When your iPhone 12 Pro starts acting up, sometimes the best way to fix it is by putting it into recovery mode. This method is particularly useful if your device won’t turn on, is stuck on the Apple logo, or isn’t responding to standard troubleshooting steps. Recovery mode helps you restore your iPhone through iTunes or Finder and get it back to working order.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of entering recovery mode on your iPhone 12 Pro. Don’t worry—it’s easier than it sounds!
Can I Put Your Apple iPhone 12 in Recovery Mode?
Yes, you can put your Apple iPhone 12 in recovery mode. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Next, press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen, then release it. If you’re using iTunes, select your device from the iTunes sidebar to proceed.
What Is Recovery Mode?
Before we jump into the steps, let’s quickly cover what recovery mode is. When your iPhone experiences a serious software issue, recovery mode allows your computer (either a Mac or PC) to communicate with your device to either update or restore it. This is particularly helpful when your iPhone isn’t functioning properly, and regular restarting or updating through settings isn’t an option.
Why You Might Need Recovery Mode
There are a few situations where recovery mode might be necessary:
- iPhone stuck on the Apple logo: Sometimes, during a software update or after installing a new app, your iPhone may freeze on the Apple logo.
- iPhone not responding: If your iPhone won’t turn on, doesn’t charge, or freezes, recovery mode might help fix the issue.
- Failed software update: If an update fails and causes the iPhone to stop working, you may need to use recovery mode to restore it.
Steps to Put iPhone 12 Pro in Recovery Mode
Now, let’s move into the steps required to put your iPhone 12 Pro in recovery mode. You don’t need to be a tech expert to do this—it’s straightforward if you follow the instructions carefully.
Step 1: Back Up Your Data
Before you proceed with recovery mode, it’s important to back up your data if possible. Once your iPhone is in recovery mode, you’ll either update or restore it, which could erase your data. If your iPhone is still somewhat functional, backing up to iCloud or iTunes is a good idea.
Step 2: Update Your Computer
Ensure you have the latest version of iTunes on your PC or macOS if you’re using an older Mac. On newer Mac devices (macOS Catalina and later), you’ll use Finder instead of iTunes. Updating your computer’s software ensures it’s compatible with your iPhone 12 Pro.
Step 3: Connect Your iPhone to Your Computer
Use a Lightning cable to connect your iPhone to your computer. Make sure it’s a reliable cable and connected to a USB port directly on your device (avoid using USB hubs for this process).
Step 4: Force Restart Your iPhone
Now, you need to force restart your iPhone 12 Pro. Here’s how to do it:
- Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
- Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen. This is indicated by an iTunes logo or a computer icon with a cable, depending on your version of macOS.
Keep holding the Side button until the recovery screen appears. If you see the Apple logo, keep holding the button; you’re almost there.
Step 5: Use iTunes or Finder
Once your iPhone is in recovery mode, a window will pop up on your computer (in either Finder or iTunes). You’ll have two options:
- Update: This option attempts to fix the issue without erasing your data.
- Restore: This will erase your iPhone and install the latest iOS version.
If an update doesn’t work, you may need to restore your iPhone. Keep in mind that restoring will erase all content on your device, so try updating first if you can.
Step 6: Complete the Update or Restore
After choosing update or restore, follow the on-screen instructions. Your computer will download the latest version of iOS and install it on your device. Once the process is finished, your iPhone will restart, and you can set it up again.
Exiting Recovery Mode
If you accidentally entered recovery mode or need to exit it, you can do so by forcing a restart:
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Hold the Side button until your iPhone restarts.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Recovery mode not working? If your iPhone doesn’t enter recovery mode, check your cable and USB port. It’s also a good idea to try a different computer if possible.
- iTunes or Finder not recognizing your device? Make sure you’ve updated your computer and have the latest version of iTunes or macOS.
Final Thoughts
Entering recovery mode on your iPhone 12 Pro might seem intimidating at first, but following these steps makes the process simple. Whether you need to restore your device or fix a software issue, recovery mode can be a helpful tool to have in your troubleshooting arsenal. Remember to always back up your data regularly, especially if you anticipate needing recovery mode to solve issues with your iPhone.
FAQs
What is recovery mode on an iPhone 12 Pro?
Recovery mode is a troubleshooting state that allows your computer to communicate with your iPhone to update or restore the device. It’s typically used when your iPhone is experiencing severe software issues, such as being stuck on the Apple logo or not responding to normal operations.
Will I lose my data if I use recovery mode on my iPhone 12 Pro?
If you choose to update your iPhone in recovery mode, your data should remain intact. However, if you need to restore your iPhone, all your data will be erased unless you’ve backed it up to iCloud or iTunes.
How do I exit recovery mode on my iPhone 12 Pro?
To exit recovery mode, simply force restart your iPhone by quickly pressing and releasing the Volume Up button, quickly pressing and releasing the Volume Down button, then holding the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
Why won’t my iPhone 12 Pro enter recovery mode?
If your iPhone isn’t entering recovery mode, ensure you’re following the force restart steps correctly. You should also check that you’re using a working Lightning cable and a USB port that connects directly to your computer. Updating your computer’s software or trying a different computer can also help.
Can I put my iPhone 12 Pro in recovery mode without a computer?
No, you need a computer to place your iPhone in recovery mode because the process requires either iTunes (on Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (on macOS Catalina and later) to update or restore the device.