Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

If an iOS 27 update leaves your iPhone unstable or unable to start, use Apple’s recovery options first. Try Update before Restore when a computer offers both; Restore reinstalls iOS and erases the iPhone. Apple’s current recovery guidance explains how to repair or reinstall iOS and then restore a backup, but it does not establish that a previous iOS release can be installed on your device.

Can you roll back to the iOS version you had before?

Apple’s current instructions cover recovery, reinstalling iOS, and restoring a backup. They do not confirm that an earlier iOS version is installable on a particular iPhone at this time. So do not assume that a downgrade is available or install an older firmware file based only on the recovery instructions. If your immediate problem is that the phone will not start, follow the recovery steps below; for a downgrade, check Apple’s current guidance for your specific device and software version.

If your iPhone still starts, try its on-device recovery options

iOS Recovery may appear automatically after an incomplete update or restore, or if the iPhone detects a stability issue. It attempts to resolve the problem and then offers options suited to the issue. Which options appear and what they require can vary:

  • Recovery Assistant: attempts to address stability or operating-system launch problems; requires your passcode and Wi-Fi.
  • Software Update: requires your passcode and another iPhone or iPad.
  • Diagnostics Mode: requires Wi-Fi.
  • Erase All Content and Settings: requires your passcode and deletes data on the iPhone.
  • Computer Recovery Mode: requires a computer and USB connection.

These actions are not interchangeable: Recovery Assistant attempts a repair, while erasing the iPhone deletes its contents. Before selecting an erase or restore option, make sure you have an available backup if you want to recover stored data.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
  • Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
  • The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
  • Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.

Use a computer if the iPhone will not start or an update failed

Apple says recovery mode may be needed if the Apple logo has remained on screen for several minutes without a progress bar, a computer does not recognize the iPhone or reports it is in recovery mode, the “Connect to computer” screen appears, or the phone repeatedly returns to Recovery Assistant without resolving the issue.

  1. Connect the iPhone. Use a USB cable that supports data and is compatible with the iPhone and computer ports. Keep the phone connected. On a Mac, open Finder; on a PC, open the Apple Devices app.
  2. Enter recovery mode using the sequence for your model:
    • iPhone 8 or later, including iPhone SE (2nd generation and later): Quickly press and release Volume Up, then quickly press and release Volume Down. Hold the side button until the “Connect to computer” screen appears.
    • iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus: Hold the top or side button and Volume Down together until the “Connect to computer” screen appears.
    • iPhone 6s or earlier, including iPhone SE (1st generation): Hold Home and the top or side button together until the “Connect to computer” screen appears.
  3. Choose Update first, if it is offered and has not already been tried. Follow the computer’s prompts while leaving the iPhone connected. If the download takes more than 15 minutes and the phone exits the recovery screen, let the download finish, re-enter recovery mode, then continue.
  4. Choose Restore only if needed and you accept erasing the iPhone. Restore reinstalls iOS and erases all data on the device.

Apple’s step-by-step instructions are in If you can’t update or restore your iPhone or iPod touch.

Rank #2
Apple iPhone 16, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
  • 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
  • Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
  • 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
  • Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.

Restore your data from a backup after an erase

Once the iPhone is operational and in setup, you can restore from an available iCloud backup or a computer backup. Apple documents iCloud restoration during device setup and computer-backup restoration through Finder on newer Macs or iTunes on older Macs and Windows devices. If the computer backup is encrypted, you need its password. See Apple’s iPhone backup and restore guide.

A backup can require a newer iOS version than the iPhone currently has. For an iCloud backup, Apple says to update the device before restoring. If a computer backup requires a newer version, Apple’s guidance is to complete setup without transferring data, update iOS, erase the iPhone, then set it up again and restore the backup. Follow the relevant prompts in Apple’s guidance for restoring a backup that requires a newer iOS version.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
  • Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
  • Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
  • Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
  • Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

When to contact Apple for service

Contact Apple Support or an Apple Authorized Service Provider if recovery mode cannot update or restore the iPhone, or if a button needed to enter recovery mode is broken or stuck. Apple lists these as reasons the device may need service in its recovery-mode instructions.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.; Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
$300.00
Bestseller No. 3
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU; Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
$409.00
Bestseller No. 4
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.; Product may come in generic Box.
$262.00
Best Value
Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
  • 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
  • Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
  • Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
  • Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Rank #4
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
  • There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
  • This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
  • Product may come in generic Box.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.