How To Put Your iPhone or iPad Into Recovery Mode

How To Put Your iPhone or iPad Into Recovery Mode

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Rebooting Your Device: How to Put Your iPhone or iPad into Recovery Mode

There are times when even the most reliable iPhones and iPads encounter software glitches that require a more forceful approach to resolve. Thankfully, Apple has equipped these devices with a recovery mode, a special state that allows you to restore your device’s software using a computer. Here’s a comprehensive guide to putting your iPhone or iPad into recovery mode, tailored to different device models and operating systems:

Important Note: Before proceeding, it’s crucial to understand that putting your device in recovery mode will erase all data and settings. If possible, it’s always recommended to back up your device using iCloud or iTunes before entering recovery mode.

Tools You’ll Need:

  • A computer with the latest version of iTunes (for macOS Mojave or earlier) or Finder (for macOS Catalina and later)
  • A USB cable compatible with your iPhone or iPad

Entering Recovery Mode: A Two-Step Process

The process of entering recovery mode involves a specific sequence of button presses while your device is connected to your computer. The exact steps will vary depending on your iPhone or iPad model and the version of iOS/iPadOS it’s running. Here’s a breakdown for the most common scenarios:

Method 1: iPhone 8 or Later, iPad without Home Button (including iPad Pro, Air, and Mini 4th gen and later)

  1. Power Off Your Device: Ensure your iPhone or iPad is completely turned off. Press and hold the side button (also known as the Sleep/Wake button) until you see the “slide to power off” slider. Swipe the slider to turn off the device.

  2. Connect to Your Computer: While your device is off, connect it to your computer using the USB cable. Make sure your computer is powered on and running the latest version of iTunes (macOS Mojave or earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later).

  3. The Button Combination: Here comes the crucial part. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
    Quickly means a single, rapid press and release. Don’t hold the button down.

  4. Quickly Press and Release Volume Down: Following the Volume Up button press, quickly press and release the Volume Down button. Again, a single, rapid press and release is essential.

  5. Hold the Side Button: Now, press and hold the Side button (right side of the device). Keep holding this button even if you see the Apple logo appear.

  6. Hold Until Recovery Mode Appears: Continue holding the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen. This screen typically displays a black background with a white or red iTunes logo (with or without a connecting cable).

Method 2: iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, iPad with Home Button (including iPad Air 1st/2nd gen, iPad Mini 1st/2nd/3rd gen)

  1. Power Down Your Device: As with Method 1, ensure your iPhone or iPad is completely turned off. Press and hold the side/top button (depending on your model) until the “slide to power off” slider appears. Swipe the slider to power off the device.

  2. Connect to Your Computer: Connect your turned-off device to your computer using a USB cable. Make sure your computer is powered on and running the latest version of iTunes (macOS Mojave or earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later).

  3. The Button Combination: Here’s the button sequence for these models. Press and hold the Top (or Side) button and the Home button simultaneously.

  4. Hold Until Recovery Mode Appears: Keep holding both buttons even if you see the Apple logo appear. Don’t release the buttons until you see the recovery mode screen, typically displaying a black background with a white or red iTunes logo (with or without a connecting cable).

Method 3: iPhone 6S or Earlier, iPad with Home Button (all models before iPad Air 1st gen)

  1. Power Down Your Device: Similar to the previous methods, ensure your iPhone or iPad is completely turned off. Press and hold the top (or side) button until the “slide to power off” slider appears. Swipe the slider to power off the device.

  2. Connect to Your Computer: Connect your turned-off device to your computer using a USB cable. Make sure your computer is powered on and running the latest version of iTunes (macOS Mojave or earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later).

  3. The Button Combination: Here’s the button sequence specific to older iPhones and iPads. Press and hold the Home button and the Top (or Side) button simultaneously.

  4. Hold Until Recovery Mode Appears: Keep holding both the Home button and the Top (or Side) button even if you see the Apple logo appear. Don’t release the buttons until you see the recovery mode screen, typically displaying a black background with a white or red iTunes logo (with or without a connecting cable).

What to Do Once You’re in Recovery Mode

Once you see the recovery mode screen on your iPhone or iPad, you’ll have two options:

  • Restore: This will erase all your data and settings and install a fresh copy of iOS/iPadOS. This is typically the recommended option if you’re experiencing major software issues.
  • Update: If there’s a newer version of iOS/iPadOS available, you might be able to update your device through recovery mode without erasing your data. However, this option is not always available.

Restoring or Updating Your Device:

The process of restoring or updating your device using recovery mode will vary depending on the software you’re using (iTunes or Finder). It’s recommended to consult Apple’s official support website for detailed instructions specific to your device model and operating system version. Here are some general resources to get you started:

Important Notes:

  • Entering recovery mode and restoring your device can take some time. Be patient and avoid disconnecting your device during the process.
  • If you encounter any errors during the restore or update process, consult Apple Support for further assistance.

By following these steps and resources, you should be able to put your iPhone or iPad into recovery mode and restore or update your device’s software. Remember, entering recovery mode should be a last resort, so always attempt to back up your data before proceeding. With a little technical know-how, you can get your iPhone or iPad back up and running smoothly!

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