Overview
Recovery Mode is a built-in rescue state that lets a computer reinstall or restore iOS when the phone won't boot normally — for example after a failed update or a forgotten passcode. It's a safe, official tool, and used correctly (choosing Update) it can fix your phone without erasing data.
Symptoms you might see
- You need to reinstall iOS on a phone that won't start.
- You're recovering from a stuck Apple logo or failed update.
- You've forgotten your passcode and need to reset the device.
- A computer prompts you that the phone needs to be updated or restored.
Possible causes
- A failed or interrupted iOS update.
- A corrupted system that prevents normal booting.
- A forgotten passcode requiring an erase.
- Preparation for a clean restore.
Step-by-step troubleshooting
Work through these in order — the earliest steps are the safest and fix the most cases.
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Connect to a computer
Open Finder (macOS) or Apple Devices/iTunes (Windows) and connect your iPhone with a cable. Make sure the software is up to date.
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Start the button sequence
On iPhone 8 and later: press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button. On iPhone 7: hold Volume Down + Side. On 6s or earlier: hold Home + Side.
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Keep holding until the Recovery screen appears
Don't let go at the Apple logo — keep holding until you see the Recovery Mode screen showing a cable pointing to a computer. Then release.
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Choose Update or Restore
Your computer will offer to Update (reinstall iOS, keep data) or Restore (erase and reinstall). Choose Update first. Only choose Restore if Update fails and you have a backup.
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Exit Recovery Mode if needed
To leave without changes, disconnect the cable and force restart the phone (Volume Up, Volume Down, hold Side until it reboots normally).
Before you go further: back up your iPhone to iCloud or a computer whenever possible. Steps that could affect your data are clearly flagged — and for suspected hardware faults, a qualified repair professional is the safest next step.
Prevention tips
- Keep regular backups so a Restore is never a data loss.
- Update over stable connections to avoid needing recovery.
- Remember your Apple ID credentials — you'll need them after a restore.
Frequently asked questions
Does Recovery Mode erase my iPhone?
Not by itself. Choosing Update reinstalls iOS while keeping data. Only Restore erases the device. Always try Update first.
How is Recovery Mode different from DFU Mode?
Recovery Mode reinstalls iOS through the normal bootloader. DFU (Device Firmware Update) is a deeper mode that reloads firmware at a lower level, used when Recovery Mode can't fix the problem.
Related guides
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