Is your iPhone stuck on the Apple logo with the loading bar, or won’t turn on? Users report, My iPhone keeps showing the Apple logo and turning off after the iOS 26 update. This frustrating issue, often referred to as the “Apple logo of death,” can occur due to various reasons, including software corruption, failed firmware updates, or issues with data transfers. Whether you’re dealing with an iPhone that won’t turn on or one stuck in a boot loop with the Apple logo flashing, here is what Apple officials suggest to solve the problem.
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Why is my iPhone stuck on the Apple logo?
An iPhone stuck on the Apple logo indicates a software or hardware problem that prevents it from fully booting up. It may be Problems during iOS updates, data migration, or corrupted software can disrupt the boot process. Again, Damage to internal components, such as the logic board, can also cause the iPhone to freeze on the Apple logo.
- Failed iOS Update: An incomplete or interrupted iOS update (e.g., iOS 26) can corrupt system files, causing the iPhone to get stuck on the Apple logo.
- Software Corruption: Bugs, viruses, or corrupted system files can lead to a boot loop, where the iPhone repeatedly restarts and displays the Apple logo without progressing to the home screen
- Jailbreaking: Modifying iOS through jailbreaking can introduce unstable changes, causing the iPhone to stay stuck on the Apple logo
- Hardware Damage: Physical damage (e.g., dropping the iPhone) or liquid exposure can affect internal components like the battery or motherboard, causing startup issues.
- Restoration Issues: Again, restoring from a corrupted iTunes or iCloud backup can result in the iPhone stuck on the Apple logo after a restore.
If the iPhone shows a low battery icon or fails to charge properly, it may not have enough power to boot past the Apple logo.
Charge the iPhone and check the Cable
A low battery can prevent the device from booting properly. Ya, this sounds obvious, but sometimes this could save your iPhone. Ensure your iPhone’s battery is fully charged to run the phone.
- Connect your iPhone to a reliable power source using an MFi-certified USB cable and charger.
- Let it charge for at least 30–60 minutes.
- Check for a low-battery icon or attempt to turn on the device.
In addition, inspect the charging port for debris or damage, and try a different cable or charger to rule out hardware issues.
If the Apple logo persists or the screen remains black, proceed to the next step
Force Restart Your iPhone
If your phone is not turning on or is stuck on the Apple logo due to software related issues, then performing a force restart helps. A force restart (or hard reset) is a simple and effective way to fix temporary software glitches causing the iPhone to be stuck on the Apple logo.
If you’re on iPhone 8 and Later (including iPhone 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, X, XS, XR)
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo disappears and reappears (this may take 10–20 seconds).
If you’re on an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus
- Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Sleep/Wake (Side) button simultaneously.
- Release both buttons when the Apple logo reappears.
If you’re on iPhone 6s, SE (1st Gen), and Earlier:
- Go ahead and press and hold your Power button together with your Home button at the same time. Hold it for at least 20 seconds until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
If the force restart doesn’t work and the iPhone is still stuck on the Apple logo, move to the next solution.
Enter Recovery Mode and Update iOS
If a force restart doesn’t help, try recovery mode to repair the iOS without erasing your data. To do this, you need to connect your iPhone to a computer with a USB cable.
- For macOS Catalina (10.15) or later, use Finder.
- For macOS Mojave (10.14) or earlier, or Windows, use iTunes (ensure it’s updated).
Now you ned to follow the same force restart steps as above, but keep holding the buttons until you see the recovery mode screen (iPhone with cable icon).
- iPhone 8 and Later: Press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until the Recovery Mode screen (a cable pointing to a computer icon) appears.
- iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume Down and Sleep/Wake buttons until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
- iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold the Home and Sleep/Wake buttons until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
On your computer, you will notice a prompt will appear in iTunes/Finder asking to update or restore your iPhone.
Choose Update to reinstall iOS without erasing data. If the update fails, you may need to select Restore, but note that this will erase all data (use a backup if possible).
If your iPhone exits Recovery Mode unexpectedly or iTunes/Finder fails to detect it, repeat the steps carefully. Some users report issues with the iPhone disconnecting during this process, which may require a stable cable or computer.
Use DFU Mode for a Deeper Restore
The Device Firmware Update (DFU) Mode is a more advanced troubleshooting method that reinstalls both the firmware and iOS, and addresses deeper software issues. However, DFU restores and erases all data, so ensure you have a backup.
It reloads the firmware and software completely.
⚠️ This will erase all data—only use this if you have a backup or other options have failed.
If you have iPhone 8 or later:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer with Finder or iTunes open.
- Press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down.
- Press and hold the Side button until the screen turns black.
- While holding the Side button, press and hold the Volume Down button for 5 seconds.
- Release the Side button but continue holding Volume Down for 10 seconds. (The screen should stay black—if the Apple logo appears, you did it wrong.)
- Finder/iTunes should detect the iPhone in DFU Mode. From there, select Restore to reinstall iOS
For Older Models: Refer to Apple’s official DFU Mode instructions, as the button combinations differ.
Warning: DFU Mode erases all data. If you have an iCloud or iTunes backup, you can restore your data after the process.
Use Third-Party Repair Tools
Well, if the above methods fail, third-party system repair tools like Tenorshare ReiBoot, iMyFone Fixppo, or Dr.Fone can fix iPhone stuck on Apple logo issues without data loss in many cases. These tools are user-friendly and address over 150 iOS issues, including boot loops.
Note: Always download tools from the official website and ensure your antivirus is active.
Using Tenorshare ReiBoot as an Example (not recommended)
- Download and install ReiBoot on your Mac or PC.
- Connect your iPhone via a USB cable.
- Launch ReiBoot and select Standard Repair to fix the issue without data loss.
- Follow the prompts to download the latest iOS firmware and repair the system.
- Wait for the process to complete, and your iPhone should restart normally.
Note: Some tools require a paid subscription for full functionality.
Check for Hardware Issues
If software fixes don’t resolve the issue, the iPhone won’t turn on or remain stuck on the Apple logo may be due to hardware problems. Inspect your iPhone for signs of damage or corrosion in the charging port.
- Damaged Battery or Charging Port: A faulty battery or port may prevent proper booting. Try a different charger or inspect the port for damage.
- Water Damage: Liquid exposure can short-circuit components, causing boot loops.
- Physical Damage: Dropping the iPhone may damage internal components like the motherboard
If your iPhone was dropped or exposed to water, it’s best to visit an Apple Store or authorized repair center. Always back up your iPhone regularly to avoid data loss in such scenarios.
FAQs: iPhone won’t Turn On or stuck on Apple Logo
Q1: How long should I wait if my iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo?
Wait up to 10 minutes. If it’s still stuck, try a force restart or recovery mode.
Q2: Will using DFU mode delete all my data?
Yes. DFU mode restores the iPhone from scratch, so it erases all data.
Q3: Can I fix an iPhone stuck on the Apple logo without a computer?
Only a force restart is possible without a computer. For recovery/DFU, a computer is needed.
Q4: Is it safe to use third-party tools like ReiBoot or Fixppo?
Yes, they are generally safe if downloaded from the official site. Use them carefully and avoid pirated versions.
Q5: Should I replace the battery if the iPhone doesn’t turn on?
If charging and other methods don’t work, the battery could be dead. A technician can confirm this.
