Explore recover, revive, and restore workflows
You can use recover, revive, or restore workflows on iPhone or iPad to help users resolve software issues, return a device to factory settings, or recover an unresponsive device.
Recovery mode and DFU mode
To enter DFU (device firmware update) mode you need to have physical access to the device. When a device is in DFU mode the normal operating system (iOS, iPadOS, macOS) isn’t loaded and data on the device is inaccessible and protected by encryption.
DFU mode and recovery mode allow you to use a Mac to restore a device with an IPSW file using the Finder or Apple Configurator for Mac.
An IPSW file (.ipsw) is an Apple-signed software update file that includes the components to install or restore the operating system and firmware on an Apple device.
In recovery mode a device starts in a limited operating system designed for firmware and operating system updates. Installation while in DFU mode addresses the hardware in a more direct way and doesn’t require a working operating system on the internal storage. A device whose internal storage has been replaced would be accessible only in DFU mode, while a device with a functioning operating system installed can use recovery mode.
Revive
In rare cases an Apple device may fail an update or have corrupt firmware, or be left in an unreliable state if a power failure interrupts an operating system installation.
When to revive an iPhone or iPad
If an iPhone or iPad has been partially configured, if information about the device (such as the supervision identity) is missing, if the device doesn’t progress past the Apple logo or is stuck on a black screen, or if the device is stuck in recovery mode, you can attempt to revive the device to recover any data on it.
Try reviving first; it can be faster than restoring and doesn’t erase your device. A revive runs any uninstalled firmware updates and can correct other issues.
Restore
If you can’t revive your device, you’ll need to restore it. Restoring a device permanently erases any data, runs any needed firmware updates, and installs a new version of the OS. Unlike a revive, a restore erases all data on the device.
Recover, revive, or restore a device
Note: Before erasing or reinstalling iOS or iPadOS, try restarting the device.
What to use | Description | ||||||||||
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Recovery mode | Use recovery mode when the Mac doesn’t recognize the device, the device screen is stuck on the Apple logo, the “Connect to computer” screen appears, or you need to reset a forgotten passcode. | ||||||||||
Update versus restore options | In the Finder, recovery mode offers the following options:
Important: Always choose update first to preserve data when possible. | ||||||||||
Apple Configurator options | In Apple Configurator, recovery mode offers the following options:
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Alternative methods | Use an iPhone 16 or later with iOS 18 or later, or an iPad mini (A17 Pro) or later with iPadOS 18 or later to wirelessly restore a device in recovery mode. For more information, see the Apple Support article Restore your iPhone or iPad with a nearby device. | ||||||||||