iPhone stuck on flashing Apple logo? Here's the fix

⚡️Fast fix

• Disconnect accessories such as charging cables and headphones.
• Charge the phone for at least 30 minutes if the battery is low.
• Perform a force restart to reboot your device.

On a busy Monday morning, you pick up your iPhone® to check the weather. But something's wrong—instead of displaying a screen full of apps, your iPhone is flashing the Apple® logo. Is this the day you'll have to buy a new device?

Asurion Experts keep your favorite devices running smoothly. Whether your iPhone screen is flickering or you need to fix an iPad® stuck on the Apple logo, we have an answer. Use these troubleshooting tips to get your device working normally again.

Force your iPhone to restart

Forcing your iPhone to restart clears out temporary bugs and glitches that cause an unresponsive device. It's a great first troubleshooting step since it won't erase any of your saved data or settings. To initiate a force restart, follow the steps for your iPhone model.

How to force restart iPhone 8, iPhone SE (2nd generation) or later:

1. Press and release the Volume Up button.
2. Press and release the Volume Down button.
3. Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears. This can take 20 seconds or longer. 

How to force restart iPhone 7:

1. Press and hold the Volume Down and Sleep/Wake button simultaneously.
2. Release the buttons when the Apple logo appears.

How to force restart iPhone 6s, iPhone SE (1st generation), or older:

1. Press and hold the Sleep/Wake and Home buttons simultaneously.
2. Release the buttons when the Apple logo appears. 

Common causes for a flashing Apple logo

A flashing Apple logo means your iPhone is stuck in a boot loop. This can occur for a few reasons, including:

Update errors

If you've set your iPhone up to receive automatic updates, it will attempt to install them overnight. This occurs as long as your iPhone is charging and has a Wi-Fi connection. But if the update fails during the installation process, you may wake up to a flashing Apple logo. 

Depleted battery

iPhone batteries don't last forever. Once the device's maximum battery capacity dips below 80%, it's considered degraded. While you can continue using your device as long as it's working, a flashing Apple logo might mean that it's time for a replacement. 

Hardware malfunction

A faulty charging port or internal connection could cause your device to freeze. If you recently dropped your phone or got it wet, it may have sustained internal damage. This usually requires professional repair.

Corrupted software

Recently downloaded updates or apps can contain bugs that conflict with your iPhone's system software. If this is the cause, updating your iPhone in recovery mode may resolve the issue. 

Update or restore your iPhone software

If your iPhone still won't work after a forced restart, you can put it in recovery mode and perform a device firmware update (DFU) restore. To do this, you'll need a Mac® or PC and a USB cable.

It's best to try a general update first, since it won't erase any of your saved data. A DFU restore brings the iPhone back to its factory state and deletes all settings and information. First, make sure you have the latest software version on your Mac. If you're using a PC, update the Apple Devices or iTunes® app to its latest version. 

Then, take these steps to enter recovery mode:

1. Use the USB cable to connect your iPhone to the computer.
2. Open Finder® or iTunes on your Mac. If you're using a PC, open the Apple Devices or iTunes app.
3. Wait for the Connect to the computer screen to appear. 
   • iPhone 8, iPhone SE (2nd generation), or later: Press and release the Volume Up button, then press and release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Side button until you see the Connect to computer screen.
   • iPhone 7: Press and hold the Volume Down and Sleep/Wake buttons until the recovery mode screen appears.
   • iPhone 6s, iPhone SE (1st generation), or earlier: Press and hold the Sleep/Wake and Home buttons until the recovery mode screen appears.
4. Locate your iPhone in the Finder, iTunes, or Apple Devices menu. Click its name to view options and information.
5. Click Update. If your device can't be updated through the regular process, click Restore. Keep in mind that restoring your iPhone will delete all of your data. 

Updating and restoring your iPhone can take some time. If more than 15 minutes pass, your device may exit the Connect to computer screen. If it does, let the download finish. Then, repeat step three to reopen the Finder, iTunes, or Apple Devices app.