iPhone Stuck on Apple Logo or Restart Loop Fix

Quick Answer

When an iPhone stays on the Apple logo or repeatedly restarts before reaching the Lock Screen, begin with the correct force-restart sequence for the model. A force restart does not intentionally erase personal data.

If the problem continues, connect the iPhone to a Mac or Windows PC and use Recovery Mode. Choose Update first to reinstall iOS while attempting to preserve your data. Use Restore only as a data-erasing last resort. Apple recommends service when Recovery Mode cannot update or restore the device.

Safety Check

Stop troubleshooting and disconnect the iPhone from power if you notice:

• Battery swelling or a screen lifting away from the frame
• Smoke, sparks, or a burning or chemical smell
• Extreme or rapidly increasing heat
• Liquid inside the device
• A melted cable or visibly damaged charging connector
• Physical damage that prevents a button from working
• Irreplaceable data that could be erased by the next recovery step

Do not open the iPhone, puncture a swollen battery, insert tools into the charging port, or continue repeated restore attempts when the device is dangerously hot.

Choose the Symptom That Matches

What you see	What it means for troubleshooting	Next safe step
Apple logo remains with no progress bar	The iPhone is not completing startup	Perform a force restart, then use Recovery Mode if needed
Apple logo appears and disappears repeatedly	The phone is caught in a restart loop	Disconnect accessories, force restart, then try Recovery Mode Update
Apple logo has a moving progress bar	An update, restore, or data migration may still be processing	Keep the iPhone connected to power and wait
Progress bar has not moved for at least one hour after migration or backup restore	The migration or restore may not be completing	Connect to a computer and use Recovery Mode Update
Connect-to-computer screen appears	The iPhone is already in Recovery Mode	Open Finder or Apple Devices and attempt Update
Screen becomes completely black with no Apple logo	This may be a charging, power, display, or separate startup problem	Use the black-screen troubleshooting guide
Phone becomes dangerously hot during every restart	Continued testing may be unsafe	Stop and arrange professional inspection

Apple treats an Apple logo with no progress bar differently from an Apple logo with a progress bar. The progress bar can move slowly or appear temporarily unchanged while an update, restore, or migration continues.

1-Minute Safe Checks

Before using a computer or performing a data-erasing restore:

1. Remove cases or accessories that press against the Side, Home, or Volume buttons.
2. Disconnect headphones, adapters, hubs, external storage devices, and other accessories.
3. Check whether a progress bar is visible.
4. If the progress bar is moving, leave the iPhone connected to power.
5. Perform the correct force restart once.
6. If the screen becomes black or shows a low-battery symbol, charge the iPhone for up to one hour and retry the force restart.
7. Stop when the iPhone reaches the Lock Screen and operates normally.

Do not repeatedly force-restart an iPhone while an update progress bar is still moving.

Fix 1: Force Restart the iPhone

OFFICIALLY DOCUMENTED STEP

Use This When

Use a force restart when:

• The Apple logo has no progress bar.
• The iPhone repeatedly returns to the Apple logo.
• The screen is frozen and the normal power controls are unavailable.
• The phone stopped responding during startup.

Why It May Help

A force restart makes the iPhone restart using its hardware buttons. It does not intentionally erase applications, photos, accounts, or other personal content.

The button sequence depends on the iPhone model.

iPhone 8 or Later

This includes iPhone SE models from the second generation onward.

1. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
2. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
3. Press and hold the Side button.
4. Continue holding until the Apple logo appears.
5. Release the Side button.
6. Allow several minutes for startup to complete.

The Apple logo may take longer than 10 seconds to appear.

iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus

1. Press and hold the Side button.
2. At the same time, press and hold the Volume Down button.
3. Keep holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears.
4. Release both buttons.
5. Wait for the iPhone to complete startup.

iPhone 6s, First-Generation iPhone SE, or Earlier

1. Press and hold the Home button.
2. At the same time, press and hold the Side or Top button.
3. Keep holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears.
4. Release the buttons.
5. Wait for startup to complete.

Expected Result

The iPhone should progress past the Apple logo and reach the Lock Screen.

What the Result Means

• If the iPhone starts normally, a temporary startup interruption may have been involved. This result does not identify an exact cause.
• If the Apple logo remains or the restart loop returns, continue with the symptom-specific steps below.

