What Really Helps Fix iPhone Stuck In Recovery Mode [6 Ways]

Have you ever tried to use your phone and found your iPhone stuck in recovery mode? Or is your iPhone stuck in restore mode? If so, you know how frustrating it can be when your phone won’t start, or your data feels trapped. This problem often happens after a failed update, a software glitch, or minor hardware issues.

But don’t worry, as there are ways to fix it. In this article, we will show easy steps to get your iPhone working again. From simple restarts to using iTunes or a one-click tool, these solutions are safe and practical. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do.

So, let’s get started.

Part 1: Why is My iPhone Stuck in Recovery Mode and Won’t Exit?

If your iPhone suddenly goes into recovery mode and won’t come out, it’s usually because something interrupted the normal startup or update process. Recovery mode is meant to help fix big software problems, but it doesn’t always work smoothly, and in some cases, your iPhone may remain stuck until the root cause is fixed.

What You are Experiencing:

• iPhone stuck in recovery mode and won’t exit
• iPhone stuck in recovery mode and computer won’t recognize it
• iPhone stuck in recovery mode loop
• iPhone stuck in recovery mode after failed update
• iPhone stuck in recovery mode after water damage

Reasons Why Your iPhone Gets Stuck

Your iPhone will not come out of recovery mode for these reasons:

1. Failed Updates
   When an iPhone update doesn’t finish properly, for example, if the download was interrupted or the install failed, the device can get stuck in recovery mode trying to complete it.
2. Battery Woes
   Low, dying, or unstable battery power during a restart or update can interfere with the process. If power cuts out, the phone may default back to recovery mode rather than reboot normally.
3. Hardware Problems
   Physical issues like water damage, a worn-out battery, a broken power button, or a damaged logic board can prevent the iPhone from exiting recovery mode. These hardware faults often block the normal boot process.
4. Software Glitches
   Corrupted system files, bugs from apps, or errors in iOS can trigger recovery mode and keep your iPhone there if the operating system can’t load correctly.
5. Connection Issues
   Faulty USB cables, dirty charging ports, or unstable connection between your iPhone and computer can disrupt update or restore processes. If the device can’t communicate properly, recovery mode may fail to finish.
6. Computer-Related Factors
   Problems with iTunes, Finder, or your computer’s software (corrupt files, outdated versions, or interrupted restores) can cause the iPhone recovery process to get stuck.

For these reasons, iPhone will not come out of recovery mode. Let’s discuss what you may experience.

In these cases, your phone might show the “Connect to computer” screen, flash the iTunes/Finder icon repeatedly, or simply restart and return to the same screen. This can feel like your iPhone is broken, but most of the time, there’s a fix.

Part 2: How to fix an iPhone stuck in recovery mode and won’t restore?

Here are 6 ways on how to get iPhone out of recovery mode:

1. Force Restart iPhone

A force restart is the quickest way to resolve minor software glitches like iPhone stuck in restore mode or recovery mode. Think of it like giving your iPhone a “hard reboot” to break out of the recovery mode loop.

Steps by model:

Here’s how to exit recovery mode iPhone:

• iPhone 8 and later:
  1. Press and quickly release Volume Up
  2. Press and quickly release Volume Down
  3. Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears

• iPhone 7 / 7 Plus:
  1. Press and hold Volume Down + Side button
  2. Release when the Apple logo appears
• iPhone 6s and earlier:
  1. Press and hold Home + Power button
  2. Release when the Apple logo appears

Note:

• Make sure your iPhone is charged enough to reboot
• This method does not erase data

Pro: Fast, free, safe, no data loss

Con: Only works for minor software glitches, not deeper iOS corruption

2. Use ReiBoot to Get Out of Recovery Mode with One-Click

Tenorshare ReiBoot is a dedicated iOS system recovery tool that stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness. It is specifically designed to help users exit iPhone recovery mode with one click, often without losing any data, a huge relief when your iPhone is stuck in that frustrating loop and won’t restore using regular methods. With a clean interface and broad device support, this tool can save you time and hassle by handling stubborn system problems quickly and safely.

Steps:

Here’s how to exit recovery mode iPhone:

Step 1: Install and Launch ReiBoot
Start by downloading Tenorshare ReiBoot on your computer and installing it. Once installed, open the program and connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to the computer using a USB cable. ReiBoot will automatically recognize if your device is in recovery mode.

Step 2: Choose ‘Exit Recovery Mode’
After your device is detected, you’ll see the Exit Recovery Mode button on the main interface. Click it, and the program will begin the process of safely bringing your device out of recovery mode without affecting your data.

Step 3: Wait for Your Device to Restart
The exit process usually takes less than a minute. Once complete, your iPhone will restart normally, returning to its standard home screen and ready for use. Your apps, settings, and data remain untouched in most cases.

That’s how to get iPhone out of recovery mode without wasting time.

