Few things are more alarming than pressing the power button on your iPhone and watching it restart over and over — showing the Apple logo, going black, then flashing the logo again. This “boot loop” (or a phone that simply freezes on the logo and never gets past it) can happen after a failed software update, a corrupted system file, a hardware fault, or even a buggy app update. The good news is that most cases can be fixed at home without losing your data, as long as you work through the fixes in the right order.
This guide walks through what causes an iPhone to get stuck on the Apple logo, and the official Apple-recommended steps to get it running again — from a simple forced restart all the way up to restoring the device in recovery mode.
What You’ll Need
- A Lightning or USB-C cable (the one that came with your iPhone, or an MFi-certified equivalent)
- A Mac or Windows computer with the latest version of Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) installed
- A stable Wi-Fi connection if you plan to restore over the air
- Your Apple ID and password, since some recovery steps will ask you to sign back in
- Ideally, a recent backup in iCloud or on your computer — check when your last backup was made before doing anything else
Step 1: Try a Forced Restart First
Before assuming the worst, try a forced restart. This does not erase any data and often clears up a temporary software freeze.
- iPhone 8 or later (including iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 models): Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release 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 Side button and the Volume Down button together until the Apple logo appears.
- iPhone 6s and earlier (with a Home button): Press and hold both the Home button and the top or side button until the Apple logo appears.
If the phone boots normally after this, keep an eye on it for the next day or two. If it gets stuck again, move on to the next steps.
Step 2: Charge It and Rule Out a Battery Issue
Sometimes a phone that appears stuck on the logo is actually just critically low on battery and struggling to power the display consistently. Plug your iPhone into a wall charger (not a computer, which supplies less power) and let it charge undisturbed for at least 30 to 60 minutes before trying a forced restart again.
Step 3: Put Your iPhone into Recovery Mode
If a forced restart doesn’t resolve the loop, the next official step is recovery mode, which lets your computer reinstall the operating system while attempting to preserve your data.
- On your computer, open Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (Windows or older macOS).
- Keep your iPhone disconnected, then perform the button sequence for a forced restart, but instead of releasing the Side button when the Apple logo appears, keep holding it until you see the recovery mode screen (a computer or cable icon).
- Connect the iPhone to your computer with a cable while it’s showing the recovery mode screen.
- In Finder or iTunes, you’ll be prompted to Update or Restore. Choose Update first — this reinstalls the software without erasing your data. If that fails or isn’t offered, you’ll need to choose Restore, which does erase the device.
- Let the process finish without disconnecting the cable. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to over half an hour depending on your connection and the amount of data involved.
Step 4: Use DFU Mode as a Last Resort
If recovery mode doesn’t fix the loop, Device Firmware Update (DFU) mode performs an even deeper reinstall of the software, bypassing the boot loader entirely. The exact button sequence varies by model and changes with iOS updates, so it’s best to follow Apple’s current official instructions at support.apple.com when you reach this step, since getting the timing wrong simply exits the mode without harming the phone. DFU mode will erase your device, so this should be attempted only after Steps 1 through 3 have failed.
Common Problems and Fixes
- The phone loops even after a full restore: This can point to a hardware issue, such as a failing battery, logic board, or storage chip. If DFU restore doesn’t resolve it, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store or authorized service provider.
- Finder or iTunes doesn’t recognize the iPhone: Try a different cable and USB port, restart the computer, and make sure Finder or iTunes is fully updated. On Windows, reinstalling the Apple Mobile Device USB Driver sometimes helps.
- The update/restore keeps failing partway through: This is often caused by an unstable internet connection or a security program blocking Apple’s servers. Try a different network, temporarily disable third-party antivirus or firewall software, and make sure your computer’s date and time are set correctly.
- The loop started right after installing a new iOS update: This suggests a corrupted update file rather than a hardware fault, so an Update or Restore through Finder/iTunes is very likely to fix it.
- You don’t have a recent backup and are worried about losing data: If the phone can still enter recovery mode and complete an “Update,” your data is generally preserved. Only a “Restore” or DFU repair erases the device, so avoid those options until you’ve exhausted the update path.
Protecting Your Data Before You Start
Because some of these fixes can erase your iPhone, it’s worth taking a moment to check your backup situation first. If your iPhone can still connect to Wi-Fi and reach Settings, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup to check the date of your last backup, or connect to a computer and check the last backup date in Finder or iTunes. If the phone is unresponsive and you can’t confirm a recent backup, proceed carefully through Steps 1 to 3 in order, since an “Update” in recovery mode is far less likely to cause data loss than jumping straight to a full restore. Never enter your Apple ID or payment details into any site or pop-up that appears unexpectedly during this process — official recovery only happens through Finder, iTunes, or Apple’s own support channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my photos and messages if I fix a boot loop?
Not necessarily. A forced restart and an “Update” through recovery mode are both designed to preserve your data. Data loss typically only happens if you need to use “Restore” or DFU mode, or if you don’t have a backup to restore from afterward.
How long does it normally take to fix?
A forced restart takes seconds. Recovery mode updates typically take 10 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed and how much data is on the device.
Can a boot loop be caused by a cracked screen or water damage?
Yes. Physical damage can cause an iPhone to behave erratically, including getting stuck during startup. If your iPhone has been dropped or exposed to liquid, a hardware inspection at an Apple Store or authorized repair shop is the safer next step.
What if my iPhone is out of warranty?
You can still get it evaluated and repaired at an Apple Store or authorized service provider; you’ll simply be quoted an out-of-warranty repair cost if a hardware issue is found.
Steps and menu labels may change as apps update. Last updated: August 2026.