iPhone Recovery Mode: Step-by-Step Guide

What You’ll Need

An iPhone with a Lightning or USB-C cable (the one that came with it works best).
A computer with the latest version of Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (Windows or older macOS).
A stable internet connection for downloading the iOS software.
Optional: a backup of your iPhone (iCloud or computer) in case you need to restore.

Step-by-Step

Update or restore first: Before using Recovery Mode, try a standard restore in Finder/iTunes. Connect your iPhone, select it, and click “Update” (keeps your data) or “Restore” (erases everything). Recovery Mode is only needed if that fails or your iPhone is stuck.
Connect your iPhone to your computer: Use a cable that supports data transfer. If your iPhone is unresponsive, plug it in anyway.
Open Finder or iTunes: On macOS Catalina or later, open Finder. On Windows or older macOS, open iTunes. If you’re using a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier, iTunes is the app.
Put your iPhone into Recovery Mode: The button combination depends on your model. For iPhone 8 or later (including SE 2nd gen and later): press and quickly release the Volume Up button, press and quickly release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until the Recovery Mode screen appears. For iPhone 7/7 Plus: press and hold the Side (or Top) button and the Volume Down button together until the Recovery Mode screen appears. For iPhone 6s and earlier, iPhone SE (1st gen), or iPod touch: press and hold the Home button and the Top (or Side) button together until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
Keep holding until you see the Recovery Mode screen: You’ll see a computer icon with a Lightning cable on the iPhone display. If your iPhone turns off or restarts, repeat step 4.
Check your computer: A dialog box should appear in Finder/iTunes saying “There is a problem with the iPhone that requires it to be updated or restored.” Click “Update” to reinstall iOS without erasing your data (this preserves your files and settings). If Update fails or you prefer a clean slate, click “Restore” (this erases everything).
Wait for the download: Your computer will download the iOS software. This can take several minutes depending on your internet speed. Keep the iPhone connected and do not unplug it.
Let the process finish: The progress bar on your iPhone will fill up, and then the device will restart. Do not disconnect the cable until the “Hello” screen appears.
Set up your iPhone: After restart, you’ll see the setup screen. If you restored, choose “Restore from Backup” to get your data back. If you updated, your home screen should be as it was.

Common Mistakes

Wrong button sequence: Pressing the buttons too slowly or in the wrong order. Practice the sequence before connecting.
Letting go too early: You must hold the Side/Home button until the Recovery Mode screen appears, even if the Apple logo shows first.
Using a charge-only cable: Some cables only charge and don’t transfer data. Use the original Apple cable or a certified one.
Not updating Finder/iTunes: An outdated version may not recognize your iPhone in Recovery Mode. Update the app first.
Disconnecting during the process: Unplugging while iOS is being restored can permanently brick your iPhone. Leave it connected.

Tips

Try “Update” first: It keeps your photos, messages, and apps. “Restore” wipes everything, so only use it if Update fails or you don’t need your data.
Back up regularly: If you ever need to restore, a recent backup saves you from losing everything. Use iCloud or your computer.
Use a different USB port: If the computer doesn’t detect your iPhone, try another port (preferably USB 2.0 or 3.0 directly on the computer, not a hub).
Check for a trusted computer prompt: If your iPhone is responsive, you may need to tap “Trust” on the phone when connecting.
Keep your iPhone charged: Recovery Mode can take a while. If your battery is very low, plug it into a wall charger after you’ve entered Recovery Mode, but keep the data cable connected to the computer.

Troubleshooting

iPhone doesn’t enter Recovery Mode: Make sure you’re using the correct button combination for your model. If the Apple logo appears, you held too long or too short. Try again, and if it still fails, force restart your iPhone (press Volume Up, Volume Down, then hold Side until the Apple logo appears) and then attempt Recovery Mode again.
Computer says “iPhone is in Recovery Mode” but nothing happens: Wait a few minutes. If no dialog appears, disconnect and reconnect the cable, or restart your computer and try again.
Update or Restore gets stuck: If the progress bar on the iPhone doesn’t move for over 15 minutes, disconnect the iPhone, then reconnect and try again. If it still fails, try a different computer or USB port.
iPhone exits Recovery Mode on its own: This can happen if the battery is too low. Plug the iPhone into a wall charger to charge it, then reconnect to the computer and enter Recovery Mode again.
Error messages (like error 4013 or 9): These usually indicate a connection issue. Try a different cable, port, or computer. If the error persists, your iPhone may have a hardware problem, and you should contact Apple Support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Recovery Mode erase my data?

Not automatically. If you choose “Update,” your data is preserved. Only “Restore” erases everything. However, if your iPhone is stuck and you can’t back it up, you might lose data if you have to restore.

How do I exit Recovery Mode?

If you want to exit without updating or restoring, force restart your iPhone: press Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears. This works for iPhone 8 and later. For iPhone 7, hold Side and Volume Down. For older models, hold Home and Top/Side.

What if I don’t have a computer?

Recovery Mode requires a computer with Finder or iTunes. If you don’t have one, you can try using a friend’s computer or an Apple Store (if available). Some third-party tools claim to work without a computer, but they are not officially supported.

Can I use Recovery Mode on an iPhone that is disabled?

Yes, Recovery Mode is one of the few ways to fix a disabled iPhone. However, you will need to restore it, which erases all data. You cannot update a disabled iPhone because the passcode is required.

How long does Recovery Mode take?

The download and installation typically take 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your internet speed and the iOS version. The actual process may take longer if your connection is slow.

What’s the difference between Recovery Mode and DFU Mode?

Recovery Mode shows a computer icon on the screen and allows updating or restoring. DFU (Device Firmware Update) Mode is more advanced, doesn’t show any display, and is used for deeper firmware issues. You usually only need Recovery Mode.

Sources: Apple Support. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.