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New!!! How to Enter & Exit iPhone Recovery Mode (iOS 27)

If your iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo, frozen during an update, or showing the support.apple.com/iphone/restore screen, you may need to use iPhone Recovery Mode.

This guide explains what iPhone Recovery Mode does, how to enter and exit it, and how to fix an iPhone stuck in recovery mode. It also briefly introduces the new iOS 27 Recovery screen and explains how it differs from traditional computer-based Recovery Mode.

Part 1: What Is iPhone Recovery Mode?

iPhone Recovery Mode is a built-in troubleshooting environment that allows your iPhone to communicate with Finder on Mac or Apple Devices on Windows when iOS cannot start normally.

Recovery Mode is commonly used to:

• Reinstall iOS
• Update iOS when a normal update fails
• Restore an iPhone that cannot start normally
• Troubleshoot serious system issues after an interrupted update or restore

You may see Recovery Mode when your iPhone displays a computer icon, a cable pointing toward a computer, or the support.apple.com/iphone/restore screen.

What Is the New iOS 27 Recovery Screen?

iOS 27 adds a new on-device recovery screen that can be opened manually. It provides recovery options such as Recovery Assistant, Software Update, Diagnostics Mode, Erase All Content and Settings, and traditional Recovery Mode. The new screen can help troubleshoot an iPhone without immediately connecting it to a computer, although some options require Wi-Fi, a passcode, or another Apple device.

If your iPhone is stuck on the new iOS 27 Recovery screen, see our iOS 27 Recovery Mode troubleshooting guide for steps specific to that issue.

This distinction matters when troubleshooting an iPhone in 2026: iOS Recovery provides on-device recovery options, while traditional Recovery Mode connects the iPhone to a computer for update or restore workflows.

Part 2: Why Did My iPhone Enter Recovery Mode?

An iPhone usually enters Recovery Mode because iOS cannot complete a critical startup, update, or restore process. In many cases, the problem is software-related, although hardware issues can also prevent the device from starting normally.

Answers to specific questions users ask:

Can a Failed iOS Update Trigger Recovery Mode?

Yes. A failed iOS update is a common reason an iPhone enters Recovery Mode. If an update is interrupted or the firmware cannot be installed correctly, the iPhone may fail to boot normally and display the recovery screen.

Does Low Storage Cause iPhone Recovery Mode?

Low storage does not directly mean that an iPhone will enter Recovery Mode. However, insufficient storage can prevent an iOS update from completing successfully, which can then lead to startup or recovery problems.

Can an Interrupted Update Put My iPhone Into Recovery Mode?

Yes. A failed or interrupted update can leave iOS unable to complete startup. In that situation, the iPhone may display the "Connect to computer" or support.apple.com/iphone/restore screen.

Can Recovery Mode Fix Issues After an iOS Update?

Recovery Mode itself does not repair the underlying problem. Instead, it gives you access to recovery actions such as Update or Restore. If Update cannot resolve the problem, a system repair method or a full restore may be required.

Part 3: How to Enter Recovery Mode on iPhone

You may need to manually enter Recovery Mode when your iPhone will not start normally, remains stuck on the Apple logo, or needs to be updated or restored through a computer.

Before you start:

• On Mac, open Finder. On Windows, use the Apple Devices app.
• Use a working Lightning or USB-C cable.
• Make sure your Mac or Windows PC is connected to the internet.
• If an iOS download takes more than 15 minutes and the iPhone leaves the recovery screen, let the download finish, then enter Recovery Mode again and continue.

Method 1: Use ReiBoot (One-Click, Recommended)

Tenorshare ReiBoot can put your iPhone into recovery mode with a single click — no button combinations required. Connect your iPhone, open ReiBoot, and click "Enter Recovery Mode."

This can be useful if your iPhone's physical buttons are difficult to press or are not responding normally.

Method 2: Manual Button Combination

iPhone 8, X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and later Face ID models:

• Press and quickly release Volume Up
• Press and quickly release Volume Down
• Press and hold the Side button
• Keep holding even when the Apple logo appears
• Release when you see the "Connect to computer" screen

iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:

• Press and hold both Volume Down and Side buttons simultaneously
• Keep holding until the "Connect to computer" screen appears
• Release the buttons when the recovery screen appears

iPhone 6s, SE (1st gen), and earlier (with Home button):

• Press and hold both the Home button and the Top/Side button simultaneously
• Keep holding until the "Connect to computer" screen appears
• Release the buttons when the recovery screen appears

Part 4: How to Exit Recovery Mode

Try This First (Free, No Software Needed)

Force restart your iPhone using the button sequence for your model. On newer iPhones, quickly press and release Volume Up, quickly press and release Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears. This does not erase your data.

This works when: Recovery Mode was triggered accidentally and there is no underlying software problem preventing normal startup.

This won't work when: Your iPhone has a software issue causing it to re-enter Recovery Mode after restarting.

