5 Useful Ways to Fix iPhone Stuck in Recovery Mode After iOS 26/18 Update

Since the launch of iOS 26, users can't wait to update their devices. However, they may also encounter unexpected issues after the update. For instance, iPhones may get stuck in Recovery Mode just after updating the device to iOS 26. This can be frustrating, especially if you are in dire need of using your phone.

If you are experiencing the iPhone stuck in Recovery Mode after iOS 26/18 update issue, don't fret. Read this article to find out how to fix the iPhone Recovery Mode loop problem.

Part 1. Why Is My iPhone Stuck in Recovery Mode After iOS 18/26 Update?

After upgrading to iOS 26, your phone can get stuck in Recovery Mode for a number of reasons. Below are the most common reasons:

• Software bugs and errors that occur during the updating process.
• Incomplete update due to interruptions during an update or failure to update.
• Incompatibility problems with software or applications installed on the iPhone.
• Hardware issues like faulty charging ports or damaged USB cables.
• Corrupted update files.
• Improper update procedure.
• Low battery.

Now that you have an idea of what could be causing the iPhone stuck in Recovery Mode after the iOS 26 update problem, it is time to solve it, and the next section outlines possible ways to do that.

Part 2. How to Fix iPhone Stuck in Recovery Mode After an iOS 18/26 Update?

If your iPhone stays in recovery mode after the update, don't worry too much. The methods outlined below can help you gradually resolve the issue.

Fix 1. Force Restart the iPhone

Force restarting is the simplest method to resolve many system glitches. If it's just a temporary system issue, restarting the iPhone will usually help it exit recovery mode. Here are the steps to force restart an iPhone:

For iPhone 8 or later:

• Quickly press and release the "Volume Up" button.
• Quickly press and release the "Volume Down" button.
• Press and hold the "Side" (Power) button.

Keep holding the button until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 7 / 7 Plus:

• Press and hold the "Power" button and the "Volume Down" button simultaneously.
• Hold them for about 10 seconds.
• Release when the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 6s or earlier:

• Press and hold the "Home" button and the "Power" button together.
• Continue holding both buttons.
• Release when the Apple logo appears.

If your iPhone still remains in recovery mode, move on to the next solution.

Fix 2. Reinstall iOS 18/26

If a force restart doesn't work, you can try reinstalling or updating the system via a computer. Because of the nature of software, Apple may not always provide the option to reinstall the exact iOS 18/26 version you were using previously.

Here is how to do it:

Step 1. Connect the iPhone to the computer using a USB cable.

Step 2. Open iTunes (on Windows or older macOS) or Finder (on macOS Catalina and later).

Step 3. Once the device is in recovery mode, a prompt will appear. Click "Update" and wait for the system to download and install.

Fix 3. Restore iPhone with iTunes

If the update fails, you can choose to restore the device. However, be aware that this method may erase the device's data. Therefore, make sure you have backed up your iPhone before starting the restore process.

Here are the steps:

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your computer with a USB cable.

Step 2. Open iTunes or Finder.

Step 3. Once your device is detected, you'll see a message indicating that your iPhone is in recovery mode and needs to be restored.

Step 4. Click "Restore" to download the latest official iOS version and restore your device.

Fix 4. Use iOS System Recovery Without Data Loss

If you don't want to risk data loss by restoring the device, you can use a professional iOS system repair tool. For example, iOS System Recovery can fix a variety of iOS system issues, such as an iPhone stuck in recovery mode, an iPhone stuck on the Apple logo, an iPhone boot loop, and iPhone update failures. Additionally, when using Standard Mode, it typically won't erase your device's data, making it a safer solution for many users.

Key features of iOS System Recovery:

• Fix the iPhone stuck in Recovery Mode after an iOS update without data loss.
• Repair iOS system issues in one click, including being stuck in a recovery loop, disabled devices, being stuck in headphone mode, black screen of death, activation problems, etc.
• High success rate & no data loss in Standard Mode.
• Support the latest iOS 26 and iPhone 17 series.

Free Download for PC

 

Free Download for Mac

Here is how to fix an iPhone stuck in recovery mode after iOS 26 update without data loss:

Fix 5. Contact Apple Support

If you've tried all methods and the iPhone is still stuck in recovery mode, it's likely that the issue goes beyond the software level, such as a motherboard, battery, or other hardware malfunction. In this case, the safest option is to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for inspection.

FAQ on iPhone Stuck in Recovery Mode

Q1. Will I lose my data if my iPhone is in recovery mode?

Being in recovery mode alone does not erase your data. However, the steps you take to exit recovery mode may. If you use a computer and select the "Update" option, your data will remain intact. If you choose "Restore", the device will be reset to factory settings, resulting in data loss.

Q2. Why does my iPhone keep returning to the recovery screen?

This is commonly known as a "boot loop". It usually happens when the internal storage is full, preventing the operating system from loading, or due to a hardware issue with the charging port or battery. If a software restore doesn't resolve the loop, the problem is likely related to a physical component that may need to be replaced.

Q3. What's the difference between Recovery Mode and DFU Mode?

Recovery Mode uses the "iBoot" bootloader to attempt software repair. DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode, on the other hand, is a more advanced state that bypasses the bootloader entirely, enabling you to reinstall the operating system during a near-total software failure. In DFU mode, the screen remains completely black.

Conclusion

iPhone stuck in Recovery Mode loop may sound daunting, but it can still be fixed. The solutions listed in this article have been tried and tested and found to be effective in solving an iPhone stuck in Recovery Mode after the iOS 26 update. However, the most effective solution to this problem is iOS System Recovery. It's the safest and quickest way to get out of the recovery loop on an iPhone without data loss.

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