Seeing your iPhone stuck on Apple logo can be frustrating—especially when you’re in a rush or need your phone for something important. This issue is more common than you think, and fortunately, there are several reliable fixes that can bring your iPhone back to life.
In this guide, we’ll explore 7 effective fixes to try today if your iPhone won’t move past the Apple logo. Whether it’s a software glitch or a hardware issue, this article will help you understand the causes and walk you through step-by-step solutions.
Why Is My iPhone Stuck on the Apple Logo?
When your iPhone gets stuck on the Apple logo during startup, it’s usually a sign that something has interrupted the normal boot process. This can happen for a variety of reasons, and it’s important to understand what might be causing it so you can choose the right solution. In most cases, it’s linked to software or data errors, but hardware can also play a role.
Common causes include:
- Failed iOS update
- Restoring from a backup gone wrong
- Jailbreaking errors
- Hardware failure
- Corrupt files or apps
- Low storage during a system process
- Transfer from another device failing
These issues typically disrupt the startup sequence, preventing your iPhone from completing the boot and landing on the home screen. Fortunately, most of them can be fixed without replacing your device—especially if you follow the steps outlined below.
1. Force Restart Your iPhone
The first and simplest step is to try a force restart. This won’t delete any data—it simply forces your phone to reboot.
How to force restart:
- iPhone 8 or later: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then Volume Down. Hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
- iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold both the Volume Down and Power button until the Apple logo appears.
- iPhone 6s and earlier: Hold the Home and Power button together until the Apple logo shows up.
A force restart can fix minor glitches that cause the system to freeze during startup.
If Face ID isn’t responding either, check out this guide on fixing iPhone Face ID issues.
2. Use Recovery Mode via iTunes or Finder
If a force restart doesn’t work, the next step is recovery mode. This allows your iPhone to connect with iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later) to reinstall or update the software.
Steps:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer.
- Put the phone into recovery mode:
- Use the same button combo as a force restart, but keep holding even after the Apple logo until you see the recovery mode screen.
- Choose Update when prompted. This will reinstall iOS without deleting your data.
If Update doesn’t work, you can repeat and choose Restore—but note this will erase all data.
3. Try DFU Mode (Device Firmware Update)
If your iPhone stuck on Apple logo screen continues after recovery mode, DFU mode might help. This is a deeper restore level that bypasses the standard iOS bootloader.
Steps:
- iPhone 8 or later:
- Connect iPhone to a computer.
- Press Volume Up, then Volume Down.
- Hold the Side button until the screen goes black.
- While holding Side, press Volume Down for 5 seconds.
- Release Side but keep holding Volume Down for 10 more seconds.
- The screen should stay black; iTunes/Finder should detect a device in recovery mode.
From here, click Restore in iTunes/Finder.
Warning: This erases all data, so only use this if you’ve tried everything else or have a recent backup.
4. Check for Hardware Problems
Sometimes, the issue isn’t software—it’s hardware. A failed battery, water damage, or a faulty motherboard could prevent the phone from starting properly.
What to look for:
- Did your iPhone drop or get wet recently?
- Is the screen flickering or completely black after the Apple logo?
- Does the iPhone heat up abnormally during boot?
If your battery is part of the problem, learn more about iPhone battery replacement.
In such cases, it’s best to take your iPhone to a certified repair technician or visit your nearest Apple Store.
5. Remove Problematic Apps or Files After Restart
If your iPhone restarts after recovery or DFU mode but continues to get stuck on the Apple logo after restarting again, a corrupt app or file might be the cause.
Once you regain access:
- Delete any recently installed apps
- Check for low storage (Settings > General > iPhone Storage)
- Avoid restoring from a corrupt backup
Try setting up the iPhone as new instead of restoring a previous backup to see if that resolves the problem.
Also, if your device is running slow after startup, visit our full guide on why your iPhone 14 might feel laggy.
6. Update or Restore Using Third-Party Tools
There are several trusted third-party tools that can fix an iPhone stuck on the Apple logo without deleting your data. These tools are especially useful if you can’t get iTunes to detect your device or if you want to avoid a full restore.
Popular options include:
- Tenorshare ReiBoot
- iMyFone Fixppo
- Dr.Fone – Repair
These tools walk you through entering recovery mode and offer a “Standard Mode” repair that won’t erase your data.
Note: Always download these tools from their official websites and ensure your computer is malware-free before installing.
7. Contact Apple Support or Visit a Repair Shop
If none of the above solutions work, it’s time to reach out for professional help. Apple’s support team can diagnose whether the issue is hardware-related or help you with advanced software fixes.
Options:
- Call or chat with Apple Support
- Book an appointment at the Genius Bar
- Visit a trusted local iPhone repair center
If you’re not sure who to trust with your device, here’s why it’s smart to choose iPhone repair experts instead of trying risky DIY methods.
How to Prevent Your iPhone from Getting Stuck Again
Once your iPhone is back to normal, it’s smart to take a few simple steps to help avoid seeing the Apple logo screen again. Prevention is easier than dealing with the issue after it happens.
- Always keep iOS updated to ensure your device runs smoothly and stays protected from bugs that can interfere with startup.
- Avoid jailbreaking your device, as it can introduce instability and conflicts with system processes.
- Delete apps you no longer use to free up system resources and reduce the chance of app-related glitches.
- Backup your iPhone regularly so you can restore your data easily if anything goes wrong.
- Make sure you have enough storage before performing any updates or restoring from a backup, as low space can interrupt system functions.
Following these tips may not guarantee perfection, but they significantly lower the risk of getting your iPhone stuck on Apple logo again. A little regular maintenance can go a long way.
Final Thoughts
Seeing your iPhone stuck on Apple logo can feel stressful, but in most cases, it’s fixable without professional help. From simple restarts to advanced tools and recovery modes, there’s a method for almost every situation.
If the problem keeps happening or you’re unsure what triggered it, don’t wait—seek professional assistance to avoid more serious damage.
Need Help Fixing Your iPhone?
If you’re unsure or don’t want to risk losing data, visit your local phone repair expert for help. Timely service can often restore your iPhone without a full reset.
At Computer Emergency Room, our experienced technicians are ready to help with all iPhone issues—including devices stuck on the Apple logo. Whether it’s a software glitch or hardware failure, we’ll diagnose and fix it quickly so you can get back to using your phone without the stress. Book a repair appointment today!