How to Put iPhone in Recovery Mode and Get It Out Safely

Clara Prescott Published on February 12, 2026Recover Data3-min reading

When your iPhone won't turn on, gets stuck on the Apple logo, or fails during a system update, putting your iPhone in Recovery Mode is often the most effective solution. In this guide, you'll learn what iPhone Recovery Mode is, when to use it, and how to enter and exit. Furthermore, you'll also find reliable methods to recover your data after recovery.

Part 1: What is iPhone Recovery Mode

iPhone Recovery Mode is Apple's official system repair feature. It can fix serious iOS issues that stop your iPhone from booting normally or make it unresponsive. After connecting your device to a computer, you can update or restore your iPhone and reinstall iOS in this mode. People commonly use it to resolve boot problems, failed updates and system crashes when basic fixes no longer work.

Part 2: When to Use iPhone Recovery Mode

When basic fixes don't resolve system glitches on your iPhone, iPhone Recovery Mode comes in handy. You can repair iOS, reinstall the system, and get your device back to working normally. Here are the most common scenarios to use Recovery Mode.

1. Your iPhone Won't Start or Gets Stuck

If your iPhone won't turn on, freezes on the Apple logo, keeps restarting nonstop, or locks up as it boots up, use Recovery Mode. These problems usually come from major iOS boot failures or corrupted system files that stop your device from loading properly.

2. iOS Updates or Installations Fail

If an iOS update fails halfway, gets stuck while installing, or leaves your system unstable afterward, just enter Recovery Mode to reinstall iOS and fix all update-related errors.

3. iPhone Screen is Unresponsive, Locked, or Unrecognized

If your screen won't respond to taps and a force restart doesn't work either, or if you forget your passcode, you can turn to Recovery Mode to re-establish a connection with your iPhone.

Part 3. How to Put iPhone in Recovery Mode

Before you start, make sure you have a computer, a USB cable and a stable internet connection, then open Finder or iTunes. Once your iPhone enters Recovery Mode, your computer will prompt you to choose one of 3 options:

Update: Reinstall iOS without deleting data.

Restore: Erase all data and reinstall iOS.

Cancel: Exit Recovery Mode without any changes.

Different iPhone models use different methods to enter Recovery Mode. Match your iPhone model to find the most accurate steps for your device.

For iPhone 8 and Later Models Including iPhone SE (2nd Generation)

If you use an iPhone 8 or newer models, you need to follow these steps:

For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus

Keep pressing the Volume Down Button and Side Button together until Recovery Mode appears on the screen.

For iPhone 6S or Earlier, Including iPhone SE (1st Generation)

Press the Home and Side Buttons together and hold them until Recovery Mode appears on your phone.

Part 4. How to Get iPhone Out of Recovery Mode

If you accidentally entered Recovery Mode by mistake, or your iPhone got stuck during an update, how can you exit Recovery Mode? Don't worry - just follow the steps below, and your iPhone will get out of Recovery Mode without losing any data!

For iPhone 8 and Later Models Including iPhone SE (2nd Generation)

For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus

Keep pressing the Volume Down Button and Power Button together until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 6S or Earlier, Including iPhone SE (1st Generation)

Press and hold the Home and Power Buttons until the Apple logo appears.

Part 5. How to Recover Data After Restoring iPhone in Recovery Mode

Will Recovery Mode delete my photos and files? The answer is yes – Recovery Mode will erase all data on your phone. That's why this Mode is extremely helpful but risky to try. When your iPhone enters Recovery Mode, you'll see three options: Cancel, Restore and Update. Selecting Restore means you agree to erase all data on the device, including photos, videos, messages and apps, and reinstall the iOS from scratch.

Does Restore Mode remove my data from my iPhone permanently? Don't panic! If you have an iCloud or iTunes/Finder backup, you can restore your files after the process. Even without a backup, a professional iPhone data recovery software may help retrieve lost photos and files!

imyPass iPhone Data Recovery is a powerful tool that allows you to recover lost data without a backup. It is available for both Windows and Mac users. With an intuitive interface and a clean guide page, this software makes it easy for users to operate. It also supports file preview before recovery, so you can selectively restore only the data you need.

Recover from iOS Devices Step-by-Step:

Recover from iCloud Backup

Conclusion

Learn how to enter Recovery Mode, and you'll fix sudden iOS glitches fast. One more thing to note: Though serious iPhone system issues are gone, the restoring process has erased your data. If that happens, a reliable iPhone data recovery software can help you retrieve all important files!. Tired of dealing with a stuck or unresponsive iPhone now? Follow the steps above and pick the right solution that fits you best!