iPhone Stuck on Apple Logo? How to Fix the Boot Loop (2026 Guide)

Is your iPhone stuck on the Apple logo? Learn how to force restart, use DFU mode, or use professional iOS repair software to fix the boot loop.

An iPhone stuck on the Apple logo is one of the most common and annoying issues iOS users face. Your phone turns on but freezes on the startup logo, refusing to load the lock screen. This loop, often called a "boot loop", makes your device completely unusable.

Fortunately, this is usually a software glitch rather than a dead motherboard. Major update failures, lack of storage, or corrupted system files can cause this. In this guide, we show you how to get your iPhone out of a boot loop using free methods and professional tools that protect your files.

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Comparison of Methods to Resolve the Boot Loop

Repair Method	Efficiency	Preserves Data?	Cost (USD)
Force Restart (Hard Reset)	Medium (resolves minor system lockups)	Yes	$0 (Free)
Professional Tools (ReiBoot / Fixppo)	High (fixes firmware errors without loss)	Yes (in Standard Mode)	License around $30 - $50
Official Restore via iTunes / Finder	Excellent (reinstalls system from scratch)	No (wipes device)	$0 (Free)
DFU Mode Restore	Maximum (deep clean of storage chips)	No (wipes device)	$0 (Free)

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Why Is My iPhone Stuck on the Apple Logo?

Several software and hardware conflicts can block the boot process:

• Full Storage: If your iPhone runs out of storage, it cannot write temporary boot files, forcing a crash on the Apple logo.
• Failed iOS Updates: A disconnected Wi-Fi or low battery during an update can corrupt system files.
• Corrupted Backup Restore: Restoring corrupted data can disrupt the system.
• Hardware Defects: A failing battery, liquid damage, or a broken charge port can prevent a full boot.

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How to Get your iPhone out of a Boot Loop

Follow these steps in order to diagnose and fix the phone:

Step 1: Force Restart your iPhone (Hard Reset)

A hard reset cuts off battery power temporarily to reload the hardware:

For iPhone 8, X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and Pro models:

1. Press and release **Volume Up**.
2. Press and release **Volume Down**.
3. Press and hold the **Side** button until you see the Apple logo disappear and return.

For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold **Side** and **Volume Down** buttons together.

For iPhone 6s and older: Hold **Home** and **Side** buttons together.

Step 2: Reinstall iOS via Recovery Mode

If a hard reset fails, reinstall the iOS files without wiping the phone:

1. Connect the phone to a computer and open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows).
2. Perform the force restart steps, but **do not release the Side button** when you see the Apple logo. Keep holding until the screen shows the USB cable/computer image.
3. Select **Update** on your computer. It will download the OS and reinstall it safely.

Step 3: Use Professional iOS System Repair Software

If iTunes shows errors (like 4013 or 14), specialized repair tools are highly effective:

• Tenorshare ReiBoot: Lets you exit recovery mode in 1 click and fixes system loops without deleting your photos.
• iMyFone Fixppo: Bypasses typical iTunes errors to repair iOS boot loops easily.
• Dr.Fone System Repair: Offers an intuitive interface to fix more than 150 system issues.

DomineTec Tip: If your iPhone keeps restarting or displays green screens, you can check our guide on the iPhone green screen fix.

Step 4: Restore via DFU Mode (Deep Wipe)

If nothing else works, a DFU restore is the deepest formatting method. **Note:** This deletes everything.

1. Connect your iPhone to a computer and open Finder/iTunes.
2. Quickly press **Volume Up**, then **Volume Down**, and hold **Side** button for 10 seconds until the screen turns black.
3. While holding **Side**, also press **Volume Down** for 5 seconds.
4. Release **Side** but keep holding **Volume Down** for 10 more seconds. The screen should stay black, and your PC will show a phone in recovery mode.
5. Click **Restore** to format the device.

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Checklist to Fix iPhone stuck on Apple Logo

• [ ] **Step 1:** Force restart the phone to clear temporary software freezes.
• [ ] **Step 2:** Connect to a computer and try to "Update" iOS via Recovery Mode.
• [ ] **Step 3:** Use a professional tool like ReiBoot or Fixppo if iTunes shows errors (like 4013 or 9).
• [ ] **Step 4:** Run a DFU restore if you have backups and need to wipe the device to make it turn on.

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FAQ: iPhone Stuck on Apple Logo

Will my photos be lost if my iPhone is frozen on the Apple logo?

No. If you resolve it using a force restart, iTunes update, or standard mode on professional software, your files remain safe. Only DFU mode or complete restores will wipe your device.

Could a bad battery cause my iPhone to keep restarting?

Yes. If your battery capacity is below 70%, it may fail to supply the voltage needed to boot up the processor. The phone will display the logo and turn off or boot loop constantly.

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Disclaimer (Compliance): DomineTec is an independent news and educational technology portal. We are not affiliated with Apple Inc. or its authorized services. Price estimates are averages and may vary by location. Repairs should be done by certified professionals.