iPhone Stuck on Apple Logo? 6 Ways to Fix It

For iPhone 8, iPhone SE (2nd gen and later), and all Face ID models

1. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
2. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
3. Press and hold the Side button.
4. Keep holding the Side button until you see the Apple logo disappear and reappear, then let go.

For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus

1. Press and hold the Side (or Top) button and the Volume Down button at the same time.
2. Keep holding both until the Apple logo appears again, then release.

For iPhone 6s, iPhone SE (1st gen), and earlier

1. Press and hold the Home button and the Top (or Side) button together.
2. Keep holding both until you see the Apple logo reappear, then release.

If the phone successfully boots to the Home Screen after a force restart, back it up immediately. A device that freezes once may do it again, and it’s better to be safe than screenshot-less.

3. Use Recovery Mode to Update iOS (Keep Your Data)

If a force restart didn’t fix it, the next step is Recovery Mode. This lets a Mac or PC reinstall or update iOS while trying to keep your existing data intact (if you choose “Update” instead of “Restore”).

What you’ll need:

• A Mac with Finder, or a Windows PC with the Apple Devices app or iTunes.
• A compatible USB cable.
• Decent internet speed to download iOS.

Steps to enter Recovery Mode and update:

1. Connect your iPhone to the computer with the USB cable.
2. Open Finder on Mac or the Apple Devices app / iTunes on Windows.
3. Put your iPhone into Recovery Mode:
   • On iPhone 8 or later: press Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the Side button until you see the Connect to computer screen.
   • On iPhone 7/7 Plus: hold Side (or Top) and Volume Down together until the Connect to computer screen appears.
   • On iPhone 6s and earlier: hold Home and Top (or Side) until you see the Connect to computer screen.
4. On your computer, you should see a prompt saying there’s a problem with the iPhone.
5. Choose Update (not Restore, at least not yet). This will attempt to reinstall iOS without erasing your data.

Let the process complete. If your iPhone boots normally afterward, go straight to Settings > Your Name > iCloud or plug back into your computer and create a fresh backup.

4. Use Recovery Mode to Restore iOS (Erase and Reinstall)

If “Update” fails, or your iPhone still insists on living in Apple-logo-land, your next option is a more drastic Restore. This wipes the device, reinstalls iOS, and then lets you set it up again from scratch or from a backup.

Yes, this can mean data loss if you don’t have a recent iCloud or computer backup. But if the system files are badly corrupted, this is often the only way to get a working phone again.

How to restore using Recovery Mode:

1. Repeat the Recovery Mode steps above to reach the Connect to computer screen.
2. On your Mac or PC, when prompted, choose Restore instead of Update.
3. Confirm that you want to erase and restore your device.
4. Wait while iOS is downloaded and installed.
5. Once complete, you’ll see the setup screen on your iPhone. You can then:
   • Restore from an iCloud backup, or
   • Restore from a computer backup, or
   • Set up as a new iPhone.

If the phone continues to get stuck on the Apple logo even after a full restore, that’s a red flag for deeper issues, and you’ll likely need the next steps.

5. Try DFU Mode: The Deep-Clean Restore

DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is the “nuclear option” for software problems. It reloads both the firmware and the operating system, bypassing the usual bootloader. If Recovery Mode can’t fix your iPhone stuck on the Apple logo, DFU sometimes can.

Warning: DFU will erase all data on your device, and it’s more technical than a standard restore. If you’re not comfortable, you may want a technician to do this for you.

General DFU steps (for newer iPhones):

1. Connect your iPhone to a computer and open Finder or Apple Devices / iTunes.
2. Quickly press and release Volume Up.
3. Quickly press and release Volume Down.
4. Press and hold the Side button for about 10 seconds.
5. While still holding the Side button, press and hold Volume Down for about 5 seconds.
6. Release the Side button but keep holding Volume Down until your computer detects an iPhone in recovery/DFU-type mode.
7. Your iPhone screen should stay black (if you see the Apple logo, you held something too long or too short and need to retry).
8. When prompted, choose to Restore the device.

The exact timing varies a bit by model, but the idea is the same: you’re getting the phone into a deeper restore state than standard Recovery Mode.

If DFU mode completes successfully and the iPhone still can’t get past the Apple logo, there’s a strong chance you’re dealing with hardware, not software.

6. Consider Hardware Issues and Professional Repair

When you’ve tried force restarts, Recovery Mode updates, full restores, and DFU with no luck, it’s time to think about hardware failure. Components like the storage (NAND), Tristar IC, PMIC (power management), or other chips can fail due to age, heat, impact, or liquid exposure.

Signs the problem might be hardware-related:

• Your iPhone got wet or took a hard drop before the issue started.
• The device gets very hot or shuts off during restores.
• Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes can’t recognize the iPhone at all.
• You see repeated errors during restore processes.

What to do next:

• Contact Apple Support or book a Genius Bar appointment if you’re within warranty or AppleCare+.
• Use an authorized repair shop if Apple support isn’t an option in your area or the device is out of warranty and you’re comparing costs.
• Before you go, note:
  • Your iPhone model and storage size.
  • What happened right before the issue (update, drop, water, etc.).
  • Which steps you’ve already tried (force restart, Recovery, DFU, etc.).

