iPhone Stuck on Apple Logo? Here's How to Fix It

TL;DR: If your iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo, first try a force restart (method varies by model). If that fails, use recovery mode via iTunes/Finder to update (not restore) your iOS. For persistent issues, DFU mode or professional repair might be needed. Always backup regularly to prevent data loss.

I know how frustrating it is when your iPhone gets stuck on the Apple logo screen. It's a common issue that can happen due to software glitches, failed updates, or hardware problems. As someone who has helped countless users fix this problem, I've put together this comprehensive guide with all the working solutions.

Why Does iPhone Get Stuck on Apple Logo?

Before we dive into the fixes, let's understand why this happens. Your iPhone might be stuck on the Apple logo due to:

Failed iOS update: The update process got interrupted or corrupted
Software conflicts: An app or setting is causing system instability
Jailbreaking issues: Modified iOS can lead to boot problems
Hardware problems: Faulty components like battery, screen, or logic board
Water damage: Liquid exposure can cause various malfunctions
Recent repair: Improper screen or component replacement can cause issues^10

Initial Troubleshooting Steps

Before trying advanced methods, start with these basic checks:

Wait it out: Sometimes the iPhone needs extra time to complete an update. If you see a progress bar, wait at least 1-2 hours^1
Check charging: Connect to a working charger and Apple cable for 30 minutes
Try different accessories: Use genuine Apple charging brick and Lightning connector^10

How to Force Restart Your iPhone (All Models)

The force restart is the first real fix to try. The method varies by iPhone model:

For iPhone 8 and Later (including SE 2nd/3rd gen)

Quickly press and release the Volume Up button
Quickly press and release the Volume Down button
Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo^1

For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus

Press and hold both the Volume Down button and the Sleep/Wake button
Keep holding until you see the Apple logo^1

For iPhone 6s and Earlier

Press and hold both the Home button and the Sleep/Wake button
Keep holding until you see the Apple logo^1

Using Recovery Mode to Fix iPhone Stuck on Apple Logo

If force restart doesn't work, recovery mode is your next best option. This method lets you update your iOS without losing data:

Step-by-Step Recovery Mode Process

Connect to computer: Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC
Enter recovery mode: The button combination varies by model:
- iPhone 8 and later: Press/release Volume Up, press/release Volume Down, then hold Side button until recovery screen appears^4
- iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold Volume Down + Sleep/Wake until recovery screen appears
- iPhone 6s and earlier: Hold Home + Sleep/Wake until recovery screen appears
Open Finder or iTunes:
- On Mac with macOS Catalina or later: Open Finder
- On Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier, or on PC: Open iTunes^1
Choose UPDATE (not restore): When prompted, select "Update" to reinstall iOS without erasing your data^1
Wait for completion: The process can take 15-30 minutes. Don't disconnect during this time

DFU Mode: The Deep Fix Solution

If recovery mode doesn't work, Device Firmware Update (DFU) mode is the most thorough software solution. Warning: This may erase your data if you choose to restore.

DFU Mode Steps for iPhone 8 and Later

Connect to computer and open iTunes/Finder
Quickly press/release Volume Up, then Volume Down
Hold Side button for 10 seconds until screen goes black
While still holding Side button, press and hold Volume Down for 5 seconds
Release Side button but keep holding Volume Down for another 10 seconds
iTunes/Finder should detect device in recovery mode

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I've seen many people make these errors when dealing with an iPhone stuck on Apple logo:

Panic restoring: Immediately choosing "Restore" instead of "Update" in recovery mode, causing data loss
Impatience: Not waiting long enough for processes to complete
Using third-party tools: Unreliable third-party software can cause more problems
Frequent force restarts: Doing this repeatedly can worsen software corruption
Ignoring backups: Not having recent backups before attempting fixes

When to Seek Professional Help

If none of the software solutions work, you might have a hardware issue. Consider professional repair if:

