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Boboin's avatar
Boboin
Iron Contributor
Feb 25, 2025

How to fix iPhone stuck in recovery mode on a Windows PC?

I was trying to restore iPhone from iTunes backup on my Windows 11 PC. But now, the iPhone 15 was stuck in recovery mode and never boot into the desktop anymore. I don't know how this happened?

I've tried restarting the iPhone using the volume and side buttons, but it keeps going back to the recovery screen. I also installed iTunes from the Microsoft Store, but not sure how to use it properly to fix this issue. My main concern is losing data since I don't have a recent iCloud backup.

By the way, I also connected my iPhone to my PC using different USB cables and ports, but iTunes doesn't always recognize the device. I'm looking for a detailed, step-by-step guide to fix iPhone stuck in recovery mode without losing data. I'm also open all possible solutions.

Thank you

  • If none of the previous methods work, or if you suspect a hardware issue (e.g., damaged USB port, battery, or logic board), it's best to contact Apple Support. Apple's support team can diagnose the problem and provide professional assistance, especially if your iPhone is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+. This is a proven way to help you fix iPhone stuck in recovery mode as far as I know.

    Important Notes:

    1. Backup Your Data (If Possible): If your iPhone is still accessible, back up your data to iCloud or iTunes/Finder before sending it for repair.

    2. Bring Proof of Purchase: If your iPhone is under warranty, bring your receipt or proof of purchase.

    3. Check Repair Costs: If your iPhone is out of warranty, ask for an estimate of repair costs before proceeding.

  • You can boot the iPhone into DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode and this will help you fix iPhone stuck in Recovery mode. It is a deeper restore option than recovery mode. It allows you to restore your iPhone’s firmware and software when other methods fail. However, this will erase all data on your iPhone, so use it as a last resort if you don't have a backup or if other methods haven’t worked.

    How to Force Restart the iPhone to Enter DFU Mode:

    1. Press and release Volume Up.
    2. Press and release Volume Down.
    3. Press and hold the Side button for 10 seconds.
    4. After 10 seconds, release the Side button and immediately press and hold Volume Down for 5 seconds.
    5. If the screen stays black, you’ve successfully entered DFU mode.

    A pop-up will appear in iTunes saying, "There's a problem with the iPhone that requires it to be updated or restored." This will erase all data on your iPhone and reinstall the latest iOS version. 

    Do not disconnect the iPhone during this process. It may take several minutes. Once the process is complete, the iPhone will restart. Follow the on-screen instructions to set it up as new or restore from a backup.

  • Versecxy's avatar
    Versecxy
    Iron Contributor

    If you’re running old software on your computer, you might hit a snag. Sometimes iTunes or Finder just doesn’t play nice with your device if it’s got an outdated version. So you’ll have to take the time to update everything, and if your computer is acting slow, that can drag things out even more. Not fun! You might see error messages (like those pesky error 4013 or 9 ones) that pop up, and then you’re left scratching your head, wondering what the heck went wrong.

    Fixing iPhone stuck in recovery mode via iTunes or Finder can feel like watching paint dry. Honestly, it can take a while. You’re first waiting for the software to download, then for the installation process, and sometimes there’s a backup process involved too. If you’re in a rush to get things done.

    If your iPhone 15 is still stuck in recovery mode after trying the above methods, it may be a more serious issue. Consider reaching out to Apple Support or visiting an Apple Store. They can perform more advanced diagnostics and assist further.

    Important Considerations
    Restoring your iPhone will erase all data on it, so if you have a backup, you can restore your data after the process.
    If you are under warranty or have AppleCare, contacting Apple directly is advisable to avoid further issues.

  • Urieloul's avatar
    Urieloul
    Iron Contributor

    One possible solution is using iTunes to restore iPhone. This method uses iTunes to update the iPhone's software (without data loss) or restore it to factory settings (erases all data). Updating is the safer option, but if the update fails, you may need to restore the device.

    Simple Way to Fix iPhone stuck in Recovery mode:

    1. If you don't have iTunes installed, download it from the Microsoft Store or the Apple website.
    2. Use a working USB cable to connect your iPhone to your Windows PC or Mac.
    3. Open iTunes and boot iPhone into Recovery mode. Press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears.
    4. A pop-up will appear in iTunes saying, “There’s a problem with the iPhone that requires it to be updated or restored.”
    5. Click Update to reinstall iOS without erasing your data. iTunes will download the necessary software and install it on your iPhone. Do not disconnect the iPhone during this process. It may take several minutes.
    6. If the update doesn't work, go back to the pop-up and select Restore. This will erase all data on the iPhone and reinstall iOS.
    7. Once the process is complete, the iPhone will restart. Follow the on-screen instructions to set it up as new or restore from a backup.

    Note: Ensure your computer has a stable internet connection for downloading the iOS software.

    This is a quite effective method to let you fix iPhone stuck in Recovery mode. Please read the steps carefully!

     

  • AmeliaAdams's avatar
    AmeliaAdams
    Iron Contributor

    How to fix iPhone stuck in recovery mode? When you're trying to get out of recovery mode, take your time and follow the exact steps for your specific iPhone model when doing a force restart. If you mix them up, you might end up just creating more problems. Pay close attention to instructions! Just because your buddy with an iPhone 11 swears it works for him doesn’t mean it’ll work for your iPhone 8. 

    Before you start the fix, check if your iTunes or Finder is up to date. Sometimes an outdated version can create compatibility issues when your iPhone is trying to connect. So go ahead and update that software before getting started.

  • MarciaFudge's avatar
    MarciaFudge
    Iron Contributor

    If your iPhone is stuck in recovery mode, you can try several methods to get it out. Here’s a step-by-step guide you can fix iPhone stuck in recovery mode:

    Method 1: Restart Your iPhone

    • Force Restart: Depending on your iPhone model, perform a force restart:
    • iPhone 8 or later: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button. Then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
    • iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold both the Volume Down and the Side buttons until you see the Apple logo.
    • iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold both the Home and the Top (or Side) buttons until the Apple logo appears.

     

    Method 2: Use iTunes or Finder

    • Connect iPhone to a Computer: Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to a computer.
    • Open iTunes or Finder:
      -On macOS Catalina or later, open Finder.
      -On macOS Mojave or earlier, or on Windows, open iTunes.
    • Detect iPhone: Your computer will detect the iPhone in recovery mode. You will see a prompt indicating that your iPhone is in recovery mode.
    • Update or Restore: You will have the option to either update or restore your iPhone. Choose Update first, as this will attempt to reinstall iOS without erasing your data. If that fails, you may need to choose Restore, but note that this will erase all data on the device.
    • Follow Instructions: Follow the prompts to complete the process.

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