How to Enter Recovery Mode on iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max

Jan 18, 2021 - 3 Comments

How to Enter Recovery Mode on iPhone 12

Got an iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 mini, and now you’re wondering how to put the device into Recovery Mode? Whether you’re new to Apple’s iOS ecosystem or you’re upgrading from an iPhone with home button, you may be interested in learning how you can put one of the new devices into recovery mode, which can be helpful for troubleshooting purposes.

Typically, recovery mode is used by advanced users to try and resolve major software-related problems, whether the iPhone is stuck in a boot loop, frozen on the Apple logo screen, or if it’s asking you to connect to a computer for whatever reason. Putting your device into recovery mode may also be necessary if iTunes or Finder is unable to recognize your connected iPhone like it usually does. More often than not, these problems could occur due to a failed iOS update.

If you’re one of those unlucky iOS users who’re facing such issues on your iPhone, you’ll need to use recovery mode. In this article, we’ll be discussing exactly how you can enter recovery mode on the entire iPhone 12 smartphone line-up.

How to Enter Recovery Mode on iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max

Before you go ahead with the following procedure, back up your data to either iCloud or iTunes on the computer. This is necessary to make sure you don’t permanently lose any data in the process. You’ll also need the included USB to Lighting cable to connect it to a computer with iTunes or macOS Catalina (or later) installed to properly use recovery mode.

  1. First, press and release the Volume Up button on your iPhone. Immediately after, press and release the Volume Down button. Now, press and hold the side/power button. Your device will reboot with the Apple logo on the screen.

    How to Enter Recovery Mode on iPhone 12
  2. Continue holding the side button even after you see the Apple logo and after a few seconds, your iPhone will indicate you to connect it to a computer, as shown below. This is the recovery mode screen.

    How to Enter Recovery Mode on iPhone 12
  3. Now, connect your iPhone to the computer using the Lightning to USB cable and launch iTunes. You’ll receive a pop-up in iTunes indicating that there’s a problem with the iPhone and you’ll have the option to either restore or update it.

    How to Enter Recovery Mode on iPhone 12

That’s pretty much all there is to it. Now you know how easy it is to enter recovery mode on your new iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro.

Exiting Recovery Mode on iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max

Whether you accidentally entered recovery mode or you just did it to experiment with your new iPhone, you may not be keen on restoring it. In that case, you can manually and safely exit the recovery mode. To do this, simply disconnect your iPhone from the computer and keep holding the side button until the recovery mode screen goes away.

It’s important to note that exiting recovery mode will take the iPhone back to whatever the prior state was before it was put into recovery mode in the first place. On the other hand, if you chose to update or restore your iPhone while in recovery mode, the device will automatically exit recovery mode once iTunes or Finder completes the process.

If for some reason Recovery Mode doesn’t do the trick, you can go a bit more extreme and try putting iPhone 12 into DFU mode, which is a lower level device restore mode.

Are you interested in learning about entering recovery mode on other Apple devices? Perhaps, you own an iPad as a secondary computer or you use another iPhone with Touch ID? Feel free to check out our other recovery mode tutorials:

Did you manage to enter recovery mode on your first attempt from your iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, or iPhone 12 Pro? Did it help in resolving the issues you were facing on your device? Do share your personal experiences and valuable opinions in the comments section down below.

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Related articles:

Posted by: Hamlin Rozario in iPhone, Tips & Tricks, Troubleshooting

3 Comments

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  1. Paul van Egmond says:

    The article talks about iTunes, which is no longer present on MAC OS Big Sur. Also, the switch combo doesn’t work on my iPhone 12 pro max stuck in a boot loop.

  2. Captain Teemo says:

    Because your phone is bricked after a failed software update? 🙄

  3. Chris Trotter says:

    Why wouldn’t you just go to settings and restart?

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