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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →If your iPhone is frozen, stuck during startup, or showing a restore screen, you can often put it in recovery mode using its buttons and a computer. Connect the iPhone to a Mac or PC, hold the button sequence for its model until the “Connect to computer” screen appears, then choose Update before Restore if you want to try reinstalling iOS without erasing personal data.
What you need before starting
- A Mac or Windows PC with current system and device-management software.
- A USB cable that connects your iPhone directly to the computer.
- On a Mac, open Finder. On a PC, open Apple Devices; if that app is unavailable, use iTunes.
Apple’s recovery-mode process uses a computer to detect the iPhone and offer its software options. Keep the phone connected while you work. See Apple’s recovery-mode instructions.
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Put the iPhone in recovery mode
- Connect the iPhone to the computer and open Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes.
- Use the button combination for the iPhone generation below. Keep holding until the screen shows a cable pointing to a computer or the words “Connect to computer.” Do not release at the Apple logo.
- When the computer displays the iPhone and offers Update or Restore, choose the option that fits your data and repair needs.
iPhone 8 or later, including iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
Quickly press and release Volume Up. Quickly press and release Volume Down. Then press and hold the Side button until the “Connect to computer” screen appears.
iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus
Press and hold the Side button and Volume Down together until the “Connect to computer” screen appears.
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iPhone 6s or earlier, including iPhone SE (1st generation)
Press and hold the Home button and the top button (or Side button, depending on the model) together until the “Connect to computer” screen appears.
Choose Update or Restore carefully
| Computer option | What it does | Data consequence | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Update | Reinstalls iOS. | Intended to keep personal data. | Try this first if you have not already attempted it. |
| Restore | Reinstalls iOS and returns the iPhone to setup. | Erases all data on the iPhone. | Use if Update does not resolve the problem or Apple’s instructions for your error call for Restore. |
After Restore, set up the iPhone again and recover from a backup if one is available. Neither option guarantees a fix for a hardware problem.
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If the software download takes more than 15 minutes, the iPhone may leave the recovery screen. Let the download finish on the computer, then repeat the button sequence to return the iPhone to recovery mode. Apple explains this timing issue.
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Force restart is not recovery mode
On iPhone 8 or later, a force restart uses a quick press and release of Volume Up, a quick press and release of Volume Down, and then holding the Side button until the Apple logo appears. Release the Side button at the logo. That restarts the phone; it does not, by itself, enter recovery mode. To enter recovery mode, keep holding the Side button past the Apple logo until the “Connect to computer” screen appears. Apple’s force-restart instructions describe the restart sequence.
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If the computer does not recognize the iPhone or recovery fails
- Install current macOS, Apple Devices, or iTunes software, as applicable.
- Connect the iPhone directly to the computer, not through a keyboard or USB hub. Try a different USB port.
- Check the cable and both connectors. If the supplied cable is unavailable, try another Apple-certified cable for the relevant connection error. Confirm that its connectors fit both the iPhone and computer before replacing anything.
- For some errors, try another computer or network. Apple’s update and restore error guidance and connection troubleshooting steps cover these checks.
Errors 9, 4005, 4013, or 4014
For these errors, Apple advises trying Update first to reinstall iOS while keeping personal data. If Update succeeds but the iPhone returns to recovery mode, repeat the process and choose Restore; that erases the device, so you will need to set it up again and use a backup if available. See Apple’s guidance for errors 9, 4005, 4013, and 4014.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If the phone keeps returning to recovery or will not enter it
Some iPhones may show Recovery Assistant when they encounter a startup problem. Apple says Recovery Assistant downloads a software package and requires Wi-Fi. If the issue remains after it finishes, make sure the device is on the latest iOS version; if it is, use recovery mode to restore. If the problem persists, seek service. See Apple’s Recovery Assistant information.
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If a button is broken or stuck and prevents you from entering recovery mode, or recovery mode cannot update or restore the iPhone, contact Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Repeating a button sequence cannot fix a faulty physical button. Apple also explains what to do if the Restore screen appears.
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