How to Fix an iPhone Stuck on iTunes Mode (Recovery Mode)

If your iPhone is stuck on the "Connect to iTunes" screen, it means your device has entered Recovery Mode. This can happen due to a failed update, software glitches, or other system issues. The good news is that you can fix this by updating or reinstalling the firmware using iTunes, Finder (for macOS Catalina and later), or third-party tools like 3uTools.

 

Why Is Your iPhone Stuck on iTunes Mode?

Your iPhone may get stuck in Recovery Mode due to:

  • An interrupted iOS update

  • Corrupt firmware installation

  • Jailbreaking failure

  • Software glitches or system errors

 

 

How to Fix iPhone Stuck in iTunes Mode

 

 

1. Use iTunes or Finder to Update or Restore

iTunes (on Windows and macOS Mojave or earlier) and Finder (on macOS Catalina and later) can help you update or restore your iPhone.

Steps to fix it using iTunes/Finder:

  1. Connect your iPhone to a computer using a USB cable.

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

  3. Your iPhone should be detected in Recovery Mode with a prompt saying, "There is a problem with the iPhone that requires it to be updated or restored."

  4. Choose:

    • Update – This attempts to fix the issue without erasing data.

    • Restore – This erases everything and installs a fresh version of iOS.

  5. Wait for the process to complete. If it fails, try restoring instead of updating.

Note: If the update or restore process gets stuck, try using DFU Mode (explained later).

 

2. Use 3uTools to Fix iPhone in Recovery Mode

If iTunes doesn’t work, 3uTools is a great alternative for flashing or reinstalling iOS.

Steps to fix iPhone using 3uTools:

  1. Download and install 3uTools on your PC.

  2. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.

  3. Open 3uTools and go to the "Flash & JB" tab.

  4. Click "Easy Flash" and choose the appropriate iOS firmware for your device.

  5. Select either:

    • Retain User Data (to keep your files)

    • Quick Flash (erases everything)

  6. Click "Flash" to start the installation.

  7. Wait for the process to complete, and your iPhone should restart normally.

 

3. Use DFU Mode (If Recovery Mode Fails)

If your iPhone is still stuck in iTunes mode after trying the above methods, you might need DFU (Device Firmware Update) Mode.

Steps to enter DFU Mode:

  1. Connect your iPhone to a computer.

  2. Open iTunes/Finder.

  3. Follow the correct button combination for your iPhone model:

    • iPhone 8 or later: Press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until the screen goes black. Then, hold Volume Down + Side button for 5 seconds, then release the Side button but keep holding Volume Down until iTunes detects your iPhone in DFU Mode.

    • iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds, then release Power but keep holding Volume Down until iTunes detects your device in DFU mode.

    • iPhone 6s or earlier: Hold Home + Power for 10 seconds, then release Power but keep holding Home until iTunes detects DFU mode.

  4. Once in DFU Mode, restore your iPhone using iTunes or 3uTools.

 

Final Thoughts

If your iPhone is stuck on the iTunes logo screen, don’t worry! You can try updating it through iTunes/Finder, flashing it using 3uTools, or entering DFU Mode for a complete reset. If none of these methods work, there may be a hardware issue, and you should visit an Apple Store or a repair center for further help.