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How to Enter & Exit iPhone Recovery Mode [Video Tutorial]

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

Many users panic when they see Recovery Mode because they are not sure what caused it, whether their data is safe, or how to get the device working again. This guide explains what iPhone Recovery Mode means, why it happens, whether it deletes data, and how to enter, exit, or fix Recovery Mode issues safely.

Part 1: What Is iPhone Recovery Mode?

iPhone Recovery Mode is a built-in troubleshooting environment in iOS. It allows your iPhone to connect with Finder or iTunes when the operating system cannot start normally.

Recovery Mode is commonly used to:

• Reinstall iOS
• Update iOS when normal updates fail
• Restore an unresponsive iPhone
• Fix serious system issues after an interrupted update or restore

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

Part 2: Why Did My iPhone Enter Recovery Mode?

An iPhone usually enters Recovery Mode because iOS was unable to complete a critical process. In many cases, this is related to an update, restore, or system-level error.

Answers to specific questions users ask:

Can a Failed iOS Update Trigger Recovery Mode?

Yes. A failed iOS update is one of the most common reasons an iPhone enters Recovery Mode. If your iPhone loses power, disconnects from the computer, runs out of storage, or fails to install firmware correctly, iOS may enter Recovery Mode to prevent further system damage.

Does Low Storage Cause iPhone Recovery Mode?

Low storage does not directly cause Recovery Mode. However, it can cause an iOS update to fail. If the update cannot complete, your iPhone may end up in Recovery Mode.

Can an Interrupted Update Put My iPhone Into Recovery Mode?

Yes. If the update is interrupted by power loss, USB disconnection, unstable network, or software crash, your iPhone may automatically enter Recovery Mode.

Can Recovery Mode Fix Issues After an iOS Update?

Recovery Mode itself does not repair your iPhone. It provides access to repair options, such as updating iOS, restoring the device, or using an iOS system repair tool.

Part 3: How to Enter Recovery Mode on iPhone

You may need to manually enter recovery mode to troubleshoot, restore, or repair your device.

Before you start:

• Open iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac) before connecting your iPhone
• Use a working Lightning or USB-C cable
• Recovery mode has a 15-minute timeout — if iTunes/Finder doesn't connect in time, the iPhone will try to exit automatically

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 is especially useful if your iPhone's physical buttons are damaged or unresponsive.

Method 2: Manual Button Combination

iPhone 8, X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 (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 iTunes/Finder" screen

iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:

• Press and hold both Volume Down and Side button simultaneously
• Keep holding through the Apple logo
• Release when the "Connect to iTunes/Finder" 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 through the Apple logo
• Release when the "Connect to iTunes/Finder" screen appears

Part 4: How to Exit Recovery Mode

Try This First (Free, No Software Needed)

Force restart your iPhone using the same button sequence for your model as above, but don't hold through the Apple logo — release when it appears. This exits recovery mode in most accidental-entry cases and takes under 30 seconds.

This works when: Recovery mode was triggered accidentally and there's no underlying software damage.

This won't work when: Your iPhone has a software issue causing a recovery mode loop — it will re-enter recovery mode after restart.

Use ReiBoot to Exit (Free Feature)

If force restart doesn't work, Tenorshare ReiBoot's Exit Recovery Mode function is free and takes one click.

Exit via iTunes or Finder

Connect your iPhone to a computer with iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac). You'll see two options: Update and Restore.

• "Update" reinstalls iOS without erasing data. Try this first.
• "Restore" erases everything and installs a fresh iOS. Only use this if Update fails.

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

Before running any repair, get clear on two things that users commonly worry about.

Does iPhone recovery mode delete everything?

No. Entering recovery mode does not erase your data. Your photos, messages, contacts, and apps remain completely intact while the device is in recovery mode.

Data loss only happens in two specific situations:

• You choose "Restore iPhone" in iTunes or Finder
• You use a repair tool's Deep Repair or factory reset option

Standard repair methods — including ReiBoot Standard Repair, the iTunes "Update" option, and simply exiting recovery mode — do not affect your personal data.

How long will my iPhone stay in recovery mode?

If no computer connects within 15 minutes, the iPhone will automatically attempt to exit recovery mode. If it can't exit (due to an underlying software issue), it will restart and likely re-enter recovery mode — creating a loop.

A recovery mode loop is a sign that there's actual system damage that needs repairing, not just exiting.

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

If force restart and simple exit attempts fail, your device is likely in a recovery mode loop caused by software corruption. At this point:

• A simple exit won't hold — the device will re-enter recovery mode
• iTunes Restore will fix it, but erases all data
• ReiBoot Standard Repair fixes it without erasing data (recommended first step)

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's causing the issue and what state your device is in.