Your iPhone has physical damage or water exposure
You recently had screen or other component replaced^10
The phone gets extremely hot during boot attempts
You see flickering or abnormal colors on the Apple logo
DFU mode doesn't work after multiple attempts

Prevention: How to Avoid This Issue in the Future

Prevention is always better than cure. Here's how to avoid getting stuck on the Apple logo:

Regular backups: Use iCloud or computer backup weekly
Stable internet: Ensure strong WiFi before iOS updates
Sufficient storage: Keep at least 5GB free space for updates
Official accessories: Use genuine Apple cables and chargers
Avoid beta iOS: Unless you're a developer, stick to stable releases
Update apps regularly: Keep all apps updated to prevent conflicts

Case Study: Fixing iPhone XS Max Stuck on Apple Logo

A user reported their iPhone XS Max stuck on Apple logo for 8 hours after an iOS update^9. They tried force restart (Volume Up, Volume Down, then hold Side button) but it didn't work.

Following my advice, they:

Connected to Mac with Finder
Entered recovery mode using the button sequence
Chose "Update" instead of "Restore"
Waited 25 minutes for the process to complete

The iPhone successfully updated and booted normally without data loss. The issue was a corrupted update file that needed reinstalling.

iPhone Stuck on Apple Logo Fix Checklist

Use this checklist to methodically address the issue:

Attempt force restart (model-specific method)
Wait 1-2 hours if progress bar is visible
Charge with genuine Apple accessories for 30 minutes
Enter recovery mode and choose UPDATE (not restore)
If unsuccessful, try DFU mode
Contact Apple Support if hardware issue is suspected
Restore from backup once fixed

Comparison: Recovery Mode vs DFU Mode

Aspect	Recovery Mode	DFU Mode
Data preservation	Possible (with Update option)	Usually erases data
Depth of fix	Reinstalls iOS	Reinstalls firmware and iOS
Difficulty	Moderate	Advanced
Success rate	High for software issues	Highest for persistent issues
Risk level	Low	Medium (data loss risk)

FAQ: iPhone Stuck on Apple Logo

How long should I wait if iPhone is stuck on Apple logo?

If you see a progress bar, wait up to 2 hours. If just the logo with no movement, 30 minutes maximum before trying fixes.

Will I lose my data if I fix this issue?

Not necessarily. Choosing "Update" in recovery mode preserves data. Only "Restore" or DFU mode typically erases data.

Why did my iPhone get stuck after screen replacement?

Improper installation or non-genuine parts can cause boot issues^10. Always use certified technicians for repairs.

Can water damage cause iPhone to stick on Apple logo?

Yes, liquid exposure can cause various hardware issues including boot loops. Professional repair is needed.

How much does repair cost if software fixes don't work?

Out-of-warranty logic board repairs can cost $200-$500 depending on model. Apple may offer replacement options.

Should I try third-party software to fix this?

I don't recommend third-party tools as they can cause further issues. Stick to official Apple methods first.

Conclusion: Don't Panic, Methodically Fix Your iPhone

An iPhone stuck on the Apple logo can be stressful, but in most cases, it's fixable without data loss. Start with a force restart, then progress to recovery mode with the UPDATE option. Remember that patience is key—these processes take time.

Ready to fix your iPhone? Start with the force restart method for your specific model. If that doesn't work within 10 minutes, proceed to recovery mode. And always maintain regular backups to protect your data.

