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Fix iPhone Stuck on Apple Logo Loop

Updated: February 13, 2026

If your iPhone keeps showing the Apple logo and turning off, it is stuck in a "Boot Loop". This happens when a startup file is corrupted or storage is full. You can interrupt this cycle with a manual reset.

The Problem

Your iPhone is failing its startup checks. Usually, this is because a system file got corrupted during an update or your storage is completely full (Error 14). Less commonly, it is water damage from the Face ID sensor.

The Short Answer

Try a Hard Reset first. If that fails, you must put it into Recovery Mode and choose "Update" (not Restore) on a computer. Updating fixes the system files without deleting your photos.

Quick Fixes

Wait it out: Sometimes updates take 1 hour. If the logo is steady, leave it alone.
Remove Cables: Unplug any headphones or chargers and restart.
Check Storage: Did you get a "Storage Full" warning recently?

Step-by-Step Fixes

1. The Hard Reset (Break the Loop)

CRITICAL TIMING The phone will try to reboot while you are holding the button. IGNORE IT. Keep holding the power button until the screen goes black and comes back.

You need to snap the phone out of its loop.

DON'T LET GO: The screen will turn black. Keep holding the button. The Apple logo will appear. Keep holding for 5 more seconds just to be sure.

Volume Up (Quick press).
Volume Down (Quick press).
Hold Power and DO NOT LET GO.
The screen will go black. Keep holding.
The Apple Logo will come back. Keep holding for 5 more seconds.
Release.

2. Recovery Mode Update (Safe)

IMPORTANT NOTE Make sure you click UPDATE, not Restore. Update saves your data. Restore erases it.

This is the magic fix for software bugs.

Connect iPhone to a PC or Mac with a cable.
Do the Hard Reset button combo again, but keep holding Power until you see the Laptop Icon screen (Recovery Mode).
On your computer, a popup will ask: "Update" or "Restore".
Click UPDATE. This reinstalls iOS safely.

3. DFU Mode (Data Loss)

WARNING This is the "nuclear option." It will erase your phone completely. Only do this if Option 2 failed.

If Update fails, you must choose "Restore". This wipes the phone. It is the only way to fix a corrupted file system if Update fails.

If Nothing Worked

If the phone restarts instantly every 3 minutes, it might be a hardware sensor failure (usually the Earpiece Flex Cable). Unplugging the earpiece sensor inside the phone (by a pro) usually stops the looping.

FAQ

Why does full storage cause this?
The phone needs space to "think" while booting. If it has 0 bytes, it crashes.

Will Apple fix this for free?
If you are under warranty, yes. If not, it's a software service fee.

Can I stop the loop without a computer?
Only if the Hard Reset works. Otherwise, you need a PC.