Recovery mode allows you to restore or update your iPhone’s operating system when you are facing issues with the installed OS and can’t solve them using other methods.
It involves connecting your phone to iTunes or Finder on your computer and updating or restoring your phone’s OS without turning your phone on.
But what if you can’t restore your phone, even using recovery mode? Here are some common fixes to that problem.
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iPhone Won’t Restore in Recovery Mode? How to Fix
1. Use a Different Cable
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You have to connect your phone to your computer via a USB cable to transfer data from your computer to your phone and install the new OS version. If the USB cable is faulty, your computer may not be able to maintain a reliable connection with your phone.
Buy a new cable. If the cable you are using is from a third-party manufacturer or a generic cable, switch to a cable produced by Apple.
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2. Try Again
Sometimes, all you need to do is unplug your iPhone and try again. Various errors can occur for all sorts of reasons, and it may work on the second try.
Restart your phone first to exit recovery mode. To do that, hold the sleep/wake button down (you may also need to hold down the volume button, depending on your model).
Wait until the Apple logo appears and your device starts up.
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3. Use Restore Instead of Update
When you enter recovery mode, you have two options. One is to update your device, and the other is to restore it.
The former option allows you to update the software on your device without erasing data. The second option erases your data and installs a new version of the operating system or an older backup if you have one.
If the update option doesn’t work, switch to the restore option. You’ll lose some or all of your data (depending on whether you have a backup), but at least you will be able to use your phone again.
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4. Force Restart the Phone and Do a Factory Reset
You may be able to force restart your phone and do a factory reset.
To force restart your phone, hold down both volume buttons (up and down) and the sleep/wake button until the Apple logo appears. On older iPhone models that have a home button, hold down the sleep/wake button together with the home button until the Apple logo shows up and your device restarts.
If you have an iPhone 7, hold down the volume-down button together with the sleep/wake button until the Apple logo reappears. The home button on an iPhone 7 isn’t a physical button but rather a 3D touch panel, which is why it’s different from other models with a home button.
If you manage to restart your iPhone, you can do a standard factory reset. This will erase all data on your device.
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Go to Settings, and then click on General. Click on Transfer or Reset iPhone, as shown in the screenshot above, and then select the option to erase all data on your device and restore it to your original settings.
You will have to enter your passcode. This is a security measure that ensures that thieves who manage to steal unlocked phones (such as by snatching them from people actively using them on the street) don’t reset the device to erase the password.
Factory resetting the device may fix the issue, and the restore option in recovery mode may start working again. I recommend making a backup of your phone before deleting all the data.
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5. Install the Latest Version of iTunes
Sometimes, the problem lies not with your phone but with your computer. If you have an outdated version of iTunes on your Mac, it may not be able to correctly download and install the latest OS on your phone.
Make sure you are using the most recent version of iTunes on your Mac.
Remember, if you have a Mac Catalina or later, you need to use Finder instead of iTunes. However, if you are using an older Mac or Windows, which requires you to use iTunes, you must make sure you are using the latest iTunes version.
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6. Update Your Mac or PC
Similarly, if your computer has software updates that require installation, that may interfere with the iPhone restoration process.
Make sure you are using the newest version of macOS or Windows, and install any other software updates that require installation.
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7. Check Your Network Settings
One of the problems you may face when trying to restore an iPhone in recovery mode is the 3194 error. This error usually signifies a network issue – that iTunes wasn’t able to connect to Apple’s software update servers.
Here are some quick network troubleshooting fixes that may solve the problem:
- Check your internet speed. Make sure you are using a steady Wifi network that is stable and has good bandwidth.
- Connect your computer to your Wifi router via an Ethernet cable instead of relying on wireless connectivity. If you can’t, move your laptop closer to your router.
- If other people are using the Wifi network, wait until they are done or ask them to pause their activities until you finish your update.
- Disable your firewall, as it may be blocking certain connections.
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8. Try Another Laptop
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Sometimes, it’s your computer that is problematic. There can be all sorts of problems with your computer, so it’s worth trying another Mac or Windows.
If you don’t have one, ask a friend if you can borrow theirs. I would caution against using a public laptop at your local library or a cyber cafe, because using public computers can pose security risks.
You may experience the same issue. However, you will at least know that it’s not your computer that is the issue, but your phone.
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9. Visit Your Local Apple Store
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Sometimes, the only option might be to go visit your local Apple Store and get a technician to troubleshoot the issue. If you have a Mac, bring it with you to the store as well so the technician can see whether the problem is your phone or Mac.
Apple provides support in a variety of ways. One of the easiest ways to get help without wasting time is to make an appointment at the Genius Bar of your closest Apple Store, where technicians offer technical support.
If there is no Apple Store near you, you can usually find a support technician that has partnered with Apple and which Apple trusts.
There are other options as well. You can call Apple to get instructional support or even mail in your device for repair.
See more information here.
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Wrapping It Up
There can be other problems preventing you from restoring your phone, such as incorrect hostname files preventing your computer from connecting with Apple’s servers.
If none of the quick fixes in this article worked, it’s worth taking your phone to a certified technician so they can troubleshoot the issue.
However, don’t sell your phone for parts unless you do a complete factory reset (for security purposes), even if your phone doesn’t turn on. Someone tech-savvy may be able to get your phone to work again and then steal your data.
