iOS 27 Recovery
To use the feature, users must turn the device off, then hold the side button to power it on. The Apple logo appears as it would during a normal boot, but holding the button for an extended duration brings up a progress bar, and the device then launches into the new recovery environment rather than continuing into iOS or iPadOS as normal. The process mirrors how recovery mode is triggered on Apple silicon Macs by holding the power button.
The new recovery screen offers five options: Recovery Assistant, Software Update, Diagnostics Mode, Erase All Content and Settings, and Recovery Mode.
Previously:
Update (2026-07-27): Andrew Orr:
Recovery Assistant is the most reasonable first choice for an unexplained startup failure or a device that repeatedly crashes during boot. Apple says it downloads a software package and attempts to resolve the problem without requiring a Mac or Windows PC.
It works best when the device can still connect to an ordinary home Wi-Fi network. Networks that require a browser sign-in and enterprise or school networks using 802.1X authentication aren’t supported, which may make the feature less useful in hotels, airports, offices or campuses.
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Recovery Mode opens the familiar Connect to computer screen without making you perform the usual sequence of pressing Volume Up, Volume Down and then holding the Side button on recent iPhones. From there, connect the device to Finder on a Mac or the Apple Devices app on Windows.
