Guide 1i · Restart & Recovery
iPhone How-To Guide • RecoveryOlder iPhone stuck on the logo or a failed update? Recovery mode uses the Home button and a computer to fix iOS.
Works on: iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, 6, 6 Plus, SE (1st generation, 2016), 5s, 5c, 5, 4s and 4. Other iPhones use different buttons.
What You Need
- A Mac, or a Windows PC with the Apple Devices app
- A cable that charges your phone
- Internet, and up to an hour
How To Enter Recovery Mode
- Plug the phone into the computer.
- On a Mac, open Finder. On a PC, open the Apple Devices app.
- Press and hold the Home button and the power button (side or top) at the same time.
- Keep holding past the Apple logo. Let go when you see the computer-and-cable screen. If it starts up normally, start again.
- On the computer, click Update (keeps your data). Wait for it to finish.
- If the phone leaves recovery mode during a long download, repeat the button steps.
Last Resort: Restore (Deletes Everything)
Only do this if Update fails twice.
⚠️ This deletes everything on the phone. Photos, messages and apps are gone unless you have a backup. See How To Back Up Your iPhone. If you want to keep your data, call or text (720) 413-8150 first. There may be another way.
- Put the phone back in recovery mode with the button steps above.
- On the computer, click Restore instead of Update.
- Wait. The phone restarts with a fresh copy of iOS, like a new phone.
Restore failed? Try DFU mode (it also erases everything).
Source: If you can't update or restore your iPhone, Restart an unresponsive iPhone (Apple Support, checked Oct 18, 2026).
Next step: 1l DFU Mode (iPhone 6s And Older)
If this didn't fix it: iPhone Diagnostics
Related: 1c Force Restart (iPhone 6s And Older) · 1e Stuck On The Apple Logo · 10a Back Up Your iPhone
Still stuck? Call or text (720) 413-8150 or book an appointment. It's a home-based shop, so please call or text before you head over.
Franchitti's Fix LLC is an independent repair shop, not affiliated with Apple.