Have you ever been stuck in a situation where your iPhone won’t restore in recovery mode? You might have tried to restore your iPhone many times by putting it in Recovery mode.
However, the problem happens when the iTunes app on the PC starts showing an error and gives a message of inability to connect with the phone. This stops the process of the restoration of the device.

However, it is not to think that the issue of the iPhone not getting restored is unfixable. We are dedicating this article to you, where we get you the best solutions to deal with the aforementioned problem.
We will also be familiarizing you with the amazing software Tenorshare ReiBoot, which gives guaranteed results in restoring any iOS device to its normal functioning.
Five Solutions to Help When the iPhone Won’t Restore in Recovery Mode
There can be many reasons for the problem to happen. Faulty software may be the most serious one to deal with, and it just causes the device to stop functioning altogether. Sometimes the DFU mode also fails to recover the phone.
iTunes is one application that is very important for so many functions of iOS devices. If any problem happens with it, it becomes very difficult for iPhone users to troubleshoot their devices as the source has a solution that has stopped working.
The Anti-Virus program on your PC might also be causing trouble as it might wrongly detect the device to data as malware. The last reason, if nothing else, can be the USB cable disrupting the connection itself.
Here is a list of the five methods you can try to deal with any of these causes:
One probable reason for the device malfunctioning may be some software disruption.
To fix this, the best option would be to go with a third-party application that is Tenorshare ReiBoot. This tool aims to troubleshoot all such issues with any iOS device and restore its normal functioning.
The Tool Works Differently in Three Modes
- Standard Repair– repair system troubles without any data loss
- Deep Repair – fix difficult system issues
- Enter/Exit Recovery Mode – it takes just a single click to fix the recovery mode problems
This tool is the most secure and trusted one for repairing various iOS device issues. It is recommended by a lot of popular media sites as well.
The Advantages of Using This Software Are:
- The success rates are very high, almost 100%.
- The data remains safe from getting deleted at any stage.
- It is compatible with all versions of Windows and macOS.
- It runs on all versions of the iOS-like 11/12/13/14/15/16. Even the latest versions, like iPhone 14, also support the tool.
- The steps are really simple and few towards fixing the issues.
It Also Has Drawbacks Like:
- The software is not entirely free. The trial version is free, and the Recovery Mode only works with it.
Download the software on your PC and install it to begin with the system recovery.
Method 1: Use the Free Version to Fix iPhone Won’t Restore in Recovery Mode
When solving the problem of the iPhone won’t restore in recovery mode, the first thing you can try is exiting the recovery mode and then entering it again. To do so, follow these steps:
1) Connect the iOS device to the PC and open the app. Select “Exit Recovery Mode” if the phone is stuck in Recovery mode.


2) Allow the device to enter recovery mode once again. Now try restoring the iPhone in recovery mode.

Method 2: Using the Other Modes of the Paid Version to Fix iPhone Won’t Restore in Recovery Mode
If the above mode and version of Tenorshare ReiBoot didn’t work for you, then the Standard Repair Mode might.
Follow the steps below to get this mode to repair all the serious issues:
1) Click on the option of Standard Repair present on the main interface of the app. Tap on the Standard Repair button. Keep following the instructions on the screen to put the device in DFU mode.

2) Click on the Download button. Now the tool will recognize the device and provide you with all the suitable and available firmware packages.

3) Tap on the option ‘Start Standard Repair‘ to fix the device automatically with the program’s help. After the device restarts, see if the issue is gone.


2. Restoring with iTunes and the DFU Mode
You could try restoring your iPhone with the DFU mode if the recovery mode fails to do so. However, even this method has its pros and cons.
The major con is that it puts the device’s data at risk, making it less preferable to people unless they don’t have any critical data to lose.
Advantages:
- This alternative method has a success rate of nearly 60%.
- Trying this method is absolutely free.
Disadvantages:
- Going with this method causes the erasure of all the device data. Therefore, we advise you to back up the data and save it beforehand only.
Now Follow the Steps Given Below to Proceed with This Method:
- Firstly, connect the device to the PC. Now open the iTunes app.
- Press the two buttons of Power and Home together and keep them pressed for around ten seconds.
- Now leave the Power button from the hold. However, keep the Home button pressed l until a pop-up emerges in the app, which signals the detection of the device by iTunes. The screen of your iPhone will now go black.
- Click on the button, OK. Now select the option of Restore iPhone. The device will now restore itself and hopefully get repaired too.

