[Solved] iPhone Won't Restore in Recovery Mode: Quick Fix

by Sophie Green   Updated on 2023-05-31 / Update for  iPhone Fix

Fixing the issue can be challenging when your iPhone won't restore in recovery mode, iTunes doesn't recognize your device, or errors arise during the restoration process, especially if you're uncertain about the underlying cause. Fortunately, there are alternative methods to restore your iPhone successfully in recovery mode, aside from using iTunes. To learn how to fix an iPhone stuck in recovery mode won't restore, refer to the guide provided below and save time by watching the accompanying video.

Part 1. The Best Way to Fix iPhone Stuck in Recovery Mode and Won't Restore

iPhone 6 stuck in recovery mode won't restore? If you ever face any issues with iTunes, then your first go-to restore iPhone in recovery mode without iTunes. ReiBoot – iOS Repair Tool is such a program that you can use to fix iPhone 14/13/12/11//X/8/7 stuck in recovery mode and won't restore without iTunes, no data loss at all.

No matter getting “Unknown Error Occurred” when you try to restore with iTunes or iTunes stuck on waiting for iPhone in recovery mode, it offers the ability to quickly and easily fix a number of issues on your iPhone and iPad by repair the core system. If you would like to give it a go to fix the issue, the following shows how to do it.

  • Download and install the latest version of the software on your computer. Plug-in your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable. Open the software and click on the one that says Repair Operating System and continue.

    iphone won't restore in recovery mode
  • Click on the Fix Now button on the following screen.

    iphone 6 stuck in recovery mode wont restore
  • It will ask you to download the firmware for your iPhone. You can click on the Download button to do it.

    iphone 11 stuck in recovery mode wont restore
  • Soon as the firmware is downloaded, the software will automatically start repairing your device. When the repair process is completed, the following message will appear on your screen.

    iphone 7 stuck in recovery mode and wont restore
  • Your iPhone should now be restored and it should have no issues whatsoever on it. In this way, you easily solve iPhone 5 stuck in recovery mode and won't restore (also for other iPhone models.).

Part 2. Other Possible Fixes to iPhone Won't Restore in Recovery Mode

In case you are a technical user who would like to dig deep down and fix the issue, you can try some of the following fixes and see if they fix the actual problem for you.

1. Use the Original USB

When you connect your iPhone to your computer, you are highly recommended to use the original Apple USB cable. Any fake or cheap cables from the market are not recommended at all to be used with your device.

2. Use A Different USB Port or Computer

There may be an issue with the USB port on your computer. In that case, it is best you switch the port and see if the other one works for you.

3. Update iTunes to the Latest Version

Most users forget basic things like updating their apps to the latest versions available. If you are using a really old version of iTunes, you should update it first with the latest version and then try to restore your device.

iphone 5 stuck in recovery mode and wont restore
Pic. Update itunes to fix iphone wont restore in recovery mode

In most cases, updating to the latest version fixes the iPhone 7 stuck in recovery mode and wont restore problem for you.

4. Remove Security Software Temporarily

If you have an antivirus or anti-malware software on your computer, it is recommended you turn it off when you are restoring your iPhone with iTunes. Software like these often detect your iPhone and some of the iTunes' actions as malicious, and as a result, those actions are blocked.

Keeping these software disabled while you restore your iPhone should fix the iPhone stuck in recovery mode wont restore issue for you.

5. DFU Restore Your iPhone (Data Loss)

While this method is not recommended as it causes data loss, you can use it as the final resort if nothing works for you. The DFU restoration process can be done using the iTunes app on your computer.

  • Connect the iPhone or another iOS device to a computer, then open iTunes.
  • Hold the Sleep/Power button and Home button at the same time for 10 seconds.
  • Release the Sleep/Power button, but continue to hold the Home Button (or Volume down button on an iPhone 7 or newer) for 5 seconds.
  • If the device screen is black, it's in DFU Mode. If iTunes recognizes that the iPhone is connected, you're ready to restore your device.

    dfu mode to fix iphone in recovery mode and won't restore
    Pic. DFU mode to fix iphone in recovery mode and won't restore

That should fix the iPhone wont restore in recovery mode issue for you on your device but you need to note that DFU mode sometimes will cause extremely irreversible damage to your device.

Wrapping Up

In this article we have discussed the question "What do I do if my iPhone isstuck in recovery mode and won't restore?" If you are having an issue where iPhone in recovery mode won't restore, you are always welcome to check out alternative method – Tenorshare ReiBoot, as it should get the job done without an issue for you. Also, if you prefer using iTunes, you can try some of the fixes for it as well and see if it helps.