It can be stressful if your iPhone is stuck in recovery mode after water damage. The first step is to immediately power off the device, remove accessories, and gently dry the exterior. Check for visible water and the liquid contact indicator to assess the damage. Try to force restart based on the model of your iPhone. You can use iTunes or Finder to recover the device or third-party repair tools if that does not work. If the problem persists, seek professional help at authorized service centers or trusted repair shops. Your phone is buzzing when you shake it gently.
6 Steps to Fix an iPhone Stuck in Recovery Mode
Here are the steps that iPhone users should follow:
Step 1: Take Immediate Steps After Water Exposure
- Power Off the Device: Turn off your iPhone immediately to avoid electrical short circuits.
- Remove External Accessories: Remove cases, SIM cards, and all attached accessories to enhance ventilation and drying.
- Dry the Exterior: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe the device gently of any visible moisture.
Avoid Common Drying Myths: Never use rice or dry your device with external sources like hairdryers since they may further damage it. Rice can push debris into ports, and hairdryers can overheat or blow water further into the device. Instead, place your device in a well-ventilated area and let it dry.
Step 2: Assess the Damage
Before attempting any fixes, you should evaluate the extent of the water damage:
Check for visible water
Remove any cases or accessories and inspect the device for water pooling around the ports, speakers, or buttons.
Look for the liquid contact indicator (LCI)
Most iPhones have LCIs near the SIM tray. If the indicator has turned red, the device has experienced water exposure. LCIs are located in different places depending on your iPhone model. Refer to Apple’s support page to locate it on your device.
Step 3: Force Restart the iPhone
For iPhone 8 and Later:
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:
- Simultaneously press and hold the Volume Down and Sleep/Wake buttons until the Apple logo appears.
For iPhone 6s and Earlier:
Press and hold the Home and the Sleep/Wake buttons until the Apple logo appears.
Step 4: Use iTunes or Finder to Restore
Connecting your iPhone to a computer using iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later) can often resolve recovery mode issues.
Connect Your iPhone to a Computer
- Use a certified Lightning cable to connect your device.
Open iTunes or Finder
- For iTunes: Ensure you’re using the latest version.
- For Finder: Open a Finder window and locate your iPhone in the sidebar.
Select “Restore” or “Update”
- If prompted, choose “Update” first to try reinstalling iOS without erasing your data. If “Update” doesn’t work, choose “Restore,” but note that this will erase all data on the device.
Follow On-Screen Instructions
- Allow the process to complete, and don’t disconnect your iPhone during the restoration.
- Additional steps may be required if the restore process fails due to hardware issues caused by water damage.
Step 5: Use Third-Party Software
If iTunes and Finder are not working, you can try third-party programs to repair iPhones stuck in recovery mode. Here are a few:
- ReiBoot by Tenorshare
- Dr.Fone – Repair
- iMyFone Fixppo
These tools feature standard and advanced repair modes for recovery mode and other iOS problems. To perform a repair, follow the software’s instructions.
Note: While these tools can be effective, they may have costs or risks, such as data loss. Ensure you back up your device before proceeding.
Step 6: Seek Professional Help
If the previous steps do not work or your phone still shows signs of water damage, it may be time to call the professionals.
- Authorized Apple service centers can diagnose problems beyond the average user’s capabilities. The technicians can identify any hardware issues.
- You may also take your iPhone to a reputable third-party repair shop. They can offer services such as water damage restoration and recovery mode. Sometimes, these services provide a quicker solution and even save your device from further damage.
What are the Signs of Water Damage to Your iPhone?
When your iPhone comes in contact with water or any other liquid, it might show the following signs:
- Your iPhone will not turn on.
- You will see visible corrosion around the charging port or headphone jack.
- Signs of water damage on the screen, like lines, streaks, or discoloration.
- If you notice buzzing when shaking your iPhone, it may indicate trapped water or internal damage.
- The buttons won’t work properly.
Tips for Preventing Future Water Damage
Here are the tips that you can follow:
- Invest in a Waterproof Case: Buy a high-quality case that provides extra protection for your iPhone.
- Avoid Water Exposure: Be very careful when using your phone near water. Water can damage the charging port, speaker, and headphone jacket.
- Regular Backups: You must back up your iPhone data on iCloud or via a computer to retrieve it after water damage recovery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if your iPhone is stuck in recovery mode after water damage, you should take immediate action to prevent lasting damage. Power off the device, assess for visible moisture, and check the liquid contact indicator. Follow up with a force restart and use iTunes or third-party software for recovery. If issues persist, seek professional help from experts at repair shops like Tech City. To avoid future mishaps, invest in a waterproof case, understand water resistance limits, and ensure regular data backups, safeguarding your device and precious memories against unforeseen accidents.
