Whether you’re trying to resolve a software issue or prepare your iPhone for a fresh installation of iOS, knowing how to put your Apple iPhone 6s in recovery mode is incredibly useful. Recovery mode allows you to restore or update your iPhone through iTunes or Finder, making it a helpful troubleshooting tool.
For iPhone 6s or earlier, including the iPhone SE (1st generation) and iPod touch (6th generation) or earlier, press and hold both the Home and the top (or side) buttons at the same time until the recovery mode screen appears.
Key Takeaways
- Recovery mode can help fix issues like a frozen iPhone or software glitches.
- You’ll need a computer with iTunes or Finder (depending on your macOS version).
- Exiting recovery mode is just as simple as entering it, and we’ll cover how.
Can I Put Your Apple iPhone 6s in Recovery Mode?
Yes, you can put your iPhone 6s in recovery mode. To do this, press and hold the Lock button along with the Home button at the same time until the recovery mode screen appears. For models like the iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, the process is slightly different – you need to press and hold both the Lock button and the Volume Down button together until the recovery mode screen appears. For iPhone 6s and earlier models, always use the Lock and Home button combination
What is Recovery Mode on an iPhone 6s?
Before we jump into the process, let’s understand what recovery mode is. Recovery mode is a built-in feature of iOS that allows your iPhone to connect to a computer and restore its system software. This can be useful when:
- Your iPhone won’t turn on or gets stuck on the Apple logo.
- An iOS update fails, and your device is unresponsive.
- You want to reset your iPhone to factory settings.
Why Might You Need to Use Recovery Mode?
There are several reasons you might need to use recovery mode on your iPhone 6s:
- Frozen screen – If your iPhone becomes completely unresponsive, recovery mode can help you reset or restore it.
- Software update problems – Sometimes, iOS updates don’t go as planned, and recovery mode is a way to reinstall the operating system.
- Resetting to factory settings – If you’re planning to sell or give away your iPhone, recovery mode ensures all your data is wiped.
What You’ll Need
To put your iPhone 6s into recovery mode, you’ll need a few things ready:
- A computer (Mac or Windows PC) with iTunes installed.
- If you’re using macOS Catalina or later, you’ll use Finder instead of iTunes.
- A USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer.
- A few minutes of patience to follow the steps.
How to Put Your iPhone 6s in Recovery Mode
Now that you’re ready, let’s walk through the steps to enter recovery mode on your iPhone 6s.
Step 1: Connect Your iPhone to a Computer
First, connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable. Make sure the computer has iTunes (or Finder for macOS Catalina and later) installed and running. If iTunes doesn’t open automatically when you connect your iPhone, launch it manually.
Step 2: Turn Off Your iPhone
Next, power down your iPhone 6s. To do this:
- Hold down the Sleep/Wake button (located on the side or top of the phone).
- Slide the power off slider when it appears on the screen.
If your iPhone is unresponsive, you can force a shutdown by pressing and holding both the Sleep/Wake and Home buttons until the screen goes black.
Step 3: Enter Recovery Mode
Once the phone is off, it’s time to enter recovery mode:
- Hold the Home button on your iPhone.
- While holding the Home button, connect your iPhone to your computer via the USB cable.
- Continue to hold the Home button until the recovery mode screen appears. You’ll know it worked when you see a picture of a cable pointing toward a computer or iTunes logo on your iPhone’s screen.
Step 4: Restore or Update Using iTunes (or Finder)
At this point, iTunes or Finder should recognize that your iPhone is in recovery mode and display a message saying that your iPhone needs to be restored or updated.
- To update your iPhone without erasing your data, click Update. This will attempt to reinstall iOS while preserving your data.
- To restore your iPhone to factory settings, click Restore. This will erase all data and install the latest iOS version.
Exiting Recovery Mode
If you change your mind or the issue is resolved without needing recovery mode, exiting is simple:
- Disconnect your iPhone from the computer.
- Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until the Apple logo appears, indicating that your phone is restarting normally.
Common Issues and How to Solve Them
Sometimes things don’t go as smoothly as planned. Here are a few common issues people face when using recovery mode and how to fix them:
- iPhone Stuck in Recovery Mode: If your iPhone gets stuck in recovery mode, try force-restarting it by holding the Home and Sleep/Wake buttons simultaneously until it restarts.
- iTunes/Finder Doesn’t Detect iPhone: Make sure your USB cable is functioning properly, and try using a different port or restarting both your computer and iPhone.
Final Thoughts
Putting your iPhone 6s into recovery mode is a straightforward process that can help fix software issues, failed updates, or even reset the device. Whether you’re troubleshooting a problem or preparing your iPhone for a clean start, recovery mode can be a lifesaver. With these steps, you’re now equipped to handle any iPhone 6s recovery mode situation.
FAQs
What is recovery mode on an iPhone 6s?
Recovery mode is a troubleshooting feature that allows you to restore or update your iPhone through iTunes or Finder. It can help resolve issues like software glitches, failed updates, or a frozen screen.
Why would I need to put my iPhone 6s in recovery mode?
You may need to use recovery mode if your iPhone 6s is unresponsive, stuck on the Apple logo, experiencing issues after an iOS update, or if you want to reset it to factory settings.
Will I lose my data if I put my iPhone 6s in recovery mode?
Entering recovery mode won’t erase your data, but if you choose to restore the iPhone while in recovery mode, all data will be erased. Using the “Update” option, however, may reinstall iOS while preserving your data.
How do I get my iPhone 6s out of recovery mode?
To exit recovery mode, simply disconnect your iPhone from the computer and hold down the Sleep/Wake button until the Apple logo appears, indicating the phone is restarting normally.
What should I do if my iPhone 6s is stuck in recovery mode?
If your iPhone 6s gets stuck in recovery mode, try force-restarting it by holding down the Home and Sleep/Wake buttons at the same time until the device restarts. If this doesn’t work, you may need to restore the device through iTunes or Finder.
