You might need to use recovery mode if:

  • You can't update or restore because iTunes doesn't recognize your device or says it's "in recovery mode". 
  • The Apple logo remains onscreen for several minutes with no progress bar.
  • The Connect to iTunes screen appears.

See what to do if the progress bar remains onscreen for several minutes

Use recovery mode

Recovery mode erases your device and restores it, which should resolve the issue. If you previously synced with iTunes or iCloud, you may be able to restore from your backup after recovery.

  1. Turn off your device. If you can't turn it off, press and hold the Sleep/Wake and Home buttons at the same time and wait a few seconds for it to turn off.
  2. Plug the device's USB cable into your computer only.
  3. Hold down the device's Home button as you connect the USB cable to it.
  4. When you see the Connect to iTunes screen, release the Home button. If you don't see this screen, try steps 1 through 3 one more time.

    USB cord pointing the iTunes symbol

    iTunes should open and display a message such as: "iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode. You must restore this iPhone before it can be used with iTunes."