The iOS restore process allows you to restore your iPhone data and settings from a previous backup. This is useful if your iPhone is stuck or experiencing software issues. The restore process erases the iPhone and installs the latest iOS version, then restores your data and settings from the backup. Backups are stored in iCloud or iTunes depending on the backup method used. The most common reasons an iPhone can get stuck on the restore screen are interrupted connections, software bugs, and hardware issues. Restoring from a backup is the best way to get your iPhone working again while retaining your data and settings.
Common Causes
There are a few common reasons why an iPhone may get stuck on the restore screen:
Interrupted Connection
One of the most common reasons an iPhone gets stuck on the restore screen is an interrupted connection with iTunes or Finder during the restore process. This can happen if the USB cable gets disconnected or if there is a problem with the computer’s internet connection (Source 1). Restoring an iPhone requires a stable, continuous connection. If that gets disrupted, the phone can freeze on the restore screen.
Software Bugs
Bugs or issues with the iOS software can also lead to the iPhone getting stuck on the restore screen. Sometimes there are problems with the latest iOS update that prevent the restore from completing properly (Source 2). Doing a restore installs the latest iOS, so any software bugs could cause it to hang.
Hardware Issues
Finally, hardware problems with the iPhone itself may result in the restore process freezing. Issues with the logic board, battery, or other components can prevent the iPhone from being able to complete the restore sequence. This is more likely to occur with older iPhones.
Interrupted Connection
One common reason an iPhone may get stuck on the restore screen is an interrupted connection to the computer or WiFi network. This can happen if the Lightning cable comes loose while restoring or if the WiFi connection drops out. According to Apple Support, “If the Restore screen appears, connect your device to your computer and restart your device. You might also need to reinstall iOS or iPadOS.”[1]
To fix a loose cable issue, make sure the Lightning cable is securely plugged into both the iPhone and computer. Try a different high-quality Lightning cable as well. For WiFi issues, move closer to the router or reset network settings on the iPhone. Finally, restart both devices and retry the restore. Persistent connection issues may require restoring the iPhone using a wired connection instead of WiFi.
Overall, interrupted connections are a common reason for getting stuck on the restore screen. Carefully reconnecting the cable or WiFi can typically resolve this.
[1] https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203122
Software Bugs
Software issues are a common cause of iPhones getting stuck in restore mode. This often happens when there is a problem with the iOS version installed on the phone or a bug in iTunes when trying to restore or update the software. According to discussions on Apple’s support forums, some users have reported their iPhone 11 getting stuck on the “restoring iPhone software” screen during an iOS update. This seems to happen most frequently when the software update process is interrupted before completion, like if the USB cable is disconnected or the computer crashes (Source).
Bugs in the latest version of iOS can also cause the phone to get stuck in restore mode if the update fails to install properly. Likewise, bugs or glitches in iTunes itself may lead to restoration issues. If you encounter problems with “iTunes stuck on restoring iPhone firmware,” it’s recommended to update iTunes to the latest version and try the restore process again (Source). Restoring iPhone firmware can take some time too, so an extended wait at the “restoring iPhone software” screen doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem.
Hardware Issues
Sometimes an iPhone can get stuck in recovery mode due to underlying hardware problems. Here are some of the common hardware issues that can cause this:
Screen Problems
Issues with the iPhone’s screen, like dead pixels or a cracked display, can interrupt the restore process and cause the device to get stuck. This is because the screen needs to function properly to display the recovery mode prompts and restoration progress.
If the screen is damaged or unresponsive, the iPhone may have trouble exiting recovery mode (Source). Replacing the screen or getting it repaired may resolve the recovery issue.
Battery Problems
Battery problems like swelling or improper contacts can also lead to restore issues. The battery needs to maintain a steady power supply during the entire restoration process.
If the battery dies or loses contact during the restore, it can cause the iPhone to freeze in recovery mode indefinitely (Source). Replacing the old or swollen battery may be required.
Logic Board Failure
Failures of the logic board, which contains the phone’s processors and controllers, are another culprit for iPhone restore issues. If the logic board is damaged or malfunctioning, the device may not be able to successfully execute the restore protocols.
In such cases, the phone can remain perpetually stuck displaying the restore screen. Professional repair or replacement of the logic board may be needed (Source).
Fixing Connection Issues
One of the most common reasons an iPhone can get stuck on the restore screen is an interrupted internet connection. Here are some tips for troubleshooting any connectivity problems:
First, try using a different Lightning cable to connect your iPhone to your computer. Cables can become worn or damaged over time, disrupting the flow of data. Switch to a brand new cable and see if that resolves the issue.
