iPhone X Stuck in Recovery Mode: Fixes That Work

If your iPhone X is stuck in recovery mode, the fix usually involves forcing a restart or using a computer to restore or update the device. This article walks you through every reliable method, from the quick on-device restart to using Finder or iTunes, and explains why the problem happens in the first place.

What Recovery Mode Is and Why Your iPhone X Gets Stuck

Recovery mode is a built-in diagnostic state on iPhones. It appears as a black screen with a computer cable pointing to a laptop or desktop. The iPhone enters this mode when iOS fails to boot normally, often after a failed software update, a corrupted restore, or a hardware issue. On the iPhone X specifically, the combination of the new Face ID hardware and the removal of the physical home button changed how recovery mode is triggered and exited, which confuses many users.

Common triggers include:

An interrupted iOS update or restore (e.g., the cable was unplugged mid-process).
Using a third-party tool that puts the device into recovery mode and then fails.
A jailbreak attempt that goes wrong.
A hardware fault, such as a failing logic board or battery, that prevents iOS from loading.

Knowing the cause helps you choose the right fix. Software-related issues are usually solvable at home; hardware problems may require professional service.

Quick Fix: Force Restart Your iPhone X

Before connecting to any computer, try a force restart. This is the simplest and often the only fix needed. On the iPhone X, the home button is gone, so the sequence is different from older models.

Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
Press and hold the Side (power) button until the Apple logo appears.

You must do all three steps in rapid succession. If the Apple logo appears, the device is rebooting normally. If it stays on the recovery mode screen, move to the computer-based methods below.

Using Finder or iTunes to Exit Recovery Mode

If a force restart doesn’t work, you’ll need a computer. On macOS Catalina or later, use Finder. On Windows or older macOS, use iTunes. The goal is to get the phone to exit recovery mode without erasing your data, if possible.

Connect your iPhone X to your computer with a known-good Lightning cable.
Open Finder (or iTunes). If you see a message asking you to “Trust This Computer,” unlock your phone and tap Trust. (If the phone is stuck in recovery mode, it may not show this prompt.)
Select your iPhone when it appears in the sidebar (Finder) or the top-left corner (iTunes).
You should see a dialog that says “There is a problem with the iPhone that requires it to be updated or restored.” Click Update first. This reinstalls iOS without erasing your data.
If Update fails or you don’t see the option, click Restore. This erases the phone and installs the latest iOS. Only do this if you have a backup or are willing to lose data.

If the process completes, your iPhone will restart and either show the “Hello” setup screen (after a restore) or your home screen (after an update). If it gets stuck again, repeat the process or try the next method.

What to Do If the Computer Doesn’t Recognize Your iPhone

A common roadblock is that Finder or iTunes doesn’t detect the device at all. This usually points to a cable or driver issue, not a phone problem.

Try a different cable. Use an Apple-certified Lightning cable. Damaged or third-party cables often fail to establish a data connection.
Try a different USB port. Use a port directly on your computer, not a hub. On Mac, try a different Thunderbolt/USB-C port.
Restart your computer. This refreshes USB drivers and the Finder/iTunes connection.
Update or reinstall Apple Mobile Device drivers (Windows only). In Device Manager, expand “Universal Serial Bus devices,” right-click “Apple Mobile Device USB Driver,” and select “Update driver.” If that fails, uninstall it and restart your PC.
Check for a “Trust This Computer” alert. If the phone is in recovery mode, it may not show this, but if it does, you must unlock and tap Trust.

If the computer still doesn’t see the phone, try a different computer entirely. This isolates whether the issue is with your phone or your computer’s software.

Advanced Fix: Enter and Exit Recovery Mode Manually

If the phone is stuck in a loop—showing the recovery screen, restarting, and returning to it—you can manually force it into recovery mode and then exit. This is a more deliberate version of the force restart.

Connect the iPhone to your computer and open Finder/iTunes.
Press and release Volume Up, then press and release Volume Down.
Press and hold the Side button. Keep holding it even after the Apple logo appears. Do not release until you see the recovery mode screen (cable and computer icon).
Once in recovery mode, you should see a prompt in Finder/iTunes offering to Update or Restore. Click Update to try to keep your data.

This method often works when the automatic recovery loop is caused by a corrupted boot image. The manual entry forces the phone to stay in recovery mode long enough for the computer to take over.

When Nothing Works: DFU Mode and Hardware Issues

If all the above fail, the next step is DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode. DFU mode is a deeper state that bypasses the boot loader entirely. It’s the last resort for software issues.

Connect the iPhone to your computer and open Finder/iTunes.
Press Volume Up, then Volume Down quickly.
Press and hold the Side button for 3 seconds.
While still holding the Side button, also press and hold the Volume Down button for 10 seconds.
Release the Side button but keep holding Volume Down for another 5 seconds.
If the screen stays black, you’re in DFU mode. If the Apple logo appears, you missed the timing and need to try again.

In DFU mode, Finder/iTunes will show a “Restore iPhone” option. This will completely erase the device. If the restore fails repeatedly, it’s a strong sign of a hardware problem—likely the logic board, battery, or charging port. At that point, contact Apple Support or an authorized repair center.

Preventing Future Recovery Mode Loops

Once your iPhone X is back to normal, take these steps to avoid a repeat:

Always back up to iCloud or a computer before updating iOS.
Keep your iPhone charged above 50% before starting an update.
Use a stable internet connection for downloads; a dropped connection can corrupt the update file.
Avoid third-party “repair” tools that claim to fix iOS issues—they often cause more harm.
Update via the Settings app when possible, rather than through a computer, as it’s less prone to interruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my data if my iPhone X is stuck in recovery mode?

Not necessarily. If you choose “Update” in Finder/iTunes, your data is preserved. “Restore” erases everything. If you have a recent iCloud or computer backup, you can restore your data after a full restore.

How long does it take to fix recovery mode on an iPhone X?

A force restart takes about 30 seconds. An update via Finder/iTunes takes 10–30 minutes depending on your internet speed. A full restore can take up to an hour. If the process fails, each retry adds time.

Can I fix recovery mode without a computer?

Only the force restart method works without a computer. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need a computer with Finder or iTunes. There is no reliable on-device method to exit recovery mode.

Why does my iPhone X keep going back into recovery mode after I fix it?

This usually means the underlying software is corrupted or the storage is failing. Try a full restore (erase) first. If it still loops, it’s likely a hardware issue, and you should get the device inspected.

Is DFU mode safe for my iPhone X?

Yes, DFU mode is a standard Apple diagnostic state. It’s safe to enter and exit. However, it’s meant for advanced troubleshooting, and the only way out is to restore the device, which erases all data.

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

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