To put your iPhone in recovery mode, press and hold specific buttons depending on your model, then connect it to a computer with iTunes or Finder open. This process can help fix serious software issues or update your device when normal methods fail.
Recovery mode is a powerful tool for iPhone users facing stubborn problems. It allows you to restore or update your device’s software when it’s unresponsive, stuck on the Apple logo, or experiencing other critical issues. You might need this if you forgot your passcode or your iPhone is disabled.
Different iPhone models require different button combinations to enter recovery mode. Once in recovery mode, you can choose to update your iPhone’s software without losing data or perform a full restore. This can often resolve problems that seem unfixable through normal means.
| iPhone Model | Buttons to Hold |
|---|---|
| iPhone 8 or later | Side + Volume Down |
| iPhone 7/7 Plus | Side + Volume Down |
| iPhone 6s or earlier | Home + Side (or Top) |
Putting Your iPhone into Recovery Mode
What is Recovery Mode?
Recovery Mode is a troubleshooting feature on iPhones that can help resolve certain software issues. It allows you to restore your iPhone’s software using iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on Mac). You might need to use Recovery Mode if:
- Your iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo.
- Your iPhone is showing a black screen.
- iTunes or Finder doesn’t recognize your iPhone.
- You’re trying to restore your iPhone from a backup but are having problems.
Important Before You Start
- Back Up Your iPhone (If Possible): If your iPhone is still functioning enough to back up, do so before entering Recovery Mode. This will prevent data loss.
- Computer and Cable: You’ll need a computer (Mac or Windows) with iTunes (if using an older macOS or Windows) or Finder (on newer macOS versions) installed, and a compatible USB cable to connect your iPhone to the computer.
Steps to Enter Recovery Mode (Vary by iPhone Model)
The steps to enter Recovery Mode differ slightly depending on your iPhone model:
iPhone 8 and Later (Including iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generation):
- Connect to Computer: Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
- Press and Release Volume Up: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Press and Release Volume Down: Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and Hold Side Button: Press and hold the Side button (power button). Keep holding it even when you see the Apple logo.
- Release When Recovery Mode Screen Appears: The Recovery Mode screen shows a cable pointing to a computer or the iTunes logo.
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus:
- Connect to Computer: Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
- Press and Hold Side and Volume Down Buttons: Press and hold both the Side button (power button) and the Volume Down button simultaneously.
- Release When Recovery Mode Screen Appears: Keep holding both buttons until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
iPhone 6s and Earlier (Including iPhone SE 1st generation):
- Connect to Computer: Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
- Press and Hold Home and Side (or Top) Buttons: Press and hold both the Home button and the Side (or Top) button simultaneously.
- Release When Recovery Mode Screen Appears: Keep holding both buttons until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
What Happens on the Computer?
Once your iPhone is in Recovery Mode, iTunes (or Finder) on your computer will detect it and display a message saying “There is a problem with the iPhone ‘iPhone’ that requires it to be updated or restored.” You’ll then have two options:
- Update: This attempts to reinstall iOS without erasing your data. Try this option first.
- Restore: This erases all data on your iPhone and installs a fresh copy of iOS. Use this if the Update option doesn’t work.
Exiting Recovery Mode
If you want to exit Recovery Mode without updating or restoring, you can do so by:
- Disconnecting the iPhone: Simply unplugging the USB cable will usually cause the iPhone to restart.
- Force Restarting the iPhone: If disconnecting doesn’t work, you can force restart your iPhone using the same button combinations as entering Recovery Mode, but release the buttons when you see the Apple logo.
Troubleshooting
- iPhone Stuck in Recovery Mode: If your iPhone gets stuck in Recovery Mode, try force restarting it. If that doesn’t work, you may need to try restoring it.
- Error Messages in iTunes/Finder: If you encounter error messages during the update or restore process, search online for the specific error code for solutions.
Recovery Mode is a powerful tool for troubleshooting iPhone software problems. It is important to follow the correct steps for your specific iPhone model to avoid further issues.
