If You Can T Update Or Restore Your Iphone Or Ipod Touch Recovery Mode

If You Can’t Update or Restore Your iPhone or iPod Touch (Recovery Mode)

Source: https://support.apple.com/en-us/118106

Type: External SOP

Procedure

Prerequisites

  • A Mac or Windows PC with the latest version of iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS Catalina or later)
  • A USB cable compatible with your iPhone or iPod touch
  • Ensure your computer has an active internet connection

Step 1: Install or Update iTunes (Windows Only)

  1. On a Windows PC, ensure you have the latest version of iTunes installed.
  2. On a Mac running macOS Catalina or later, use Finder instead of iTunes.

Step 2: Connect the Device to Your Computer

  1. Plug your iPhone or iPod touch into your computer using a USB cable.
  2. Open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows).

Step 3: Enter Recovery Mode

iPhone 8 or later / iPod touch (7th generation):
1. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
2. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
3. Press and hold the Side (Power) button until the recovery mode screen appears (do not release when the Apple logo appears).

iPhone 7 / iPhone 7 Plus:
1. Press and hold both the Volume Down button and the Sleep/Wake (Side) button simultaneously.
2. Keep holding until the recovery mode screen appears.

iPhone 6s or earlier / iPod touch (6th generation or earlier):
1. Press and hold both the Home button and the Sleep/Wake (Top or Side) button simultaneously.
2. Keep holding until the recovery mode screen appears.

Step 4: Restore or Update the Device

  1. When prompted on your computer, choose Update to attempt reinstalling iOS without erasing data.
  2. If the Update option fails or is unavailable, choose Restore to erase and reinstall iOS.
  3. Wait for the process to complete. Do not disconnect the device during this process.

Step 5: Set Up the Device

  1. Once the restore is complete, follow the on-screen setup instructions on your device.
  2. Restore from a backup if available, or set up as a new device.

Notes

  • Data loss warning: Choosing Restore will erase all data on the device. Always attempt Update first to preserve data.
  • If the device does not appear in Finder or iTunes, try a different USB cable or USB port.
  • Recovery mode requires an internet connection on the computer to download the iOS firmware.
  • If the recovery mode screen does not appear after following the button sequence, repeat the steps carefully — timing is critical.
  • If recovery mode does not resolve the issue, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
  • iPod touch support may vary depending on generation and iOS compatibility.