Use ReiBoot to Exit (Free Feature)

If force restart doesn't work, Tenorshare ReiBoot's Exit Recovery Mode function can attempt to restart the device without selecting Restore.

Exit via iTunes or Finder

Connect your iPhone to a computer with Finder on Mac or Apple Devices on Windows. When the computer detects your iPhone in Recovery Mode, you'll see options to Update or Restore.

• "Update" attempts to reinstall iOS without erasing your personal data. Try this first when available.
• "Restore" erases the iPhone and installs iOS again. Use it only when you understand the data-loss impact or when other recovery options have failed.

Part 5: Before You Fix — What You Need to Know

Before running any repair, get clear on two things that users commonly worry about: whether Recovery Mode deletes data and what happens if the iPhone keeps returning to the recovery screen.

Does iPhone recovery mode delete everything?

No. Entering Recovery Mode does not erase the data stored on your iPhone. The data-loss risk comes from the recovery action you choose afterward, not from entering Recovery Mode itself.

Data loss can happen when you:

• Choose "Restore" in Finder or Apple Devices
• Choose "Erase All Content and Settings" from the iOS 27 recovery screen
• Use a third-party repair tool's data-erasing or full-reinstall mode

Non-erasing options, such as simply exiting Recovery Mode or choosing Apple's Update option when available, are designed to preserve personal data. However, Apple recommends having a backup whenever possible before troubleshooting a serious software problem.

How long will my iPhone stay in recovery mode?

Recovery Mode does not simply have a fixed 15-minute timeout. The 15-minute issue applies when your computer is downloading the iOS software. If the download takes more than 15 minutes, the iPhone may leave the recovery screen before the download finishes.

If that happens, let the software download finish, then turn off your iPhone and put it back into Recovery Mode to continue the process.

What should I do if my iPhone won't exit recovery mode?

If force restart and simple exit attempts fail, your device may have an underlying startup or iOS problem. At this point:

• A simple exit may not hold because the device can re-enter Recovery Mode.
• If Finder or Apple Devices detects the iPhone, try Update before Restore.
• If Update fails repeatedly, consider a non-erasing system repair option.
• Restore can fix deeper software problems, but it erases the iPhone.
• If the iPhone cannot be detected by any computer after checking the cable and port, hardware service may be required.

Part 6: iPhone Stuck in Recovery Mode — Fix Without Data Loss

First, Identify Your Situation

Not all recovery mode problems are the same. The right fix depends on what caused the problem, whether your iPhone is detected by a computer, and whether an iOS update or restore has already failed.

Option 1: ReiBoot Standard Repair (Designed to Preserve Data)

When it can help: Software-related recovery mode problems such as failed updates, corrupted system components, or repeated recovery mode loops.

When it may not help: Hardware damage, a broken charging port, or cases where the iPhone cannot communicate with the computer at all.

What it does: Standard Repair reinstalls the required iOS firmware components while aiming to preserve personal data. Because every recovery problem is different, successful repair cannot be guaranteed.

Here is how to use ReiBoot:

• Download and install ReiBoot on your PC or Mac. Connect your iPhone via cable

  

• Go to "Fix Now" option and select "Standard Repair".

  

• Download the firmware package (ReiBoot will find the right version automatically)

  

• After downloading, click "Start Standard Repair".

  

• Wait for the repair to finish and keep the iPhone connected throughout the process.

  

Option 2: iTunes or Finder Update (No Data Loss — When It Works)

If you prefer Apple's built-in recovery process, use Finder on Mac or Apple Devices on Windows. When the recovery screen gives you the choice, select "Update" before choosing Restore.

• Connect your iPhone to the computer
• Open Finder on Mac or Apple Devices on Windows
• When the recovery mode screen appears, click "Update" — not Restore
• Let the computer download and reinstall iOS
• Keep the iPhone connected until the update finishes

Limitation: If the system problem is not resolved by Update, the process may fail or you may eventually need to use Restore, which erases the iPhone.

Option 3: ReiBoot Deep Repair or iTunes Restore (Last Resort — Erases Data)

Use this only after non-erasing options have failed and you understand the data-loss impact.

Apple's Restore process erases the iPhone. Any data that is not already backed up may be lost.

Before proceeding:

• Check if iCloud Backup is enabled (Settings → [your name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup)
• If the iPhone can still boot normally at any point, create a backup before restoring it
• Make sure you understand that Restore is different from Update: Restore erases the device

If you use a third-party repair tool's deeper or full-reinstall mode, check its specific data-loss warning before starting. Do not assume that every repair mode has the same data impact.

When ReiBoot (and All Software) Won't Help

Software repair tools — including ReiBoot — only address software-related problems. If your iPhone has physical damage, a damaged charging port, severe water or impact damage, or remains completely undetected after checking the cable and computer connection, Apple Support or an Apple Authorized Service Provider may be required.

