How to Fix an iPhone Stuck on the Apple Logo

An iPhone stuck on the Apple logo is usually in the middle of an update or restore that has stalled, or its software has become corrupted. In most cases you can fix it without losing data by forcing a restart or by updating through a computer in recovery mode. This guide keeps the data-erasing option for last.

What causes an iPhone to freeze on the Apple logo

• An iOS update or restore that was interrupted or is still working.
• A very low battery that cannot finish starting up.
• Corrupted system software.
• A failed jailbreak or unofficial modification.
• Less often, a hardware fault.

1. Wait and charge the phone

If the phone is installing an update, a progress bar appears under the logo and it can take a long time. Leave it connected to power and give it up to an hour before you decide it is stuck. If no progress bar appears and the screen has not changed for a long time, move on.

2. Force restart the iPhone

A force restart does not erase anything. The steps depend on the model:

• iPhone 8 and later, including iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation): press and quickly release Volume Up, press and quickly release Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears again.
• iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: press and hold Volume Down and the Side button together until the Apple logo appears.
• iPhone 6s and earlier, and iPhone SE (1st generation): press and hold the Home button and the Side (or Top) button together until the Apple logo appears.

Keep holding through the first logo. If the phone restarts normally, check Settings > General > Software Update and finish any pending update.

3. Update the iPhone using a computer

If the logo is still stuck, connect the iPhone to a computer with a cable. On a Mac, open Finder. On a Windows PC, open the Apple Devices app or iTunes. Put the iPhone into recovery mode:

1. Connect the iPhone to the computer and keep it connected.
2. Press the same button sequence as in step 2, but do not let go when the Apple logo appears. Keep holding until the recovery mode screen shows a computer or cable icon.
3. On the computer, a message offers Update or Restore. Choose Update.

The computer reinstalls iOS and tries to keep your data. If the download takes more than about 15 minutes, the iPhone leaves recovery mode. Let the download finish, then repeat the steps.

4. Restore as a last resort

If Update fails more than once, use recovery mode again and choose Restore. After it completes, set up the iPhone and restore from a backup if you have one.

Frequently asked questions

Will I lose my photos and data?

A force restart and the Update option in recovery mode are designed to keep your data. Only Restore erases the phone.

Why does the iPhone get stuck after an iOS update?

The update may have been interrupted, or there was not enough storage or battery to finish. Keep the phone charged and free some storage before the next update.

The computer does not recognise my iPhone. What now?

Try a different cable and port, update iTunes or the Apple Devices app, and restart the computer. Unlock the phone and tap Trust if it asks.

When to contact support

If recovery mode will not start, the computer never sees the phone, or the logo returns after a successful restore, the phone may have a hardware fault. Contact Apple Support or visit an authorised service provider.

Official resources

• Apple: Force restart iPhone
• Apple iPhone Support