Revive an iPhone or iPad
If an iPhone or iPad is partially configured, if information about the device (such as the supervision identity) is missing, or if the device is stuck in recovery mode, you can also attempt to revive the device to recover any data on it.
Apple Configurator for Mac can help revive it while attempting to preserve user data and settings. Apple Configurator communicates with devices in recovery mode or device firmware update (DFU) mode. Performing a revive reinstalls iOS or iPadOS while preserving user data when possible.
For organizations using device management, Apple Configurator maintains device supervision and management when performing a revive.
If iPhone or iPad is unresponsive or in recovery mode
What to look for:
The device screen is black or frozen.
The Apple logo appears on the screen for several minutes without progress.
The touchscreen or device is unresponsive.
The device shows “Connect to computer” or the recovery mode screen.
The Mac doesn’t recognize the device.
What’s happening:
System issues or firmware problems can sometimes prevent standard device operation.
Revive an iPhone or iPad using Apple Configurator
Download and install Apple Configurator from the App Store.
Connect the device and Mac with a supported Thunderbolt or USB cable.
Put the device in recovery mode:
To put iPhone in recovery mode, see If you can’t update or restore your iPhone.
To put iPad in recovery mode, see If you can’t update or restore your iPad.
Select the device in the Apple Configurator device window.
Do one of the following:
Choose Actions > Advanced > Revive Device.
Control-click the selected device, then choose Advanced > Revive Device.
Wait while Apple Configurator downloads the current iOS or iPadOS software for the device. If the download takes more than 15 minutes and the device exits the recovery mode screen, let the download finish, then repeat step 2. The device restarts when the revive completes.
If the device doesn’t appear in the Apple Configurator device window
What to look for:
Apple Configurator doesn’t recognize the connected device.
Apple Configurator displays an error message.
The device becomes unresponsive during revive attempts.
Steps to take:
Verify that the device is in recovery mode.
Confirm that Mac is up to date.
Confirm that Mac has a reliable internet connection for iOS or iPadOS firmware downloads.
Confirm that the current version of Apple Configurator is installed.
Restart Apple Configurator, and reconnect the device.
Restart the Mac, and reconnect the device.
Use a supported Thunderbolt or USB cable and try different ports on the Mac.
Try a different supported Thunderbolt or USB cable.
Attempt a revive on a different Mac with Apple Configurator installed.