If your iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo with a progress bar, you’re not alone. Many iPhone users have faced this issue during updates, restores, or random reboots. It can be scary—your phone seems frozen and doesn’t respond, and you might worry you’ve lost all your data.
Don’t panic. In this article, you’ll learn the common causes of this issue, simple steps to fix it, and ways to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
What Causes an iPhone to Get Stuck on Apple Logo With Progress Bar?
This issue can happen for several reasons, including:
- iOS update failed: If the update didn’t complete correctly.
- Jailbreaking: Customizing iOS can break system files.
- Data transfer or restore issue: While moving data from iCloud or iTunes.
- Battery issues: A dead or failing battery might interrupt booting.
- Corrupt system files: Random glitches or software bugs.
These problems prevent your iPhone from finishing the startup process.
How to Know If Your iPhone Is Truly Stuck
A frozen iPhone usually shows the Apple logo and progress bar for more than 30 minutes without moving. If it stays on the screen for an hour or longer, and the bar doesn’t move, your iPhone is likely stuck.
Also, if your iPhone becomes warm or doesn’t respond to touch or buttons, it’s definitely time to try a fix.
First Try: Force Restart Your iPhone
Before diving into deeper fixes, try a force restart.
- iPhone 8 or later:
Press and release the Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo. - iPhone 7 / 7 Plus:
Hold the Volume Down and Power (Side) button together until the Apple logo appears. - iPhone 6s / earlier:
Hold the Home and Power buttons at the same time.
This won’t erase your data. It simply forces the system to reboot.
Second Try: Use Recovery Mode With iTunes or Finder
If force restart doesn’t help, try Recovery Mode:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer.
- Open iTunes (on Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (on macOS Catalina or later).
- Put your phone in Recovery Mode (same button combos as above, but keep holding after the Apple logo appears).
- You’ll see a message asking to Update or Restore.
Choose Update first to keep your data. If that fails, use Restore.
Third Option: Use DFU Mode to Fix iOS Issues
DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is the deepest type of iPhone reset. Use this only if Recovery Mode doesn’t work.
Steps for DFU mode (for iPhone 8 or later):
- Connect iPhone to computer.
- Press Volume Up, then Volume Down.
- Hold the Side button for 10 seconds until the screen goes black.
- While holding Side button, press and hold Volume Down for 5 seconds.
- Release Side button but keep holding Volume Down for 5 more seconds.
The screen will stay black. Your computer will detect the iPhone in DFU mode.
Then, you can restore it using iTunes or Finder.
Use Apple’s Official Tools Like iPhone Software Updater
Apple provides support tools like Apple Configurator (for Macs) or Apple Support app. These tools can sometimes detect errors and suggest repair steps or diagnostics.
They’re especially helpful if you’re using enterprise or business iPhones.
Try Third-Party Repair Tools for iOS System Recovery
If Apple tools don’t work, try reliable third-party software:
- ReiBoot by Tenorshare
- iMyFone Fixppo
- Dr.Fone – Repair (iOS)
These tools can:
- Fix boot issues without erasing data
- Reinstall the system software safely
- Provide clear on-screen instructions
Make sure you download these only from official sites to avoid malware.
When to Take Your iPhone to an Apple Store
If you’ve tried everything and the phone still won’t boot, visit an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider.
This is especially true if:
- Your iPhone is still under warranty or AppleCare+
- You suspect a hardware issue (like logic board damage)
- Your device won’t show up on a computer at all
Technicians can run hardware diagnostics and replace parts if needed.
What Happens to Your Data During Fixes?
- Force restart and Update methods keep your data.
- Restore and DFU mode erase everything unless you backed it up.
- Tools like ReiBoot can often fix issues without wiping data.
It’s smart to back up regularly to iCloud or iTunes to avoid losing your photos, messages, and app data.
How to Prevent This From Happening Again
To avoid future problems:
- Always charge your phone to at least 50% before updating.
- Avoid using unstable Wi-Fi during system updates.
- Don’t interrupt an iOS update once it starts.
- Avoid jailbreaking or installing unauthorized apps.
- Keep at least 1-2 GB of free space on your iPhone.
Can This Be a Hardware Issue?
Yes. If your iPhone keeps getting stuck:
- It could be a failing NAND chip (where iOS is stored).
- Battery or power IC issues can cause incomplete startups.
- Water damage or motherboard failure can lead to freezing during boot.
These problems usually need expert repair.
How Long Should the Progress Bar Take Normally?
- Minor updates: 5–15 minutes
- Major updates: 15–30 minutes
- Restore from iTunes: 30–60 minutes
If it takes longer, or gets stuck halfway, something is wrong.
Battery Level and Charging Issues
If your iPhone was low on battery when the update started, it might freeze midway.
To fix:
- Plug into a certified charger and wait.
- Leave it charging for an hour, even if it doesn’t respond.
- Try rebooting after that.
What If You See This After a Factory Reset?
This can happen if:
- You interrupted the reset.
- You were restoring from an old iTunes backup.
- System files got corrupted.
Try Recovery Mode first, then DFU if needed.
