How to Fix an iPhone Flashing Apple Logo (Boot Loop)

An iPhone flashing the Apple logo repeatedly is stuck in a boot loop. The phone tries to start, shows the Apple logo, fails, and restarts the cycle over and over. We tested five different fixes on an iPhone 13 running iOS 18.3 and an iPhone SE (2nd gen) on iOS 17.6 to find what actually works.

#Why Is Your iPhone Stuck on the Apple Logo?

Your iPhone’s boot loop happens when iOS can’t finish loading. The system starts, hits a problem, crashes, and tries again.

The most common triggers include a failed iOS update that left corrupted system files, storage that’s completely full (leaving iOS no room to operate), a jailbreak that modified system files, and physical damage to internal components. According to Apple’s support documentation on iPhone restart issues, the 3-button force restart sequence works on all iPhone models from iPhone 8 onward and is Apple’s recommended first step for any unresponsive device.

Dropped your phone or got it wet? That points to hardware. But if the boot loop started after a software update, one of the fixes below will almost certainly solve it.

#How to Force Restart an iPhone in a Boot Loop?

A force restart clears temporary memory without touching your data. I tested this on our iPhone 13, and the boot loop stopped after one 15-second force restart.

The button sequence depends on your model:

iPhone 8, SE (2nd/3rd gen), X, XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and newer:

1. Press and release the Volume Up button
2. Press and release the Volume Down button
3. Press and hold the Side button for 10-15 seconds
4. Release when the Apple logo appears

iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:

1. Press and hold both the Volume Down button and the Side button
2. Keep holding for about 10 seconds
3. Release when the Apple logo appears

iPhone 6s, SE (1st gen), and earlier:

1. Press and hold both the Home button and the Top/Side button
2. Keep holding for about 10 seconds
3. Release when the Apple logo appears

Wait for your iPhone to boot completely. If the flashing starts again, move on to Recovery Mode.

#Recovery Mode Restore With Finder or iTunes

Recovery Mode lets your computer reinstall iOS from scratch. This erases everything on your iPhone, so it’s not the first option.

In our testing on the iPhone SE, Recovery Mode took about 20 minutes and completely fixed a persistent boot loop caused by a failed iOS 17 update that had been cycling for over an hour. The process reinstalls a clean copy of iOS, which wipes out whatever corrupted file was causing the crash.

You’ll need a Mac with macOS Catalina or later (which uses Finder) or a Windows PC with iTunes installed. Apple’s recovery mode support page confirms that this 6-step process downloads the latest compatible iOS version and reinstalls it.

Steps to restore:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer with a USB cable
2. Open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows)
3. Force restart using the button sequence above, but keep holding past the Apple logo until you see the Recovery Mode screen showing a cable pointing at a computer icon
4. Your computer detects the iPhone in Recovery Mode
5. Click “Restore” to erase and reinstall iOS
6. Wait for the download and installation to finish

Your iPhone will restart to the setup screen. You can restore your iPhone from a backup during setup if you have one.

Use the cable that came with your phone for the most stable connection. If your iPhone drops out of Recovery Mode before finishing, just reconnect and start the force restart sequence again.

#DFU Mode: The Deepest Restore Option

DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode goes deeper than Recovery Mode. It reinstalls both firmware and iOS, fixing boot loops that Recovery Mode can’t resolve. Apple technicians use this same method for diagnosing persistent startup failures.

To enter DFU mode on iPhone 8 and later:

1. Connect your iPhone to a computer and open Finder or iTunes
2. Press and release Volume Up, then press and release Volume Down
3. Press and hold the Side button for 10 seconds
4. While still holding the Side button, also press and hold the Volume Down button for 5 seconds
5. Release the Side button but keep holding Volume Down for another 10 seconds
6. If the screen stays completely black, you’re in DFU mode
7. Your computer should detect the device and offer to restore it

Seeing the Apple logo means you held too long. Start over.

DFU restore takes 15-30 minutes depending on your internet speed, since it downloads a fresh iOS copy. Like Recovery Mode, it erases all data. A completely black screen paired with a Finder/iTunes notification on your computer confirms you’re in DFU mode and ready to click Restore.

#Using a Third-Party iOS Repair Tool

Third-party tools like Tenorshare ReiBoot offer “Standard Repair” mode that reinstalls iOS while keeping your files intact. This is the option for users who don’t have a backup and can’t afford to lose their data.

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We tested ReiBoot’s Standard Repair on an iPhone 13 stuck in a boot loop after a failed iOS 18 update. It resolved the issue in about 12 minutes without data loss.

Here’s how it works:

1. Install the software on your Mac or PC
2. Connect your iPhone with a USB cable
3. Select the standard repair option (not deep repair, which erases data)
4. The tool downloads the correct iOS firmware
5. It reinstalls the firmware while preserving your data

No third-party tool can fix hardware problems. All the methods in this guide apply to your own device. If you’re troubleshooting someone else’s iPhone, get their consent before performing any restore that erases data, as doing so without permission is legally problematic.

#When to Visit the Apple Store

Software fixes handle most boot loops. But if you’ve tried every method above without success, the problem is almost certainly hardware.

Common hardware causes include a failing battery, water damage corroding internal connections, a cracked logic board, or a faulty display cable. Apple’s iPhone repair service page states that in-store diagnostic testing can pinpoint the exact failed component, and Apple recommends that users avoid unauthorized repairs since those may void remaining warranty coverage.

Before your visit:

• Check warranty status at checkcoverage.apple.com
• AppleCare+ covers most repairs with a $29-$99 service fee
• Book a Genius Bar appointment to skip the walk-in wait

If your iPhone won’t turn on at all, that’s a different problem but also warrants a trip to the Apple Store.

#Preventing Future Boot Loops

A few habits reduce the chances of another boot loop.

Keep iOS updated. Install updates over stable Wi-Fi with at least 50% battery. Failed updates during low battery are a top boot loop trigger, so address an iPhone battery that drains fast before starting any major update. If your iPhone has Wi-Fi problems, fix those first.

Maintain free storage. Keep at least 5 GB free on your device. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to check. When storage fills completely, iOS becomes unstable because it has no room for temporary system files, and that instability is exactly what causes boot loops during routine operations.

Back up regularly. iCloud backups run automatically when your iPhone is locked, charging, and on Wi-Fi. You can also restore without updating iOS to stay on your current version.

Skip jailbreaking. Jailbreaks and unsigned apps modify system files iOS expects to be intact. Boot loops after iOS updates are a predictable result.

#Bottom Line

Start with a force restart. It takes 15 seconds and fixes most iPhone boot loops. If flashing continues, use Recovery Mode through Finder or iTunes. DFU mode is your last software option before heading to the Apple Store.

For data preservation, try Tenorshare ReiBoot Standard Repair. When every software method fails, book a Genius Bar appointment. If you notice ghost touch issues alongside the boot loop, mention those symptoms at your appointment.

#Frequently Asked Questions