iPhone Stuck on Apple Logo? Here’s How to Fix It 2025

You pick up your iPhone, press the power button, and instead of your home screen, you see it: the Apple logo frozen in place. It doesn’t go away. Minutes pass, and the device refuses to boot up properly.

This problem, known as being “stuck on the Apple logo,” is one of the most common iPhone issues, affecting both new and old models. It usually happens after iOS updates, restores, or sometimes due to hardware issues. While frustrating, the good news is that it’s often fixable without visiting an Apple Store—if you know the right steps.

In this 2025 complete guide, we’ll break down:

Why your iPhone gets stuck on the Apple logo
Step-by-step fixes (from quick solutions to advanced recovery methods)
How to protect your data while troubleshooting
When to try DIY methods and when to seek professional repair

Whether you’re using an iPhone 6, iPhone 11 Pro Max, or the latest iPhone 15 Pro, this guide will help you get your device running again.

Section 1: Why Is My iPhone Stuck on the Apple Logo?

Before fixing the issue, it helps to understand what’s happening. Your iPhone gets stuck on the Apple logo when the boot-up process is interrupted.

Common Causes:

1. Software Issues

Incomplete iOS Update – If the update didn’t finish or got interrupted (low battery, Wi-Fi drop, etc.).
Failed Restore – Restoring from backup can sometimes fail due to corrupted data.
Jailbreaking – Installing unauthorized modifications often causes boot loops.

2. Hardware Issues

Battery or Charging Port Problems – If your iPhone shuts off during boot due to low power.
Logic Board Damage – Internal hardware failure can freeze the startup process.

3. Storage Problems

Insufficient storage during an iOS update can cause the phone to hang.

4. External Factors

Using faulty cables, accessories, or attempting risky modifications.

📌 Key takeaway: Most cases are software-related, meaning you can fix them at home with the right steps.

Section 2: Quick Fixes You Can Try Immediately

Before diving into advanced fixes, start simple.

1. Force Restart Your iPhone

This refreshes the system and clears minor glitches.

iPhone 8 and later: Press Volume Up → Press Volume Down → Hold Side button until Apple logo disappears and reappears.
iPhone 7 / 7 Plus: Hold Volume Down + Side button together.
iPhone 6s or earlier: Hold Home + Power button until screen goes black and Apple logo reappears.

👉 Many users find that this alone fixes the issue.

2. Charge Your iPhone

Connect to a reliable charger and cable. If the battery drained during startup, it won’t progress past the logo.

3. Disconnect Accessories

Remove all cables, headphones, or external devices. A faulty accessory can interfere with boot-up.

4. Let It Cool Down

If your phone overheated during an update, leave it off for 15–20 minutes before retrying.

Section 3: Fixing with Recovery Mode

If force restart doesn’t work, the next step is Recovery Mode.

Steps to Enter Recovery Mode (2025 Edition):

Connect your iPhone to a Mac/PC with Finder or iTunes open.
Perform the button combination for your iPhone model:
- iPhone 8 & later: Press Volume Up → Volume Down → Hold Side button until Recovery Mode screen appears.
- iPhone 7: Hold Volume Down + Side until Recovery Mode screen.
- iPhone 6s & earlier: Hold Home + Power until Recovery Mode screen.
On your computer, choose:
- Update – reinstalls iOS without erasing data.
- Restore – erases everything and reinstalls iOS.

👉 Try Update first to protect your data.

Section 4: Using DFU Mode (Deep Restore)

If Recovery Mode fails, use DFU (Device Firmware Update) Mode. This bypasses the normal boot process and allows a clean install of iOS.

How to Enter DFU Mode:

Connect iPhone to computer.
Perform force restart, but keep holding buttons after the screen goes black.
Release Side button (on newer models) while still holding Volume Down for 5 more seconds.
Screen should stay black. Finder/iTunes will detect iPhone in DFU mode.

From here, you can Restore your device completely.

⚠️ Warning: DFU restore erases everything. Always back up if possible.

Section 5: Fixing Without iTunes/Finder (Third-Party Tools)

Sometimes Apple’s built-in tools fail. In that case, third-party repair software can help.

Tenorshare ReiBoot – Popular for entering/exiting Recovery Mode in one click.
iMyFone Fixppo – Allows reinstalling iOS without data loss.
Dr.Fone – Repair – User-friendly but requires license.

👉 Use only trusted software, as shady tools can damage your device.

Section 6: Model-Specific Fixes

Older iPhones (6, 7, 8)

More prone to storage errors and outdated firmware.
Try restoring to an earlier iOS version (if signed).

Face ID iPhones (X → 15 Pro)

Boot issues often linked to Face ID hardware.
Ensure you’re running the latest signed iOS.

iPhone SE Models

Use the same button combos as their iPhone counterparts (SE 2nd gen = iPhone 8 method).

Section 7: Protecting Your Data

One of the biggest fears when fixing iPhone issues is data loss.

Tips:

Use iCloud Backups – Enable automatic daily backups.
Use Finder/iTunes Backups – Store encrypted backups on your Mac/PC.
Third-Party Tools – Extract data before restoring.
If all else fails, professional recovery services may help (but expensive).

Section 8: Preventing the Apple Logo Problem in the Future

Prevention is always easier than repair.

Charge your iPhone before updates (at least 50% battery).
Ensure at least 5–10GB free storage before upgrading.
Avoid unauthorized modifications (jailbreaks).
Restart your iPhone weekly to clear system cache.
Only use Apple-certified cables and chargers.

Section 9: When to Seek Professional Help

Not all cases are DIY-friendly.

Signs of hardware failure: iPhone won’t restore even in DFU mode, device overheats, or keeps restarting.
AppleCare+ users: Repairs/replacements may be covered.
Out-of-warranty devices: Expect $149–$599 repair costs depending on model.

Check Apple’s repair options at Apple Support.

Section 10: FAQs

1. Will I lose data if my iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo?
Not always. Recovery Mode update often preserves data, but DFU restore will erase everything.

2. How long should I wait before force restarting?
If your iPhone is frozen for more than 5 minutes, try a force restart.

3. Can I fix this without a computer?
In most cases, no—you’ll need at least Recovery Mode via Finder/iTunes.

4. Is DFU mode safe?
Yes, but it erases your iPhone completely. Use only as a last resort.

5. Should I go to Apple Store first?
Try force restart and Recovery Mode first. If those fail, then book a Genius Bar appointment.

Conclusion

An iPhone stuck on the Apple logo can feel like the end of the world—but it’s usually just a boot problem. Start with simple fixes like force restart, move to Recovery Mode, and if needed, perform a DFU restore. Protect your data with backups, and if nothing works, Apple or authorized service providers can help.

By following the steps in this guide, you’ll maximize your chances of fixing the issue without losing important files—or spending unnecessary money.

“Stay in control of your iPhone experience. 🚀 Explore our full Setup & Access guides for step-by-step help on setup, activation, and troubleshooting issues.”

The Complete Guide to Fixing iPhone Stuck on Apple Logo (2025 Edition)