iPhone Recovery Mode Not Working? 5 Ways to Fix It

Recovery mode enables you to fix several issues with the device. Although it's easy to put your iPhone in recovery mode, sometimes you will find the feature is not working as it should have.

If the recovery mode is not working on iPhone/iPad, keep reading this article. Below, we will discuss the reasons behind the issue. We will also let you comprehend how to fix it. Let's get started!

Part 1. Why is iPhone/iPad Recovery Mode Not Working?

Here are some of the common causes that can prevent your iPhone or iPad from entering recovery mode:

• Software Glitches: In most cases, software glitches prevent iPhone or iPad from entering the mode. Updating the iOS software might help to solve the issue.
• Damaged Cable: Sometimes, the lightning cable you are employing can also root the problem. Consider using a official cable for a smoother connection.
• iTunes Issue: Sometimes, the iTunes settings can be wrong, or the iTunes version is outdated, which can lead to this problem.

When you understand the possible reasons, it’s time to check the potential solutions below to help you with ease.

Part 2. How to Fix iPhone/iPad Recovery Mode Not Working?

Update iTunes to the Latest Version

If you are utilizing an outdated version of iTunes, consider updating it to the latest version. In most cases, the recovery mode not working issue is caused by an outdated iTunes. Here is how to update iTunes:

For Mac Catalina or later:

• Go to System Preference from Apple's menu and press Software Update to inspect for the latest updates.
• If the update is available, press Update Now to proceed.

For Mac PC with iTunes:

• Start App Store on Mac and then go to Update.
• Check for MacOS/iTunes Updates.
• If available, press Update to proceed.

For Windows PCs:

• If you downloaded the iTunes from the Apple website, begin iTunes and browse Help > Check for Updates. Then press Install.
• If iTunes is downloaded from Store of Microsoft, iTunes should be updated on its own.

Force Restart iPhone/iPad

If updating iTunes doesn't solve the issue, consider force restarting your iPhone/iPad. In most cases, a force reboot should unravel the minor system glitches that are causing the issues with recovery mode not working.

For iPad without home button, iPhone 8/X/11/12/13/14/15

• Tap and quickly release the Volume+ button.
• Do the same with the Volume- button.
• Then tap the side button until you see the Apple logo.

For iPhone 7/7 Plus

• Simultaneously press the Volume- and side button.
• Release when you see the Apple logo.

For iPad with home button, iPhone 6s and older models

• Press and hold the side button and Volume+ button simultaneously.
• Release when you see the Apple logo.

Check Apple Mobile Device USB Driver

Sometimes, iTunes will fail to recognize your device as the Apple Mobile Device USB driver is not available or is incorrectly installed. You can check this from Device Manager. Here is how to do so:

• Click Windows and R keys together on your keyboard to launch the Run command.
• Enter devmgt.msc in the run window and tap OK to open Device Manager.
• Find and expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers tab.
• Find Apple Device USB Driver and ensure it's working properly.

Try an iTunes Alternative to Fix iPhone Recovery Mode Not Working

If you still can't fix the issue with iTunes, you can consider using the FoneGeek iOS System Recovery program. It's an alternative to iTunes that serves the same purpose. It allows you to fix a number of system-related issues with your iPhone and iPad. This tool is also very easy and safe to utilize as it doesn't remove any data on your iPhone.

Here is how to employ FoneGeek iOS System Recovery to fix your iPhone/iPad when the recovery mode is not working:

Step 1: Get the FoneGeek iOS System Recovery from their official website and install it on your PC. Then launch the program and select Standard Mode from the homepage.

Step 2: Attach your iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch to the PC through a USB cable and press Next. If the iPhone/iPad is not detected, boot it into recovery/DFU mode following on step guide.

Step 3: Now, you will notice all the available firmware versions. Pick the preferred one and click Download.

Step 4: Once the download is done, press Fix Now. That's it; the program will begin fixing the issues on your iPhone/iPad. It will get back to its normal state within a while.

Use DFU Mode Instead of Recovery Mode

You can also consider utilizing the DFU mode when the Recovery mode is not working. Before you begin, note that the process is a bit tricky and eradicates all the data from the device. So, only utilize this method as a last resort. Here is how to do so:

Step 1: Start iTunes on your PC. Make sure you have the most delinquent version of iTunes.

Step 2: Follow the below steps to put the iPhone to DFU mode:

• For iPhone 6/6s, long-press the Power and Home button for 8 seconds. Then unleash the Power button and keep holding the Home button till the screen becomes black.
• If its iPhone 7/7s, long-press the Power and Volume down button for 8 seconds. Then unleash the Power button and keep holding the Volume down button till the screen becomes black.
• For iPhone 8 and up, quickly press the Volume up button and then the Volume down button. After that, long-press Power button till you sight the black screen.

Step 3: Once after the device gets into the DFU mode, iTunes you let you know that it’s detected the iPhone which is in Recovery mode.

Step 4: After that, you will need to press OK and then Restore iPhone on the iTunes interface.

Part 3. How to Manually Put iPhone in Recovery Mode?

As we said above, it's not that hard to put your iPhone in recovery mode. All you need to do is to tap some specific buttons.

• If you are using iPhone 8 or the latest models, you will need to press the Volume Up button and then unleash it quickly. Then you will need to repeat the process for the Volume Down button. After that, long-press the Side button for a few seconds to put the iPhone in recovery mode.
• If you have an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, press the Side and Volume Down button to put the phone into recovery mode.
• If you are using iPhone 6 or prior, tap and hold the Side and Home buttons to put the phone into recovery mode.

Once the device gets into mode, attach it to a PC with a USB cable to restore it using iTunes.

Final Words

We hope the above guide will help you to fix the recovery mode not working on your iPhone or iPad. If you are in a rush, you can consider utilizing the FoneGeek iOS System Recovery program to fix the issue quickly. This professional tool is also suitable for a lot of other system issues on iPhone or iPad devices. You will surely find it useful.

FAQs about iPhone/iPad Recovery Mode

Q1. How can I Get the iPhone back from Recovery Mode?

You need to follow the same procedure we discussed above to enter recovery mode to get rid of it. You can also utilize the method of forcing restarting the iPhone to get out of it.

Q2. How can I be assured that the recovery mode is working?

When the iPhone is in recovery mode, you will see the recovery screen. Once you connect the iPhone to a PC, you will see a popup in the iTunes/Finder to restore the device.

Q3. Will recovery mode delete everything on iPhone?

It depends on the option you choose. If you select "Restore", the existing data will be removed. If you choose "Update", the data won't be erased.

Q4. Is there any way to back up the iPhone in Recovery Mode?

There is no way to back up your iPhone when it's in recovery mode. When the iPhone is in the recovery mode, the only way to restore it is by attaching it to iTunes through USB cable. You will need to exit mode if you want to back up data.