iPhone/iPad Recovery Mode When Device Is Unavailable

When your iPhone or iPad shows a black screen, loops on the Apple logo, or displays the “Device Unavailable” or “Security Lockout” screen, Recovery Mode is the built-in fallback that lets you restore the device’s software. This guide walks you through entering Recovery Mode on a locked or unresponsive iPhone or iPad, then using a computer to reinstall iOS or iPadOS. You will need a computer (Mac or Windows PC) and a compatible USB cable; if you use a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, Finder handles the restore, while older macOS and Windows use iTunes.

What You’ll Need

A Mac or Windows PC with the latest version of Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (older macOS or Windows).
The USB cable that came with your device, or a certified third-party cable. For iPads with USB-C, use a USB-C cable; for older devices, use Lightning.
If your device is an iPhone 8 or later, or an iPad with Face ID, you will need to use the side button and either volume button. For older models, the Home button is used.
Enough free storage on your computer for the iOS/iPadOS download (typically 5–12 GB).
A stable internet connection.

Step-by-Step

The exact button sequence depends on your device model. Identify your model first, then follow the matching steps below.

For iPhone 8 or later, and iPads with Face ID (no Home button)

Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer using the USB cable.
Open Finder on a Mac (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes on Windows or older macOS. If Finder opens, click your device name in the sidebar. If iTunes opens, click the device icon near the top-left.
If your device is currently powered on, turn it off. Press and hold the side button and either volume button until the power-off slider appears, then drag the slider. If the screen is unresponsive, skip this step and proceed.
Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
Press and hold the Side button (right edge) until the Recovery Mode screen appears. This screen shows a computer icon and a Lightning cable. Keep holding the side button even if the Apple logo appears; do not release until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
On your computer, a dialog box should appear: “There is a problem with the iPhone that requires it to be updated or restored.” Click “Restore” to reinstall the operating system. If you want to keep your data, try “Update” first, but note that Update may not work if the device is severely locked.
Wait for the download and restore to finish. Do not unplug the cable during this process. The device will restart when done.

For iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPod touch (7th generation)

Connect the device to your computer and open Finder or iTunes.
Press and hold the Side button (or Top button) and the Volume Down button together.
Keep holding both buttons even after the Apple logo appears. Release only when the Recovery Mode screen (computer icon and cable) shows.
Click “Restore” or “Update” in the dialog on your computer, then wait for completion.

For iPhone 6s and earlier, iPad with Home button, and iPod touch (6th generation or earlier)

Connect the device to your computer and open Finder or iTunes.
Press and hold the Home button and the Top (or Side) button together.
Keep holding both until the Recovery Mode screen appears. This may take 10–15 seconds. Release when you see the computer-and-cable icon.
Click “Restore” or “Update” on your computer and wait for the process to finish.

Common Mistakes

Releasing buttons too early – The most frequent error. You must hold the buttons until the Recovery Mode screen appears, not just until the Apple logo shows. The logo appears first; keep holding through it.
Using the wrong button combination – For iPhone 8 and later, the sequence is Volume Up, Volume Down, then hold Side. For iPhone 7, it’s Side + Volume Down. For older models, it’s Home + Top/Side. Mixing these up will not enter Recovery Mode.
Not connecting to the computer first – The device must be plugged into the computer before or during the button sequence. Recovery Mode requires a USB connection to a computer with Finder or iTunes running.
Using a damaged or non-certified cable – A frayed or uncertified cable may charge but not transfer data, so the computer never detects the device.
Choosing “Update” when a restore is needed – If the device is in Security Lockout or the software is corrupted, Update often fails. Restore is more reliable, though it erases all data.

Tips

Before starting, back up your device if you can. If the device is locked, you likely cannot back up, but if you have an iCloud backup, a restore will let you recover data afterward.
Use a USB port directly on your computer, not a hub or keyboard port, to avoid connection drops.
If your computer asks for a passcode to “Trust This Computer” and you cannot enter it, Recovery Mode bypasses that prompt because the device is in a special state.
Keep the device plugged in for the entire restore. Unplugging mid-restore can permanently brick the device.
If you have a Mac with Apple silicon (M1 or later), you can also use the “Finder” method described above; there is no separate iTunes on those Macs.

Troubleshooting

Recovery Mode screen does not appear. If you hold the buttons for 30 seconds and nothing happens, the device may be completely drained. Plug it in and wait 10–15 minutes, then try again. Also confirm you are using the correct button combination for your exact model. If you have an iPhone 8 or later, make sure you press Volume Up and Volume Down quickly (not holding them), then hold the Side button.

Computer says “Device not recognized” or nothing happens. Try a different USB cable and a different port. Restart your computer and reopen Finder or iTunes. On Windows, you may need to install Apple Mobile Device Support drivers; download iTunes from Apple’s website rather than the Microsoft Store version if you have issues. On a Mac, ensure Finder is allowed to access the device (no prompt appears in Recovery Mode, so this is rarely an issue).

Restore fails with error 4013, 4014, or 9. These errors usually indicate a USB connection problem or a hardware issue. Try a different cable, a different port, and a different computer if possible. If the error persists, the device’s hardware may be faulty, and you may need to contact Apple Support or a repair service.

The device gets stuck on the Apple logo after restore. This can happen if the restore was incomplete or the device is in a boot loop. Put the device back into Recovery Mode (repeat the steps) and try “Restore” again. If it still fails, try a different computer or use a tool like Apple Configurator on a Mac to revive the device.

Your device is disabled and says “Connect to iTunes” or “Connect to Computer.” That screen is actually the Recovery Mode screen. Simply connect to your computer and click Restore. You do not need to press any buttons.

You cannot find your device in Finder or iTunes. In Finder, look under “Locations” in the sidebar. In iTunes, look for the device icon near the top-left. If it does not appear, try unplugging and replugging the cable while the device is in Recovery Mode.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Recovery Mode erase all my data?

Choosing “Restore” erases the device and installs the latest iOS/iPadOS. Choosing “Update” attempts to keep your data, but if the device is locked or the software is corrupted, Update often fails. If you have an iCloud or computer backup, you can restore your data after the process.

Can I enter Recovery Mode without a computer?

No. Recovery Mode requires a connection to a computer with Finder or iTunes to actually restore the software. The button sequence alone only puts the device into a waiting state; without a computer, it will eventually time out and restart normally.

What is the difference between Recovery Mode and DFU Mode?

Recovery Mode loads the recovery system and allows a standard restore or update. DFU (Device Firmware Update) Mode bypasses the recovery system entirely and allows a lower-level firmware restore. DFU is rarely needed and is harder to enter; use Recovery Mode first.

How long does a restore take?

It depends on your internet speed and computer performance. The download of the iOS/iPadOS firmware (5–12 GB) is the slowest part, typically 10–30 minutes on a decent connection. The actual installation takes another 5–10 minutes. The device may restart several times.

My iPhone is disabled for 25 million minutes. Will Recovery Mode fix it?

Yes. A restore will clear the failed passcode counter and reinstall the operating system, removing the lockout. However, you will lose all data that was not backed up, and you will need the Apple ID password associated with the device to set it up again (Activation Lock).

What if I don’t know the Apple ID password for the device?

After a restore, the device will ask for the Apple ID password that was last used on it. If you cannot provide it, the device will remain locked (Activation Lock). You will need to prove ownership to Apple Support or use the original proof of purchase to have the lock removed.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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