Preparing Your Device for Recovery Mode
The process of updating and restoring iPhones has evolved over time. Early methods were more complex, but now, with tools like Recovery Mode and over-the-air updates, it is much simpler for users to manage their device’s software.
Before entering recovery mode, you need to take a few crucial steps. These involve checking your device’s compatibility, backing up your data, and ensuring your computer software is up-to-date.
Checking Device Compatibility
Recovery mode works on most Apple devices but the process differs slightly. For iPhone 8 and later models, you’ll use the side and volume buttons. iPhone 7 series uses the side and volume down buttons. iPhone 6s and earlier rely on the home and side buttons.
Make sure you have a compatible computer. Macs running macOS Mojave or later can use the Finder. PCs and older Macs need iTunes. Windows users should download iTunes from the Microsoft Store or Apple’s website.
Here’s a quick reference table:
| Device | Buttons to Use |
|---|---|
| iPhone 8 and later | Side + Volume |
| iPhone 7 series | Side + Volume Down |
| iPhone 6s and earlier | Home + Side |
Ensuring Data Backup
Backing up your data is vital. You can use iCloud or your computer. For iCloud, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup. Tap “Back Up Now” and wait for it to finish.
To back up on a Mac, connect your iPhone and open Finder. Select your device and click “Back Up Now”. On a PC, use iTunes. Connect your iPhone, select it when it appears, and click “Back Up Now”.
Always check that your backup is complete before proceeding. This step can save you from losing important data during the recovery process.
Updating MacOS or iTunes
Your computer needs the latest software to recognize your iPhone in recovery mode. For Macs, click the Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update. Install any available updates.
On Windows, open the Microsoft Store and check for iTunes updates. If you downloaded iTunes from Apple’s website, open iTunes and go to Help > Check for Updates.
Keeping your software current ensures compatibility and reduces potential issues when putting your iPhone into recovery mode.
Entering Recovery Mode
Recovery mode is essential for troubleshooting and restoring your iPhone. The process differs slightly depending on your iPhone model. Follow these steps carefully to enter recovery mode on your device.
For iPhone 8 and Later Models
To enter recovery mode on iPhone 8 and newer models:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer with a Lightning cable.
- Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
- Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button.
- Keep holding until you see the recovery mode screen.
The recovery mode screen shows a computer icon and Lightning connector. If you see the Apple logo, you’ve held the button too long. Try again.
For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
Entering recovery mode on iPhone 7 and 7 Plus requires a different button combination:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer using a USB cable.
- Press and hold the Side button and Volume Down button together.
- Continue holding both buttons until the recovery mode screen appears.
This process may take up to 15 seconds. If you see the Apple logo, release the buttons and try again.
For iPhone 6s, iPhone SE (1st Generation) and Earlier
Older iPhone models use the Home button for recovery mode:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer with a USB cable.
- Press and hold the Home and Top (or Side) buttons simultaneously.
- Keep holding until the recovery mode screen appears.
If you see the Apple logo, you’ve held the buttons too long. Release and start over.
| iPhone Model | Buttons to Press |
|---|---|
| 8 and later | Volume Up, Volume Down, Side |
| 7 and 7 Plus | Side + Volume Down |
| 6s and earlier | Home + Top/Side |
Remember to release the buttons once you see the recovery mode screen on your iPhone.
Choosing to Update or Restore
When your iPhone is in recovery mode, you’ll need to decide between updating iOS or restoring to factory settings. Your choice depends on your specific situation and goals.
Updating iOS
Updating iOS is often the best first option. It keeps your data intact while fixing software issues. To update your iPhone in recovery mode:
- Connect your device to a computer with iTunes or Finder open.
- Select your iPhone when it appears.
- Click “Update” when prompted.
The update process may take some time. Don’t disconnect your iPhone until it’s complete. If the update fails, you might need to try again or consider restoring.
