iPhone Stuck on the Apple Logo? Your Step-by-Step Fix Guide
Seeing your iPhone permanently displaying the Apple logo—often called a ‘boot loop’—is one of the most frustrating things an owner can experience. It means your device is unable to complete its startup sequence, leaving you locked out of your apps, messages, and calls. This issue is typically caused by a failed software update (especially if storage was full), a damaged component, or a corrupted iOS installation.
Before you panic, there are two primary methods you can try at home to get your device up and running. These steps are applicable to most modern iPhones (iPhone 8 through to the current iPhone 17).
1. The Quick Fix: Force Restart Your iPhone
A simple force restart can clear up a temporary software glitch without erasing any data. It interrupts the power cycle and forces the device to try booting again.
For iPhone 8 and Newer (including X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 series):
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side/Power button. Do not release it when the Apple logo reappears.
- Continue holding the Side button until the screen goes black, and the Apple logo appears for a second time. Once the second logo appears and disappears, release the button.
If the phone successfully boots to the Lock Screen, you are good to go. If it remains stuck on the logo, proceed to the next step.
2. The Reliable Fix: Entering Recovery Mode
If a force restart fails, you need to put the iPhone into Recovery Mode to allow a computer to reinstall the iOS software. You will need a Mac (running macOS Catalina or later) or a PC (running the latest version of iTunes).
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using a lightning or USB-C cable.
- Repeat the force restart button sequence (Volume Up, Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button).
- Crucial Step: Do not let go of the Side button when the Apple logo appears! Keep holding it until you see the Recovery Mode screen (a cable pointing to a computer icon).
- On your computer, Finder (Mac) or iTunes (PC) should automatically open and detect an iPhone in Recovery Mode.
- You will be presented with two options: Update or Restore.
- First, select Update. This attempts to reinstall the iOS software without erasing your data. If this fails, repeat the process and choose Restore. Note that Restore will erase all data and reset the phone to factory settings.
❓ What if Recovery Mode Doesn't Work?
If your device continues to get stuck or fails to enter Recovery Mode, the problem is likely hardware-related. This could be a failed NAND chip (memory storage) or another internal component damaged by a drop or excessive heat. In this case, the cost of repair may exceed the device's remaining value.
If your iPhone is suffering from a terminal hardware fault, it is time to turn that faulty device into cash and upgrade to a reliable refurbished model.
Don't let a faulty device become valuable e-waste. Get a quote for your device, even if it's damaged, and use that cash towards a guaranteed replacement.
Ready to move on from a broken device? Get cash for your handset today when you sell your old handset. Or, secure a fully tested, guaranteed replacement that won't get stuck on the Apple logo when you buy a refurbished smartphone.