A professional will be able to run diagnostics, check for board damage, and tell you whether the phone is worth repairing or if it’s time to retire it with honors.

How to Avoid Getting Stuck on the Apple Logo Again

Once your iPhone is up and running again, it’s worth taking a few preventive steps so you (hopefully) never have to read this article twice.

• Keep regular backups via iCloud or your computer. Then, even if you need a full restore, your photos and data aren’t gone.
• Update with enough batteryideally above 50% or while plugged into power.
• Leave enough free storage so iOS can install updates and manage data comfortably (having at least several GB free is smart).
• Avoid sketchy modifications like jailbreaking or unofficial system-tweaking tools.
• Use good-quality cables when updating via computer. Cheap or damaged cables can disconnect mid-update.

Future you will thank present you for being slightly paranoid and very prepared.

Real-Life Experiences: What It’s Like When Your iPhone Is Stuck on the Apple Logo

If you’re currently staring down that Apple logo, you’re not alone. Tons of users share similar horror stories in forums, Apple discussions, and repair shop blogs. Here are some patterns, lessons, and “wish I’d known this sooner” moments that can help you feel less stressedand more prepared.

“It Happened Right After an Update”

One of the most common stories goes like this: you start an iOS update at night, put the phone down, and wake up to… the logo. No Home Screen. No notifications. No nothing.

Often, people discover that the update was interruptedmaybe the phone ran out of battery, the Wi-Fi dropped, or the cable disconnected mid-restore. In these situations, users frequently report that a Recovery Mode update was enough to bring the phone back without losing data. The key takeaway: if you’re updating iOS, try to do it when the phone is plugged in and not being moved around much.

When Storage Is the Silent Trouble-Maker

Another common theme involves iPhones hanging on the logo after months of ignoring “Storage Almost Full” warnings. Some users describe their phones boot-looping after trying to install a large update or restoring from a backup onto a nearly full device.

In these cases, people often have to go the more aggressive route: a full restore via Recovery Mode or DFU. With a good backup, that’s inconvenient but survivable. Without a backup, it can mean serious data loss. The hard-learned lesson many share afterward: leave yourself some breathing room in your storage and back up more often than you think you need.

DFU Mode: Scary but Surprisingly Effective

DFU mode gets described by users as “the last stop before the repair shop.” It feels intense because your iPhone screen goes completely black and the timing is picky. Plenty of people admit it took them several tries to get into DFU correctly.

Still, many report that DFU mode finally broke the Apple logo loop when nothing else workedespecially after failed updates, restore errors, or lingering firmware bugs. The general advice from people who’ve been there: be patient, follow each timing step carefully, and don’t panic if you have to repeat the process a few times.

Water Damage and Drops: When Software Fixes Aren’t Enough

Then there are the “I dropped it in the sink” or “it fell off the balcony” stories. These often end with the iPhone stuck on the Apple logo or in a boot loop that no number of force restarts can fix. Users who took their phones to authorized repair centers or skilled board-level technicians often learned that components like the logic board, storage, or power circuitry were damaged.

A recurring piece of advice from people who’ve gone through that: if you know your phone took a serious hit or swim shortly before the logo issue started, don’t waste too much time re-running the same software fixes. Try Recovery and maybe DFU once, then seriously consider a professional diagnosis. That can save you timeand, in some cases, prevent further damage.

The Emotional Side: It’s Not “Just a Phone”

Something else you’ll see in real-world stories: people aren’t just upset about a frozen phone. They’re worried about photos, messages, work files, and memories. For many, the real panic is not the logoit’s the possibility of losing digital pieces of their life.

That’s why so many users who’ve been through an Apple logo scare become backup evangelists afterward. They talk about setting up automatic daily iCloud backups, plugging into a computer once a week, or even keeping multiple backups if they’re particularly cautious. The stress of almost losing everything once is often enough motivation to never skip backups again.

What People Say They’d Do Differently Next Time

• “I wouldn’t wait months to clear storage.”
• “I’d never start a major update right before leaving the house.”
• “I’d use a known-good cable and charger for anything involving a restore.”
• “I’d set up automatic backups and actually check that they’re working.”
• “I’d go to a repair shop sooner instead of trying random fixes from questionable videos.”

The big theme? Preparation beats panic. A few small habitscharging before updates, backing up often, avoiding sketchy modificationscan turn an Apple-logo scare from a crisis into a manageable glitch.

Bottom Line

An iPhone stuck on the Apple logo is frustrating, but it’s not always a disaster. Start with the basics: make sure it’s not just finishing an update, then try a force restart. If that fails, step up to Recovery Mode, first with an Update, then with a Restore if necessary. When things get serious, DFU mode is your deep-clean option. And if none of the software paths work, it’s probably time for a professional to check for hardware trouble.

Whatever the outcome, use the experience as motivation to keep good backups and healthy storage habits. Your future selfand your camera rollwill thank you.