Apple makes some of the longest-lived mobile devices – basically iPhones and iPads keep on working. However, nothing is perfect, and sometimes things go wrong. Here is how to enter recovery mode to fix your device.
Reinstalling iOS on your iPhone or iPad always runs the risk of erasing your data, so it is wise to make frequent backups to your computer via iTunes or using iCloud. However, here’s how to boot your iPhone, iPod, or iPad into recovery mode.
Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes
First, you will need to make sure that you are using the latest version of iTunes. Comes pre-installed on Macs, available for Windows Apple website and in Microsoft Store.
After installing it, open iTunes, click on the Help tab, then click on Check for Updates.
If an update is available for iTunes, it should be downloaded and installed immediately. If it fails – or you have reason to believe it’s not updating properly – you can always Redownload the installer from the Apple website if you are running Windows, or check for updates in the App Store if you’re using macOS. This will ensure that you are using the latest version of iTunes.
With that away, you’re ready to get started. The rest of the procedure is slightly different depending on the device you are using, so we will review them one by one.
Entering Recovery Mode on iPhone 8 or later
All iPhones manufactured since 2017 have used the same method to get into recovery mode. As of June 2022, the forms included are:
- iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
- iPhone X و XR و XS و XS Max
- iPhone 11 and 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)
- iPhone 12 and 12 mini and 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 and 13 mini and 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max
Press and release the Volume Up button, then press and release the Volume Down button, then hold the Power button until the recovery mode screen appears. It won’t happen right away, so wait for at least 15 seconds or so before trying once more.
Once the recovery mode screen appears, you can connect your phone to your computer using a Lightning cable.
Entering Recovery Mode on iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus
If you’re using an iPhone 7, 7 Plus, or seventh generation iPod, start by turning off your phone. Then press and hold the Volume Down button and the Power button at the same time until the recovery screen appears. You’ll see the Apple logo first, but don’t release the button when you do – it’s still too early.
It will look very similar to this:
Once this screen appears, go ahead and connect your device to your PC via Lightning cable.
How to enter recovery mode on iPhone 6s or earlier
These instructions cover how to access Recovery Mode on iPhone 6s and earlier models, including:
- Iphone
- iPhone 3G و 3Gs
- iPhone 4 and 4s
- iPhone 5, 5c and 5s
- iPhone 6 and 6S and 6 Plus and 6S Plus
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
First, make sure your device is turned off. Then all you have to do is press the power button and the home button simultaneously. Wait for the buttons until the Recovery Mode screen appears. It will take a few seconds – the Recovery Mode screen is not immediately accessible to prevent people from accidentally opening it.
Class: The power button is on the side for iPhone 6 or later users, and on the top right for iPhone 5s and earlier.
After the recovery mode screen appears, go ahead and connect the phone to your computer.
How to Enter Recovery Mode on iPad Using Home Buttons
Some iPads in Apple’s current lineup — such as the iPad 10.2 — retained home buttons, and most iPads made before 2018 had home buttons.
If your iPad has a Home button, all you have to do to enter Recovery Mode is press and hold the Home button and the Power button at the same time for 10-15 seconds, just like older iPhones.
The Recovery Mode screen will appear and you will be prompted to connect your iPad to your Mac or Windows computer.
How to Enter Recovery Mode on iPad Without Home Button
Most new iPads no longer have home buttons — most of them do iPad models It moved away from 2017 to 2018. If your iPad doesn’t have a home button, the process for entering recovery mode is exactly the same as on all newer iPhones.
Press and release the volume button that is closest to the power button, then press and release the button farthest, then press and hold the power button until the recovery screen appears.
There are two different button configurations that you will find on iPads. If your iPad has the volume buttons at the top, it will look like this for you:
iPads with volume buttons on both sides follow the same basic procedure: press and release the upper volume button, then the lower volume button, then hold down the power button. Wait until the Recovery Mode screen appears, then release the button.
The Recovery Mode screen will display a cable that connects to your iPad – once it appears, connect your iPad to your computer.
What do you do once you are in recovery mode
Now that your device is in recovery mode, you have regarding 15 minutes before it automatically exits. If it does not move fast enough and your phone exits recovery mode, repeat pressing the same button as shown above to enter it once more.
A window like the one below will appear on your computer once you have successfully entered the recovery mode on your phone or tablet. You will be prompted to restore or update.
You should try the “Update” option first. Your problems may well be fixed by updating your iPhone or iPad without completely reinstalling your operating system. The “Update” option preserves all of your files and settings, which will save you – at the very least – time and effort setting everything up once more. It will also save you from losing anything you neglected to support.
If the Update option fails, you will need to go back to the recovery mode screen once more, just like you did before. This time you will have to click on “Restore”. It’s not perfect, but it might be the only way to fix your iPhone or iPad.
Related: How to back up your iPhone with iTunes (and when you should)