iPhone update failed and stuck on the Apple logo: how to fix it

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An iPhone that sits on the Apple logo after an update usually has an interrupted or incomplete install. Force restart it first. If the logo stays for several minutes, put it in recovery mode and choose Update from a computer, which reinstalls iOS and keeps your data.

Applies to:iPhoneall modelsiPadsame recovery approach, button steps differ by model
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What it means

After an iOS update, the iPhone is supposed to show the Apple logo briefly and then reach the lock screen. If the update was interrupted or didn't install cleanly, the phone can stay on the logo and never finish starting.

Apple's own guidance for this case is specific: if the logo stays on screen for several minutes with no progress bar, use recovery mode. If a progress bar is moving, the phone is still working and Apple treats that as a different situation, so give it time.

Nothing here needs you to erase the phone at the start. The steps go from least to most disruptive, and the one that erases data (Restore) comes last.

Symptoms and causes

You are likely dealing with this problem if:

  • The Apple logo stays on screen for several minutes with no progress bar.
  • The iPhone keeps restarting and returns to the logo (a boot loop).
  • A "Connect to computer" screen appears, or the phone keeps starting into the recovery screen.
  • A computer does not recognize the phone when you plug it in.

The usual causes, most common first:

Interrupted or incomplete update
Apple lists the battery running out partway, or the update stalling, as reasons an update fails. iFixit adds that a failed update, a conflicting app or malicious software can corrupt the software.
Not enough free storage
Apple lists low storage as a cause of update failure. iFixit says a very full phone may not boot properly.
Hardware fault
Liquid damage, drops, a damaged logic board, or a broken or stuck button can stop the phone from booting. Apple says you may need service if recovery mode doesn't work or a button sticks.

How to fix it

Work through these in order. They start with the quickest, safest checks and move to deeper repairs; stop as soon as the problem is gone.

1.Wait if there's a progress bar, and charge the phone

Easy

A moving progress bar means the update is still being applied. A low battery can also be the whole problem.

  1. If a progress bar is moving under the logo, leave the phone alone and let it keep working.
  2. If the screen is dark and the phone won't turn on, connect it to power and charge it for about an hour, then try again (Apple's guidance).
  3. If a low-battery icon appears, charge for 30 minutes or until the phone starts.

2.Force restart the iPhone

Easy

A force restart doesn't erase anything and sometimes gets a stalled boot moving again.

  1. iPhone 8 and later (including SE 2nd generation and later): quickly press and release Volume Up, quickly press and release Volume Down, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
  2. iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: hold the side button and Volume Down together until the Apple logo appears.
  3. iPhone 6s and earlier, and SE (1st generation): hold the Home button and the side or top button together until the Apple logo appears (about 10 seconds).
  4. Be patient with the buttons: Apple notes the logo can take more than 10 seconds to appear.

3.Use recovery mode and choose Update

Moderate

This reinstalls iOS without erasing your data. It is Apple's recommended step when the logo stays up for several minutes.

  1. Use a Mac with current updates (open Finder) or a PC with the latest Apple Devices app. You also need a USB cable. Apple mentions iTunes as an alternative.
  2. Connect the iPhone to the computer and keep it connected.
  3. Put the phone in recovery mode. iPhone 8 and later: press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then hold the side button until the "Connect to computer" screen appears.
  4. iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: hold the side button (or top button) and Volume Down together until the recovery screen appears. iPhone 6s and earlier: hold the Home button and the side or top button together.
  5. On the computer, select the iPhone in Finder or in the Apple Devices app.
  6. When the Update or Restore choice appears, click Update. The computer reinstalls iOS and keeps your data.
  7. If the download takes more than 15 minutes, the phone may leave the recovery screen. Let the download finish, then repeat the recovery mode steps above.

4.Fix the computer connection if recovery won't work

Moderate

Update and Restore often fail because of the cable, port, software or security tools on the computer, not the phone.

  1. Update the computer's software and the Apple Devices app (or iTunes).
  2. Plug the phone straight into a USB port on the computer, not into a hub or keyboard.
  3. Try a different Apple cable or a different USB port.
  4. Restart both the computer and the iPhone, then repeat recovery mode.
  5. Update, change or uninstall security software that interferes with the connection.
  6. If possible, try another computer on a different network.
  7. If the computer shows a numbered error (for example 9, 4005, 4013, 4014, 14, 17, 1639, 3000 to 3999, 53 or 1015), look that number up in Apple's article on update and restore errors.

5.Restore the iPhone (erases all data)

ModerateChanges settings

If Update fails, Restore installs a fresh copy of iOS. It is the last software option before service.

Before you start: Restore erases everything on the iPhone. You can't back up a phone that won't start, so you will depend on an existing iCloud or computer backup. Try Update first.

  1. Put the iPhone in recovery mode again (see the previous fix) and keep it connected.
  2. In Finder or the Apple Devices app, click Restore and follow the prompts.
  3. When it finishes and the phone starts, restore your data from a backup using Apple's instructions for restoring from a backup.

6.Free up space if the phone is nearly full

Moderate

iFixit ties some boot failures to a full phone. This applies only once the phone starts again, for example after Update.

  1. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage and free space with Offload Unused Apps or by deleting apps.
  2. If the phone still won't boot, use Restore from the previous fix.

7.Get the phone serviced

Easy

Repeated failures point to hardware rather than software.

  1. Contact Apple Support or an authorized service provider if recovery mode won't work, a button is broken or sticky, or Restore keeps failing. iFixit notes that a logic board repair may be needed in some cases.

Check that it worked

  • The iPhone passes the Apple logo and reaches the lock screen or the setup screen.
  • After a successful Update, your apps and data are still there. After Restore, the phone starts at setup and your backup restores onto it.

If it still fails

  • If recovery mode won't start, a button is stuck, or Restore keeps failing, contact Apple Support or an authorized service provider.
  • Look up any numbered error shown on the computer in Apple's article on update and restore errors.
  • To avoid a repeat on a working phone: confirm the model is supported, free storage under Settings > General > iPhone Storage, use stable Wi-Fi, and keep the phone plugged in during the update. If a wireless update keeps failing, delete the downloaded update under Storage and download it again, or update from a computer.

Questions

Will I lose my data if I choose Update in recovery mode?

No. Apple says Update reinstalls iOS and keeps your data. Only Restore erases the phone.

How long should I wait before assuming it's stuck?

Apple's trigger for recovery mode is the logo staying up for several minutes with no progress bar. If a bar is moving, keep waiting.

Sources

  1. If you can't update or restore your iPhone or iPod touchOfficial · Apple Support
  2. Restart an unresponsive iPhoneOfficial · Apple Support
  3. If your iPhone or iPad won't updateOfficial · Apple Support
  4. If you see an error when you update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPodOfficial · Apple Support
  5. Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings using a computerOfficial · Apple Support
  6. Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backupOfficial · Apple Support
  7. iPhone Stuck on Apple Logo · iFixit

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