Why Your iPhone Won’t Go Into Recovery Mode on iOS 26

Part 1. Why Your iPhone Won't Enter Recovery Mode on iOS 26

There may be several reasons why an iOS 26 recovery mode does not operate as anticipated:

• Button Combo Behavior Has Changed: iOS 26 may bring with it some subtle modifications in how button combinations are understood and processed. As part of these updates may come changes such as increased response windows or system delays that affect this sequence differently than expected.
• iOS 26 Beta Bugs: System bugs can often arise during the testing stage in Developer Beta 1. For example, it might crash unexpectedly or ignore button inputs before getting stuck in an endless loop, blocking access to Recovery Mode and eventually getting worse as time progresses.
• Device-to-Device Recovery: Apple has recently introduced this feature in its new update without notice. This has been revealed by beta testers on Reddit. It may disrupt traditional recovery methods temporarily but might have potential advantages for saving time and convenience.
• Hardware Issues: Aside from software and network connectivity problems, check for damaged buttons, malfunctioning Lightning/USB-C ports or cables which might prevent your device from communicating effectively with computers.

Part 2. How to Manually Force iPhone into Recovery Mode on iOS 26

As iOS 26 is available for the latest iPhones, we will only discuss the steps for manually setting the iPhone 15 or 16 into Recovery Mode. These steps are quite simple to perform.

• By connecting an authentic Lightning or USB-C cable, connect your iPhone 15/16 to a Mac or PC.

• Simply quickly press and release the Volume Up button. Then press the Volume down button in the same way, as you can see in the below picture with proper numbering.

• Tap on the Side Button and hold it for a few seconds to let the device enter the recovery mode screen (showing a laptop with cable icon) displays.

Note:

Patiently wait 15-25 seconds while this process completes itself. Once in recovery mode, either Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) should detect your iPhone on their computers.

Part 3. How to Fix Recovery Mode Without Buttons[Free]

If you want to automate the device to enter into recovery mode without pressing any button, you can try using the Reiboot iOS 26 system repair tool. This mode helps to troubleshoot system problems, such as iPhone won't go into recovery mode for iOS 26 for FREE.

3.1 Key Features of ReiBoot

• Reset iPhone or iPad: ReiBoot has now solved the biggest problem of Apple users by allowing them to factory reset Apple devices even if the password or Apple ID is forgotten.
• Enter or Exit Recovery Mode: From it's interface, you can just click on a single button after connecting the iPhone or iPad with a PC and it will be in recovery mode. This process eliminates the need for manual pressing of device buttons.
• Downgrade iOS Version: Updating devices is very common, and everyone is familiar with it. Now, users are also able to answer how to downgrade from iOS 26 using this tool without jailbreaking. For example, downgrading from iOS 26 to iOS 18 if some users require access to some features of iOS 18 that are not available in iOS 26.

• Fix iTunes Errors: Apple users face various errors with their iTunes. Some common eros include 4013, 1110, and 2009. It can fix 200+ similar errors and ensure seamless and uninterrupted device usage. It can also recover an iPhone or iPad from booting failure.

3.2 Steps for Setting the Device in Recovery Mode

• Install ReiBoot

  Download ReiBoot software on your computer from theofficial website and then install it. Pressing the 'Free Download' button will start downloading it to your PC.

  
• Connect the Phone

  Use a USB cable and build a connection between your iphone / iPad and PC. Press the 'Trust' tab if any pop-up appears asking for verification.

• Press' Recovery Mode'

  After both the devices get connected, press the Enter button in 'Recovery Mode' tab on the main interface. It will start processing and the device will be in recovery mode in the next minute.

  

The primary reason for the recommendation is the 1-click accessibility to enter or exit the recovery mode. ReiBoot is able to repair more than 150 iPhone, iPadOS, and tvOS system problems, including the most common ones, i.e. iPhone stuck on Apple logo, frozen screen, boot loop screen, and recovery mode stuck.

Part 4. How to Enter iOS 26 Recovery mode with iPad? Device-to-Device Recovery

Apple appears to be conducting tests of an innovative "Device-to-Device Recovery" technique discovered by testers on Reddit and Imgur. This would allow an iPhone in trouble to be restored using another iOS device without using iTunes, Finder or any computer as part of its solution.

Steps to Use Device-to-Device Recovery on iOS 26 Beta(New Feature)

• Connect the stuck iPhone to another iPhone or iPad running iOS/iPadOS 26 using a USB-C cable.

• A six-digit pairing code will appear on both devices — confirm the code to proceed.
• On the second device, select System Recovery when prompted.

• The iPhone will attempt to update or restore itself to a working version of iOS 26.

Why Use Device-to-Device Recovery?

• No computer or iTunes/Finder required
• Works even if buttons on the iPhone are broken
• Useful for phones stuck on boot loop or black screen
• Can bypass "preparing update" freeze on iOS 26
• Ideal for beta testers and early adopters

Part 5. Why iOS 26 Recovery Mode Still Doesn't Work[Other Solutions]

If your iOS 26 device can't be recovered by performing all the above methods, then you must try the below methods. These will surely resolve and fix issues with your iPhone:

1.Try DFU mode (Deep Recovery)

This mode is more effective than setting the phone in Recovery Mode as it completely bypasses the operating system, and a black screen is displayed in this mode. It is a comparatively more complex process than recovery mode, but it performs advanced repair. So, the chances of fixing issues with the device are high. Here are the steps to set your iPhone 8 or later devices in to DFU mode:

• At once press and release both the Volume Up and Down buttons quickly to avoid interruption.
• Hold down Power until your screen turns black (it might consume 10-12 seconds).

• Now, keep holding the Power button and, at the same time, press the Volume Down button for five seconds.
• Now release the Power button while keeping the Volume Down button for a further 10 seconds. Then, your device will enter DFU mode.

2.Check the Lightning/USB-C cable and port.

Please ensure you are using an authorized Apple cable, and then try using any other port on your computer. Moreover, avoid USB hubs and wireless connections whenever possible.

3.Wait for Apple's next beta/stable update

The new iOS version (iOS 26) is still under development and should become available to consumers as soon as the latest update. There are chances that it may address Recovery Mode glitches or enhance its new 'Device-to-Device' feature. So, stay tuned and update the device on time to avoid such issues.

FAQs

1.What is the correct button combo for iPhone 15/16 on iOS 26?

It's the same as for iOS 18. Press the Volume Up button and the Down button. Then, hold the Side button until the device enters recovery mode.

2.Is it safe to use ReiBoot on the iOS 26 beta?

Yes, ReiBoot is 100% safe to use on iOS 26 beta. ReiBoot is specifically built to deal with several iOS issues. Make sure to download it from the official website.

3.Will entering recovery mode erase my data?

No. Switching into Recovery Mode alone won't erase your data. However, if you try to restore from Recovery, some or all of it may be lost without backup copies available.

4.How long should it take to enter recovery mode?

It might take a maximum of 15 to 20 seconds for the device to enter into recovery mode either by pressing the buttons or using ReiBoot.

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