How to Put iPhone in Recovery Mode

What is Recovery Mode and When to Use It

Recovery Mode is a built-in feature on iPhone devices that allows users to restore their devices when it cannot be done through regular means. This mode is helpful when an iPhone is stuck in a continuous loop, fails to start up, or the software is corrupted. Recovery Mode can also be used to update or downgrade the device’s operating system.

It’s important to note that putting your iPhone in Recovery Mode will erase all data and settings from the device, so it’s recommended to back up your data before proceeding. Once you’ve entered Recovery Mode, you can use iTunes or Finder on a computer to restore or update the device. If you encounter any issues during this process, you can exit Recovery Mode and try again.

How to Put iPhone 12 and 13 in Recovery Mode

Putting your iPhone 12 or 13 in Recovery Mode requires a different set of steps than earlier models. Here’s how to do it:

1. Connect your iPhone 12 or 13 to a computer with a Lightning to USB-C cable.
2. Press and release the Volume Up button on your iPhone.
3. Press and release the Volume Down button on your iPhone.
4. Press and hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears.
5. In Finder or iTunes on your computer, select your iPhone and choose the option to restore or update.

If the recovery mode screen doesn’t appear, repeat the steps above. It may take a few attempts to enter Recovery Mode successfully.

How to Put iPhone 11 and Earlier Models in Recovery Mode

To put your iPhone 11 or an earlier model in Recovery Mode, follow these steps:

1. Connect your iPhone to a computer with a Lightning to USB cable.
2. Open iTunes on your computer (or Finder if you’re on a Mac running macOS Catalina or later).
3. Press and release the Volume Up button on your iPhone.
4. Press and release the Volume Down button on your iPhone.
5. Press and hold the Side (or Top) button until the recovery mode screen appears.

If you see the Apple logo on your iPhone, it means you’ve held down the Side button for too long and need to start over. When the recovery mode screen appears, you can choose to restore or update your iPhone using iTunes or Finder. If you encounter any issues during the process, you can exit Recovery Mode and try again.

Exiting Recovery Mode on Your iPhone

To exit Recovery Mode on your iPhone, follow these steps:

1. If your iPhone is connected to your computer, disconnect it.
2. Press and hold the Side (or Top) button until the Apple logo appears.
3. Your iPhone will start up normally.

If your iPhone is still stuck in Recovery Mode, try connecting it to your computer again and using iTunes or Finder to restore or update it. If that doesn’t work, you may need to contact Apple Support for further assistance.

Troubleshooting Common Issues When Putting Your iPhone in Recovery Mode

Here are some common issues you may encounter when putting your iPhone in Recovery Mode, along with troubleshooting steps:

1. iPhone won’t enter Recovery Mode: Make sure you’re using a Lightning to USB (or USB-C) cable, and that your computer has the latest version of iTunes or Finder. Try restarting your iPhone and computer, and make sure your iPhone has enough battery life.

2. iPhone stuck in Recovery Mode: Try exiting Recovery Mode by following the steps outlined above. If that doesn’t work, you may need to restore your iPhone using iTunes or Finder.

3. Error message when restoring or updating iPhone: Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes or Finder, and that your computer is connected to the internet. If you see an error code, look it up on the Apple Support website for specific troubleshooting steps.

4. iPhone screen is black or frozen: Try restarting your iPhone by pressing and holding the Side (or Top) button and either volume button until the power off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone, then press and hold the Side (or Top) button until the Apple logo appears.

If you’re still having issues, contact Apple Support for further assistance.