An iPhone that is stuck on the Apple logo, disabled after too many passcode attempts, or unable to finish an update may need a deeper recovery method than a normal restart. Recovery Mode gives the computer a way to communicate with the iPhone even when iOS is not starting correctly.
The steps for how to put iPhone in recovery mode depend on the iPhone model, the computer you are using, and whether the device is still responsive enough to connect normally.
The sections below break down the correct button sequence and what to do if the process stalls.
1. What Is iPhone Recovery Mode and When Do You Need It?
Recovery Mode is a special startup state that lets Finder on Mac or the Apple Devices app on Windows update or restore an iPhone when ordinary startup or software recovery is not working.
Apple identifies several situations where Recovery Mode may be necessary:
- The iPhone is disabled or locked, and the passcode cannot be used.
- The iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo for several minutes without a progress bar.
- An iOS update or restore fails and the device will not start normally.
- The passcode is forgotten, and on-device reset options are unavailable.
- The computer detects the iPhone in recovery mode, or the Connect to Computer screen appears.
Recovery Mode itself does not automatically erase the iPhone. Once the computer detects it, you may be offered Update or Restore. Update attempts to reinstall iOS while preserving data, while Restore reinstalls iOS and erases the device.
That distinction matters before following how to put iPhone in recovery mode, especially when no recent backup exists and you want to avoid an unnecessary restore.
2. How to Put iPhone in Recovery Mode Step by Step
You need a Mac or Windows PC, a compatible cable, and a working internet connection. Use the current Finder or Apple Devices software before beginning.
Prepare a Computer and Connect Your iPhone
On a Mac, open Finder.
On a Windows PC, use the Apple Devices app. Older Windows setups may still use iTunes, while Macs running older macOS versions may also use iTunes.
Connect the iPhone directly to the computer with a USB cable. Avoid using a USB hub if possible, especially if the computer has already had trouble detecting the device. For how to put iPhone in recovery mode successfully, keep the device connected directly to the computer while completing the required button sequence.
Press the Correct Buttons Based on Your iPhone Model
The button combination changes by iPhone generation.
But some generations can share the same process. For example, those looking for for how to put iPhone 13 in recovery mode and how to put iPhone 14 in recovery mode can use the same sequence with iPhone 8 or newer models.
| iPhone Model | Recovery Mode Steps |
| iPhone 8 and newer, including iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 | Press and quickly release Volume Up, press and quickly release Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until the Connect to Computer screen appears. |
| iPhone 7 / 7 Plus | Press and hold the Side or Top button + Volume Down together until the Connect to Computer screen appears. |
| iPhone 6s and earlier, including iPhone SE (1st generation) | Press and hold the Home button + Side or Top button together until the Connect to Computer screen appears. |
Release the Button When the Recovery Mode Screen Appears
Once the iPhone displays the cable-and-computer recovery graphic, release the button. This screen confirms that how to put iPhone in recovery mode worked and that Finder or Apple Devices can now communicate with the device.
Finder or Apple Devices should then recognize the phone and offer Update or Restore.
If you have not already tried Update, Apple generally recommends trying it first because it reinstalls iOS without intentionally erasing your personal data. If Update cannot fix the problem, Restore erases the iPhone and reinstalls iOS.
If the software download takes more than about 15 minutes, the iPhone may leave the recovery screen. Let the download finish, then repeat the Recovery Mode button sequence.
3. How to Put a Disabled iPhone Into Recovery Mode
The process for how to put iPhone in recovery mode when disabled is essentially the same, but the reason for using it is different.
If the iPhone is locked because the passcode was forgotten or entered incorrectly too many times, Recovery Mode can let the computer erase the device and remove the passcode. Apple treats computer-based recovery as a fallback when newer passcode-reset or on-device erase options are unavailable.
Restoring removes the forgotten passcode but also deletes the current data on the device. If a backup exists, you can restore it afterward.
