Few things are more frustrating than turning on your iPhone, only to see it stuck on the Apple logo, refusing to boot up properly. This issue, often referred to as a boot loop, leaves your device unusable and can happen for several reasons—ranging from simple software glitches to serious hardware failures.
If you’re facing this problem, you’re not alone. Many iPhone users encounter the Apple logo freeze during updates, restorations, or even routine use. The good news? Understanding the possible causes is the first step to fixing it.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most common reasons why your iPhone might be stuck on the Apple logo and what you can do to get it working again.
1. Failed iOS Update
One of the most common reasons an iPhone gets stuck on the Apple logo is a failed iOS update. During an update, your iPhone’s system files are modified and replaced, making the process sensitive to interruptions. If something goes wrong—like a sudden power loss, poor internet connection, or disconnecting from iTunes or Finder mid-update—the update may not complete properly, leaving the phone stuck in a boot loop.
Additionally, attempting to install the latest iOS on an older iPhone model can sometimes lead to issues. Older devices may struggle with newer system demands, increasing the risk of crashes during the update process.
How to Fix It:
- Force restart your iPhone:
- For iPhone 8 or later: Quickly press and release the volume up button, then the volume down button, and finally press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
- For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold both the volume down and sleep/wake buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
- For iPhone 6s or earlier: Press and hold both the home and sleep/wake buttons until the Apple logo appears.
- Update or restore your iPhone through recovery mode:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer and open iTunes or Finder.
- Force restart your iPhone while it’s connected.
- When you see the recovery mode screen, choose the “Update” option to reinstall iOS without erasing your data
2. Jailbreaking Errors
Jailbreaking allows iPhone users to bypass Apple’s restrictions, enabling customizations and the installation of unauthorized apps. However, the process comes with risks. An unsuccessful or improper jailbreak can cause serious software issues, often resulting in the iPhone getting stuck on the Apple logo or entering a continuous boot loop.
Common jailbreaking mistakes that lead to this issue include:
- Using incompatible jailbreak tools for your iOS version
- Installing unsupported tweaks or apps that conflict with system files
- Interrupting the jailbreak process before it completes
Malware or unstable tweaks from untrusted sources can also corrupt system files, leading to startup problems.
How to Fix It:
- Use recovery mode
- Connect your iPhone to a computer and open iTunes or Finder.
- Force restart your iPhone while it’s connected.
- When you see the recovery mode screen, choose the “Update” option to reinstall iOS without erasing your data
- Perform a DFU (Device Firmware Update) restore:
- This is a more comprehensive restore that can fix deeper software issues.
- The process varies depending on your iPhone model, so follow specific instructions for your device.
3. Restore Issues
Restoring your iPhone from an iTunes or iCloud backup is usually straightforward, but sometimes the process can go wrong, causing the device to get stuck on the Apple logo. This typically happens when:
- The backup file is corrupted or incomplete
- The restore process is interrupted due to a poor connection or sudden disconnection
- Incompatible data or settings from the backup conflict with the current iOS version
When a restore fails, the iPhone may not be able to complete the boot process, leaving it stuck in a boot loop or frozen on the Apple logo.
How to Fix It:
- Use Recover Mode
- Connect your iPhone to a computer and open iTunes or Finder.
- Force restart your iPhone while it’s connected.
- When you see the recovery mode screen, choose the “Update” option to reinstall iOS without erasing your data
4. Software Crashes
Severe software crashes can cause your iPhone to get stuck on the Apple logo during startup. These crashes happen when critical system processes fail, preventing the device from booting properly. Common causes include:
- iOS bugs or glitches
- Incompatible apps that conflict with the system
- Corrupted data or failed system updates
If your iPhone was freezing or lagging before getting stuck, it’s likely due to software instability.
How to Fix It:
Force Restart Your iPhone
A force restart can sometimes break the boot loop and get your device running again:
- iPhone 8 or later: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
- iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold both the Volume Down and Sleep/Wake buttons until the Apple logo appears.
- iPhone 6s or earlier: Press and hold both the Home and Sleep/Wake buttons until the Apple logo appears.
If the force restart doesn’t work, proceed to Recovery Mode.
Use Recovery Mode
- Connect your iPhone to a computer and open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
- Force restart your iPhone (using the steps above) while it’s connected.
