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Does Recovery Mode Delete Everything on iPhone? Here's the Answer!

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When your iPhone encounters issues such as not turning on, system freezes, or update failures, Apple often recommends that users put their device into Recovery Mode for repairs. However, many users hesitate before proceeding due to one question: Does Recovery Mode delete everything on the iPhone? This article will provide a detailed answer to this question.

does recovery mode delete everything iphone

 

Part 1. What Is Recovery Mode?

What's Recovery Mode? Does entering Recovery Mode delete everything on iPhone? Recovery Mode is an emergency repair mode set up by Apple for iOS devices. When the system fails to start properly, an update fails, or the device gets unexpectedly locked, Recovery Mode allows you to reinstall the iOS system via iTunes or Finder to resolve the issue.

Part 2. Does Recovery Mode Delete Everything on iPhone?

Does Recovery Mode erase data on iPhone? Many people mistakenly believe that entering Recovery Mode will automatically delete data. In fact, Recovery Mode itself does not erase any data. What actually leads to data deletion is the action you choose afterward. Understanding this is crucial to making the right repair decision.

Situation 1: Using iTunes or Finder to perform a "Restore" operation

If you choose the "Restore" option, the iPhone will be completely erased and restored to factory settings, which is essentially a full system reinstall. This is suitable for situations where the system is severely damaged and data needs to be cleared to fix the issue.

Situation 2: Using iTunes or Finder to perform an "Update" operation:

If you choose the "Update" option in Recovery Mode, iTunes or Finder will attempt to reinstall the iOS system without deleting user data.

Part 3. How to Restore iPhone in Recovery Mode (Erase All iPhone Data)

Does iPhone Recovery Mode delete everything? If you attempt to restore your iPhone in recovery mode using iTunes, all the data on your device will be erased. Afterward, you'll have the option to set up your iPhone as a new device or restore it from a backup. However, please note that all your data will be lost during the restoration process.

If you still wish to proceed with restoring your iPhone in recovery mode using iTunes, follow the steps below to do so:

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes (for macOS Catalina and later, use Finder).

Step 2. Press the corresponding key combination for your device to enter Recovery Mode:

  • iPhone 8 and later: Press and quickly release the "Volume Up" button, then press and quickly release the "Volume Down" button, and finally press and hold the "Power" button until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
  • iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold both the "Volume Down" button and the "Power" button.
  • iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold both the "Home" button and the "Power" button.

put iphone into recovery mode

Step 3. iTunes will prompt you to choose either "Update" or "Restore". Selecting "Restore" will erase all data on the device and install the latest iOS system. (iPhone Recovery Mode not working?)

restore iphone in recovery mode

Step 4. Wait for the restoration to complete. You can then choose to set up the device as new or restore data from a backup.

Part 4. How to Fix iPhone System Issues Without Data Loss

Does putting an iPhone in Recovery Mode erase everything? Now you know the answer clearly. If you want to keep all the data on your iPhone while fixing system issues, it is recommended to use a professional iPhone system repair tool, such as iOS System Recovery. It offers a Standard Mode that can fix various iOS system problems without erasing data.

Key features of iOS System Recovery:

Here is how to fix the iPhone issue without data loss using iOS System Recovery:

01Install and launch the iOS System Recovery on your Windows or Mac computer. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable, then choose "iOS System Recovery".

choose ios system recovery

02The program will automatically detect any issues with your iPhone and display them on the screen. Click the "Start" button to continue. Then, choose "Standard Mode" and tap "Confirm".

choose recovery mode

03Select your iPhone model from the options on the screen and click "Repair". The software will begin downloading the necessary firmware. Once the download is complete, your iPhone will be restored to normal.

how to fix iphone system issues without data loss using ios system recovery

Part 5. FAQs on iPhone Recovery Mode

Q1. What happens when iPhone is in Recovery Mode?

When your iPhone is in Recovery Mode, nothing changes until you select either the "Restore" or "Update" option in iTunes on your computer. Once you do, it will either restore or update your iPhone.

Q2. How can I tell if my iPhone is in Recovery Mode?

If your iPhone is in Recovery Mode, you'll see a cable and computer icon on the screen. Additionally, a link to the Apple website will appear at the top of the screen.

Q3. How long does an iPhone stay in Recovery Mode?

The time an iPhone remains in Recovery Mode can vary. Typically, restoring an iPhone using an iTunes backup takes about 15-30 minutes to finish the process.

Q4. What's the difference between iPhone Recovery Mode and DFU Mode?

Recovery Mode is a more common fix for general system issues, while DFU Mode (Device Firmware Update) is a deeper recovery method for serious system damage, but it requires more advanced steps.

Words in the End

Overall, entering Recovery Mode on an iPhone does not erase data by itself, but if you choose to restore it using iTunes, the data will be wiped. Do you lose everything in Recovery Mode? Why not choose iOS System Recovery to fix iOS system issues without data loss?

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