• Cracked or water-damaged hardware
• Non-functioning charging port or connection problem
• Physical impact damage
• Other hardware component failure

In these cases, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

Part 7: How to Fix iPhone Recovery Mode on Windows vs Mac

The recovery process is similar on both platforms, but the software interface is different.

On Windows: Use the Apple Devices app to manage an iPhone in Recovery Mode. Connect your iPhone → open Apple Devices → select the iPhone → choose Update or Restore when prompted.

If Apple Devices does not recognize your iPhone, check the USB cable and port first, restart the app and computer, and make sure Apple Devices and Windows are up to date. If the device is still not detected, the issue may involve the USB connection, charging port, or another hardware component.

On Mac (macOS Catalina and later): Use Finder instead of iTunes. The iPhone appears in the Finder sidebar under Locations when it is connected in Recovery Mode.

On Mac (macOS Mojave and earlier): iTunes is still available and works for iPhone recovery and restore.

Part 8: Recovery Mode vs DFU Mode — Which Do You Need?

Users often confuse these two modes. They are different troubleshooting states and are used at different stages of an iPhone recovery process.

The practical rule: If your iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo, restore screen, or Recovery Mode screen, start with the standard Recovery Mode workflow and try non-erasing options first. DFU Mode is an advanced troubleshooting step rather than the normal first choice.

FAQs

Will I lose my data if I enter recovery mode?

No. Entering Recovery Mode does not erase data. Data loss occurs when you perform an action that erases the device, such as Restore or Erase All Content and Settings. Apple's Update option is designed to reinstall iOS without erasing personal data.

My iPhone accidentally went into recovery mode — what's the fastest fix?

Try a force restart first. For iPhone 8 and later: quickly press Volume Up → quickly press Volume Down → hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears. If the iPhone starts normally, no computer or restore is required.

iTunes says it needs to restore my iPhone — will I lose everything?

If you choose Restore, the iPhone is erased. Before proceeding, check whether the recovery screen also offers the "Update" option and try Update first when available. On current Windows PCs, use Apple Devices rather than relying on older iTunes instructions.

My iPhone is stuck in a recovery mode loop and keeps returning after restart. What should I do?

This usually means the underlying startup or iOS problem has not been resolved, so simply exiting Recovery Mode may not be enough. Try a force restart first. If the iPhone is detected by Finder or Apple Devices, try Update before Restore. If Update repeatedly fails, a non-erasing system repair option may be worth considering before using a full restore.

Recovery Mode vs DFU Mode — which should I try first?

For common iPhone startup, update, and restore problems, Recovery Mode is the simpler starting point. DFU Mode is a deeper troubleshooting state generally used when standard recovery procedures have not resolved the problem. Neither mode itself erases data simply by being entered, but a restore performed through either workflow can erase the iPhone.

My computer doesn't recognize my iPhone in recovery mode. How can I fix it?

Try the following troubleshooting steps:

• Use a different USB cable.
• Connect to a different USB port.
• On Windows, make sure the Apple Devices app is installed and up to date.
• On Mac, make sure macOS and Finder are up to date.
• Restart Apple Devices, Finder, or your computer.
• If possible, try another computer.

If your iPhone still cannot be detected after these steps, the issue may be related to the charging port, cable, computer connection, or another hardware component. If the iPhone cannot be updated or restored using Recovery Mode, Apple recommends getting service.

Is ReiBoot safe? Will it damage my iPhone?

ReiBoot Standard Repair is designed as a non-destructive iOS repair method intended to preserve personal data. However, no software repair process can guarantee success in every situation. Deeper or full-reinstall repair modes may have different data-loss implications, so check the specific mode and warning before starting.

Can I use recovery mode to downgrade iOS?

Not directly. Recovery Mode does not provide a general downgrade function. Finder or Apple Devices normally installs the iOS version Apple makes available for that recovery workflow. Installing an older iOS version depends on whether Apple is still signing that firmware and whether the device supports the required installation process.

Is iOS 27 Recovery Mode Different from Traditional iPhone Recovery Mode?

Yes. The new iOS 27 Recovery screen provides on-device recovery options on supported devices, while traditional iPhone Recovery Mode connects your iPhone to a Mac or Windows PC for software updates or restores. The two serve different purposes, so choose the option based on your device's screen and the problem you need to fix.

Conclusion

iPhone Recovery Mode does not erase your data by itself. If your iPhone is stuck in Recovery Mode, start with a force restart, then try Update through Finder or Apple Devices before using Restore, which erases the device. For an iPhone Recovery Mode loop or failed update that won't resolve with Apple's built-in options, a non-erasing repair tool such as Tenorshare ReiBoot can be another option to try.

On iOS 27, the new Recovery screen also provides options such as Recovery Assistant and Software Update, giving you more ways to troubleshoot startup problems before resorting to a full restore.

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