If your iPhone won’t turn on immediately after an update, it’s usually because of a software glitch or a drained battery during the process. Start by charging your iPhone and performing a forced restart to fix common startup issues. If that doesn’t work, you can use recovery mode or DFU mode to restore your device safely.
Why won’t my iPhone turn on right after an update?
Your iPhone might not turn on after an update for several common reasons. The update process could have been interrupted or experienced a software glitch, leaving the phone unresponsive. The battery might have fully drained during the update since updates can take longer and use more power than usual. Corrupted update files can also prevent the device from booting properly. These problems are typically software-related and can usually be fixed without hardware repairs.
What should I try first to get my iPhone turning on?
Begin with these simple steps before trying more advanced methods.
- Plug your iPhone into a charger and let it charge for at least 30 minutes. Even if the screen stays black, the battery might be completely drained.
- Perform a forced restart, which resets the device without erasing data. The method depends on your iPhone model:
- For iPhone 8 and later: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
- For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold both the Side (or Top) button and the Volume Down button until the Apple logo appears.
- For iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold both the Home button and the Side (or Top) button until the Apple logo appears.
A forced restart often resolves software crashes that prevent the iPhone from turning on.
How do I use recovery mode or DFU mode to fix update problems?
If a forced restart doesn’t work, recovery mode or DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode can help restore your iPhone.
Recovery mode lets you update or restore iOS via a computer. Choosing Update attempts to reinstall iOS without deleting your data. If Update doesn’t work, Restore will erase your data and reinstall iOS.
DFU mode is a deeper restore that reloads both software and firmware. Use DFU mode only if recovery mode fails, as it erases all data.
To enter recovery mode:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer with the latest iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
- Perform the forced restart steps for your model but keep holding the button until the recovery mode screen appears (a cable pointing to a computer icon).
- On your computer, choose Update first to reinstall iOS without erasing data. If that fails, select Restore.
To enter DFU mode (for iPhone 8 and later):
- Connect your iPhone to the computer.
- Press Volume Up then Volume Down quickly.
- Hold the Side button until the screen goes black.
- Hold both Side and Volume Down buttons for 5 seconds.
- Release the Side button but keep holding Volume Down for about 10 seconds.
Your iPhone screen should remain black, and your computer will detect it in DFU mode and offer to restore it.
How can I tell if my iPhone has a hardware problem instead?
If none of the software fixes work, your iPhone might have a hardware issue. Signs include:
- The screen stays black or unresponsive after charging and forced restart.
- The iPhone doesn’t charge or shows no signs of life when plugged in.
- The device becomes unusually hot or has visible physical damage.
Issues like battery failure, damaged power buttons, or rare internal damage can cause these symptoms. In these cases, contact Apple Support or visit an authorized repair center for diagnostics and repair.
How do I confirm that my iPhone is fixed and working normally again?
After trying these fixes, press the Side button to power on your iPhone. You should see the Apple logo, then the lock screen. Unlock the device and check:
- If the touchscreen responds normally.
- Whether the iPhone charges correctly.
- If apps open and run without freezing or crashing.
If your iPhone boots up and functions as expected without shutting down unexpectedly, it’s likely fixed. If issues continue, hardware problems may be involved.
What can I do to avoid this problem with future iOS updates?
To minimize the chance of your iPhone not turning on after an update, follow these precautions:
- Back up your iPhone regularly using iCloud or a computer to protect your data.
- Ensure your battery is charged above 50% or keep your iPhone plugged in during the update.
- Confirm you have enough free storage space before updating, as insufficient space can cause failures.
- Consider waiting a few days after a new iOS release before updating, since early versions sometimes have bugs fixed in minor updates.
These steps help ensure smoother updates and reduce the risk of startup issues.
Conclusion
If your iPhone won’t turn on after an update, first charge it and perform a forced restart. If that doesn’t fix the problem, use recovery or DFU mode to restore the device. If software solutions don’t work, hardware issues might be the cause, and professional repair is recommended. Taking precautions before future updates can help prevent this issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I lose my data if my iPhone won’t turn on after an update?
If you only perform a forced restart or use recovery mode with the Update option, your data should remain intact. However, restoring the iPhone in recovery or DFU mode erases all data unless you have a backup.
How long should I wait when charging my iPhone before trying to turn it on?
Charge your iPhone for at least 30 minutes before trying to power it on again, especially if the battery was fully drained during the update.
What’s the difference between recovery mode and DFU mode?
Recovery mode lets you reinstall or restore iOS with a chance to keep your data if you choose Update. DFU mode reloads both the firmware and software completely and erases all data, used when recovery mode doesn’t work.