Fix 2: Allow an Active Update or Migration to Finish

CONDITIONAL STEP

Use This When

Use this section when the Apple logo appears with a progress bar after:

• Installing an iOS update
• Restoring from a backup
• Erasing and setting up the device
• Moving data from another iPhone

Why It May Help

Apple states that the progress bar may move slowly, appear static, complete, and then begin again. The required time can vary based on the operation and the amount of data being processed.

Steps

1. Connect the iPhone to a reliable power source.
2. Do not disconnect it from the computer when a restore or migration is active.
3. Watch the progress bar for movement.
4. Press a button once if you need to check whether an updating message appears.
5. If an updating message is displayed, continue waiting.
6. Do not repeatedly force restart while progress is continuing.
7. If the progress bar followed a backup restore or device migration and has not moved for at least one hour, proceed to Recovery Mode.

Apple’s one-hour threshold specifically applies to an Apple logo and progress bar that appears after restoring from a backup or migrating from another device.

Expected Result

The progress bar should eventually complete, and the iPhone should reach the Lock Screen or setup screen.

What the Result Means

• Slow progress does not by itself prove that the device is frozen.
• If the update, restore, or migration never completes, Apple recommends a force restart or service depending on the exact behavior.

Fix 3: Charge the iPhone When Power Is Uncertain

CONDITIONAL STEP

Use This When

Use this step when:

• The iPhone restarts and then shows a black screen.
• A low-battery image appears.
• The phone does not remain powered long enough to complete startup.
• The battery may have been almost empty before the loop began.

Why It May Help

Apple recommends charging an iPhone for one hour when it will not turn on, followed by another force-restart attempt.

Steps

1. Inspect the cable and power adapter for cuts, bent connectors, discoloration, or exposed wiring.
2. Do not use visibly damaged charging equipment.
3. Connect the iPhone directly to a working power source.
4. Leave it charging for up to one hour.
5. Disconnect unnecessary accessories.
6. Perform the correct force restart again.
7. Check whether the iPhone stays powered long enough to complete startup.

Expected Result

The iPhone should remain powered and progress beyond the Apple logo.

What the Result Means

• If charging changes the behavior, insufficient power or a charging-related problem may have contributed.
• This does not confirm that the battery is defective. Continue with Recovery Mode if the iPhone still cannot complete startup.

Fix 4: Reinstall iOS With Recovery Mode Update

OFFICIALLY DOCUMENTED STEP

Use This When

Use Recovery Mode when:

• The Apple logo remains for several minutes without a progress bar.
• The restart loop continues after a force restart.
• A migration progress bar has not moved for at least one hour.
• The Connect-to-computer screen appears.
• Recovery Assistant repeatedly cannot recover the iPhone.

Apple lists these as situations where Recovery Mode may be required.

What You Need

• A Mac or Windows PC
• A reliable USB data cable
• An internet connection
• An updated Mac, or the current Apple Devices app on Windows
• iTunes only when using an older supported Mac or PC configuration that requires it

Open the Correct Computer Application

• On a current Mac, open Finder.
• On Windows, open the Apple Devices app.
• On a Mac using macOS Mojave or earlier, or a PC without Apple Devices where supported, open iTunes.

Enter Recovery Mode on iPhone 8 or Later

1. Connect the iPhone to the computer.
2. Press and quickly release Volume Up.
3. Press and quickly release Volume Down.
4. Press and hold the Side button.
5. Keep holding after the Apple logo appears.
6. Release the Side button only when the Connect-to-computer screen appears.

Enter Recovery Mode on iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus

1. Connect the iPhone to the computer.
2. Press and hold the Side or Top button and the Volume Down button together.
3. Keep holding both buttons until the Connect-to-computer screen appears.

Enter Recovery Mode on iPhone 6s or Earlier

1. Connect the iPhone to the computer.
2. Press and hold the Home button and the Side or Top button together.
3. Keep holding until the Connect-to-computer screen appears.

Choose Update First

1. Locate the iPhone in Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes.
2. When Update and Restore are offered, choose Update first.
3. Keep the iPhone connected while the computer downloads and installs iOS.
4. Do not close the application, shut down the computer, or disconnect the cable.
5. Allow the iPhone to restart.
6. Check whether it reaches the Lock Screen.

The Update option attempts to reinstall iOS without intentionally erasing the iPhone. Choosing Restore erases the device.

