iPhone Stuck on the Apple Logo? Try These Fixes

Common causes

• An update, restore or erase that is still finishing
• An update or restore that never completes
• An iPhone that has stopped responding
• iOS that needs to be updated or reinstalled from a computer
• A problem that needs service

Step-by-Step Solutions

Start by checking for a progress bar, then work down the steps in order, and choose Restore only after you’ve tried Update, because it erases your iPhone.

1. 1

   Step 1: Check for a progress bar

   An Apple logo with a progress bar usually means your iPhone is still finishing an update, a restore or an erase.

   After you update, restore from a backup or erase your iPhone, it shows the Apple logo with a progress bar. The bar may move slowly or look like it isn’t moving, and sometimes it fills up and then starts again. Let your iPhone finish. How long it takes depends on the number of files and the type of operation.

   For an over-the-air update, keep your iPhone connected to power so it doesn’t run out of charge during the update. If the update seems stuck, pressing a button may help. If an “updating” message appears, the update is still in progress.

   Good to know

   If your iPhone is connected to a computer and it appears there with sync options you can change and content you can sync, the process is complete. Leave it connected until the migration finishes.

2. 2

   Step 2: Force restart your iPhone

   If the update or restore never completes, or your iPhone doesn’t respond, a force restart is the next step.

   On an iPhone with Face ID, press and quickly release the volume up button. Press and quickly release the volume down button. Then press and hold the side button, and release it when the Apple logo appears.

   If your iPhone goes back to the Apple logo and stays there for several minutes with no progress bar, move on to recovery mode.

   Good to know

   On an iPhone with Face ID, it might take longer than 10 seconds for the Apple logo to appear while you hold the side button.

3. 3

   Step 3: Connect your iPhone to a computer

   Recovery mode needs a Mac or a Windows PC, a USB cable and the right app.

   Make sure your Mac is up to date. On a Windows PC, get the latest version of the Apple Devices app.

   Connect your iPhone to the computer with a USB cable. Then open the Finder on your Mac, or open the Apple Devices app on your PC. Keep your iPhone connected for the next steps.

4. 4

   Step 4: Put your iPhone in recovery mode

   A short button sequence brings up the “Connect to computer” screen, so your computer can update or restore iOS.

   On iPhone 8 or later, including iPhone SE (2nd generation and later), press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Then press and hold the side button until you see the “Connect to computer” screen.

   Keep your iPhone connected to the computer while you do this.

   Good to know

   The buttons differ on older models. On iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, press and hold the top (or side) and Volume Down buttons at the same time. On iPhone 6s or earlier, including iPhone SE (1st generation), press and hold the Home and top (or side) buttons at the same time. In both cases, hold them until you see the “Connect to computer” screen.

5. 5

   Step 5: Choose Update first

   Your computer offers to update or restore your iPhone, and Apple suggests trying Update first.

   Locate your iPhone on your computer. When the Update or Restore options appear, choose Update if you haven’t tried updating yet.

   Restore reinstalls iOS and erases all your data, so keep it for when updating hasn’t helped. If you’ve tried updating with your computer and your iPhone still won’t start up, go on to the next step.

6. 6

   Step 6: Restore your iPhone if updating doesn’t help

   Restore reinstalls iOS and erases everything on your iPhone, so use it only after Update.

   When the Update or Restore options appear, choose Restore. Wait while your computer downloads software for your iPhone.

   If the download takes more than 15 minutes, your iPhone might leave the “Connect to computer” screen. Let the download finish first, then repeat the recovery mode steps above to get back to the “Connect to computer” screen.

   After the restore finishes, set up your iPhone. If you have a backup, you can bring your data back. For an iCloud backup, tap From iCloud Backup on the Transfer Your Apps & Data screen during setup. For a backup on your computer, select Restore Backup in the Finder or the Apple Devices app.

7. 7

   Step 7: If your computer doesn’t see your iPhone

   Your iPhone should appear in the Finder or the Apple Devices app once it’s connected.

   On a Mac, if you see the “Allow accessory to connect?” alert, click Allow. If the Finder window has no sidebar, choose View from the menu bar, then click Show Sidebar.

   • If your iPhone doesn’t chime or vibrate when you connect it, unplug the USB cable and check the charging port for debris.
   • Try another USB cable. It must support both data and charging.
   • Try another USB port or another Mac.
   • Check for VPN and other third-party security software.
8. 8

   Step 8: If you see an error on your computer

   Apple’s fixes for update and restore errors start with your computer and the connection.

   Update your Mac. On a PC, make sure you have the latest version of the Apple Devices app or iTunes.

   Plug your iPhone directly into your computer’s USB port, not into an attached keyboard or USB hub. If the error comes back, try a different Apple USB cable or another USB port, then restart your computer and your iPhone.

   Good to know

   Security software on your computer can interfere with the connection and might need to be updated, changed or uninstalled. You can also try updating or restoring on another computer that uses a different network.

Frequently Asked Questions

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