Glossary

Force restart: Hardware button combination to reboot iPhone
Recovery mode: Special state for reinstalling iOS via computer
DFU mode: Device Firmware Update mode for deep system restoration
iOS: iPhone operating system
iTunes/Finder: Computer software for managing iOS devices
Logic board: Main circuit board of iPhone

References

Step-by-Step: How I Fixed My iPhone Stuck on Apple Logo

When my iPhone got stuck on the Apple logo, I followed these steps methodically. Here’s exactly what I did, based on Apple’s official guidance and my own experience^1:

Force Restart (First Attempt)
- For my iPhone XS: Quickly pressed and released Volume Up, then Volume Down, then held the Side button until the Apple logo disappeared and reappeared^1.
- Waited 10 minutes—no progress. Didn’t panic; moved to the next step.
Recovery Mode with UPDATE (Not Restore!)
- Connected my iPhone to my Mac (using a genuine Apple Lightning cable^10).
- Entered recovery mode: Pressed/released Volume Up, then Volume Down, then held Side button until the recovery screen appeared^1.
- In Finder (macOS Catalina+), clicked "Update" instead of "Restore" to preserve my data^1.
- The update took about 30 minutes—patience was key. It worked!
If UPDATE Fails: DFU Mode (Last Resort)
- I didn’t need this, but here’s how I’d do it: Connect to computer, quickly press Volume Up, Volume Down, then hold Side button for 10 seconds. Release Side button but keep holding Volume Down for another 5 seconds^4.
- Screen should stay black—iTunes/Finder will detect it. Then choose "Restore" (warning: erases everything).

Pros and Cons of Each Method

Force Restart:
- ✅ Quick, no data loss, often fixes minor glitches.
- ❌ Doesn’t work for deeper software corruption.
Recovery Mode (Update):
- ✅ Preserves data, reinstalls iOS without full wipe.
- ❌ Time-consuming; requires computer and cable.
DFU Mode:
- ✅ Most effective for severe software/hardware issues.
- ❌ Erases all data; complex button sequence.
Professional Repair:
- ✅ Handles hardware issues like liquid damage or faulty logic boards.
- ❌ Costly ($200-$500); risk of non-genuine parts if not Apple-certified^10.

My Personal Tips

Backup Regularly: I use iCloud backups weekly—lifesaver if I ever need to restore.
Use Official Cables: Cheap cables can cause connection issues during recovery^10.
Avoid Third-Party Software: I steered clear; they often worsen problems or compromise security.

If you’re stuck, start with force restart, then recovery mode with UPDATE. If all else fails, visit Apple Support or a certified technician. Don’t risk data loss with untested methods!

Step-by-Step: What I Did When Recovery Mode Update Worked

After my iPhone entered recovery mode and I clicked "Update" in Finder, here’s exactly what happened next:

Downloading iOS: A progress bar appeared on my Mac—it took about 15 minutes to download the iOS update package. I made sure my Wi-Fi was stable to avoid interruptions^1.
Verifying Update: Once downloaded, the system verified the software integrity. No action needed from me here—just waited another 5 minutes.
Installing iOS: The iPhone screen showed an Apple logo with a progress bar. This phase took roughly 10 minutes. I kept the cable connected and avoided touching the phone or computer.
Reboot: The iPhone restarted automatically and booted up normally—all my data, photos, and settings were intact^1.

Why UPDATE Worked for Me (and When It Might Not)

Why it succeeded: My issue was a corrupted iOS update file, not hardware damage. The UPDATE option replaced only system files without touching user data^1.
When it might fail: If there’s hardware damage (e.g., faulty logic board), liquid exposure, or severe file system corruption, UPDATE may not complete. In those cases, DFU mode or professional repair is necessary^5.

Added: Pros and Cons of iCloud vs. Computer Backup

Since I mentioned backups, here’s my experience with both:

iCloud Backup:
- ✅ Automatic, wireless, and accessible anywhere.
- ❌ Limited free storage (5GB); large backups require paid subscription.
Computer Backup (via Finder/iTunes):
- ✅ Full, encrypted backups; no storage fees.
- ❌ Requires physical connection and regular manual effort.

I use both: iCloud for daily convenience, and a monthly encrypted backup to my Mac for extra security.

One More Tip: Patience During Update

Don’t interrupt the process—even if it seems stuck. During my update, the progress bar paused for several minutes at 75%, but I waited, and it completed successfully. Interrupting could brick the device^1.

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