4. What to Do If Recovery Mode Doesn’t Work
If how to put iPhone in recovery mode does not work on the first attempt, the problem is usually the connection, button timing, software, or restore process rather than Recovery Mode itself.
Computer Doesn’t Recognize Your iPhone
Start with the physical connection. Confirm the cable and port first when Finder or Apple Devices cannot detect an iPhone.
Recovery Mode Screen Won’t Appear
The most common cause is releasing the buttons too early.
On iPhone 8 and newer, do not stop holding the Side button when the Apple logo appears. Keep holding until the “Connect to Computer” screen shows.
If a button is physically stuck or broken, Recovery Mode may not be possible through the normal sequence and service may be required.
Try the sequence again slowly and make sure the iPhone stays connected to the computer throughout the process.
Restoration Fails or Shows Error Codes
Restore errors can appear when the USB connection drops, the computer software is outdated, or security software interferes.
Apple recommends:
- Updating macOS or Apple Devices/iTunes.
- Connecting the iPhone directly to the computer.
- Trying another USB cable or port.
- Restarting the computer and iPhone.
- Checking security software.
- Trying another computer or network.
Errors 9, 4005, 4013, or 4014 may occur when the connection between the computer and device is interrupted during an update or restore. Try another cable or computer if those errors persist.
iPhone Shows Recovery Mode but Won’t Restore
If the recovery screen appears but Restore repeatedly fails, first try Update if it is still available. Update reinstalls iOS while attempting to preserve personal data.
If Restore is required, keep the iPhone connected and make sure the computer can reach Apple’s software update servers.
A failed connection to the update server can prevent restoration even when Recovery Mode itself is working correctly. Check the internet connection and try again; if the iPhone is locked or already in Recovery Mode, a computer remains necessary.
>>> Read more: How to Transfer iPhone to iPhone: 3 Easy, Safe Methods
5. FAQs
What is the difference between recovery mode, restart, and DFU mode?
A restart simply reloads iOS and does not reinstall software or erase data.
Recovery Mode lets Finder or Apple Devices communicate with an iPhone that cannot start or update normally. From there, you can update or restore iOS.
DFU mode is a deeper firmware-level recovery state that bypasses the normal iOS boot process. Apple does not generally document DFU as the first troubleshooting method for consumers, so Recovery Mode should normally be tried first.
Will putting my iPhone in Recovery Mode delete all my data?
No. Entering Recovery Mode alone does not delete data.
What happens afterward matters. Choosing Update attempts to reinstall iOS while preserving data. Choosing Restore erases the iPhone and reinstalls the operating system.
What is the difference between Recovery Mode and DFU Mode?
Recovery Mode still uses Apple’s standard recovery interface and displays the Connect to Computer screen.
DFU mode operates at a lower level and usually leaves the iPhone screen black. It is generally reserved for more advanced troubleshooting when Recovery Mode cannot solve the problem.
Can I put my iPhone in Recovery Mode without a computer?
You can enter some recovery-related states using the iPhone buttons, but traditional Recovery Mode is designed to work with a Mac or Windows PC so Finder or Apple Devices can update or restore the phone.
For a locked iPhone, newer iOS versions may also provide on-device passcode reset options, but those are separate from traditional Recovery Mode.
Why won’t my computer recognize my iPhone in Recovery Mode?
Possible causes include a damaged USB cable, faulty USB port, debris in the iPhone connector, outdated computer software, security software interference, or a hardware issue.
Try another cable, another port, update the computer, and connect the iPhone directly rather than through a hub.
>>> Read more: How to Restart iPhone: 4 Safe Methods for Every Model
6. Final Thoughts
Recovery Mode is most useful when normal startup or updating is no longer working.
Use the correct button sequence for your model, keep the iPhone connected to an updated computer, and try Update before Restore when preserving data is still possible.
If how to put iPhone in recovery mode repeatedly fails even with another cable and computer, the issue may require hardware service rather than another software reset.
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