Option 1: ReiBoot Standard Repair (Recommended — Preserves Data)

When it works: Software-caused recovery mode issues — failed updates, corrupted system files, recovery mode loops. Covers approximately 95% of cases.

When it won't work: Hardware damage, or cases where the iPhone is completely undetected by the computer.

What it does: Rewrites the iOS system environment without touching personal data. Think of it like repairing a corrupted system file on a computer — you fix the broken part, not the whole drive.

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 10–15 minutes — iPhone restarts normally when complete.

  

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

If ReiBoot isn't available, the iTunes/Finder "Update" option is the manual alternative that attempts to reinstall iOS without erasing data.

• Connect iPhone to computer
• Open iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac)
• When the recovery mode screen appears, click "Update" — not Restore
• iTunes/Finder downloads and reinstalls iOS

Limitation: If the system corruption is too deep, the Update process may fail partway through and prompt you to Restore instead.

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

Use this only after Standard Repair and iTunes Update have both failed.

Deep Repair / iTunes Restore completely erases your iPhone. You will lose all data not backed up to iCloud or iTunes.

Before proceeding:

• Check if iCloud Backup is enabled (Settings → [your name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup)
• If iTunes can detect your device in recovery mode, try an iTunes backup first

Why Deep Repair sometimes succeeds when Standard Repair fails: Standard Repair rewrites the system environment. Deep Repair performs a complete system reinstall — effectively the same as iTunes Restore, but through ReiBoot's interface, which handles certain edge cases iTunes doesn't.

When ReiBoot (and All Software) Won't Help

Software repair tools — including ReiBoot — only fix software-caused issues. If your iPhone has any of the following, the recovery mode problem is likely hardware-related and requires Apple Service:

• Cracked or water-damaged logic board
• Non-functioning charging port (device not detected by computer)
• Physical impact damage
• Touch ID or Face ID hardware failure linked to system issues

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 process is the same, but the software interface differs.

On Windows: Use iTunes (download from Microsoft Store or apple.com/itunes). Connect iPhone → iTunes detects recovery mode → choose Update or Restore.

If iTunes doesn't recognize your iPhone in recovery mode, you may need to install the Apple Mobile Device USB Driver. Go to Device Manager → find the device with a yellow warning icon → right-click → Update Driver.

On Mac (macOS Catalina and later): Use Finder instead of iTunes. The device appears in the Finder sidebar under Locations when in recovery mode.

On Mac (macOS Mojave and earlier): iTunes is still available and works the same as the Windows version.

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

Users often confuse these two modes. They're different tools for different situations.

The rule: Always start with Recovery Mode. Only attempt DFU Mode if every recovery mode solution has failed.

FAQs

Will I lose my data if I enter recovery mode?

No. Entering recovery mode does not erase data. Data loss only occurs if you perform a Restore through iTunes/Finder, or use a repair tool's Deep Repair option. Simply entering and exiting recovery mode leaves all your data intact.

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. This resolves accidental entry in most cases and takes less than 30 seconds. No computer or software is required.

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

Yes. An iTunes Restore erases all data on your device. Before proceeding, try ReiBoot Standard Repair or choose the "Update" option in iTunes/Finder first. Both methods attempt to repair iOS without erasing personal data. Only use Restore if those options fail.

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

This usually means the underlying iOS system is corrupted, and simply exiting recovery mode is not enough. The system itself needs to be repaired. In most software-related cases, ReiBoot Standard Repair can rebuild the iOS environment without erasing personal data, helping break the recovery mode loop.

What's the difference between recovery mode and a factory reset?

Recovery mode is a diagnostic and repair state. Entering recovery mode does not change, erase, or modify any data on your device. A factory reset, on the other hand, removes all content and settings. You can enter and exit recovery mode multiple times without affecting your personal data.

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

Recovery Mode should always be your first choice. It is easier to access, less aggressive, and can resolve most iOS update, restore, and boot-related issues. DFU Mode is generally considered an advanced troubleshooting option and should only be used when Recovery Mode fails to resolve the problem.

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.
• Restart Finder or iTunes.
• Restart your computer.
• Update or reinstall the Apple Mobile Device USB Driver on Windows.

If your iPhone still cannot be detected after trying these steps, the issue may be related to the charging port or another hardware component.

Is ReiBoot safe? Will it damage my iPhone?

ReiBoot Standard Repair is a non-destructive repair mode that rewrites iOS system files without affecting personal data. It has supported iPhone devices since 2015 and works with a wide range of iPhone models and iOS versions. Deep Repair, however, erases data and clearly notifies users before the process begins.

Can I use recovery mode to downgrade iOS?

Not directly. Recovery Mode combined with iTunes or Finder Restore installs the latest iOS version that Apple is currently signing, not an older version. To downgrade to a specific iOS version, Apple must still be signing that firmware version.

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