Restore your iPhone or iPad with a nearby device

During a wireless software update, your iPhone or iPad might display an animation asking you to move the device closer to another device.

If your iPhone or iPad displays an animation of devices moving close together, you can use another iPhone or iPad to restore the device. This feature is available on these devices:

• iPhone 17 models

• iPhone Air

• iPhone 16 models

• iPhone 15 Pro models

• iPhone 16e

• iPad Pro (M4 and M5) models

• iPad Pro (12.9-inch) (6th generation)

• iPad Pro (12.9-inch) (5th generation)

• iPad Pro (11-inch) (4th generation)

• iPad Pro (11-inch) (3rd generation)

• iPad Air (M2 and M3) models

• iPad Air (5th generation)

• iPad mini (A17 Pro)

• iPad (A16)

The other device needs to have iOS 18 or later or iPadOS 18 or later.

1. Connect the device that's in recovery mode to a power source.

2. Place the device that's in recovery mode near another unlocked device already connected to Wi-Fi.^* You should see the "Restore Nearby [device]" message.

   

3. Tap Continue and wait for the devices to connect. The device in recovery mode displays a six-digit code. Enter this code on the other device to share its Wi-Fi connection.

4. Tap OK when you see the "Restoring [device]" message.

If you want to view the restore progress, bring the devices next to each other again.

If you see a restore screen on your device or if you want to use a computer to restore your iPhone or iPad, learn what to do.