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, even any third-party software can make it. To make it, you should first 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.

What Is iPhone Recovery Mode

Sometimes, a faulty 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 the device. Also, you may see the “Connect to iTunes screen”, which indicates you need to enter recovery mode.

In fact, it is better to try reinstalling iOS in recovery mode, as the operating system update process should not erase any data on your iPhone. Follow the below steps to update your iOS in recovery mode and avoid backup:

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

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

• If you have an iPhone X, iPhone 8, or iPhone 8 Plus, 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, 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 exiting the recovery mode and then creating a backup.

How to Get iPhone Out of Recovery Mode

The only method to exit iPhone’s recovery mode and backup iPhone in recovery mode is to force restart your device. Restart as many times as it may take to enter normal operation. You might need to perform the above procedure and update your iOS to get out of repeatedly starting recovery mode.

Force Restart iPhone X

1. Hold the Side button and either volume button until you see the slider.

2. Drag the slider to turn off your device.

3. Wait for a while.

4. Hold the Side button once again until the Apple logo appears.

Force Restart iPhone 8 or Earlier

1. Hold the Top (or Side) button until you see the slider.

2. Drag the slider to turn off your phone.

3. Wait for a while.

4. Hold the Top (or Side) button once again until the Apple logo appears.

Now, after you have successfully restarted your iPhone, you can move on to back up your data.

How to Backup an iPhone

You can use either iCloud or iTunes to backup your iPhone after recovery mode. 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: An Easy Method to Backup iPhone to iTunes/iCloud/Computer >

The Bottom Line

Now that you know how to backup iPhone in recovery mode, you can rest assured you are able to restore your data and settings if your device enters recovery mode or gets stuck in it.

Making a backup for iPhone in recovery mode is relatively easy and you can complete the process in no time if you follow the above tips. You should also keep in mind that a successful iOS update during recovery mode will not erase any data on your iPhone.