Pro: Easiest, fast, safe, preserves data, works when iTunes fails. 100% success rate and compatible with almost all Apple devices and iOS versions

Con: Requires third-party software

3. Put your iPhone into DFU Mode

DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is the deepest type of iPhone restore. Unlike regular recovery mode, it reloads both iOS and firmware, solving serious software issues that keep the iPhone stuck.

Steps:

1. Connect your iPhone to a computer
2. Follow these steps depending on your iPhone model:
   • iPhone 8 and later: Press/release Volume Up > Volume Down, hold Side button until screen turns black, then hold Side + Volume Down for 5 seconds, release Side, continue holding Volume Down until computer detects device
   • iPhone 7 / 7 Plus: Hold Side + Volume Down for 10 seconds, release Side, continue holding Volume Down
   • iPhone 6s and earlier: Hold Home + Power button for 10 seconds, release Power, continue holding Home until detected
3. Once in DFU mode, open iTunes or Finder
4. You will see a message indicating that a device in DFU mode has been detecter
5. Choose Restore to reinstall iOS and firmware.

Note:

• DFU mode can erase all data, so use it when other methods fail
• Keep the iPhone connected throughout the process

Pro: Powerful, fixes stubborn software issues

Con: More technical, data loss risk

4. Update or Restore iPhone / iPad Using iTunes/Finder

Using official Apple software allows you to repair the iPhone safely. Update tries to fix iOS without losing data, while Restore reinstalls iOS entirely if the update fails.

Steps:

Here’s how to fix iPhone/iPad stuck in recovery mode:

1. Connect iPhone to a computer using a reliable USB cable
2. Open iTunes (Windows or older macOS) or Finder (macOS Catalina+)
3. When recovery mode is detected:

• First, try Update
• If that fails, choose Restore

Note:

• Make sure your iTunes/Finder is updated
• Backup is recommended, if possible, before Restore

Pro: Official, works on most iPhones, preserves data if updated

Con: Restore erases data; sometimes fails with stubborn issues

5. Drain the Battery to Exit Recovery Mode

If the iPhone remains in recovery mode because of minor system errors or software freezes, letting the battery drain fully can force a complete shutdown. Once you recharge, the iPhone often boots normally.

Steps:

1. Disconnect your iPhone from all power sources
2. Leave it alone until the battery dies completely
3. Connect it to a charger and power it on

Note:

• This method is completely safe for your iPhone
• Patience is key, it can take a few hours, depending on battery level

Pro: Simple, no tools needed, safe

Con: Time-consuming and not guaranteed for deeper issues

6. Contact Apple Support

If your iPhone still won’t exit recovery mode, the issue may be hardware-related, such as water damage, battery problems, or a broken logic board. Apple technicians can identify and repair problems professionally.

Steps:

1. Visit the Apple Support website or use the Apple Support app
2. Schedule an appointment at an Apple Store or authorized service provider
3. Bring your iPhone and proof of purchase/warranty

Tips:

• Always back up data when possible before visiting
• Ask if the repair is covered under warranty

Pro: Professional help, fixes hardware issues

Con: Can be costly and time-consuming

Part 3: FAQs on iPhone iPhone stuck in recovery mode

1. I get an error saying “ERROR: Device failed to enter restore mode.” What should I do?
   This usually happens when iTunes or Finder cannot communicate with your iPhone properly. Try a different USB cable or port, restart your iPhone and computer, and make sure iTunes/Finder is updated. If it still fails, using a tool like Tenorshare ReiBoot can safely exit iPhone recovery mode without data loss.
2. How long does recovery mode last on an iPhone?
   Recovery mode does not have a fixed duration. Your iPhone will stay in this mode until it is updated, restored, or exited manually. If it stays longer than a few minutes, it often indicates a software issue that needs to be fixed.
3. Does the fix work for all iPhone models?
   Yes. Methods like force restart, DFU mode, iTunes/Finder restore, and Tenorshare ReiBoot are compatible with almost all iPhone models, from older iPhones like the 6s to the latest iPhone 15 with iOS 16 or 17.
4. How to fix iPad stuck in recovery mode?
   iPads follow the same process as iPhones. You can try a force restart, update or restore using iTunes/Finder, or use Tenorshare ReiBoot for a safe, one-click exit. If none of these work, contacting Apple Support is the best option.

Conclusion

Having your iPhone stuck in recovery mode can be annoying, but most of the time it can be fixed. Problems like software glitches, failed updates, or other issues can usually be solved with methods like force restart, DFU mode, or iTunes/Finder restore.

For the easiest and safest solution, we recommend Tenorshare ReiBoot. With just one click, it can get your iPhone, iPad, or iPod out of recovery mode without losing your data. It works on almost all iPhone models and is very beginner-friendly.

If your iPhone is stuck, try ReiBoot and get it back to normal quickly.

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