The “Restore” screen on iPhones indicates that the device needs to be restored to factory settings before it can be used properly again. This screen usually appears due to a major software issue that prevents the iPhone from booting up normally.
When the “Restore” screen appears, it means the iPhone operating system has become corrupted or unstable and can no longer start up. The restore process wipes the device and reinstalls a clean, stable version of iOS to get it functioning again.
Some of the common reasons an iPhone may get stuck on the restore screen include failed software updates, storage issues, forgotten passcodes, or system file corruption. In most cases, the only way to get past the restore screen is to connect the iPhone to a computer and do a full restore and update using iTunes or Finder.
Software Corruption
One of the most common reasons an iPhone may get stuck on the restore screen is due to some form of software corruption. This can happen for a few reasons:
Buggy iOS updates – Sometimes Apple releases an iOS software update that ends up being buggy and causes issues on certain iPhones. If you recently updated your iPhone’s iOS before seeing the restore screen, a buggy update could be to blame. Make sure your iPhone is always up to date with the latest stable iOS version.
Jailbreaking gone wrong – Jailbreaking allows you to modify your iPhone’s software and install unapproved apps. However, if the jailbreak fails or goes wrong in some way, it can cause major software issues. Your iPhone may get stuck on the restore screen after a bad jailbreak attempt. Unfortunately, the only fix is to erase the phone and reinstall a clean, official version of iOS.
Failed OTA update – iPhones can be updated wirelessly “over-the-air” (OTA). Sometimes, though, the OTA update gets interrupted or fails, which can corrupt the software. Attempting to install an iOS OTA update again while the software is already corrupt is likely the cause of your iPhone’s restore screen.
Hardware Failure
Sometimes a “Restore” screen appears due to a hardware malfunction in the iPhone. There are a few common hardware issues that can cause this:
Faulty logic board – The logic board contains the phone’s processor and is essentially the “brains” of the device. If it becomes damaged or defective, it can cause the restore screen to display. Symptoms include random reboots, freezing, and app crashes. Logic board issues often require replacement of the entire board.
Bad battery – An old, worn out battery may not hold a charge properly. This can lead to unexpected shutdowns and the restore screen appearing when you attempt to restart the phone. Replacing the battery often resolves this problem.
Screen damage – Cracks or breaks in the screen can sometimes cause underlying damage that makes the restore screen appear. This is because the screen is connected to other components via cables. Getting the screen replaced by a repair shop often fixes this issue.
In cases of hardware failure, the restore screen is the iPhone’s way of signaling something is wrong internally. Thankfully, restoring the device or getting repairs often resolves these hardware-related restore screens.
Attempted Repairs
One common reason an iPhone may get stuck on the restore screen is damage caused by attempted repairs, either from a third party repair shop or do-it-yourself tinkering. Many iPhone owners try to save money by using cheaper third party repair services or attempting DIY fixes. However, low quality parts or improper techniques can result in issues like the restore screen appearing.
Third party and DIY screen replacements are a frequent source of problems. If the display cable is not properly reconnected or aligned, it can disrupt communication between components and cause the restore screen to activate. Similarly, issues with replacement batteries, charging ports, or other components improperly installed can confuse the iPhone’s logic board and trigger the restore screen.
“Botched iphone repairs restore screen without computer,” ([exact_sources][0]) notes that the iPhone’s software is designed to detect unauthorized modifications, which can also lead to the restore screen. Even if mechanical parts are installed correctly, the software may detect non-Apple components and freeze the device.
Water Damage
One of the most common reasons an iPhone may display the restore screen is due to water damage. When liquid contacts the logic board inside the iPhone, it can short circuit and corrode the components over time.
According to this source, water can cause oxidation and rusting of the logic board and connectors inside the iPhone. This leads to malfunctions, glitches, and the restore screen appearing. Even after the phone dries out, the damage is often irreversible without professional repair.
The restore screen is the iPhone’s way of signaling something is critically wrong internally. Water causes issues immediately upon contact, as well as progressively worsening damage due to oxidation and corrosion over hours or days after exposure.
