Fix iPhone X Stuck on Apple Logo (Step-by-Step)

If your iPhone X is stuck on the Apple logo and won’t boot past it, this guide walks you through the most effective fixes, from simple force restarts to recovery mode and DFU restore. You’ll likely need a computer with the latest version of iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS) for the later steps, plus a compatible Lightning cable.

What You’ll Need

Your iPhone X
A computer with the latest iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS Catalina or later)
A Lightning to USB cable (preferably Apple-certified)
Stable internet connection for downloading iOS software
Optional: a backup of your iPhone (iCloud or computer) to restore from

Step-by-Step

Force Restart Your iPhone X – Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Next, press and hold the Side button (on the right edge) until you see the Apple logo, then release. Wait for the phone to boot. If the logo persists for more than 5 minutes, proceed to the next step.
Charge Your iPhone for 30 Minutes – Sometimes a deeply discharged battery causes the logo to hang. Plug your iPhone X into a power source using the Lightning cable and wall adapter. Let it charge for at least 30 minutes, then attempt a force restart again.
Update iOS via Recovery Mode – Connect your iPhone X to your computer. On the computer, open iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS). While connected, force restart your iPhone X again, but this time, when you see the Apple logo, continue holding the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears (a computer icon with a Lightning cable). On the computer, you’ll see a prompt to “Update” or “Restore.” Choose Update first – this will reinstall iOS without erasing your data. Follow the on-screen instructions and wait for the process to complete.
Restore via Recovery Mode (Erases Data) – If Update fails or doesn’t fix the issue, repeat the recovery mode step but choose Restore instead. This will erase your iPhone and install the latest iOS. After it finishes, set up your iPhone as new or restore from a backup.
DFU (Device Firmware Update) Restore – If recovery mode doesn’t work, try DFU mode. With your iPhone connected to the computer, press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button for 10 seconds. While still holding the Side button, also press and hold the Volume Down button for 5 seconds, then release the Side button but keep holding Volume Down for another 10 seconds. If the screen stays black, you’re in DFU mode. The computer will show a dialog to restore. Click Restore – this is the deepest restore and will erase everything. If the Apple logo appears, you missed DFU mode; repeat the process.
Use a Third-Party Repair Tool (Optional) – If you prefer a GUI-based solution, reputable third-party tools like Tenorshare ReiBoot or Dr.Fone can exit recovery loops and fix system issues without data loss. Download the tool, connect your iPhone, and follow its instructions to enter/exit recovery mode or perform a system repair.
Seek Professional Help – If none of the above work, the issue may be hardware-related (e.g., battery, logic board). Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store / authorized service provider for diagnosis.

Common Mistakes

Holding buttons too long – The force restart sequence is specific: Volume Up (quick), Volume Down (quick), then Side button. Holding the Side button too early or too long can trigger Siri or shutdown instead.
Skipping the Update step – Jumping straight to Restore will erase your data unnecessarily. Always try Update first.
Using a damaged or non-certified cable – A faulty cable can cause connection drops during recovery, leading to errors. Use an Apple-certified cable and try a different USB port.
Not backing up – If you haven’t backed up recently, a restore will lose all new data. Back up to iCloud or computer before attempting recovery mode if possible.
Interrupting the restore process – Unplugging the iPhone mid-restore can brick it further. Let the process finish completely, even if it takes over an hour.

Tips

Try a different computer – If your primary computer has driver issues, another computer might work better.
Update iTunes/Finder – Ensure you have the latest version; older versions may not support iPhone X correctly.
Use a wired connection – Wi-Fi restoration is slower and less reliable. Always use a USB cable.
Keep your iPhone charged – During recovery, keep the iPhone plugged into the computer; a dead battery mid-restore can cause problems.
Check for software updates – Sometimes Apple releases a fix for boot loops; after recovering, update to the latest iOS.

Troubleshooting

If the above steps don’t work, here’s what to try:

Error 4013 / 4014 – These errors often indicate a connection issue. Try a different cable, USB port, or computer. Also, ensure your computer’s security software isn’t blocking iTunes.
iPhone not recognized by computer – Install or update Apple Mobile Device USB driver (Windows). On Mac, ensure Finder has permission to access the iPhone.
Recovery mode loop – If the iPhone keeps returning to recovery mode, repeat the DFU restore. If that fails, the hardware may be faulty.
Stuck on Apple logo after update – Try force restarting again. If it persists, perform a recovery mode restore.
No response to any button – Let the battery completely drain (wait a day), then charge for an hour and try again. If still nothing, hardware issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my data if I force restart?

No, a force restart just reboots the phone; it doesn’t erase any data.

How long should I wait on the Apple logo before trying recovery mode?

If the logo persists for more than 5-10 minutes, it’s stuck. Proceed to recovery mode.

Can I fix this without a computer?

Only the force restart can be done without a computer. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need a computer to reinstall iOS.

What’s the difference between Recovery Mode and DFU Mode?

Recovery mode loads the iOS recovery environment; DFU mode bypasses it and allows a full firmware restore. DFU is more thorough but also more likely to fail if hardware is damaged.

My iPhone is under warranty – should I try these fixes?

Yes, but if the problem is software-related, these fixes are safe. If hardware is suspected, contact Apple Support first to avoid voiding warranty.

Why does my iPhone keep getting stuck on the Apple logo after every restore?

This often indicates a hardware issue, such as a failing battery or logic board. Professional diagnosis is recommended.

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

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