How to Backup iPhone in Recovery Mode

Many users are wondering whether it is possible to backup the iPhone in recovery mode. The short answer is “No”; you cannot back up an iOS device while in recovery mode, iTunes and iCloud can’t do this, either any third-party software can make it. To make it, you should firstly exit recovery mode before being able to back up your data and settings.

Actually, you can avoid backing up and restoring data if you manage to reinstall the operating system when in recovery mode. In this article, we will show you how to backup your iPhone even when it is currently in recovery mode.

What Is iPhone Recovery Mode?

Sometimes, a faulty iOS update or an app crash may cause your iPhone to get stuck on the Apple logo upon starting up your device. Or iTunes may not recognize your iPhone. Also, you may see the “Connect to iTunes screen”, which indicates you need to enter recovery mode. When you meet these issues, it is better to reinstall iOS in recovery mode. As the operating system update process should not erase any data on your iPhone, normally you can follow the steps below to update to iOS 15 in recovery mode to address normal iOS issues.

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to a computer and open iTunes.

Step 2. Force restart iPhone and do not release the buttons until the “Connect to iTunes” screen is shown.

• If you have an iPhone 12/11/Xs/Xr/X/8, hold and quickly release the Volume Up button. Hold and quickly release the Volume Down button. Hold the Side button until you see the “Connect to iTunes” screen.
• If you have an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus, hold the Side and Volume Down buttons simultaneously. Hold the buttons until you see the “Connect to iTunes” screen.
• If you have an iPhone 6s and earlier model, hold the Home and the Top (or Side) buttons simultaneously. Hold the buttons until you see the “Connect to iTunes” screen.

Step 3. After you connect to iTunes, you will see two options: Restore or Update. Select Update.

Step 4. Wait for the download and install process to complete and then set up your iPhone.

When the download takes more than 15 minutes, you may face a situation where you need to back up your iPhone in recovery mode. This actually requires iPhone to exit the recovery mode and then create a backup.

Get iPhone Out of Recovery Mode in 1 Click

As we said at the beginning, you can’t back up an iOS device while it is in recovery mode. If your iPhone is in recovery mode right now, you need to put it out of recovery mode before you back it up. With the help of AnyFix – iOS System Recovery, you can easily get your iPhone out of recovery mode in just one single click.

With AnyFix, you can also solve problems like iPhone stuck in recovery mode, iPhone recovery mode not working, iPhone stuck on setting up Apple ID, etc. In a word, all the system issues your iOS devices may encounter can’t be solved by AnyFix with just one click. See more features of AnyFix below:

Now you may follow the steps below to get your iPhone out of recovery mode, then back up your phone freely.

Step 1. Download AnyFix on your computer, launch it and click on Enter/Exit Recovery Mode.

Step 2. Select Exit Recovery Mode and click Exit.

Step 3. Wait for a few minutes to exit the recovery mode.

Step 4. It will show Exited Successfully page after completion.

Backup An iPhone after Existing Recovery Mode

You can use either iCloud or iTunes to backup your iPhone now. Of course, you can use both methods to have an alternative backup in case you cannot access one of the backup services.

Backup Using iCloud

1. Connect to a WiFi network.
2. Select Settings and tap on iCloud.
3. Tap on iCloud Backup.
4. Turn on iCloud Backup.
5. Select Back Up Now. Do not disconnect from the WiFi network.
6. Wait until the backup is completed.
7. You will see the date and time of the most recent backup under Back Up Now.

Back Up Using iTunes

1. Update iTunes to the latest version.
2. Open iTunes and connect your iPhone to the computer.
3. Enter your password or select Trust This Computer, if asked.
4. Select your iPhone in the iTunes app.
5. Click on Back Up Now to create a backup.
6. Select the Encrypt [device name] backup box if you need to save Health and Activity data from your iPhone.
7. Wait until the backup is completed.
8. You will see the date and time of the most recent backup under Back Up Now.

You now have a backup of your iPhone data and settings and can use it in case you experience any issues.

Also Read: Recover Photos from iPhone in Recovery Mode >

The Bottom Line

In common cases, it is impossible to back up your iPhone when it is in recovery mode. In other words, if your phone is stuck in the recovery mode, you should download and use AnyFix to get it out of the recovery mode and then make a backup. You should also keep in mind that successful iOS 15 updates during recovery mode will not erase any data on your iPhone.