iPhone XR Recovery Mode: Step-by-Step Guide

Recovery Mode is a built-in diagnostic state on your iPhone XR. It’s used to reinstall iOS or restore the device when it’s frozen on the Apple logo, stuck in a boot loop, or unresponsive. This guide walks you through entering Recovery Mode, what to do while you’re there, and how to get out of it.

What You’ll Need

A computer (Mac or Windows PC) with a USB port.
The latest version of iTunes on Windows, or the latest macOS on a Mac (Finder handles device management).
A Lightning to USB cable (the one that came with your iPhone works best).
Your iPhone XR and its passcode (you may need to enter it to trust the computer).

Step-by-Step

Update your computer software. Make sure iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS) is up to date. On a Mac, go to System Settings > Software Update. On Windows, open iTunes and check for updates via Help > Check for Updates.
Connect your iPhone to the computer. Use your Lightning cable. If prompted, tap “Trust This Computer” on your iPhone and enter your passcode.
Open iTunes or Finder. On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open Finder. On Windows, open iTunes. If you’re using a Mac with an older macOS, open iTunes as well.
Force restart your iPhone XR. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Then press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Next, press and hold the Side button (on the right edge) until you see the Recovery Mode screen—a black screen with a computer icon and a Lightning cable. Keep holding the Side button until that screen appears; it usually takes about 10 seconds.
Release the Side button. Once the Recovery Mode screen appears, you can let go. Your computer should now detect your iPhone in Recovery Mode and show a pop-up asking to Update or Restore.
Choose Update or Restore. If you want to keep your data, choose “Update.” This will reinstall iOS without erasing your content. If you need to erase everything and start fresh, choose “Restore.” Note: Restore will wipe your device.
Wait for the process to finish. Your computer will download the necessary iOS software. This can take several minutes. Do not disconnect your iPhone during this time. Once done, your iPhone will restart and either show the “Hello” screen (if restored) or your home screen (if updated).

Common Mistakes

Holding the Side button too long. If you hold it for too long, the iPhone may enter Emergency SOS mode instead. If that happens, press Cancel and try again.
Not pressing the volume buttons correctly. The volume buttons must be pressed and released quickly, not held. If you hold them, the restart sequence won’t work.
Using a faulty cable. A damaged or non-Apple cable may not establish a stable connection. Use the cable that came with your iPhone or a certified one.
Not updating iTunes/Finder. An outdated version may not recognize your iPhone in Recovery Mode. Always update before starting.
Disconnecting during the process. Interrupting the update/restore can cause errors or leave your iPhone in a worse state.

Tips

Back up your iPhone before entering Recovery Mode if possible. Even if you choose “Update,” there’s a small risk of data loss.
Use a USB port directly on your computer, not a hub, to avoid connection issues.
If your iPhone is unresponsive and you can’t turn it off, Recovery Mode is the correct way to force it into a state where you can restore it.
After the process, your iPhone may take a few minutes to boot up. Be patient.

Troubleshooting

If your iPhone doesn’t enter Recovery Mode, or if the process fails, try these steps:

Check your cable and port. Try a different cable and a different USB port. Clean the Lightning port gently with a soft, dry brush.
Restart your computer. Sometimes the computer’s USB drivers get stuck. Restart and try again.
Try a different computer. If possible, use another Mac or PC. This can rule out driver issues.
If you see error 4013 or 9: These are connection errors. Try a different cable, port, or computer. Also, make sure your computer’s security software isn’t blocking iTunes/Finder.
If you’re stuck on the Recovery Mode screen: You can exit Recovery Mode by force restarting your iPhone: press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears. This won’t erase your data.
If your iPhone is disabled or passcode-locked: Recovery Mode is the only way to restore it. You’ll need to erase it and set it up as new.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Recovery Mode delete my data?

Only if you choose “Restore.” Choosing “Update” will reinstall iOS without erasing your personal data. However, if your iPhone is stuck in a boot loop, an update may not fix it, and you may need to restore.

How do I exit Recovery Mode?

Force restart your iPhone: press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears. This will exit Recovery Mode without any changes.

My iPhone XR won’t enter Recovery Mode. What should I do?

Make sure you’re pressing the buttons in the correct sequence and timing. The Side button must be held until the Recovery Mode screen appears. If it doesn’t, try a different cable and port, and ensure your computer is running the latest software.

Can I use Recovery Mode to bypass a forgotten passcode?

No. Recovery Mode alone won’t bypass the passcode. You’d need to restore the device, which will erase it, and then you’ll be asked to enter the Apple ID password linked to the device (Activation Lock). If you don’t know that, you won’t be able to use the phone.

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

Recovery Mode shows a screen with a computer icon and allows you to update or restore. DFU (Device Firmware Update) Mode doesn’t show any screen and is used for deeper firmware restoration. For most issues, Recovery Mode is sufficient.

How long does an update or restore take?

It depends on your internet speed. The download of iOS can take anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour. The installation itself typically takes 5-15 minutes. Do not interrupt the process.

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