How to Use Recovery Mode to Update or Restore an iPhone
Recovery mode allows an iPhone to communicate with Finder or iTunes when normal startup fails. The mode can install iOS without erasing data through Update, or erase the iPhone and reinstall iOS through Restore. A USB cable, compatible computer, and current Finder or iTunes version are required.
🤔Note:
Update normally preserves personal data, while Restore permanently erases the iPhone and reinstalls iOS. Back up the iPhone before starting whenever normal access remains available.
Steps
- Prepare the computer. Open Finder on macOS Catalina or later, or open iTunes on Windows and older macOS versions. Connect the iPhone with a USB cable. Back up the iPhone first if normal access remains available.
- Enter recovery mode.
- iPhone 8 or later: Press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the recovery screen appears.
- iPhone 7 or 7 Plus: Hold the Side and Volume Down buttons together until the recovery screen appears.
- iPhone 6s or earlier: Hold the Home and Side or Top buttons together until the recovery screen appears.
- Find the iPhone on the computer. The connect-to-computer screen on iPhone should appear. Finder or iTunes should display an option to update or restore the device.
- Choose Update first. Update reinstalls iOS while attempting to preserve personal data. Select Restore only when Update fails, the passcode is unavailable, or a complete erase is required.
- Complete the process. Keep the iPhone connected while software downloads and installs. Follow on-screen setup instructions after the iPhone restarts.
Common Issues and Fixes
- Recovery mode does not appear: An incorrect button sequence or early button release may be responsible. Repeat the correct sequence for the iPhone model and hold the final button until the recovery screen loads.
- Computer does not detect the iPhone: A damaged cable, USB port, or outdated software may cause the problem. Try another certified cable, another USB port, and the latest Finder or iTunes version.
- Update fails with an error: Network interruptions, limited storage, or outdated computer software may be involved. Stabilize the internet connection, restart the computer, and retry the update.
- The iPhone exits recovery mode: A download lasting more than 15 minutes can cause recovery mode to close. Allow the download to finish, then repeat the recovery-mode steps.
- Restore requests an Apple Account: Activation Lock remains enabled after erasure. Enter the Apple Account credentials previously linked to the iPhone.
💡Protip:
Update does not remove the passcode or bypass Activation Lock.
Restore permanently erases photos, messages, apps, and settings not stored in a backup.
Keep the iPhone connected to power during long downloads or installations.
Recovery mode differs from DFU mode; DFU mode is a deeper repair method and should be used only when standard recovery mode fails.
Related Questions
Does recovery mode erase an iPhone?
Entering recovery mode does not erase data. Choosing Restore erases the iPhone, while Update normally preserves user data.
What happens when an iPhone is stuck on the connect-to-computer screen?
Finder or iTunes must detect the iPhone and offer Update or Restore. If detection fails, test another cable, USB port, computer, or software version.