Full Storage
One of the most common reasons an iPhone may get stuck on the restore screen is if the device runs out of storage space. When your iPhone’s memory fills up completely, it can cause software crashes and other glitches that result in the restore screen appearing.
Trying to download apps, take photos and videos, or install iOS updates when your storage is completely full can overwhelm the operating system and force the iPhone to get stuck in a reboot loop. Large files like photos, videos, and offline playlists can quickly eat up all available storage.
According to Apple Support, connecting your iPhone to a computer and deleting content to free up space may allow you to exit the restore screen. You can also use iTunes or Finder to restore the iPhone, which will wipe the device and resolve any software issues caused by insufficient storage.
To prevent this issue in the future, regularly manage your iPhone’s storage by deleting unused apps, messages, and files. Avoid maxing out the device’s capacity.
Forgotten Passcode
One of the most common reasons an iPhone will display the restore screen is if you’ve forgotten your passcode. This can happen in a couple different scenarios:
If you’ve entered the wrong passcode too many times, after 10 failed attempts the iPhone will be disabled and require you to connect to iTunes to restore it. This is an automatic security measure to prevent unauthorized access to your data. According to Apple Support, if you forgot your passcode you can put your iPhone into recovery mode and restore it through iTunes to regain access [1]. However, this will erase all data on your iPhone.
You may also run into the restore screen if you intentionally changed your passcode but then forgot the new code. For example, if you wanted to change your passcode for added security but picked something complicated that you couldn’t remember afterwards. Some users on Apple’s support forums report seeing the restore screen after changing their passcode and immediately forgetting it [2]. In this case, restoring through iTunes is again the only option to get back into your iPhone.
The restore screen due to a forgotten passcode is essentially a security lockout. The only way to regain access without knowing your current passcode is to erase your iPhone and restore from a backup. This highlights the importance of remembering your passcode or using Touch ID/Face ID to avoid getting locked out.
Stolen Device
One reason your iPhone may be showing the restore screen is if it was stolen and still has the previous owner’s Activation Lock enabled (Apple Support). Activation Lock links the device to the original Apple ID used to set it up. Even if the device is erased, Activation Lock prevents it from being activated without the previous owner’s Apple ID and password. This is an anti-theft feature enabled through Find My iPhone that prevents thieves from being able to use stolen devices (Apple Support).
If someone else is using your lost or stolen iPhone, they will be unable to get past the Activation Lock screen without your Apple ID and password. They may try resetting the device, but will continue getting the “Restore” screen requesting your Apple ID and password (Apple Discussions). This makes the iPhone unusable to thieves, as the Activation Lock cannot be removed without the legitimate owner’s credentials.
Fixing the Restore Screen
If you see the restore screen on your iPhone, there are a few things you can try to fix it:
First, try doing a hard reset by holding down the power and home button at the same time for at least 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears. This will force your iPhone to restart and exit the restore screen.
If that doesn’t work, you can try restoring your iPhone from a previous backup. Connect your iPhone to your computer, open iTunes or Finder, and restore from your most recent backup. This will wipe your iPhone and revert it back to the state it was in during your last backup. Just make sure you have a recent backup available first.[1]
As a last resort, you may need to take your iPhone into an Apple store for diagnosis and repair. The Genius Bar technicians can run diagnostics tests to determine if there is an underlying hardware or software issue causing the restore screen to appear. They may be able to replace faulty components or reinstall the operating system to get your iPhone working again.
No matter the cause, the Apple store is equipped to get your iPhone back up and running if you can’t fix the restore screen yourself. Just make an appointment at your local store’s Genius Bar for assistance.
Preventing Future Issues
The most important step in preventing issues that lead to the restore screen is to regularly backup your iPhone. Connect your iPhone to iTunes or use iCloud backups to save your data, so it can be easily restored if needed. Handling your phone carefully can also prevent hardware damage that requires restoring. Use a protective case and avoid dropping your phone or exposing it to moisture.
It’s also wise to keep your iPhone passcode written down in a secure place, in case you forget it and get locked out. With a record of the passcode, you can enter it to regain access rather than losing access to your phone entirely. Backups, physical care of your device, and a written passcode can go a long way in preventing frustrating restore screens.