Various factors can cause an iPhone to become stuck on the Apple logo, in recovery mode, or with a black or blank screen. Common triggers include rogue apps, bad updates, corrupted system data, bugs, and malware. The same can happen if the phone has previously sustained physical or liquid damage because of an accidental fall or liquid exposure. However, before rushing to a service center, some workarounds can be used to rule out software-related factors as the underlying cause.

A few guidelines for a relevant issue on the Apple iPhone XS handset are highlighted below. Continue reading to learn what to do if your new or used iPhone XS becomes stuck in recovery mode and you can’t get past the recovery screen.

How to Identify The Reason Your iPhone XS is in Recovery Mode

Before troubleshooting software issues that may have caused your iPhone to become stuck in recovery mode, connect to your computer and ensure that no other apps or programs are running. Other programs tend to interfere with iTunes, resulting in the system’s restore failure. Also, ensure you’re using the most recent version of iTunes and that your computer is running a current operating system, if not the most current one. This will aid in the elimination of system conflicts. If everything is in order with iTunes and your computer system, try any of the following solutions to fix iOS errors and restore your iPhone XS to its original state:

1. Restart Your iPhone XS by Force 

Most minor system errors are resolved, and unexpected issues are brought on by restarting the phone. However, performing the standard soft reset won’t work since your iPhone screen is frozen or unresponsive. It would help if you forced restart an iPhone XS that is frozen or stuck by following these instructions:

• Press the Volume Up button, then quickly let go.
• Press the Volume Down button, then quickly let go.
• When the phone starts to boot up, press and hold the Power button on the side of the device for a few seconds before letting go.

A force restart also clears out all suspended apps that have gone rogue and junk files and corrupted temporary files in the phone memory.

Install all pending app updates if your phone generally starts after a forced restart. This can help prevent the phone from becoming stuck again, mainly if bad apps cause the problem. App updates typically include patches or unique codes to eliminate errors and bugs that cause certain apps to malfunction. So, here’s what you could try next:

• From the Home screen, select App Store.
• Scroll down and then tap the Updates tab to see a list of apps that need to be updated.
• To update apps individually, tap the Update button next to the app’s name.
• To update all apps at once, tap the Update All button in the upper-right corner.

2. Try Again To Restore In Recovery Mode

It doesn’t follow that the previous recovery mode restores attempt would always fail just because it did. Therefore, trying again won’t do any harm. However, remove all USB and external devices other than your iPhone from your computer’s USB ports first. Doing this can help ensure that no other hardware obstructs the connection between your iPhone XS and iTunes. Close all other running programs on your computer as well. Once everything is configured, follow these instructions to try restoring your iPhone XS while it is in recovery mode:

• Utilize the USB/Lightning cable provided by Apple to connect your iPhone XS to your computer.
• Press and quickly release the Volume Up button while it is connected.
• The Volume Down button should then be quickly pressed and released.
• Hold down the Side/Power button while it restarts. Don’t let go of the Side/Power button when the Apple logo appears because you need to put the device in a recovery state.
• When the Connect to iTunes logo appears on the screen, let go of the Side/Power button.
• When you go to iTunes on your computer, a message stating that your connected iOS device is in recovery mode and offering the options to update or restore should appear.
• Choose the Restore option to completely erase the phone’s system and then restore iOS using iTunes.

Wait until iTunes has finished downloading and installing the most recent software for your device before unplugging your iPhone from the computer.

3. Restore Your iPhone XS In DFU Mode

The most extensive kind of iOS restore, known as the DFU mode restore, may be required if the second recovery mode restore attempt fails. Device Firmware Update mode, also known as DFU, is a condition where your iPhone can still communicate with iTunes running on a computer even if the operating system or bootloader isn’t engaged. This increases the likelihood of fixing a corrupted iOS and restores your device to working order. However, there are a few safety measures you need to be aware of before running a DFU mode restore.

The first effect of this process is to permanently delete all data from the phone system. Second, if the DFU mode restore is not finished, there is a chance that the iPhone could end up being bricked. Therefore, if your iPhone has any liquid damage, it is NOT advised that you perform a DFU mode restore. You should take your device to a service facility if you think it may have liquid damage. However, you can try it if you’re confident there isn’t any hardware damage.

4. Use iOS Recovery and Repair System

If iTunes fails, you can try other iOS management and repair systems developed by third-party app developers. A plethora of reliable iPhone system repair software is available online, including Reiboot, iOS System Recovery, and U.Fone, to name a few. Choose the one that is most credible, compatible with your computer’s operating system, and supports iOS 12 devices, particularly the iPhone XS.

Conclusion 

After trying all the solutions mentioned above, if your iPhone XS is still stuck in recovery mode, there isn’t much more you can do. You can take your device to the closest Apple-approved service location and request that an iPhone technician perform a thorough hardware evaluation. If a used iPhone XS has a warranty, you can contact Apple support or your phone company to learn more about how to take advantage of the warranty.