How to Fix iPhone Won't Go into Recovery Mode

If your iPhone won't go into recovery mode, you may be unable to update or restore it through Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes when normal troubleshooting fails. This problem can be caused by an incorrect button sequence, connection issues, outdated software, or an iOS glitch. In this guide, we'll explain why your iPhone can't enter recovery mode and walk you through the most effective ways to fix it.

Why Won't My iPhone Go Into Recovery Mode

If your iPhone won't go into recovery mode, the problem is usually related to incorrect operation, connection issues, software glitches, or hardware problems. Common causes include:

• 01 Incorrect button combination: Different iPhone models require different steps to enter recovery mode.
• 02 Buttons are not working: A damaged Side, Home, or Volume button can prevent the required button sequence.
• 03 Faulty USB cable or port: An unstable connection may stop your computer from detecting the iPhone correctly.
• 04 Outdated Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes: Older software may have trouble recognizing your iPhone.
• 05 Temporary iOS glitches: System errors can sometimes interfere with the normal recovery mode process.
• 06 Hardware damage: Serious problems with the charging port, buttons, or other components may prevent the iPhone from entering recovery mode.

Once you know the possible cause, try the fixes below in order.

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How to Fix iPhone Won't Go into Recovery Mode

If your iPhone won't go into recovery mode, first make sure you're using the correct button sequence for your model. If that doesn't work, move on to checking temporary iOS glitches, buttons, the USB connection, and your computer. Try the following methods in order.

Method 1. Enter Recovery Mode with TunesKit in One Click

You can use TunesKit iOS System Recovery to put a recognized iPhone into Recovery Mode without repeatedly pressing the hardware buttons. The Enter/Exit Recovery Mode feature is free to use and is separate from TunesKit's paid iOS system repair functions. Only need 1 step, you can enter recovery mode within seconds.

Install and launch TunesKit iOS System Recovery on your Windows PC or Mac. Connect your iPhone to the computer with a USB cable and wait for TunesKit to detect it. Find the Recovery Mode section on the main interface. Click Enter, and TunesKit will automatically attempt to put the connected iPhone into Recovery Mode.

Method 2. Try the Correct Recovery Mode Steps Again

Entering Recovery Mode requires different button combinations depending on your iPhone model. Your iPhone should also be connected to a computer during the process.

Before starting, open Finder on a Mac or Apple Devices on a Windows PC. If Apple Devices isn't installed on your PC, or you're using macOS Mojave or earlier, use iTunes instead.

For iPhone 8 or later, including iPhone SE (2nd generation or later):

• Step 1. Connect your iPhone to the computer with a USB cable.
• Step 2. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
• Step 3. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
• Step 4. Press and hold the Side button. Do not release it when the Apple logo appears.
• Step 5. Keep holding the Side button until the Connect to computer screen appears.

For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus:

• Step 1. Connect the iPhone to your computer.
• Step 2. Press and hold the Side button and Volume Down button at the same time.
• Step 3. Keep holding both buttons until the Connect to computer screen appears.

For iPhone 6s or earlier, including iPhone SE (1st generation):

• Step 1. Connect the iPhone to your computer.
• Step 2. Press and hold the Home button and Side/Top button at the same time.
• Step 3. Keep holding both buttons until the Connect to computer screen appears.

Method 3. Force Restart Your iPhone and Try Again

If you're using the correct Recovery Mode steps but nothing happens, a temporary iOS freeze may be interfering with the button sequence. Force restart the iPhone first, then try Method 1 again.

• For iPhone 8 or later: Quickly press and release Volume Up, quickly press and release Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
• For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the Side button and Volume Down button together until the Apple logo appears.
• For iPhone 6s or earlier: Press and hold the Home and Side/Top buttons together until the Apple logo appears.

After the iPhone restarts, reconnect it to the computer and try entering Recovery Mode again.

Method 4. Check the Buttons, Cable, and USB Connection

If your iPhone still won't enter Recovery Mode, make sure the required buttons and computer connection are working.

First, test the Side, Volume, or Home button used for your iPhone model. If one of these buttons is stuck or physically damaged, the Recovery Mode button sequence may not work.

Then check the connection:

• Reconnect the USB cable firmly.
• Try another compatible cable.
• Connect the iPhone directly to another USB port.
• Avoid unreliable USB hubs or adapters.
• If possible, test the iPhone with another computer.

If your computer cannot detect the iPhone at all, solve the connection problem before trying Recovery Mode again.

Method 5. Update Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes

Outdated computer software can also interfere with communication between your iPhone and computer.

On Mac: Install available macOS updates so Finder and Apple device support are up to date.

On Windows: Update the Apple Devices app. If you still use iTunes, make sure the latest available version is installed. Go to Help > Check for Updates to check and install the latest update.

After updating, restart the computer, reconnect your iPhone, and try Recovery Mode again.

Method 6. Fix iPhone Not Going into Recovery Mode Via iOS System Tool

TunesKit iOS System Recovery is an excellent tool that will help you enter recovery mode with one click for free. Besides, the iPhone won't go into recovery mode due to system problems that can also be fixed perfectly with this software.

Not only that but this software is dedicated to fixing iOS problems and supports over 150 common system errors such as iPhone stuck in recovery mode, iPhone stuck in DFU mode, and more. What's worth mentioning is that using it to fix problems on your iPhone will not result in data loss and it works with a wide range of iOS devices including iPhone, iPad, iPod, and etc. All in all, it's a one-stop and time-saving solution.

Step 1. Launch TunesKit iOS System Recovery

Launch TunesKit iOS System Recovery on your computer and connect your iPhone with a USB cable. Choose iOS System Repair and click Start.

Step 2. Select Standard Repair

Select Standard Repair first. This mode is designed to fix common iOS issues without erasing your iPhone data.

Step 3. Download Firmware Package

Confirm your device information, select an available firmware version, and click Download.

Step 4. Fix iPhone Won't Go into Recovery Mode

After downloading the firmware package, simply click on the Start Standard Repair button and start the repairing. It will take few minutes and do not disconnect your iPhone.

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Conclusion

We have summarized six ways in which your iPhone won't go into recovery mode. Firstly, reboot your iPhone to re-enter recovery mode. If that doesn't work, choose TunesKit iOS System Recovery to help you get your device into recovery mode. In addition, if your device has system problems, it can also be repaired without losing any data. Please leave your comments below if you have any queries or suggestions.