If the Download Takes More Than 15 Minutes

The iPhone may exit the Connect-to-computer screen during a long download.

1. Let the computer finish downloading the software.
2. Do not restart the download unnecessarily.
3. Put the iPhone into Recovery Mode again.
4. Repeat the installation process.

Expected Result

The iPhone should reinstall iOS and restart without intentionally deleting personal data.

What the Result Means

• If Update succeeds, the existing iOS installation was repaired or replaced sufficiently for startup to complete.
• If Update fails, record any displayed error code. Do not assume that one failed attempt proves hardware damage.

Fix 5: Restore the iPhone in Recovery Mode

DESTRUCTIVE LAST RESORT

Use This When

Use Restore only when:

• Recovery Mode Update did not complete or did not solve the startup problem.
• Safer non-destructive steps have failed.
• You understand that local data will be erased.
• You have checked whether a backup is available.
• Continuing to preserve inaccessible local data is not the higher priority.

Data-Loss Warning

A Recovery Mode Restore erases the iPhone and installs iOS again. Data that is not stored in iCloud, on a computer backup, or in another synchronized service may be permanently lost.

Have your Apple Account credentials available. They may be required during setup after the restore.

Steps

1. Connect the iPhone to the computer.
2. Open Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes as applicable.
3. Put the iPhone into Recovery Mode.
4. Locate the iPhone on the computer.
5. Choose Restore.
6. Read and accept the data-erasure warning only when you are ready.
7. Keep the cable connected throughout the process.
8. Allow iOS to download and install.
9. Wait for the setup screen.
10. Restore an available iCloud or computer backup during setup.

Apple states that Restore reinstalls iOS and erases all data on the device. Apple also recommends trying Update first when it has not already been attempted.

Expected Result

The iPhone should display the setup screen and complete startup using a newly installed copy of iOS.

What the Result Means

• If the iPhone starts after Restore, the problem was resolved through software reinstallation. This does not establish the exact original cause.
• If Restore repeatedly fails, a button cannot be used to enter Recovery Mode, or the iPhone immediately returns to the same startup behavior, Apple recommends service.

Do Not Use Generic DFU Instructions

Do not follow a universal Device Firmware Update sequence copied from an unrelated model or old guide.

DFU procedures depend on the exact iPhone model and require timed button sequences. They also lead to a restore that erases data. Apple’s current public troubleshooting path for this symptom uses force restart, Recovery Mode Update, Recovery Mode Restore, and service when recovery cannot be completed.

When Recovery Mode fails, professional assistance is safer than guessing a model-specific firmware procedure.

When the Problem May Be Hardware-Related

A hardware problem becomes more reasonable to investigate when:

• The restart loop began immediately after a drop or liquid exposure.
• The battery is swollen or the display is lifting.
• The iPhone becomes dangerously hot during startup.
• One or more required buttons are stuck or physically damaged.
• The computer never detects the iPhone using multiple known-working cables and ports.
• Recovery Mode Update and Restore repeatedly fail with the same error.
• A Restore completes, but the same startup loop immediately returns.
• Charging is intermittent and the connector is visibly damaged.
• The phone shuts down whenever the cable is disconnected.

These observations do not identify the failed component. One failed force restart or one unsuccessful update is not enough to confirm hardware failure.

When to Stop DIY Troubleshooting

Stop and arrange Apple or qualified professional service when:

• Recovery Mode cannot update or restore the iPhone.
• A required button is broken or stuck.
• The iPhone has battery swelling, smoke, odor, or dangerous heat.
• Liquid exposure or significant impact damage is present.
• The same restore error appears repeatedly.
• The computer cannot maintain a stable connection with the iPhone.
• Further troubleshooting would require opening the device.
• Preserving inaccessible local data is more important than attempting an erasing Restore.

Apple specifically advises service when Recovery Mode cannot update or restore the device or when a damaged button prevents Recovery Mode from being used.

Common Mistakes

Treating Every Apple Logo as the Same Problem

An Apple logo with no progress bar follows a different path from a progress bar that is still moving.

Interrupting an Active Update

Disconnecting power or repeatedly restarting while an update is progressing can prevent the process from completing normally.

Choosing Restore Before Update

Update should be attempted first because Restore erases the iPhone.

Releasing the Side Button Too Early

When entering Recovery Mode on iPhone 8 or later, continue holding after the Apple logo appears. Release it only when the Connect-to-computer screen appears.

