Restore your iPhone or iPad with a nearby device
During a wireless software update, your iPhone or iPad might ask you to move it closer to another device. If you see two devices moving together, you can use a second iPhone or iPad to restore yours.
Check device compatibility
This feature works on these devices.
iPhone
iPhone Duo
iPhone 18 Pro Max
iPhone 18 Pro
iPhone 17 models
iPhone Air
iPhone 16e
iPhone 16 models
iPhone 15 Pro models
iPad Pro
iPad Pro (M4 and M5) models
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th–6th generation)
iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd–4th generation)
iPad Air
iPad Air (M2, M3, and M4) models
iPad Air (5th generation)
iPad mini and iPad
iPad mini (A17 Pro)
iPad (A16)
The other device needs iOS 18 or iPadOS 18, or later.
Restore your device
Plug the recovery-mode device into a power source.
Place the recovery-mode device near an unlocked device connected to Wi-Fi. 1 2
Tap Continue and wait for the devices to connect.
Note the six-digit code on the recovery-mode device.
Enter this code on the other device to connect to Wi-Fi.
When you see the "Restoring [device]" message, tap OK.
If you want to view the restore progress, bring the devices next to each other again.
If you see a restore screen, or prefer to use a computer, you can restore with a computer.
Make sure that you unlock the second device.
Captive networks and networks that require 802.1X authentication (networks that require a username and password) aren't supported.