6 Fixes for iPhone Recovery Mode Does Not Work [100% Works]

Recovery mode is a handy feature that can help fix a variety of issues on your iPhone or iPad. While recovery mode is usually easy to enter, sometimes it doesn't work as expected, such as when recovery mode fails to activate or your iPhone or iPad gets stuck in recovery mode.

If you're having trouble using recovery mode on your device, don't worry - this article is here to help. We'll discuss the possible reasons why recovery mode fails to work and provide practical solutions to fix the problem. Hopefully, these will get your device back to normal.

Part 1: Why is My iPhone Recovery Mode Not Working?

Here are some common reasons why your iPhone or iPad might not enter recovery mode:

• Software Error: A glitch in the iOS system often causes problems with recovery mode. Updating your iOS to the latest version may fix this issue.
• Cable Fault: A damaged or uncertified Lightning cable may break the connection. Using an official Apple cable ensures a stable link.
• iTunes Issue: Incorrect or outdated iTunes settings can also prevent recovery mode from working properly.

Now that you know the potential causes, you can find solutions to solve the problem easily!

Part 2: How to Fix iPhone/iPad Recovery Mode Not Working?

Fix 1: Update iTunes to the Latest Version

If you have an older version of iTunes, updating it to the latest version may resolve the recovery mode issue. Here's how to update iTunes based on your device:

For a Mac with macOS Catalina or later:

• Open "System Preferences" from the Apple menu.
• Click "Software Update" to check for the latest updates.
• If an update is available, click "Update Now" to install it.

For a Mac with iTunes:

• Open the App Store on your Mac.
• Navigate to the "Update" section.
• Look for macOS or iTunes updates, and if available, click "Update".

For a Windows PC:

• If you downloaded iTunes from the Apple website, launch iTunes and go to "Help" > "Check for Updates". If an update is available, click "Install".
• If you downloaded iTunes from the Microsoft Store, the iTunes update should install automatically. (Can't Install iTunes on Windows 10/11?)

Fix 2: Force Restart Your iPhone

If updating iTunes doesn't fix the recovery mode issue, try force restarting your iPhone or iPad. This simple step can often fix minor system glitches that can cause recovery mode to fail. Here's how to perform a force restart based on your device model:

For iPad (without Home button) and iPhone 8 or later (including iPhone X/11/12/13/14/15/16):

• Quickly press and release the Volume + button.
• Quickly press and release the Volume - button.
• Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus:

• Press and hold the Volume - button and the Side button at the same time.
• Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.

For iPad with Home button and iPhone 6s or earlier models:

• Press and hold the Side button and the Volume + button at the same time.
• Release when the Apple logo appears.

You may also want to know:

• [Guide] How to Reboot iPhone without iTunes in 5 Ways

Fix 3: Fix iPhone Recovery Mode Not Working with iTunes Alternative

If iTunes still can't fix the recovery mode issue, you may want to try iOS System Recovery as an alternative. This tool is designed to handle a variety of system-related issues on iPhone and iPad, including resolving iPhone and iPad recovery mode not working issues in one click. It provides user-friendly and safe solutions without risking data loss.

How iOS System Recovery Helps Fix Recovery Mode Issues:

• Get in or out of recovery mode on your iPhone/iPad with just one click.
• Resolve recovery mode issues caused by system failures without any data loss.
• Fix a range of issues such as iPhone stuck in recovery mode or iPad won't enter recovery mode.
• Update or restore your device and manage recovery mode without iTunes.
• Supports all iPhone and iPad models, including iPhone 16/15/14/13/12/11/X/8/7/6, and iPad versions like iPad 10/9/8/Pro/Air, mini, etc.

Steps to fix iPhone recovery mode issue using iOS System Recovery

Step 1: Select the "iOS System Recovery" option

Install and launch iOS System Recovery on your computer. Connect your iPhone or iPad using a USB data cable. Open the program and navigate to "More Tools>iOS System Recovery" from the main menu.

Step 2: Select "Standard Mode"

Follow the on-screen prompts and select "Standard Mode" to fix the issue without losing any data. Click "Confirm" and the software will automatically detect your device model and display the appropriate firmware options.

Step 3: Download firmware

Press the "Download" button to get the firmware needed to fix the recovery mode issue.

