Fix This iPhone Encountered an Issue While Starting iOS 26

If you see the message "This iPhone encountered an issue while starting," it usually means your device is struggling to boot properly. And it gets stuck in Recovery Assistant screen. This can happen due to failed iOS updates, software glitches, corrupted files, or even hardware problems.

The good news is, you don't have to panic—there are several reliable methods to get your iPhone back up and running. In this guide, we'll walk you through 5 tested solutions to fix the issue and restore your device smoothly.

Part 1: What Is iOS 26 Recovery Assistant? & How It Works?

iOS 26 introduces Recovery Assistant, a new feature for fixing an iPhone that fails to start up, eliminating the previous requirement to connect the device to a Mac or PC. First detailed in the beta release notes, this function automatically activates when a startup error occurs.

The iPhone boots into a special recovery mode and displays a message: "This iPhone encountered an issue while starting... it has booted into Recovery. Recovery will look for any problems and attempt to resolve them if found." This allows the device to troubleshoot itself, dramatically simplifying the repair process for all users.

Now let's learn how Recovery Assistant works.

When an iOS 26 device fails to boot, it automatically launches the Recovery Assistant, which scans for problems like corrupt firmware and attempts to fix them.

If the issue cannot be resolved on-device, the assistant offers a wireless recovery option. This allows you to use another nearby iPhone or iPad (running iOS 26 or later) to securely download and transfer a fresh copy of iOS to the faulty device. After the installation, the iPhone reboots, ready for setup. In some cases, the assistant can restore the OS independently, similar to macOS Internet Recovery.

Part 2: Why Is my iPhone stuck on "This iPhone Encountered an Issue While Starting?"

This error message signals a critical software failure that has stopped your iPhone's startup process. The most common reasons for this are:

• A Failed iOS Update: The update was interrupted by a poor connection or low power, corrupting essential system files.
• Critically Low Storage: The iPhone lacks the necessary free space for the operating system to properly load and run its startup sequence.
• A Corrupt Restore: Restoring the device from a damaged backup or having a data transfer fail midway can leave the system software in an unstable state.
• Hardware Malfunction: Though less common, a fault in an internal component like the logic board or battery can also prevent the iPhone from booting correctly.

Part 3: How to Fix This iPhone Encountered an Issue While Starting Stuck?

Method 1: Force Restart Your iPhone

A force restart is the electronic equivalent of a hard reboot. It cuts the power to the software and forces the operating system to start over from scratch, which can clear the temporary glitch that caused the startup failure. This process will not erase any of your content.

• For iPhone 8 or later (including models with Face ID): Quickly press and release the Volume Up button. Immediately press and release the Volume Down button. Then, press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen.
• For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold both the Side button and the Volume Down button at the same time. Continue to hold them until the Apple logo appears.
• For iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold both the Home button and the Top (or Side) button simultaneously until the Apple logo is displayed.

After the Apple logo appears, release the buttons and let the iPhone attempt to boot up normally. If you land on your home screen, the problem is solved. If you see the error message again, move to the next step.

Method 2: Update iOS Using a Computer

If a force restart doesn't work, the next method is to use a computer to update the iPhone's operating system. This method reinstalls iOS without deleting your personal data, making it the safest next option.

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC using a USB cable. On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open a Finder window. On a PC or a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier, open iTunes.

Step 2. Put your iPhone into Recovery Mode. This allows the computer to communicate with the device even when the operating system can't load. You can use TunesKit iOS System Recovery to put iPhone into recovery mode without home button and for free.

Step 3. Once your device is in recovery mode, Finder or iTunes will display a message that a problem has been detected. You will be given two choices: Update or Restore. Choose Update. Your computer will download a fresh copy of iOS and attempt to install it. Be patient, as this can take some time. If the update is successful, your iPhone will restart normally.

Method 3: Use Wireless Recovery (Newer Models)

For newer iPhone models running the latest iOS 26 versions, a computer-free option may be available if another up-to-date iPhone or iPad is nearby. This feature, sometimes called "Restore Nearby iPhone," allows a functional Apple device to help restore the one that is stuck.

If your iPhone offers this on-screen option after a failed startup, bring another iPhone or iPad close. A prompt should appear on the working device, guiding you through the steps to securely transfer the necessary software to recover your iPhone wirelessly.

Method 4: Exit Recovery Mode in One-click

TunesKit iOS System Recovery provides an easy solution for fixing an iPhone stuck on the Recovery Assistant screen with the error "This iPhone encountered an issue while starting." Unlike using iTunes, it can repair the system without erasing your data, making it a faster, safer, and more reliable option.

Whether your iPhone is stuck in boot loop, restore, jailbreak, or other system glitch, it is built to handle a wide range of iOS issues while keeping your data intact.

Here's how to use TunesKit iOS System Recovery to fix iPhone stuck in Recovery Assistant screen.

Step 1Connect Your iPhone and Launch the App

Download and install theTunesKit iOS System Recovery on your PC. Open it on your computer. Then, connect your iPhone that is stuck on the Recovery Assistant screen using a reliable USB-C or Lightning cable. Selec Enter/Exit Recovery Mode on the Main screen.

Step 2Click to Exit Recovery Mode

Click the "Exit Recovery Mode" button. The software will send a command to your iPhone, instructing it to exit the recovery state and restart. The process should only take a minute or two. Your iPhone will then attempt to reboot. If the underlying software issue was minor, your device should start up normally to the Lock Screen.

Method 5: Restore Your iPhone

This should be your last resort, as it will completely erase all data on your iPhone and install a fresh version of iOS. Only proceed if you have a recent backup (either in iCloud or on a computer) that you can restore from later.

To restore your iPhone, follow the same procedure as in Method 2 to connect to a computer and enter Recovery Mode. However, when prompted by Finder or iTunes, select Restore iPhone instead of Update. Your computer will erase the device, install the latest iOS, and return the iPhone to its factory settings. Once complete, you can set it up as a new device or restore your data from a backup.

Part 4: Conclusion

This guide explains how to fix the "This iPhone encountered an issue while starting" error using standard methods like a force restart or a Recovery Mode update. TunesKit iOS System Recovery, a specialized tool that simplifies the process. TunesKit offers a free, one-click feature to exit the stuck recovery screen, and its "Standard Repair" mode can fix deeper software corruption by reinstalling iOS without deleting your personal data, serving as a powerful alternative to a complete data-wiping restore.