How to Enter Recovery Mode on iPhone

Recovery Mode is a special iPhone state that lets you restore or update the device when it won’t boot normally, is stuck on the Apple logo, or won’t connect to a computer. This guide walks you through the exact button sequences for every iPhone model, what to do before you start, and how to fix common problems when recovery mode doesn’t activate.

What You’ll Need

• A Mac or Windows PC with the latest version of iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS Catalina or later).
• A USB-to-Lightning or USB-C cable that you know works (preferably the one that came with your iPhone).
• Your iPhone charged to at least 20% – a dead battery can prevent recovery mode from engaging.
• Your Apple ID password if you plan to restore from a backup after exiting recovery mode (because of Activation Lock).

Step-by-Step

The exact button sequence depends on your iPhone model. Follow the section for your device.

For iPhone 8 or later (including iPhone SE 2nd/3rd gen, X, XR, XS, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using the cable. If you have a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open Finder. On a PC or older Mac, open iTunes.
2. If your iPhone is on, turn it off. Press and hold the Side button and either Volume button until the power-off slider appears, then drag it. If the phone is frozen or won’t turn off, skip this step.
3. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
4. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
5. Press and hold the Side button (right side) until the recovery mode screen appears. This screen shows a computer icon with a cable pointing to it. Do not release the Side button when the Apple logo appears – keep holding until you see the recovery screen.
6. Once the recovery screen appears, release the Side button. Your computer should now show a dialog: “There is a problem with the iPhone that requires it to be updated or restored.�
7. Click “Update� to reinstall iOS without erasing your data, or “Restore� to erase the device and install the latest iOS. Update is safer if you want to keep your data.

For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer and open Finder or iTunes.
2. Turn off the iPhone if possible (hold the Side button and slide to power off).
3. Press and hold the Volume Down button (the one on the left side).
4. While holding Volume Down, also press and hold the Side button (right side).
5. Keep holding both buttons for about 10 seconds. Release both when the recovery mode screen appears (computer icon with cable).
6. Your computer will show the update/restore prompt. Choose accordingly.

For iPhone 6s and earlier, including iPhone SE (1st gen)

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer and open Finder or iTunes.
2. Turn off the iPhone if possible.
3. Press and hold the Home button (the round button on the front).
4. While holding Home, also press and hold the Side (or Top) button.
5. Keep holding both buttons for about 10 seconds. Release when the recovery mode screen appears.
6. Your computer will show the update/restore prompt.

Common Mistakes

• Releasing the buttons too early: The most common error. You must hold the required buttons until the recovery screen appears, not just until the Apple logo shows. The Apple logo appears first, then the recovery screen – keep holding through the logo.
• Wrong button sequence for iPhone 8 or later: Many people try to hold the Side button only, or press the volume buttons simultaneously. The correct sequence is: press Volume Up (release), press Volume Down (release), then hold Side.
• Using a non-Apple cable: Some third-party cables don’t support data transfer, only charging. If the computer doesn’t recognize the iPhone, try a different cable.
• Not closing other apps on the computer: If iTunes or Finder is already busy with a sync, it may not show the recovery prompt. Close and reopen the app.
• Forgetting to turn off Find My iPhone: If you’re restoring a phone that was signed into iCloud, you’ll need your Apple ID password. This isn’t a mistake per se, but forgetting it can block the restore.

Tips

• Before entering recovery mode, back up your iPhone if possible. You can back up to iCloud or to your computer. If you can’t back up, at least try to sync your photos and contacts.
• Use a USB port directly on your computer, not a hub. Hubs can cause connection drops.
• If you’re on Windows, make sure iTunes is updated to the latest version. On Mac, make sure macOS is updated.
• If your iPhone is in recovery mode and you just want to exit it without updating or restoring, you can force restart the device. For iPhone 8 or later: press Volume Up, Volume Down, then hold Side until the Apple logo appears. This will exit recovery mode and boot normally.
• If you’re trying to fix a software issue, try “Update� first. It keeps your data and often resolves boot loops.

Troubleshooting

Recovery mode screen doesn’t appear:

• Make sure the cable is fully inserted into both the iPhone and computer.
• Try a different USB port or a different cable.
• Restart your computer and try again.
• If you have a Mac, try using a different user account.
• If your iPhone is completely dead, charge it for at least 10 minutes before trying again.

Computer says “iPhone is in recovery mode� but you didn’t intend it:

• Force restart your iPhone to exit recovery mode: For iPhone 8 or later, press Volume Up, Volume Down, then hold Side until the Apple logo appears. For iPhone 7, hold Volume Down and Side. For iPhone 6s or earlier, hold Home and Side (or Top).

Update or restore fails with an error (e.g., error 9, 14, 4000):

• Check your internet connection – a stable Wi-Fi or Ethernet is required.
• Restart your computer and try again.
• Try a different USB port or cable.
• If you’re using Windows, temporarily disable antivirus or firewall software that might block the connection.
• If the error persists, try putting the iPhone into recovery mode again and attempt the restore a second time.

iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo after trying to exit recovery mode:

• Re-enter recovery mode and choose “Update� instead of “Restore.� This may fix the boot loop without erasing data.
• If that doesn’t work, you may need to do a full restore (erase all data).

Frequently Asked Questions

Will entering recovery mode erase my data?
No, entering recovery mode itself doesn’t erase anything. However, if you choose “Restore� in the computer prompt, it will erase your iPhone and install the latest iOS. Choosing “Update� keeps your data.

How long does recovery mode take?
Entering recovery mode takes about 10-15 seconds of button holding. The update or restore process can take anywhere from 10 minutes to over an hour, depending on your internet speed and the size of the iOS download.

Can I enter recovery mode without a computer?
No, recovery mode is designed to be used with a computer. Without a computer, you can only force restart or use iCloud Find My to erase the device (if it’s online).

What’s the difference between recovery mode and DFU mode?
Recovery mode shows a computer icon on the screen and allows you to update or restore. DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is a deeper state where the screen stays black and the device can receive firmware directly. DFU is rarely needed and is riskier – recovery mode is sufficient for most issues.

My iPhone won’t turn off before entering recovery mode. What should I do?
If the screen is unresponsive, you can skip the power-off step. Just connect to the computer and start the button sequence. The force restart sequence (Volume Up, Volume Down, hold Side) will turn off the device even if it’s frozen.

I see the recovery screen but my computer doesn’t detect the iPhone. Why?
This usually means a driver issue on Windows, or the cable is data-only not charge-only. Try a different cable, a different USB port, or update the Apple Mobile Device USB driver via Device Manager on Windows.

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