Benefits of updating:
- Preserves your data
- Fixes software bugs
- Improves performance
- Adds new features
Restoring to Factory Settings
If updating doesn’t work, you may need to restore your iPhone. This erases all data and reinstalls iOS. To restore:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer with iTunes or Finder.
- Select your device when it appears.
- Click “Restore” when prompted.
Restoring erases everything on your iPhone. Back up your data first if possible. After the restore, you can set up your iPhone as new or restore from a backup.
| Restore Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Set up as new | Fresh start, no old issues | Lose all data |
| Restore from backup | Keep your data | May reintroduce issues |
Consider restoring if your iPhone has persistent problems or you want a clean slate.
Exiting Recovery Mode
To exit recovery mode on your iPhone, you have a few options depending on your device model and situation. For most iPhones, you can simply press and hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen disappears. Your iPhone should then restart normally.
If that doesn’t work, try these steps:
- Disconnect your iPhone from the computer
- Press the Side button to turn off the device
- Press the Side button again to turn it back on
For older models like iPhone 7 or 6, hold down the Power button instead of the Side button.
In some cases, you may need to use recovery mode to update or restore your device. If you see a progress bar during this process, let it finish. Interrupting an update or restore can cause issues.
| Device Model | Button to Exit Recovery Mode |
|---|---|
| iPhone 8 or later | Side button |
| iPhone 7/7 Plus | Power button |
| iPhone 6s or earlier | Home button |
If you’re still stuck, try continuously clicking the Exit Recovery Mode button in iTunes or Finder. This may take 30 seconds to a minute, but keep clicking until your device exits recovery mode.
As a last resort, you can use third-party software designed to force your iPhone out of recovery mode. These tools often offer a simple one-click solution to exit recovery mode.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recovery mode is essential for troubleshooting iPhone issues. Different iPhone models have specific steps to enter this mode.
How can I initiate recovery mode on an iPhone that is disabled?
To initiate recovery mode on a disabled iPhone:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer with iTunes or Finder open.
- Follow the button sequence for your iPhone model.
- Keep holding until you see the recovery mode screen.
Your iPhone is now in recovery mode. You can restore or update it using iTunes or Finder.
What are the steps to put an iPhone 6 into recovery mode?
For an iPhone 6:
- Connect your device to a computer.
- Open iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
- Press and hold both the Home and Side buttons.
- Keep holding until you see the recovery mode screen.
Release the buttons when you see the “Connect to iTunes” screen.
Is it possible to enter recovery mode on an iPhone without using a computer?
No, you can’t enter recovery mode without a computer. Recovery mode requires:
- A computer with iTunes or Finder.
- A USB cable to connect your iPhone.
- The correct button sequence for your iPhone model.
Always have a computer ready when you need to use recovery mode.
How do I activate recovery mode on an iPhone 7?
To activate recovery mode on an iPhone 7:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer.
- Open iTunes or Finder.
- Press and hold the Side button and Volume Down button.
- Keep holding until the recovery mode screen appears.
This process is slightly different from older iPhone models.
What is the procedure to put an iPhone 13 into recovery mode?
For an iPhone 13:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer with iTunes or Finder open.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button.
- Keep holding until you see the recovery mode screen.
This sequence works for all iPhone models with Face ID.
What method should be followed to force an iPhone into recovery mode using the buttons?
To force an iPhone into recovery mode:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer.
- Use the button sequence for your iPhone model:
- For iPhone 8 and later: Press Volume Up, Volume Down, then hold Side button.
- For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold Side and Volume Down buttons.
- For iPhone 6s and earlier: Hold Home and Top (or Side) buttons.
- Keep holding until you see the recovery mode screen.
Remember, timing is crucial. If it doesn’t work, try again.
| iPhone Model | Button Sequence |
|---|---|
| iPhone 8 and later | Volume Up, Volume Down, hold Side button |
| iPhone 7/7 Plus | Hold Side and Volume Down buttons |
| iPhone 6s and earlier | Hold Home and Top (or Side) buttons |
