Were you trying to update your iPhone to iOS 17, but then instead of the expected result your device began restarting itself repeatedly without getting past the Apple logo screen, or even worse it got stuck in boot loop?
iPhone boot loop usually occurs when your device attempts to start up but ends up failing to complete the startup process hence it got stuck in a continuous loop process.
Here we will talk about the causes and the solution to iPhone boot loops.
What Causes iPhone to Be Stuck in Boot Loop?
iPhone boot loop is usually an indicator that shows that your device has serious problems causing it to fail the normal start-up process. It is caused by various factors. Below are a number of the foremost common factors:
- Software Malfunction
Using corrupted app files, faulty system files, as well as an installation of faulty software updates can result in your iPhone being stuck in boot loop. They disturb your iOS hence triggering your iPhone to keep restarting loop or worse getting stuck in a boot loop. This can also happen to the latest software iOS 17.
- Improper Software Update
When updating your iPhone to iOS 17 or other versions using a computer, the unstable connection of your device and computer may cause the update to get stuck in the middle of the procedure hence resulting in your iPhone being stuck in a boot loop as well.
- Low iPhone Storage
There might be a problem loading your system if there is not enough storage on your iPhone. That’s why iPhone is stuck in boot loop. In this case, you usually get a notification of not enough storage before getting this problem.
- Battery Problems
If your device is old and the battery can be defective, iPhone might start a boot loop. Also, a faulty battery connector might also deprive your iPhone of enough battery power and this will cause it to be stuck in boot loop.
- Jailbreaking iOS
Jailbreaking means bypassing the prohibitions set in a device in order to install other software that the manufacturer did not include in that particular device. It is viewed as a means to free device users from the manufacturers’ restrictions and limitations.
iPhone is one of the most locked-down devices. Its software is more secure compared to Android. So some users feel limited by Apple prohibitions, as such they jailbreak their iPhone devices to make them more like Android devices. They get free codes from various hacking communities online.
However, in recent years iPhone improved its software to reduce user limitations and in return, it also updated iOS versions that can not be easily hacked. Jailbreaking an iPhone is not safe, it is a security risk as it forfeits your iPhone from receiving any further iOS updates from Apple. In the long run, this will result in your device malfunctioning. Your device might start experiencing boot loops, short battery life, freezing or unresponsive screens as well as security vulnerabilities.
How to Fix an iPhone Stuck in Boot Loop
There are various tried, tested and guaranteed quick methods to help you fix an iPhone stuck in boot loop. However, solutions might be a little different in different cases. The cases are listed below.
- Case 1. iPhone Can Reboot Sometimes
- Case 2. iPhone Cannot Reboot at All
- Case 3. iPhone Storage Is Full or Not Enough
Case 1. iPhone Can Reboot Sometimes
If your iPhone is still able to restart successfully sometimes without any loop problems, it is very important for you to back up all your data to iCloud. Alternatively, you can back up data to a computer via iTunes. After successfully backing up your data, you should reset your iPhone to its factory settings quickly before your iPhone boot loop problem gets worse.
A factory reset erases everything on your iPhone. In order to reset your iPhone to its factory settings, go to Settings, go down and tap General, then scroll down and click on Reset and afterward tap Erase All Content and Settings. Once again enter your passcode to confirm. This procedure only lasts a few minutes depending on the size of your saved data. When the process is done, your iPhone will restart as a new, well-functioning device.
Case 2. iPhone Cannot Reboot at All
If your iPhone is still stuck in boot loop showing the Apple logo or black screen and cannot restart, you will not be able to go into the system and fix the problem. This frequently happens to some old models that are updating to iOS 17. Therefore, follow the solutions below to fix this problem.
Force Restart Your iPhone
The exact steps to force restart iPhone depend upon your iPhone model. For instance, for iPhone 8 or later models, press and quickly release the volume up button, then press and quickly release the volume down button, and lastly, press and simultaneously hold the side button until the Apple logo shows. This process will help your iPhone to restart.
Use iTunes
If you are unable to force restart your iPhone, you should consider putting your iPhone into recovery mode and updating it using iTunes. Recovery mode is used for situations such as when your iPhone is stuck in boot loop, your iPhone is unresponsive and other situations when it cannot be detected by iTunes.
Make sure that your iTunes is up to date. If you are using a Mac with a macOS Catalina or later open Finder but if you are using a PC open iTunes. Then connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cord and keep the connection. Do as the instructions below until you see a recovery mode screen which is like the image below.
- For iPhones 8 or later, press and quickly release the volume up button, do the same procedure with the volume down button and then press and simultaneously hold the side button until the recovery mode screen can be seen.
- For iPhone 7, press and hold the side button and the volume down button at the same time and maintain your hold until a recovery mode screen can be seen.
- For iPhones 6s or earlier, press and hold the home and the side buttons simultaneously, maintain this until the recovery mode screen is visible.
Once your iPhone is in recovery mode, iTunes will detect it. When the option to update or recover appears, you have to choose update. Your computer will then download and reinstall the software for your iPhone. After the update, your iPhone will load your data. In this way, you will not lose your important data.
But if the update doesn’t work, choose the restore option. Restoring iPhone will erase all your data and reset it to its factory settings. This procedure will only last a few minutes. When it is done, set up your iPhone like a new one.
Last Try
If you don’t want to lose important data or information, then another way worth trying is to use third-party system recovery tools, such as iMobie AnyFix, Wondershare Dr.Fone – System Recovery (iOS), and iToolab FixGo, which are specially designed for iPhone/iPad software problems. Their biggest advantage is that they can repair software without losing data. Note that they are all paid tools, but come with a 60-day/7-day/30-day money-back guarantee respectively, so they are worth trying.
Case 3. iPhone Storage Is Full or Not Enough
Sometimes low storage on your device can also cause the iPhone boot loop problem. However, many people cannot afford to lose the data on their devices. In this case, we recommend that you try to update your iPhone using recovery mode via iTunes more times. It is approved by a user on Reddit who has tried flashing software so many times and it finally succeed.
In case you had to restore your iPhone in order to solve the boot loop problem, you should consider restoring a backup with a smaller size to your device to avoid taking up too much space and triggering the reboot problem again.
After fixing the problem, it is important to manage your storage well and ensure there is enough space on your iPhone. To check your storage space in an iPhone, go to Settings, scroll down and click on General and then tap on iPhone Storage. Check to confirm what is occupying most storage on your device. Try deleting some unused apps as well as files you don’t need. Also, back up your photos and videos somewhere else and remove them from your iPhone.
Wrap Up
Though it is very unlikely, if your iPhone is still stuck in boot loop even after attempting all the above solutions, it means that your iPhone has more problems than you actually know. You will then have to book an Apple after-sale service to get more clarification and professional help for your iPhone.
