A User from iFixit
"I'm trying to put my phone into Recovery Mode but when I hold the home button and plug it into the computer it just starts up like it normally would instead of going into Recovery Mode. Can anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong?"
Apple products are high-tech devices that are expected to be bugs-free. But the few times that iPhones have issues, the Recovery Mode is the ultimate fix for such a bug. iPhone's Recovery Mode is one of the essential features of the iPhone. iPhone users consider it a failsafe to use when they have a critical glitch, such as iPhone not turning on. It allows them to connect their iPhone to the computer to fix its iOS.
As important as the iPhone Recovery Mode, there are times users cannot access it. And when iPhone won't go into Recovery Mode, users cannot update or restore their iOS. Some of the basic fixes are updating iTunes app on your Mac or Windows computer and forcing your iPhone to restart. Yet if iPhone not going into Recovery Mode error persists; this article explores some of the things you can do to rectify the glitch.
Part 1. What Do You Do If iPhone Won't Go into Recovery Mode?
Video Guide: iPhone Won't Go Into Recovery Mode
1. Check Related Steps for Different iPhone Models
The steps for entering Recovery Mode differ by the model of iPhone you are using. And as it often happens, iPhone won't go into Recovery Mode when you are using the process meant for a different iPhone model. That is why we have categorized the steps to enter your iPhone Recovery Mode into three. They are:
For iPhone 8 and later
Open the newest iTunes app on your computer.
Leave your iPhone connected to the computer while you wait for the Recovery Mode screen to show.
Press the Volume Up button and release it swiftly.
Press the Volume Down button and release it swiftly.
Keep your finger on the Side button until you see that the screen is displaying Recovery Mode.
For iPhone 7/7 Plus
Open the newest iTunes app on your computer.
Connect the iPhone to the computer while you wait for the Recovery Mode screen to show.
Press the Volume Down and Top/Side buttons at the same time.
Keep pressing them until you see that the screen is displaying Recovery Mode.
iPhone 6s and earlier
Open the newest iTunes app on your computer.
Connect the iPhone to the computer while you wait for the Recovery Mode screen to show.
Press the Top/Side and the Home buttons at the same time.
Keep pressing them until you see that the screen is displaying Recovery Mode.
2. Fix iPhone Won't Go into Recovery Mode with One Click
Against popular beliefs, your "iPhone won't enter Recovery Mode" can be fixed with one click. This step can be accomplished through our software application, WooTechy iPhixer. The directive for using this app is different from the multiple key combinations explained above. Instead, it just needs one click. Moreover, it is free and will not cause damage to your data.
(1) One-Click Make iPhone Enter Recovery Mode
If iPhone will not go into Recovery Mode, you can fix the issue with this simple step:
Step 1. Download and install the iPhixer app on your Windows/Mac computers.
Step 2. Open the app on your computer after installation and connect your iPhone which will not go into Recovery Mode.
Step 3. Select Enter/Exit Recovery Mode option on the screen.
Step 4. Click the Enter Recovery Mode option on the screen.
This may take a few seconds. After which, your device will be in Recovery Mode successfully.
(2) Fix iPhone Recovery Mode Issues with iPhixer
If more complicated software bugs causing your iPhone not to go into Recovery Mode, then you have to remove the bugs first. iPhixer still can help you. It is a useful software tool that allows you to fix all of your iPhone/iPad/iPod issues right from the comfort of your house. To date, it has a 100% success rate. Another advantage of iPhixer is that while solving iPhone/iPad/iPod and iOS/iPadOS/tvOS issues, there is no data loss.
75,000,000+ Downloads
Key Features of iPhixer:
iPhixer is a handy tool to fix your iPhone when it won't go into Recovery Mode or is stuck in the Recovery Mode/DFU, etc.
It is the best option even when some buttons like the Home button and the Power button are broken or not working.
It is fully compatible with all iPhone models, iPhone 13 included.
All iOS versions are supported including the latest iOS 16.
iPhixer can freely get your iDevices in/out of Recovery Mode/DFU Mode through one click.
Here's how to solve any OS-related bug causing the iPhone not going into Recovery Mode using iPhixer:
Step 1. Download and install iPhixer. Open it and choose Standard Mode.
Step 2. Connect your iPhone to your computer, then click the Next button. Follow the on-screen procedures to put your iPhone into Recovery Mode.
Step 3. Select your choice firmware to begin the process of downloading the firmware that will repair your iPhone.
Step 4. Once the download completes, select Start to begin your iPhone repair.
When the repairing is complete, your iPhone is fixed and will restart automatically. Then you can put your iPhone into Recovery Mode again either with the manual or the automatic way.
3. Try the DFU Mode Instead
The (Device Firmware Update) DFU Mode is a step further than Recovery Mode. It reloads your iPhone firmware and software. So, if iPhone won't go into Recovery Mode, you can try these DFU Mode steps:
For iPhone 8 and later
Open iTunes and connect your iPhone to the computer.
Tap the Volume Up button and release it swiftly.
Tap the Volume Down button and release it swiftly.
Press the Side button until the screen color changes to black.
Hold the Side and Volume Down buttons with your fingers.
After five-second, remove only your finger from the side button but keep pressing the Volume Down button for 5 seconds, then your phone will appear in iTunes.
For iPhone 7/7 Plus
Open iTunes and hook up your iPhone with the computer.
Press the Side button or Volume Down button simultaneously for exactly eight seconds.
After eight seconds, remove your finger from the side button.
Keep pressing the Volume Down button for 5 seconds. If your iPhone screen stays black, then it is successfully into the DFU mode.
For iPhone 6s and older, iPhone SE
Make your iPhone connected to the computer and launch iTunes.
Press down the Home button and Sleep button for 8 seconds, then remove your finger from the Sleep button.
Keep pressing the Home button for at least 5 seconds.
Conclusion
Being able to access the Recovery Mode on your iPhone is crucial to the smooth operation of your Apple device. But if iPhone won't go into Recovery Mode, go over the process you intended to enter the Recovery Mode. You can crosscheck your steps against the ones highlighted above. You can also use our One-click method to either open the Recovery Mode or fix the iOS issue causing the iPhone not entering Recovery Mode.