- When you see the Recovery Mode screen, select “Update” (not “Restore”) to reinstall iOS without erasing your data.
Perform a DFU (Device Firmware Update) Restore
If Recovery Mode fails, a DFU Restore can fix deeper software issues:
- iPhone 8 or later: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button, and hold the Side button until the screen goes black. Then, press and hold the Volume Down button while continuing to hold the Side button for 5 seconds, then release the Side button but keep holding the Volume Down until your computer detects the device.
- iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold both the Volume Down and Sleep/Wake buttons for about 8 seconds, then release the Sleep/Wake button while continuing to hold Volume Down until your computer detects the device.
- iPhone 6s or earlier: Press and hold both the Home and Sleep/Wake buttons for about 8 seconds, then release the Sleep/Wake button while continuing to hold the Home button until your computer detects the device.
Once in DFU Mode, use iTunes or Finder to restore your iPhone.
5. Corrupted Apps or Data
Corrupted apps or damaged data files can also cause your iPhone to get stuck on the Apple logo. Faulty apps, especially those that aren’t optimized for your iOS version, can interfere with system processes during startup. Similarly, corrupted files—whether from an incomplete download, a failed sync, or even malware on jailbroken devices—can disrupt the normal boot process, leading to a boot loop or freeze.
How to Fix It:
Use Recovery Mode
- Connect your iPhone to a computer and open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
- Force restart your iPhone while it’s connected:
- iPhone 8 or later: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button, and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
- iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume Down and Sleep/Wake buttons together until the Apple logo appears.
- iPhone 6s or earlier: Press and hold the Home and Sleep/Wake buttons until the Apple logo appears.
- When the Recovery Mode screen appears, select “Update” to reinstall iOS without erasing your data.
Perform a DFU (Device Firmware Update) Restore
If the issue persists, a DFU Restore can help eliminate deeper software problems:
- Follow the DFU Mode instructions (from the previous section) to fully wipe the device and reinstall iOS.
- After the restore, set up your iPhone as new instead of restoring from a backup to avoid reintroducing corrupted files.
6. Hardware Problems
Sometimes, the reason your iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo isn’t software-related—it’s due to hardware issues. Physical damage can interfere with the phone’s ability to boot properly, leading to startup problems or continuous boot loops. Common hardware-related causes include:
- Water damage that affects internal circuits
- Accidental drops leading to loose or damaged components
- Faulty or disconnected parts after a screen or battery replacement
- Malfunctioning storage chips or logic board issues
In some cases, the phone might attempt to boot but fail when damaged hardware interrupts the process, resulting in it getting stuck on the Apple logo.
How to Fix It:
- Check for Physical Damage: Inspect your iPhone for signs of water exposure or damage from drops.
- Force Restart: Sometimes, a force restart (instructions provided earlier) can temporarily bypass hardware issues.
- Use Recovery Mode or DFU Restore:
- Attempt a Recovery Mode or DFU Restore to rule out software issues before considering hardware repairs.
- Seek Professional Repair:
- If your iPhone remains stuck after software troubleshooting, it’s likely a hardware problem. Visit a certified repair center or an experienced third-party technician to diagnose and fix internal component failures.
Hardware issues can’t be resolved through software fixes alone, so professional help is often necessary if physical damage is suspected.
7. Insufficient Storage
Running out of storage space can also cause your iPhone to get stuck on the Apple logo, especially during system updates or app installations. iOS needs enough free space to complete updates, manage system files, and perform routine tasks. When storage is critically low, the update process can fail or essential system files may not load properly, leading to a boot loop or freeze on startup.
Signs that low storage might be the culprit include:
- Previous storage warnings before the issue occurred
- Failed or incomplete iOS updates
- An overloaded device with little to no free space left
How to Fix It:
Use Recovery Mode
- Connect your iPhone to a computer and open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
- Force restart your iPhone while it’s connected (using the steps outlined earlier).
- When you see the Recovery Mode screen, choose “Update” to reinstall iOS without erasing your data. This may free up enough system space to complete the boot process.
Perform a DFU (Device Firmware Update) Restore
If Recovery Mode doesn’t resolve the issue:
- Enter DFU Mode (following the steps provided earlier) and perform a full restore. This will erase all data but can fix deeper system problems caused by low storage.
