How to Put iPhone in Recovery Mode: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

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iPhone in recovery mode

Introduction

Hey there, readers!

If you’re experiencing persistent issues with your iPhone, such as freezing, crashing, or becoming unresponsive, putting it into recovery mode might be the solution. Recovery mode is a diagnostic state that allows you to troubleshoot and restore your iPhone, even if it’s unresponsive or won’t boot normally. In this extensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of putting your iPhone in recovery mode, covering all the essential details you need to know. Get ready to revive your iPhone!

Section 1: Power-Button Method

For iPhone 8 and Later

  1. Connect your iPhone to a computer: Use an Apple-certified Lightning to USB cable to connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC.
  2. Press and release Volume Up button: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button on the left side of your iPhone.
  3. Press and release Volume Down button: Immediately after releasing Volume Up, quickly press and release the Volume Down button on the same side.
  4. Press and hold Power/Side button: Keep holding down the Power/Side button on the right side of your iPhone, even after the Apple logo appears.
  5. Keep holding until you see recovery mode screen: Continue holding the Power/Side button until you see the "Connect to iTunes" screen with a charging cable graphic. This indicates that your iPhone is in recovery mode.

For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus

  1. Connect your iPhone to a computer: Use an Apple-certified Lightning to USB cable to connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC.
  2. Press and hold Volume Down button: Keep holding down the Volume Down button on the left side of your iPhone, even after the Apple logo appears.
  3. Press and hold Power/Side button: While holding down Volume Down, press and hold the Power/Side button on the right side of your iPhone.
  4. Keep holding until you see recovery mode screen: Continue holding both buttons until you see the "Connect to iTunes" screen with a charging cable graphic. This indicates that your iPhone is in recovery mode.

Section 2: iTunes/Finder Method

Using iTunes

  1. Connect your iPhone to a computer: Use an Apple-certified Lightning to USB cable to connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC running iTunes.
  2. Open iTunes: If iTunes doesn’t open automatically, launch it from your Applications folder (Mac) or Start menu (Windows).
  3. Locate your iPhone in iTunes: Wait for iTunes to recognize your iPhone. It will appear in the left-hand sidebar under "Devices."
  4. Force restart your iPhone: While your iPhone is connected to iTunes, follow these steps to force restart it:
    • Press and release Volume Up button.
    • Press and release Volume Down button.
    • Press and hold Power/Side button.
    • Keep holding Power/Side button until you see the recovery mode screen with a charging cable graphic.

Using Finder (macOS Catalina or later)

  1. Connect your iPhone to a computer: Use an Apple-certified Lightning to USB cable to connect your iPhone to a Mac running macOS Catalina or later.
  2. Open Finder: Launch Finder from the Dock or Applications folder.
  3. Locate your iPhone in Finder: Wait for Finder to recognize your iPhone. It will appear in the left-hand sidebar under "Locations."
  4. Force restart your iPhone: Follow the same steps as above to force restart your iPhone while it’s connected to Finder.

Section 3: Advanced Methods

Using ReiBoot

ReiBoot is a third-party tool that can help you put your iPhone in recovery mode if the above methods don’t work. Here’s how:

  1. Download and install ReiBoot: Visit the ReiBoot website and download the latest version of the software for your operating system.
  2. Connect your iPhone to a computer: Use an Apple-certified Lightning to USB cable to connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC.
  3. Open ReiBoot: Launch ReiBoot on your computer.
  4. Click "Enter Recovery Mode": On the ReiBoot interface, click the "Enter Recovery Mode" button.
  5. Follow on-screen instructions: ReiBoot will guide you through the steps to put your iPhone into recovery mode.

