How to Fix iPhone 12 Stuck on Recovery Mode (2026)

Your iPhone 12 is stuck on the Connect to Computer recovery screen and taps do nothing. On a device you own, follow Apple’s sequence: force restart, try Update, use Restore only when needed, then troubleshoot a restore error or arrange service.

#What Causes an iPhone 12 to Get Stuck in Recovery Mode?

Recovery mode is the state represented by the Connect to Computer screen. It gives Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes a path to update or restore an iPhone that did not finish starting normally.

According to Apple’s current recovery-mode guide, this route is appropriate when the Apple logo remains without progress, the computer doesn’t recognize the device, the Connect to Computer screen appears, or Recovery Assistant repeatedly fails. The page doesn’t rank one universal root cause, so treat failed software work and possible hardware trouble as hypotheses until the next step succeeds or service identifies the fault.

#How Do You Force Restart an iPhone 12?

Try this first because it doesn’t erase the iPhone.

1. Press and release the Volume Up button
2. Press and release the Volume Down button
3. Press and hold the Side button
4. Release when the Apple logo appears

Apple’s error 4013 and 4014 guide gives this same button order for iPhone 8 and later. Keep holding the Side button until the Apple logo appears. If the recovery screen returns, move to the computer step instead of repeating an arbitrary number of attempts.

#Update or Restore With Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes

When a force restart fails, connect the iPhone to a computer. Use Finder on macOS Catalina or later. On Windows, use Apple Devices; use iTunes only when the PC doesn’t have Apple Devices or the Mac runs macOS Mojave or earlier. According to Apple’s factory-restore guide, those are the current tool boundaries.

1. Connect your iPhone 12 to your computer with a Lightning cable
2. Open Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes, as applicable
3. Your computer should detect the iPhone in recovery mode automatically
4. Click Update first to try reinstalling iOS without erasing data
5. If Update fails, click Restore to perform a full iOS reinstall

Update attempts to keep your personal data. Apple says to try it before Restore when the options appear. Keep the device connected while the computer downloads and reinstalls the software.

Restore wipes everything. Only use this if Update failed or if you already have a backup you can restore later.

If your iPhone won’t restore in recovery mode, update the Mac or PC, restart the iPhone, connect it directly by USB, and try another cable or computer. Apple lists those steps for errors 9, 4005, 4013, and 4014 rather than naming one universal cause.

#Why This Guide Stops at Recovery Mode

Apple’s current self-service documents don’t tell users to jump from recovery mode to a timed DFU button sequence. In particular, Apple doesn’t present DFU as a guaranteed fix for error 4013. According to the current error-specific sequence, errors 9, 4005, 4013, or 4014 call for updating the computer software, force restarting the iPhone, reconnecting by USB, choosing Update first, and then trying another cable or computer. Contact Apple if the error continues.

#Check for Hardware Damage

Software fixes won’t help if the problem is physical.

Check the liquid-contact indicator. Apple’s LCI guide shows the indicator location for each iPhone 12 model. It’s normally white or silver and turns fully red after contact with water or a water-containing liquid. A red indicator records exposure; if you are unsure whether that caused the fault, Apple recommends inspection.

Look for physical damage. If glass is cracked or the frame is bent, stop restoring. Run the won’t-turn-on checks or arrange an inspection.

Arrange Apple service. Apple’s current iPhone repair page says a technician must inspect the product before providing a personalized estimate. Apple and Apple Authorized Service Providers can have different fees, and service options depend on location, coverage, and the diagnosed issue.

#Third-Party iOS Repair Tools

Third-party vendors also market iOS repair tools, but a vendor’s data-preservation claim is not a substitute for a backup or Apple’s Update option.

Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means fone.tips may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

If you still consider Tenorshare ReiBoot, use it only on an iPhone you own, verify current model and iOS compatibility on the vendor page, and assume that an erase can still trigger Activation Lock. Don’t pay for a repair tool before trying Apple’s force-restart and Update paths.

#Dealing With Activation Lock After Restore

Restoring the iPhone doesn’t itself transfer ownership. If Find My remains linked to an account, Apple’s Activation Lock guide explains that the linked Apple Account password or device passcode is required before the iPhone can be reactivated and used.

Contact the original owner or, if you have proof of purchase, start Apple’s Activation Lock support request. Our guide on removing Activation Lock covers the official options.

#Bottom Line

Start with Apple’s force-restart sequence. If the recovery screen returns, connect to Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes and choose Update before Restore.

For a numbered restore error, follow Apple’s cable, computer, and software checks. If the error persists or the device shows physical or liquid exposure, arrange an inspection instead of relying on an undocumented DFU sequence.

#Frequently Asked Questions