When your iPhone runs into serious software issues, recovery mode is often the go-to solution. Whether you’re dealing with a failed update, a system crash, or an unresponsive screen, entering recovery mode allows you to restore your device and get it working again.
However, what happens when iPhone recovery mode not working becomes the problem itself? Many users face issues where their iPhone won’t enter recovery mode, get stuck in the process, or refuse to restore. If you’re struggling with this, don’t worry – this guide will walk you through the best solutions to fix the problem.
Why Isn’t My iPhone Recovery Mode Working?
When your iPhone recovery mode does not work, it can be frustrating – especially if you’re trying to restore your device or troubleshoot a major issue. These issues can happen due to several reasons, including outdated iTunes, incorrect button combinations, system glitches, or even hardware malfunctions. If your iPhone stuck in recovery mode won’t restore, or it simply refuses to enter recovery mode, don’t worry – there are solutions. Let’s go through the most effective fixes step by step.
Free Way to Fix iPhone Recovery Mode Not Working without Data Loss
If your iPhone recovery mode is not working, you don’t have to immediately resort to complicated solutions like DFU mode or a full restore. Instead, a free tool like Tenorshare ReiBoot can help fix the problem without erasing your data.
ReiBoot is a professional iOS repair tool designed to fix recovery mode issues in just a few clicks. Unlike manual methods that may result in data loss, ReiBoot provides a seamless, risk-free solution. It can:
- Enter and exit recovery mode with one click.
- Repair iOS system issues without affecting data.
- Fix problems like iPhone stuck in recovery mode, boot loop, or black screen.
All you need to do is follow these simple steps to get your iPhone repaired within a few minutes.
1. Download and install ReiBoot on your computer. Connect your iPhone with the computer and launch ReiBoot. Click “Start Repair.”
2. Click “Standard Repair.”
3. Once ReiBoot finds a firmware for your iPhone, choose, and click “Download.”
4. Click “Start Standard Repair.”
5. Click “Done.”
Common 5 Ways to Fix iPhone Recovery Mode Not Working
If your iPhone recovery mode not working issue persists, don’t worry – there are multiple ways to resolve it. Whether your iPhone won’t go into recovery mode, gets stuck, or refuses to restore, the following solutions can help.
Way 1: Upgrade iTunes to the Newest Version
An outdated version of iTunes can often cause iPhone recovery mode not working problems. Apple regularly updates iTunes to fix bugs and improve compatibility, so ensuring you have the latest version is essential. Follow these steps to update iTunes:
For Windows Users:
- Open iTunes and click Help > Check for Updates.
- If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
- Restart your computer and try entering recovery mode again.
For Mac Users:
- Open the App Store and go to the Updates tab.
- If there is an iTunes or macOS update available, install it.
- Restart your Mac and check if the issue is resolved.
Way 2: Use the Right Steps to Enter iPhone/iPad Recovery Mode
Sometimes, users face iPhone recovery mode does not work issues simply because they aren’t following the correct steps. Each iPhone model requires a specific button combination to enter recovery mode.
Here’s how to place iPhone in Recovery Mode correctly:
1. Connect your iPhone with the computer and launch iTunes.
2. Restart your iPhone following the steps based on your iPhone model:
- For iPhone 8 or later: Connect your iPhone to a computer and open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later). Quickly press and release the Volume Up button. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears.
- For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Connect your iPhone to a computer. Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons together until the recovery mode screen appears.
- For iPhone 6s or earlier: Connect the iPhone to a computer. Press and hold the Home and Power buttons simultaneously until you see the recovery mode screen.
3. Your iPhone will enter Recovery Mode and you’ll see the option to Restore and Update.
Way 3: Force Restart iPhone
If your iPhone stuck in recovery mode or won’t enter it properly, a force restart can help resolve minor software glitches.
Here are the steps to force restart your iPhone:
For iPhone 8 or later:
- Press and release the Volume Up button.
- Press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
For iPhone 7/7 Plus:
- Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons together until the Apple logo appears.
For iPhone 6s or earlier:
- Press and hold the Home and Power buttons together until the Apple logo appears.
Way 4: Restore iPhone Via DFU Mode
When iPhone recovery mode not working, DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is a more advanced solution. This method reinstalls iOS from scratch and can fix serious system issues.
Here are the steps to restore iPhone Using DFU Mode:
1. Connect your iPhone to a computer and open iTunes/Finder.
2. Enter DFU Mode:
For iPhone 8 or later: Press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the screen turns black. Hold Volume Down while continuing to hold the Side button for 5 seconds, then release the Side button but keep holding Volume Down until iTunes detects the device in DFU mode.
For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold the Power and Volume Down buttons together for 10 seconds, then release the Power button but keep holding Volume Down until iTunes detects the device in DFU mode.
For iPhone 6s or earlier: Hold the Home and Power buttons for 10 seconds, then release the Power button while continuing to hold Home until iTunes detects the device in DFU mode.
3. iTunes/Finder will detect your iPhone in recovery mode. Click OK and wait for the process to complete.
Way 5: Seek Assistance from Apple Support
If none of the methods work and your iPhone stuck in recovery mode won’t restore, it could be a hardware issue. In such cases, contacting Apple Support is the best option.
Here’s how to get help from Apple:
- Visit the Apple Support website and schedule an appointment at the nearest Apple Store.
- Use the Apple Support app on another device to chat with an Apple expert.
- Call Apple Support and explain the issue.
FAQs
1. What happens if recovery mode doesn’t work on iPhone?
If iPhone recovery mode does not work, you may need to try DFU mode, force restart, or use third-party tools like ReiBoot to repair iOS without data loss.
2. How do I force my iPhone to recovery mode?
To place your iPhone in recovery mode, follow the correct button combinations based on your model. If manual steps don’t work, ReiBoot can enter recovery mode with one click.
3. Why is my iPhone failing to restore?
Your iPhone may fail to restore due to an outdated iTunes version, corrupted firmware, or hardware issues. Using ReiBoot or DFU mode can help resolve this problem.
The Bottom Line
In case of iPhone recovery mode not working, don’t panic – several solutions can help, from upgrading iTunes to using DFU mode. However, if you want a fast, risk-free fix, Tenorshare ReiBoot is the best choice. It allows you to enter and exit recovery mode, fix iPhone stuck in recovery mode issues, and repair system errors without losing data. Download ReiBoot today and get your iPhone back to normal effortlessly.
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