Apple makes some of the most durable mobile devices around: iPhones and iPads never stop working. However, nothing is perfect and sometimes problems arise. Here’s how to get into recovery mode to fix your device.
Reinstalling iOS on your iPhone or iPad always carries the risk of erasing your data, so it’s wise to make frequent backups to your computer via iTunes, or with iCloud. That said, here’s how to boot your iPhone, iPod, or iPad into recovery mode.
CAN YOU RECOVER DATA FROM A DESTROYED IPHONE?
Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes
First, you need to make sure that you are using the latest version of iTunes. It comes pre-installed on Macs and is available for Windows on the Apple website and in the Microsoft Store.
Once the software is installed, open iTunes, click on the “Help” tab, then on “Check for Updates”.
If an update is available for iTunes, it should be downloaded and installed immediately. If it fails, or if you have reason to believe that the update is not correct, you can always download the installer again from Apple’s website if you are using Windows, or check updates in the App Store if you are using macOS. This will ensure that you are using the latest version of iTunes.
Once this step is completed, you are ready to begin. The rest of the procedure varies slightly depending on the device you are using, so we will go through them one by one.
Accessing Recovery Mode on iPhone 8 or Later
All iPhones manufactured since 2017 have used the same method to enter recovery mode. As of June 2022, the affected models are as follows:
- iPhone 8, and 8 Plus
- iPhone X, XR, XS et XS Max
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, et 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (second and third generation)
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, et 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, et 13 Pro Max
Press and release the volume up button, then press and release the volume down button, and finally hold the power button until the recovery mode screen appears. This won’t happen instantly, so wait at least 15 seconds before trying again.
Press the volume up button, then the volume down button, and hold down the power button until the recovery mode screen appears.
Once the recovery mode screen appears, you can plug your phone into your computer using a lightning cable.
Access Recovery Mode on iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus
If you’re using an iPhone 7, 7 Plus, or 7th generation iPod, start by turning off your phone. Then hold down the volume down button and the power button simultaneously until the recovery screen appears. You’ll see the Apple logo first, but don’t release the button then – it’s still too early.
Simultaneously hold down the volume down and power buttons until the recovery screen appears.
It will look a lot like this:
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iPhone prompting user to plug in cable.
Once this screen appears, go ahead and connect your device to your computer via the Lightning cable.
These instructions explain how to enter recovery mode on iPhone 6s and earlier, including:
- iPhone
- iPhone 3G et 3Gs
- iPhone 4 and 4S
- iPhone 5, 5C et 5S
- iPhone 6, 6S, 6 Plus and 6S Plus
- iPhone SE (first generation)
First, make sure your device is turned off. Then all you have to do is hold down the Power button and the Home button simultaneously. Hold the buttons until the recovery mode screen appears. It will take a few seconds – the recovery mode screen is not instantly accessible to prevent people from accidentally opening it.
Simultaneously press the power button and the home button.
Once the recovery mode screen is displayed, connect the phone to your computer.
Some iPads in Apple’s current lineup — like the iPad 10.2 — retained their home buttons, and most iPads made before 2018 had home buttons.
If your iPad has a home button, all you need to do to enter recovery mode is press and hold the home button and the power button simultaneously for 10-15 seconds, just like older iPhones.
Hold the power button and the home button simultaneously.
The Recovery Mode screen appears and you are prompted to plug your iPad into your Mac or Windows PC.
Most new iPads no longer have a home button – most iPad models transitioned from 2017 to 2018. If your iPad doesn’t have a home button, the The process for entering recovery mode is basically the same as all newer iPhones.
Press and release the volume button closest to the power button, then press and release the button farther away, and finally press and hold the power button until the recovery screen appears.
There are a few different button layouts on iPads though. If your iPad’s volume buttons are on the top, this is what it will look like for you:
Press and release the volume button closest to the power button, then press the farther button, then hold the power button until the recovery mode screen appears.
iPads with volume buttons on the sides follow the same basic procedure: press and release the top volume button, then the bottom volume button, then press and hold the power button. Wait for the recovery mode screen to appear, then release the button.
Press and release the volume up button, then the volume down button, and hold the power button until the recovery mode screen appears,
The Recovery Mode screen shows an iPad connection cable – once it appears, connect your iPad to your computer.
iPad recovery mode.
What to do once you are in recovery mode?
Now that your device is in recovery mode, you have about 15 minutes before it automatically shuts down. If you don’t act fast enough and your phone exits recovery mode, press the same buttons again as explained above to access it again.
A window like the following will appear on your computer once you successfully enter recovery mode on your phone or tablet. You will be prompted to restore or update.
Try the “Update” option first. Your issues may very well be resolved by updating your iPhone or iPad without completely reinstalling your operating system. The “Update” option preserves all your files and settings, saving you, at a minimum, the time and effort of reinstalling everything. It will also prevent you from losing anything you neglected to save.
A notice from iTunes informing the user that an update or restore is needed.
If the “Update” option fails, you will need to return to the recovery mode screen, as you did before. This time, you will need to click on “Restore”. It’s not ideal, but it may very well be the only way to fix your iPhone or iPad.
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