iPhone stuck on Apple logo? Here’s how to fix it

It's incredibly frustrating when your iPhone® gets stuck on the Apple® logo when starting up. You can't put in your password, access any of your apps, or use your phone at all until you resolve the issue. 

There are several reasons why your screen might be stuck on the Apple logo, making it challenging to determine the next step. That's what Asurion is here for. Our experts have the know-how to get you out of any tech jam, from connectivity issues to frozen screens. Discover how to fix an iPhone stuck on the Apple logo in this comprehensive guide. 

Common causes of iPhone stuck on Apple logo

Getting stuck on the Apple logo could be due to hardware or software issues. Ask yourself whether any of these common reasons for this issue could apply to your situation:

• Failed iOS updates: Were you trying to update your phone to a new version of iOS? If the iPhone software update gets stuck and fails, the screen might stay on the Apple logo. 
• Software corruption: If a virus, failed update, or other issue corrupted your system files, that could cause an iPhone boot loop. 
• Unauthorized modifications: Modifying your phone's iOS operating system or running beta versions of iOS could cause boot issues that leave your phone stuck on the Apple logo. 
• Hardware problems: A hardware issue, such as damage to your charging port or battery, can also cause startup issues like a stuck screen. The phone needs enough power to get past the Apple logo and actually load. Hardware problems could also cause a flickering screen or other common issues. 

Initial troubleshooting steps

The first thing to try if your iPhone is frozen on the Apple logo is a force restart. Follow these steps for iPhone 8 models and later:

1. Press the Volume Up button and release it quickly.
2. Press the Volume Down button and release it quickly.
3. Press and hold the side Power button until you see the Apple logo.

If you have an iPhone 7 Plus or another older model, press and hold the side power button and the volume down button simultaneously. Hold both buttons down until the Apple logo appears.

Next, try plugging your iPhone in to charge in case the root cause is a battery issue. You can also run your phone battery down entirely until it dies, then plug the phone in to reboot it. 

Advanced solutions

If those initial troubleshooting steps don't work, try these advanced solutions for an iPhone boot loop fix. 

Enter recovery mode

1. Plug your iPhone into your computer with a USB cable. 
2. For iPhone 8 and later, press and release the Volume Up button, press and release the Volume Down button, and press and hold the side Power button until you see the recovery mode screen. For older phones, refer to Apple's instructions on entering recovery mode.
3. When the recovery mode screen (a cable pointing to a computer icon) appears, use Finder® or iTunes to view your iPhone. Use Finder for Macs on macOS Catalina and later, and iTunes for older Macs and PCs. 
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to update or restore your iPhone's software. 

Use DFU mode

The device firmware update (DFU) mode on an iPhone is a more powerful solution you can try if recovery mode fails. However, understand that a DFU restore will erase all the data on your phone, restoring it to its factory settings. 

Follow these steps to enter DFU mode:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer. 
2. For iPhone 8 and later, press and release the Volume Up button, press and release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the side Power button until the screen turns black. For older phones, refer to Apple's instructions on entering DFU mode.
3. Keep holding the side button down and press the Volume Down button for five seconds.
4. Release the side button and keep pressing the Volume Down button for another 10 seconds.

Your screen should stay black, and your computer should detect the device. Follow the DFU instructions on your computer screen. 

System repair programs

If no other options work, you can try third-party system repair programs to address issues with your iOS, such as Tenorshare ReiBoot or iMyFone Fixppo. 

FAQs

How do I unfreeze my iPhone stuck on the Apple logo?

If a force restart doesn't work to unfreeze, you can try recovery mode or DFU mode. These solutions may also be helpful for issues like iPhone X screen glitches. 

How do I fix the Apple logo loop?

If you see a stuck or flashing logo, try forcing a restart or using recovery mode to restore your iPhone software. 

How do I unfreeze my iPhone when the screen is stuck?

When you're dealing with a frozen iPhone screen, you need to force a restart. If your iPhone is stuck on a black screen, try plugging it in to make sure it has battery life. Then, try the force restart steps for your model.