How to start up from iOS Recovery

iOS Recovery offers guided, on-device options to fix your iPhone or iPad.

If your device didn't complete a software update or restore, or if it detects a stability issue, iOS Recovery may start automatically. iOS Recovery will first try to resolve the issue on its own. If it can't, you'll see a few ways to continue in the "Restore Your iPhone" interface.

iOS Recovery is available on iOS 27.

Start up from iOS Recovery

  1. Make sure you power off your device. If you can't shut down normally, you might need to force-restart your iPhone or iPad.

  2. Make sure your device isn't connected to a power source.

  3. On iPhone, press and hold the side button until the "Continue holding for recovery" screen appears. On iPad, press and hold the top button until the "Continue holding for recovery" screen appears.

    iPhone screen shows the Apple logo and "Continue holding for recovery" text.

  4. Wait for the "Loading recovery options" screen to appear.

    iPhone screen shows the Apple logo and "Loading recovery options" text, indicating the device is preparing to present recovery options during iOS Recovery startup.

  5. Choose how you want to restore your iPhone.

    iPhone screen shows "Restore Your iPhone" with options like "Recovery Assistant," "Software Update," and "Diagnostics Mode."

Choose how you want to restore your device

Once iOS Recovery starts, it shows the option that matches your issue. You can exit iOS Recovery by tapping the power button.

The globe button allows you to change languages.

Choose an option to restore your device

Option

What it does

Recovery Assistant

Opens Recovery Assistant, which attempts to fix stability or OS launch issues. If your device detects a stability issue, it automatically starts up to Recovery Assistant. This option requires your passcode and a Wi-Fi connection.

Software Update

Restarts device to use a nearby device to update your iPhone or iPad. This option requires your passcode and another iPhone or iPad.

Diagnostics Mode

Restarts device to Diagnostic Mode, which allows AppleCare service and support to run remote diagnostics and calibration on the device. You can also run diagnostics on your own. This option requires a Wi-Fi connection.

Erase All Content and Settings

Erases the device without connecting to a computer. All of your data is deleted, except for your Apple Account. This option requires your passcode.

Recovery Mode

Restarts device into Recovery Mode, which requires that your device must be connected to a computer.

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