You may also want to restart your iPhone and your computer, as this can reset any software connectivity glitches. First turn off both devices completely, wait 30 seconds, then power them back on and try the restore again. This simple reboot can get things working properly.
If you are connecting over WiFi, try moving closer to the router or toggling airplane mode on and off to refresh the connection. Disable any VPNs on your computer or router, as VPNs can sometimes interfere with restore communications.
Finally, use iTunes on a computer instead of doing the restore over the air via iCloud. A wired connection is generally more stable and may get your iPhone out of being stuck on the restore screen.
Fixing Software Issues
Software issues are one of the most common causes for an iPhone getting stuck on the restore screen. There are a couple ways to try fixing software issues to get your iPhone restored.
First, make sure you have the latest version of iOS installed on your iPhone and the latest version of iTunes on your computer. Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes. Click on the iPhone icon and then click “Check for Update” to download the latest iOS firmware. iTunes will prompt you to install the update on your device. Installing the latest iOS can help resolve software bugs causing restore issues.
If updating iOS does not work, you may need to factory reset your iPhone. To do this, connect your iPhone to iTunes on your computer. In iTunes, click on the iPhone icon and then click “Restore”. This will wipe your device and install a clean version of the latest iOS firmware. Make sure to back up your iPhone to iCloud or iTunes before restoring to avoid losing data. According to Apple’s support forums, restoring your iPhone to factory settings often resolves issues with getting stuck on the restore screen.
As a last resort, you can use iTunes to fully restore and update your iPhone software by clicking “Restore and Update” instead of just “Restore.” This will reinstall iOS and upgrade it to the latest version. Performing a full restore and update often fixes underlying software bugs when standard restore fails.
Fixing Hardware Issues
Some common hardware issues that can cause an iPhone to get stuck on the restore screen include problems with the USB port, logic board, power button, battery, screen, and other internal components. If your iPhone is stuck on the restore screen even after trying different cables and computers, then there may be an underlying hardware problem.
The best solution for a hardware issue causing the restore loop is to get your iPhone repaired or replaced at an Apple store or Apple authorized service provider. Apple technicians have the training, expertise, and parts to fully diagnose the problem and fix any faulty hardware.
Before going to the Apple store, try booking an appointment through Apple’s support site so you can go straight to the Genius Bar. Make sure to bring your iPhone, any cables/adapters you’ve tried, and be ready to provide details about when the issue started happening and what troubleshooting you’ve already attempted.
The Apple technician will run diagnostic tests to pinpoint the hardware problem, then either repair the faulty component or potentially replace the entire device if it cannot be fixed. Getting the hardware repaired by Apple is the most reliable way to resolve a hardware-related restore screen issue.
For more details, see Apple’s support article on getting hardware service and repairs.
Preventing Issues
There are a few key things you can do to help prevent your iPhone from getting stuck in a restore loop in the first place:
Keep your software updated – Make sure you have installed the latest iOS updates on your iPhone. Software updates often include bug fixes that can prevent issues during restore. Check for updates in Settings > General > Software Update.
Use good quality cables – Damaged or poor quality Lightning cables can sometimes interrupt the connection between your iPhone and computer during a restore. Invest in an Apple certified Lightning cable to ensure a reliable connection.
[Cite: https://mobi.easeus.com/ios-tips/iphone-restore-in-progress-stuck.html]
Don’t interrupt the restore process – It’s important not to unplug your iPhone or computer while a restore is in progress. Suddenly cutting the connection while files are transferring can lead to software errors that cause your iPhone to get stuck.
Following these tips will help minimize restore problems and keep your iPhone updating smoothly. However, even when being cautious, restore issues can still occasionally occur.
When to Seek Help
If you have tried the basic troubleshooting steps like restarting your iPhone, updating your software, and restoring your iPhone, but it is still stuck on the restore screen, it is time to seek additional help. The next step is to take your iPhone to an Apple store or Apple authorized service provider for assistance.
Technicians at the Apple store have more advanced tools and greater ability to diagnose and resolve “restore in progress stuck” issues. They can check the hardware components, like the logic board, battery, or ports. Apple technicians may be able to successfully restore the iPhone software, revive a non-responsive device, or determine if certain components need replacement.
Seeking professional assistance is recommended if you have exhausted the standard self-help steps but the iPhone 11 remains endlessly stuck on the restore screen. Trained specialists have the skills and resources to get the device functioning properly again or, if not repairable, help you understand your options. Rather than continuing to struggle with a phone stuck on “Restore in Progress”, consult the experts at the Apple store to get your iPhone working again or receive guidance on replacing it if unfixable.