Assuming One Failed Attempt Proves Hardware Damage

A failed attempt may involve the USB cable, computer, software download, connection, or another temporary condition.

Repeating Data-Erasing Restores

Repeated restores are unlikely to help when the same error or physical symptom continues. Record the error and seek service.

Following Generic DFU or Firmware Guides

Model-specific, unofficial, or outdated instructions can increase the chance of data loss without providing a supported diagnostic result.

Opening the iPhone

Opening a sealed iPhone is not required for the official software-recovery process and may create additional damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Guides

• iPhone Stuck in Recovery Mode Fix
• iPhone Black Screen or Won’t Turn On Fix
• iPhone White Screen of Death Fix

Use the recovery-mode guide when the Connect-to-computer screen remains visible. Use the black-screen guide when the phone shows no Apple logo, and use the white-screen guide when the display remains completely white. These are separate observable symptoms from an Apple-logo restart loop.

Official Sources

Official sources checked: July 25, 2026

Apple Support

Page: If your iPhone won’t turn on or the screen is black

Direct verified URL: https://support.apple.com/en-us/116940

URL status: Verified accessible on July 25, 2026

Supports:

• Force-restart sequences
• Charging for one hour when the iPhone will not turn on
• Seeking service when the phone still will not start

Scope limitation:
This page primarily addresses an iPhone that will not turn on or has a black screen. The force-restart instructions also apply to an unresponsive startup screen.

Apple Support

Page: If your iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo

Direct verified URL: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102474

URL status: Verified accessible on July 25, 2026

Supports:

• The one-hour threshold after backup restoration or device migration
• Model-specific Recovery Mode button sequences
• Choosing Update instead of Restore to avoid intentional erasure
• The warning that Restore erases the iPhone

Scope limitation:
The one-hour progress-bar instructions apply to iOS 13 or later after restoring from a backup or migrating from another device.

Apple Support

Page: Apple logo with progress bar after updating or restoring iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Direct verified URL: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102317

URL status: Verified accessible on July 25, 2026

Supports:

• Progress bars moving slowly or appearing temporarily static
• Keeping the device connected during migration
• Keeping the device connected to power during an over-the-air update
• Force restarting or requesting service when the process does not complete

Scope limitation:
This page covers an Apple logo with a progress bar after an update, restore, or erase operation.

Apple Support

Page: If you can’t update or restore your iPhone or iPod touch

Direct verified URL: https://support.apple.com/en-us/118106

URL status: Verified accessible on July 25, 2026

Supports:

• Recovery Mode conditions
• Current Finder and Apple Devices workflow
• Model-specific Recovery Mode instructions
• Trying Update before Restore when Update has not already been attempted
• The data-erasure warning for Restore
• Repeating Recovery Mode when a download exceeds 15 minutes
• Seeking service when recovery fails or a button is damaged

Scope limitation:
Computer application availability varies by operating system. The page also includes older iPhone and iPod touch models.

How This Guide Was Verified

Last technically checked: July 25, 2026

Research method:
The existing published article was audited against current Apple Support documentation. Exact Apple pages were opened, titles and procedures were checked, data-loss warnings were compared, and the direct destination URLs were rechecked before output.

Physically tested:
No official documentation reviewed.

Applies to:
Supported iPhone models that remain on the Apple logo, repeatedly restart during startup, or show an Apple-logo progress bar that does not complete.

Important limitation:
The correct response depends on whether the screen has no progress bar, has a moving progress bar, shows the Connect-to-computer screen, or becomes completely black. Computer applications and cable types also vary by iPhone and computer.

Data-loss risk:
High only when Restore is selected. Force restart and Recovery Mode Update do not intentionally erase personal data, but no recovery procedure can guarantee preservation when the device or storage is damaged.

Final Steps

• Start by identifying whether the Apple logo has a progress bar. Allow an active update, restore, or migration to continue when progress is visible.
• For an Apple logo with no progress bar or a repeated restart loop, perform the correct force restart. If the phone still cannot complete startup, enter Recovery Mode and choose Update first.
• Choose Restore only after safer steps fail and only after accepting that the iPhone will be erased. Stop DIY troubleshooting when recovery repeatedly fails, required buttons are damaged, or the device shows swelling, liquid exposure, dangerous heat, or other physical damage.