Table: Troubleshooting Recovery Mode

Problem Solution
iPhone won’t enter recovery mode Try a different USB cable or computer. Make sure your iPhone is powered on and not connected to a charger.
iTunes/Finder doesn’t recognize my iPhone Make sure you’re using an Apple-certified Lightning to USB cable and that your computer is running the latest version of iTunes/macOS.
I’m stuck in a restart loop Disconnect your iPhone from the computer and try force restarting it again. If that doesn’t work, try using the DFU mode (see below).
I accidentally put my iPhone in DFU mode Follow the steps to exit DFU mode: connect your iPhone to a computer, open iTunes/Finder, and force restart your iPhone while it’s connected.

DFU Mode

Device Firmware Update (DFU) mode is a deeper level of recovery mode that can be used to restore your iPhone from a firmware file. It’s usually only necessary if other recovery methods fail. Here’s how to put your iPhone in DFU mode:

  1. Connect your iPhone to a computer: Use an Apple-certified Lightning to USB cable to connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC.
  2. Turn off your iPhone: Press and release Volume Up button, then press and release Volume Down button. Finally, press and hold Power/Side button until the screen goes black.
  3. Enter DFU mode: While holding down Power/Side button, press and hold Volume Down button. Continue holding both buttons for 5 seconds.
  4. Release Power/Side button: After 5 seconds, release the Power/Side button, but keep holding the Volume Down button.
  5. Wait: The screen will remain black for about 10 seconds, indicating that your iPhone is in DFU mode.

Conclusion

There you have it, readers! You now know the ins and outs of putting your iPhone in recovery mode. Whether you’re dealing with a frozen iPhone or experiencing persistent software issues, recovery mode offers a way to restore your device to its former glory. If you encounter any problems along the way, don’t hesitate to check out our other articles on related topics. We’re here to help you get your iPhone back up and running!

FAQ about How to Put iPhone in Recovery Mode

What is Recovery Mode?

Answer: Recovery Mode is a special mode on iPhones that allows you to restore or update your device’s firmware.

Why do I need to put my iPhone in Recovery Mode?

Answer: You may need to put your iPhone in Recovery Mode if you’re experiencing software issues, such as boot loops, freezes, or unresponsive screens.

What steps do I need to take to put my iPhone in Recovery Mode?

Answer: The steps may vary slightly depending on your iPhone model. Generally, you’ll need to connect your iPhone to a computer, hold down specific buttons, and follow on-screen instructions.

How do I put my iPhone 14 series in Recovery Mode?

Answer:

  1. Connect your iPhone to a computer with a Lightning-to-USB cable.
  2. Turn off your iPhone by holding down the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons simultaneously.
  3. Release the buttons once the Apple logo appears.
  4. Immediately hold down the Volume Down button and connect your iPhone to the computer.
  5. Keep holding the Volume Down button until you see the recovery mode screen.

How do I put my iPhone 13 series or earlier in Recovery Mode?

Answer:

  1. Connect your iPhone to a computer with a Lightning-to-USB cable.
  2. Turn off your iPhone by holding down the Sleep/Wake button and the Volume Down button simultaneously.
  3. Release the buttons once the Apple logo appears.
  4. Keep holding the Volume Down button until you see the recovery mode screen.

What should I do if my iPhone doesn’t enter Recovery Mode?

Answer: Try the steps again, ensuring you’re holding down the correct buttons and holding them long enough. If it still doesn’t work, contact Apple Support.

Can I restore my iPhone from Recovery Mode?

Answer: Yes, you can restore your iPhone’s firmware from Recovery Mode using a computer with iTunes or Finder.

Can I update my iPhone’s software from Recovery Mode?

Answer: Yes, you can also use Recovery Mode to update your iPhone’s software to the latest version.

What are some other ways to fix my iPhone if I can’t enter Recovery Mode?

Answer: If you’re unable to enter Recovery Mode, you may try DFU (Device Firmware Update) Mode, which is a deeper level of restore mode. You can also contact Apple Support for assistance.

Where can I find more information about Recovery Mode?

Answer: You can find more information on Apple’s official website or from Apple Support.