How to Put iPhone in Recovery Mode: A Step-by-Step Guide

When your iPhone is acting up and the usual troubleshooting methods don’t work, recovery mode can be a real lifesaver. Here’s how to put your iPhone in recovery mode: 

1. Connect your iPhone to a computer using a USB cable.
2. Open Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier).
3. Force restart your iPhone while holding specific buttons:
4. When in recovery mode, you'll see a prompt in Finder/iTunes to update or restore your iPhone. 

But, to be clear, iPhone recovery mode should be your last resort, not your first line of defense.

In this article, we’ll explain what recovery mode is and guide you on when and how to use it.

What Is iPhone Recovery Mode?

iPhone Recovery Mode is a special booting sequence used to troubleshoot serious issues with your device. It allows your iPhone to connect to a computer (via iTunes or Finder) for software restoration, which can help fix:

• Failed iOS updates
• Boot loops or frozen screens
• Software corruption or crashes

In Recovery Mode, you can either update the software to resolve issues without erasing data or restore the device to factory settings, which wipes all data. It’s a safe and often effective way to restore your iPhone to its regular working condition. 

However, recovery mode does come with one major risk: Certain actions taken in recovery mode can result in partial or complete data erasure.

Put an iPhone in Recovery Mode: 4 Simple Steps

To enter recovery mode, you’ll need a USB cable or USB-C cable (depending on your iPhone model) and your Mac or PC. Make sure your computer is fully updated with the latest operating system and the latest version of either the Apple Devices app or the iTunes app.

Step 1: Connect your phone to your Mac or PC with your USB cable or USB-C cable.

Step 2: If you’re on a Mac, open the Finder (MacOS Catalina and later) or the iTunes app (before MacOS Catalina). If you’re on a PC, open the Apple Devices app or the iTunes app. If you’re not sure what version of MacOS you have, click the Apple logo in the top menu bar and select “About This Mac.”

Step 3: If your iPhone is successfully connected, a device icon will appear in the app you’ve opened. Click on this icon to select your iPhone and proceed to the next step.

Step 4: After connecting your iPhone to your computer, you’ll be ready to enter recovery mode. On an iPhone 8 or later, you can enter recovery mode by quickly pressing the volume up button, followed by the volume down button. Then, hold the side button until you see the recovery mode screen appear.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you still don’t see the recovery mode screen, you can try these troubleshooting tips:

• Check the USB cable connection to ensure your phone has a secure connection to your computer.
• Try a different USB cable.
• Restart your computer.
• Double-check to make sure your iOS (Mac) and Apple Devices app or iTunes app are up-to-date (PC).
• Double-check the steps above to make sure you’re pressing the correct button combination for your iPhone model.

In some cases, pressing that button combination may cause your phone to restart instead of entering recovery mode. If that happens, simply try the steps again. 

Using Recovery Mode 

Once you’ve connected your phone to your computer and entered recovery mode, you’ll be presented with the option to restore or update your iPhone. Either option has the potential to fix the underlying problem with your iPhone, but it’s important to understand the difference between restoring vs updating using recovery mode.

Connecting to iTunes or Finder

1. Grab your iPhone's charging cable.
2. Plug the Lightning or USB-C connector (depending on your iPhone model) into your iPhone.
3. Connect the other end of the cable (usually USB-A) to an available USB port on your computer.

Mac Users:

• For macOS versions older than 10.15 Catalina, iTunes will automatically launch when you connect your iPhone.
• If you're on macOS Catalina (or later), Finder will open instead.

Windows Users:

• You may need to download the appropriate software from Apple to manage your iPhone on a Windows PC.  Check the Apple website for details.
• After connecting, you might see a pop-up on your iPhone asking you to "Trust This Computer." Go ahead and tap "Trust" to allow your iPhone and computer to communicate.

Restoring vs Updating Your iPhone

After you’ve connected to Finder (newer MacOS versions), Apple Devices app (PC), or iTunes (older MacOS versions and some PCs), a pop-up will appear with two options:  “Restore” or “Update.” 

The Difference Between Restore and Update:

“Restore” and “Update” are two different actions you can take in recovery mode. Update will try to fix your phone without erasing any data. Restore erases all data and settings, returning your device to its factory state. Because of this, it’s always a good idea to try “Update” before “Restore.” 

If your iPhone is still on the fritz after updating, go ahead and re-enter recovery mode. This time, select “Restore.” Although it’s a pain to lose your data and settings, “Restore” has a good chance of solving whatever issue you are having. 

We recommend regularly backing up your data using iCloud or another cloud-based storage service to make it easier to restore your data in case of unexpected issues that could prompt an unplanned factory reset.

Importance of Following On-Screen Instructions

When using recovery mode, it’s important to follow the specific on-screen instructions provided by iTunes, Finder, or the Apple Devices app. Following instructions gives you the best chance at a successful outcome and a resolution to your problem.

Different iPhone models and iOS versions may have slightly different recovery processes, but your computer’s software will tailor instructions to your specific device. It’s also important that you don’t unplug your phone from your computer during the recovery process, as this could cause additional errors and/or data loss.

The Bottom Line 

When your iPhone freezes or gets stuck on the Apple logo loading screen, it can be a headache to get it back to its normal working condition. Hopefully, this guide helps you use recovery mode to troubleshoot and resolve any software-related issues you may encounter with your iPhone. 

Although recovery mode can solve a variety of iPhone software issues, it has its limits. At a certain point, it may be time to consider upgrading to a new iPhone model. When that time comes, use Navi’s free, unbiased Phone Deal Finder to sort through the latest, best cell phone deals right now from Apple and other mobile phone brands.

The Bottom Line 

How do I force my iPhone into Recovery Mode?

To force your iPhone into Recovery Mode, press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Next, press and hold the Side (Power) button until the recovery mode screen appears. This method may vary slightly depending on the iPhone model.

How do I put my iPhone in recovery mode when it's locked?

To put your locked iPhone into Recovery Mode, press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release the Volume Down button. After that, press and hold the Side (Power) button until the recovery mode screen appears. You will need a computer with iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina or later) to complete the process.

How do I put my iPhone in recovery mode when it's disabled?

To put a disabled iPhone into Recovery Mode, connect it to a computer, then follow the model-specific button sequence to enter recovery mode. For iPhone 8 and later, quickly press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, and hold the Side button until the recovery screen appears.