8. Battery Issues
A failing battery can also cause your iPhone to get stuck on the Apple logo or enter a boot loop. When the battery can’t supply consistent power, the device may struggle to complete the startup process, leading to repeated restarts or freezes. This issue is more common in older iPhones with degraded batteries but can also happen if the battery has been damaged due to drops, water exposure, or improper replacements.
Common signs of battery-related boot issues include:
- Frequent restarts or shutdowns, even when the battery isn’t fully drained
- Battery percentage fluctuations (e.g., jumping from 50% to 10% suddenly)
- Overheating during charging or usage
How to Fix It:
Force Restart Your iPhone
- Perform a force restart (using the instructions provided earlier) to see if the issue is temporary.
Use Recovery Mode or DFU Restore
- If the boot loop persists, try Recovery Mode or a DFU Restore to rule out any software-related causes.
Check Battery Health
- If you can get the iPhone to boot up, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging to check the battery’s Maximum Capacity and see if a Service warning appears.
Replace the Battery
- If the battery is degraded or faulty, a battery replacement is often the most effective fix. Replacing the battery can resolve power-related boot issues and improve overall performance.
9. Unstable Connection
An unstable connection between your iPhone and a computer during an update or restore process can cause the device to get stuck on the Apple logo. This often happens when using iTunes or Finder to update or restore your iPhone, and the connection is interrupted due to:
- A faulty or damaged cable
- Loose USB ports on the computer
- Power fluctuations or disconnections during the update
- Outdated iTunes or macOS software
If the data transfer between the iPhone and the computer is interrupted mid-update or restore, the system files may not install correctly, leading to a boot loop or the phone freezing on the Apple logo.
How to Fix It:
Check the Physical Connection
- Use an official or certified Lightning cable and avoid third-party cables that may cause unstable connections.
- Switch USB ports or try a different computer to rule out port issues.
Update iTunes or Finder
- Ensure iTunes (on Windows or older macOS versions) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later) is fully updated to avoid compatibility problems during the update or restore.
Use Recovery Mode
- Connect your iPhone to a computer with a reliable cable.
- Force restart your iPhone (using the steps provided earlier) to enter Recovery Mode.
- When prompted, choose “Update” to reinstall iOS without erasing data.
Perform a DFU Restore (If Needed)
- If Recovery Mode doesn’t fix the issue, use DFU Mode to perform a deeper restore and reinstall iOS from scratch.
10. Malware
While rare on standard iPhones, malware can be a significant issue for jailbroken devices. Jailbreaking removes Apple’s built-in security restrictions, making it easier to install unauthorized apps and tweaks—but it also opens the door to malicious software. Malware can corrupt system files, interfere with normal processes, and, in severe cases, cause the iPhone to get stuck on the Apple logo or enter a boot loop.
Common signs of malware on jailbroken devices include:
- The iPhone becoming unresponsive or crashing frequently
- Strange behavior from apps or sudden pop-ups
- Excessive battery drain or overheating
How to Fix It:
Use Recovery Mode
- Connect your iPhone to a computer and open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
- Force restart your iPhone while connected (using the steps provided earlier) to enter Recovery Mode.
- Choose “Restore” (instead of “Update”) to fully erase the device and reinstall iOS, which will remove the jailbreak and any malware.
Perform a DFU Restore (If Recovery Mode Fails)
- Enter DFU Mode and perform a complete restore to ensure all malicious files are removed.
Conclusion
An iPhone stuck on the Apple logo can be frustrating, but understanding the underlying causes makes it easier to fix. Whether it’s a failed iOS update, software crash, hardware issue, or even malware on a jailbroken device, there are solutions to get your iPhone back up and running.
Starting with simple steps like a force restart or Recovery Mode can often resolve the issue. For more complex problems, using DFU Mode or seeking professional repair may be necessary—especially in cases of hardware damage or battery failure.
To avoid future issues:
- Keep your iOS and apps up to date
- Regularly back up your iPhone via iCloud or iTunes
- Avoid jailbreaking unless you’re aware of the risks
- Use certified accessories for updates and restores
- Don’t ignore storage full warning
- Replace battery if it is significantly degraded
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your iPhone is still stuck, it might be time to consult a professional repair service to diagnose any deeper hardware problems.
