Apple iPhones Boot Loop — Stuck on Apple Logo: How to Fix It Yourself
An iPhone stuck in a boot loop — showing the Apple logo, going black, then showing the Apple logo again — is almost always a software issue caused by a failed update, a buggy app, or corrupted system files. In most cases, you can fix this yourself with a forced restart or a restore through your computer. No parts needed.
Tools Needed
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- Using DFU restore will erase all data on the phone if you don't have a backup.
- Make sure your computer has the latest version of iTunes (Windows) or macOS before attempting a restore.
Before You Start
Parts You May Need
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Step-by-Step Repair
- Step 1 of 51
Force restart the iPhone
For iPhone 8 and newer: quickly press and release Volume Up, quickly press and release Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears (keep holding for 10-15 seconds even if the screen goes black). For iPhone 7: hold Volume Down and Side button together for 10 seconds. This fixes minor software glitches.
Photo: Force restart the iPhone - Step 2 of 52
Let the battery drain completely
If the force restart didn't work, let the phone sit until the battery dies completely. Then charge it for at least 30 minutes and try turning it on. Sometimes a full power cycle clears the issue.
Photo: Let the battery drain completely - Step 3 of 53
Try Recovery Mode restore
Connect the phone to a computer with a USB cable. Open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows). Force restart the phone using the button sequence from Step 1, but keep holding the Side button even after the Apple logo appears — hold until you see the Recovery Mode screen (cable and computer icon). Your computer will offer to Update or Restore. Try Update first — it reinstalls iOS without erasing data.
Photo: Try Recovery Mode restore - Step 4 of 54
Try DFU Mode restore (if Recovery Mode failed)
DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is a deeper restore. Connect to your computer. For iPhone 8+: press Volume Up, Volume Down, then hold Side button for 10 seconds. While holding Side, also hold Volume Down for 5 seconds. Release Side but keep holding Volume Down for 10 more seconds. The phone screen should stay black but your computer will detect it. Click Restore.
Photo: Try DFU Mode restore (if Recovery Mode failed) - Step 5 of 55
Restore from backup
After the DFU restore completes, your iPhone will be like new. Set it up and restore from an iCloud or computer backup. If the boot loop returns after restoring a backup, the backup itself may contain the corrupted data — set up as new instead and restore data manually.
Photo: Restore from backup
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If That Didn't Work
- A failed iOS update is the most common cause — the update corrupted during installation.
- A jailbreak gone wrong can cause boot loops.
- In rare cases, failing NAND storage (the phone's internal memory chip) causes repeated boot failures. This is a hardware issue that requires professional repair.
When to Call a Professional
If DFU restore fails or the phone isn't detected by the computer at all, there may be a hardware issue with the logic board or storage chip. Apple charges $200–$600 for out-of-warranty repairs depending on the model. A third-party repair shop may be able to do board-level repair for less. If the phone is important, make sure you've exhausted all software options first.
Related Guides
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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional repair advice. All repairs are performed at your own risk. RepairItFree.com is not liable for any personal injury, property damage, device damage, voided warranties, or other losses resulting from the use of this information.
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