iPhone stuck in data recovery mode

iPhone Stuck In Recovery Mode After Water Damage

If your iPhone is stuck in Recovery Mode after water damage, place it on a dry surface immediately to prevent further harm. Power off the device to protect its internal components from short-circuiting. Remove the SIM card and case to improve ventilation and prevent moisture from getting trapped. Finally, gently wipe the iPhone with a soft, dry cloth to remove excess water.

After that, let it rest in a well-ventilated area for at least 24 hours to evaporate all the moisture. Finally, try to turn on the device and use recovery tools if required. If the iPhone turns on but data is lost, restore the files using data recovery software or services. For instance, ReiBoot or Tiny Umbrella tools can help users exit the recovery mode without losing data. Professional data recovery services can retrieve important files in case the damage is severe.

Solutions for iPhone Stuck in Recovery Mode

Recovery mode is a nightmare, and most people assume that their data will be lost. However, there are several ways to get out of this situation without losing your data.

1. Force Restart iPhone

Force restarting can sometimes resolve recovery mode. Here are the steps involved:

  • iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
  • iPhone 7 series: Press and hold the Power button and Volume Down button together until the Apple logo appears.
  • iPhone 6 or earlier: Press and hold the Power and Home buttons together until the Apple logo appears.

2. ReiBoot

ReiBoot is one of the safest and most trusted recovery mode tools without losing any data. Follow these steps:

  • Download and install ReiBoot on your computer
  • Connect your iPhone via a USB cable.
  • Open the ReiBoot program and choose “Exit Recovery Mode”.
  • Wait for a few seconds for the process to be completed. If this does not work, upgrade to ReiBoot’s Standard Repair for more advanced fixes.

3. Try RecBoot

RecBoot is a tool that enables users to exit recovery mode with just one click. Although it has not been updated since 2017, it may still work for older devices:

  • Download RecBoot and connect your iPhone to a computer.
  • Click “Exit Recovery Mode.
  • Wait for the process to be completed.

4. Use TinyUmbrella

TinyUmbrella is capable of working on later versions of iOS. The app is yet another means to recover out of recovery mode.

  • Download and install TinyUmbrella.
  • Connect the iPhone to a computer, launching the TinyUmbrella.
  • Click “Exit Recovery,” and it should restore.

Alternative Ways of Exiting Recovery Mode

Restoring iPhone from iTunes or DFU

  1. Launch iTunes and sync your iPhone with the computer.
  2. Choose your device and click “Restore iPhone” in the Summary tab.
  3.  Follow the on-screen instructions given to complete the process.

Restoring via DFU Mode

  1. Connect your iPhone with a computer.
  2. Follow the DFU entry instructions for your iPhone model.
  3. iTunes will ask you to restore the device. Choose Yes. 

When to Call in the Professionals

If none of the above works, contact a professional data recovery service. At Vantel, our professionals can recover data from damaged devices and even provide hardware solutions for repair. We specialize in photo and video recovery on severely damaged phones and are trusted by customers for fast and reliable repair service.

What are the Symptoms of Water-Damaged iPhone?

If your iPhone has water damage, then certain symptoms can confirm this problem, such as:

  • The iPhone will not start even after several attempts.
  • You see corrosion or discoloration around the charging port or headphone jack.
  •  Water-related damage, streaks, lines, or strange discoloration on the screen.
  •  You hear a buzzing noise if you shake your iPhone.
  •  Buttons do not work or work ineffectively.

Furthermore, Apple devices have a Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI), which is used to verify water exposure. The LCI changes color, usually to red, when activated by moisture. However, newer iPhone models, such as the iPhone 14, are more resistant to water damage and may not have visible LCIs.

How to Find the Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI) on Your iPhone?

The location of the LCI differs from one iPhone model to another. It is usually accessible by pulling out the SIM card tray and looking at the space inside.  Sometimes, the LCI is middle-center, aligned with the volume buttons. 

The LCI is generally located on the same side as the power button. Use the SIM ejector tool or a paper clip to open the SIM tray. If the LCI appears red, it indicates liquid exposure in the iPhone.

What immediate steps should be taken for a water-damaged iPhone?

If an iPhone gets water damaged, immediately remove it from the water and place it on a dry surface. Power it off to prevent short circuits, then remove the case, SIM card, and accessories to allow better airflow. Gently wipe away any moisture and let the device dry in a well-ventilated space with silica gel for 48 hours, avoiding rice or heat sources. Once completely dry, power it on and back up important data if it functions. For severe damage or if the Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI) shows red, seek professional assistance.

Conclusion

Fixing an iPhone in recovery mode from water damage will require careful steps to restore functionality. Start using data recovery tools like ReiBoot to exit recovery mode safely without losing your data. If ReiBoot fails, alternatives like Tiny Umbrella can work effectively to sort out system errors. For severe issues, you may need to restore the device via iTunes or the DFU mode, which would mean data loss. 

To ensure the safety of your files, back up your device right when it turns on. If recovery tools cannot help, professional services can recover important files, such as images and contacts. These steps will minimize damage and help you succeed in recovering critical information.