If you happen to be a user of any of these iPhone versions: 11 Pro (Max)/11/XR/XS (Max)/X/8/7, then go back to the section of Tenorshare ReiBoot and check the instruction for putting the device in DFU mode.
Tenorshare ReiBoot will be a definite help if the iPhone won’t restore in recovery mode, even with iTunes.

By the way, let’s find out how to restore iPhone without updating.
3. Updating iTunes to Fix iPhone Won’t Restore in Recovery Mode
If you are using any iOS device, you must know that it is very basic to keep the iTunes app on your system updated to the latest version. An outdated iTunes might be the reason for the malfunctioning iPhone.
Pros of Using This Method:
- It’s free of cost.
- You don’t need any third-party application to do so.
Cons of Using This Method:
- The success rate is very low, only about 40%.
- The method will only work if iTunes is outdated.
Follow the Steps Given Below If You Are Using a Mac PC:
- Open your Mac PC first. Launch the App Store on it.
- Now go to the sidebar and click on the option of Updates. See if there is any new update available. If yes, then install it.
- Next, check if the issue is resolved and the iPhone is restored successfully.

Follow the Steps Given Below If You Are Using a Windows PC:
- Open the computer. Launch iTunes on it.
- Go to the menu bar on the screen top and then click on the option of Help.
- Click on the option of Check for Updates. If it shows the availability of the latest version, then install that.
There you go.

4. Using the Original USB to Fix iPhone Won’t Restore in Recovery Mode
If the issue of the iPhone won’t restore in recovery mode is troubling you, then there may be something wrong with the USB cable you are using. Check that and use the original USB if you put any other regular one to use.
The wrong or fake USB cord can become the primary cause of disruption while trying to run iTunes and operate your iPhone.
We advise you to get yourself the original USB cord if that is the case and you want to operate everything smoothly and perfectly.
Pros of the Method:
- It is free of cost.
- You can perform it easily.
Cons of the Method:
- The success rate is extremely low, which is around just 20%.

5. Delete the Anti-Virus Program Temporarily
Sometimes it might happen that the anti-virus software installed on your PC might be causing trouble to iTunes.
This way, iTunes fails to connect to the Apple servers successfully. Then it leads to the problem of the iPhone won’t restore in recovery mode.
You may try removing the anti-virus program from your PC for some time. We hope that doing this fixes the issue.
Pros of Using This Method:
- The method is very easy to perform.
- You are not putting any data at risk while using this solution.
Cons of Using This Method:
- The success rate is extremely low, which is around just 20%.

By the way, let’s find out how to fix IMS service has stopped error.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I fix the issue of my iPhone not restoring in Recovery Mode without a computer? Yes, Recovery Mode requires a connection to a computer with iTunes installed. If you don’t have access to a computer, you may face limitations in resolving the issue.
Q2: What should I do if my iPhone gets stuck in Recovery Mode during the restore process? If your iPhone gets stuck in Recovery Mode during the restore process, you can try force restarting it by pressing and holding the Power button and the Volume Down button (or the Home button) simultaneously until the Apple logo appears. If the issue persists, follow the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article.
Q3: Will restoring my iPhone in Recovery Mode erase all my data? Yes, restoring your iPhone in Recovery Mode will erase all data on your device. It is essential to have a backup of your data before proceeding with the restore process.
Q4: Can I use third-party software to fix the issue of my iPhone not restoring in Recovery Mode? Yes, there are third-party software programs available that can help fix iPhone restore issues. However, exercise caution when using such software and ensure you download them from reputable sources.
Q5: What should I do if none of the troubleshooting steps work? If none of the troubleshooting steps mentioned in this article work, it is advisable to contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service center for further assistance.
Besides, let’s troubleshoot and fix the ‘shared album not showing up‘ issue with our comprehensive guide, featuring step-by-step solutions for your tech woes.
Final Words
So these are the top five solutions that promise to help you when the iPhone doesn’t restore in recovery mode. If the issue has happened for any minor reason, then try the basic ways.
However, the best solution will be given by Tenorshare ReiBoot as it will save your time and fix almost any issue without you having to pay heed to it.