iPhone Stuck on the Apple Logo: Causes and Fixes

Is it really stuck?

An Apple logo on its own isn't always a problem. After a software update, or when an iPhone restarts with very little storage, the logo can stay up for a while, sometimes with a progress bar underneath. If you see a progress bar that's still moving, plug the phone in and let it finish.

It's stuck if the logo sits there with no progress, or if the phone keeps restarting: logo, black screen, logo again. That restart cycle is often called a boot loop.

Common causes

• A failed or interrupted update. The phone lost power, the download was corrupted, or the update stalled.
• Storage almost completely full. iPhones need free space to start up and install updates. A phone packed to the limit can stall on the logo.
• A software glitch after restoring from a backup or moving data from an old phone.
• Hardware damage after a drop or liquid exposure, such as a damaged logic board, a failing battery or a faulty connection.
• A problem part after a previous repair, like a loose connector or an incompatible replacement part.

Step 1: Force restart your iPhone

A force restart cuts power to the software and starts it fresh. It doesn't erase anything. The buttons depend on your model:

If it restarts and gets to the lock screen, you're through. Back it up right away, then free up storage and install any pending update.

Step 2: Charge it properly

A badly drained or worn battery can keep an iPhone from finishing startup. Plug it into a wall charger with a cable you know works, leave it to charge for a good while, then try the force restart again.

Step 3: Use recovery mode with a computer

If a force restart doesn't help, recovery mode lets a computer reinstall iOS. You'll need a Mac or a Windows PC and a working cable.

1. Connect your iPhone to the computer.
2. On a Mac, open Finder (on older versions of macOS, use iTunes). On Windows, open the Apple Devices app or iTunes.
3. With the iPhone connected, do the force restart button steps for your model, but keep holding the final button even when the Apple logo appears. Let go when you see the recovery mode screen, showing a computer and a cable.
4. On the computer, choose Update first. This tries to reinstall iOS without erasing your data.
5. If the download takes long enough that the phone leaves recovery mode, repeat the button steps and choose Update again.

If it's full storage

When storage is the cause, the Update option in recovery mode often gets the phone running again without losing data. Once it starts, free up space before doing anything else: delete large videos you've backed up, offload apps you don't use and clear out old message attachments. Aim to keep some breathing room so the next update doesn't cause the same problem.

When it's hardware, not software

If the phone got stuck right after a drop or getting wet, software fixes may not help, and repeated restarts on a wet phone can make damage worse. Signs it's hardware:

• Recovery mode doesn't work, or the computer doesn't detect the phone.
• The phone gets warm while stuck on the logo.
• The problem started right after a drop, liquid exposure or a repair.
• The screen shows lines, flicker or colour problems along with the logo.

For a wet phone, power it off and don't charge it. Our water damage guide explains what to do next. For a wider look at common iPhone faults and fixes, see our iPhone repair guide.

When to call a technician

If force restarts and recovery mode don't get you past the logo, or you can't risk losing data with a restore, Woman Wireless On The Go can help. A certified woman technician comes to your home, workplace or parked car across our service area, diagnoses the problem on the spot and gives you a free quote before any work starts. Call or WhatsApp (365) 351-4247, visit our iPhone repair page, or request a visit online.

Frequently asked questions

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