovery mode.
6. Click Download, and the software will download the appropriate firmware for your device.
7. Once the firmware is downloaded, click Repair to start repairing your iPhone. This process will take the iPhone out of recovery mode and fix other potential problems if any.
8. After a few minutes, you should receive a message that the repair was successfully, at which point your iPhone will restart normally.
If you’ve tried all the previous methods and your iPhone remains stuck in recovery mode, it may be time to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance. They can help diagnose any underlying hardware or software issues that might be causing the problem.
1. Get in touch with Apple Support by calling or visiting the Apple Support website on another available device.
2. After getting in touch with them, explain that your iPhone is stuck in recovery mode and won’t update or restore. If necessary, share the iPhone could not be restored error code (like 4013 or 14) you encountered.
3. Apple Support may provide you with specific troubleshooting steps or suggest taking your iPhone to a nearby Apple Store or authorized service provider.
An iPhone stuck in recovery mode can be a frustrating experience, especially when it won’t update or restore. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to address this issue. From a forced reboot to draining the battery, using Apple Devices, DFU mode, or third-party tools like iSumsoft iOS Refixer, at least one method will work for you. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can get your iPhone out of recovery mode and back to normal operation without too much hassle.
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