Step 4: Fix the iPhone recovery mode issue

After a few minutes, your device will restart with the new firmware. You can now manually enter recovery mode on your iPhone or iPad again.

Fix 4: Restore in DFU Mode with iTunes

If your iPhone is stuck and there are no other solutions, restoring it to DFU mode via iTunes may be your last resort. Keep in mind that this method is complex and will erase all data on your device. Only proceed if all other options have failed, and make sure you have backed up your device before trying this. .

1: Update iTunes on your computer to the latest version, open iTunes, and connect your iPhone using a USB data cable.

2: Put your iPhone in DFU mode:

• iPhone 6/6s: Press and hold the Power and Home buttons at the same time for 8 seconds. Then, release the Power button while continuing to hold the Home button until the screen goes black.
• iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons at the same time for 8 seconds. Release the Power button, but continue to hold Volume Down until the screen goes black.
• iPhone 8, X and newer: Quickly press the Volume Up button, then quickly press the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Power button until the screen goes black.

3: After entering DFU mode, iTunes will detect your iPhone and display a message stating "iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode".

4: Click "OK" on the prompt and then select "Restore iPhone" from the main iTunes interface.

Fix 5: Check Apple Mobile Device USB Driver

Sometimes, iTunes may not detect your iPhone or iPad in recovery mode due to problems with the Apple Mobile Device USB driver, such as missing or incorrectly installed. To fix this, you can check the Device Manager on your Windows computer. Follow these steps to make sure the driver is properly installed:

• Press Windows + R on your keyboard to bring up the Run dialog box.
• Type "devmgmt.msc" in the Run field and click "OK" to open the Device Manager.
• Scroll down to find and expand the "Universal Serial Bus controllers" section.
• Find "Apple Mobile Device USB Driver" in the list. Verify that it is listed and functioning properly.

If the driver is not present or has errors, you may need to reinstall or update the driver to resolve the issue.

Fix 6: Contact Apple Support

If your iPhone or iPad won't enter recovery mode due to internal hardware damage, the best thing to do is to seek professional help, such as contacting Apple Support. They can diagnose and fix the problem effectively. However, if the problem is software-related, you can rely on the solution provided in Method 3, using iOS System Recovery. This tool is designed to handle a variety of software issues without the need for additional technical help.

Part 3: How to Put iPhone into Recovery Mode [Step-by-Step Guide]

Before trying to fix the iPhone recovery mode not working issue, follow these steps to make sure your iPhone is properly put into recovery mode:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a Lightning cable.

2. Open iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on Mac). Make sure you are using the latest version.

3. Depending on your iPhone model, perform a force restart:

• For iPhone 8 or later: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then press the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears.
• For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Side button at the same time until the recovery mode screen appears.
• For iPhone 6s or earlier: Press and hold the Home button and the Side/Top button at the same time until the recovery mode screen appears.

4. Once your iPhone displays the recovery mode screen, you will see the option to "Restore" or "Update". Follow the instructions in iTunes or Finder to complete the process.

After restoring, your iPhone will restart and exit recovery mode. By following these steps, you can successfully put your device into recovery mode and start troubleshooting or recovering it.

FAQs about iPhone Recovery Mode

Q1: How do I get my iPhone out of recovery mode?

To exit recovery mode, you can follow the same steps as when you entered recovery mode, or just force restart your iPhone. This will help you exit recovery mode safely.

Q2: How do I know if recovery mode is working properly?

When your iPhone is in recovery mode, you will see the recovery screen. If you connect your iPhone to a computer, iTunes (or Finder) will pop up and prompt you to restore your device.

Q3: Will using recovery mode erase everything on my iPhone?

It depends on your choice. If you choose "Restore", all data on the device will be erased. However, if you choose "Update", your data will remain intact.

Q4: Can I back up my iPhone in recovery mode?

No, you cannot back up your iPhone while it is in recovery mode. To back up your device, you must exit recovery mode first. Then you can create a backup using iTunes.

Wrapping Up

We hope this guide has helped you fix the recovery mode not working problem on your iPhone or iPad. Always take your time when troubleshooting, as it is important to check both the software and the hardware. If you are looking for a quicker solution, you can try using the iOS System Recovery tool. This easy-to-use program can fix a variety of iPhone recovery mode issues in just a few clicks. It can also effectively fix many other system issues on your iPhone or iPad. We are sure you will find it useful!

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