Support iOS 12/13 | How to Backup iPhone in Recovery Mode

There's no direct way to back up your iPhone while it's in Recovery Mode, but you can exit Recovery Mode. Once your device exits Recovery Mode, you can back it up using iTunes, iCloud, or any other third-party backup program.

Part 1: How to Exit Recovery Mode on iPhone

You can exit Recovery Mode by force-restarting your iPhone or by restoring it to factory settings using iTunes. For more information, follow the instructions below.

Solution 1: Exit Recovery Mode by Forcing a Restart

A force restart can fix most issues you might have with your iPhone. Here's how to do it.

Compatible with iPhone X/XS/XR/11/12

• Press the Volume Up button and release it quickly. Tap the Volume Down button and let go, too.
• Hold down the Side button.
• Release the button when you see the Apple logo.

For iPhone 8 and iPhone SE (2nd generation)

• Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
• Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
• Press and hold the Side button. Release the button when you see the Apple logo.

For the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus

Hold down the "Volume Down" and "Sleep/Wake" buttons at the same time. Release both buttons when you see the Apple logo on the screen.

Solution 2: Exit Recovery Mode by Resetting to Factory Settings

Another way to exit Recovery Mode is to factory reset your iPhone using iTunes, which will delete everything on the iPhone and replace it with the data from an iTunes backup.

Step 1 Launch the latest version of iTunes on your computer.

Step 2: Connect your iPhone to the computer while it's in Recovery Mode.

Step 3: iTunes should then detect your iPhone in Recovery Mode.

Step 4: On its interface, you can choose "Recover from iPhone".

Step 5: When it's done, your iPhone will be restored to its initial state, and you can set it up.

Part 2: How to Backup iPhone after Exiting Recovery Mode

After getting your iPhone out of Recovery Mode, you can back it up using an iPhone backup tool or one of Apple's recommended backup solutions (iTunes and iCloud).

Solution 1: Back Up Your iPhone with MobiMover

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and convenient way to back up your iPhone, try this professional and reliable iPhone data transfer tool - MobiMover. With it, you can efficiently back up your iPhone data, including photos, videos, music, voice memos, contacts, messages, and attachments, without any hassle.

Backup your iPhone with MobiMover:

Step 1: Connect your iPhone/iPad to the computer, unlock the device and trust this computer. Then run MobiMover and go to Backup Manager > Backup.

Step 2: Check the categories of data that you want to back up from your iPhone or iPad, then click the "Backup Now" button to start backing up your device.

Step 3: Wait for the backup process to finish. If you need to restore this backup to your iPhone/iPad in the future, go to "Backup Management" > "Restore" to do so.

Solution 2: Backup iPhone with iCloud

iCloud Backup allows you to wirelessly back up your data to your iCloud account. This is very convenient, but it doesn't back up everything. It only backs up your photos, accounts, documents, and settings. Also, Apple only gives you 5 GB of free cloud storage, which means you'll have to purchase additional iCloud storage if you have a lot of data to back up.

Step 1. Go to Settings on your iPhone > [Your Name].

Step 2: Tap iCloud, then tap Backup (in iOS 7 or earlier, Storage & Backup).

Step 3: Make sure that iCloud Backup is turned on, then tap Back Up Now.

Solution 3: Backup iPhone with iTunes

If you need to back up large files, iTunes is the way to go. However, keep in mind that the data backed up through iTunes cannot be viewed or accessed directly. To view this data, you would need to restore the entire backup onto a device.

Step 1: Install the latest version of iTunes on your computer and open it.

Step 2: If necessary, enter your password and choose Trust This Computer.

Step 3: On the iTunes home screen, click on the icon of your iPhone.

Click “Back Up Now” to copy your iPhone's data.

Tip: How to Restore iPhone Data from iTunes or iCloud Backup

After creating a backup, you can restore the data when you lose it. If you don't know how to recover from iTunes or iCloud, there is an iPhone Data Recovery tool that can help you do this easily.

Step 1: Run the MobiSaver tool

First download the MobiSaver tool > Connect your iPhone/iPad to the computer > Launch the MobiSaver tool > Choose “Recover from iTunes Backup” > Select an iTunes backup.

Step 2: Unlock iTunes

If this iTunes backup is encrypted, you'll need to enter the password to unlock it. After entering the password, click “Continue.” The MobiSaver tool will scan your backup file automatically to look for lost data.

Step 3: Preview and recover data from iTunes backup

After the scan, you can preview the detailed content of the lost photos/videos, contacts/messages, memos, and social app data. Select the files you need and click the "Recover" button to save them to your computer.

Part 3: Common Issues Related to Recovery Mode

In this section, we will outline answers to some common questions about Recovery Mode.

Question 1: What does Recovery Mode do on an iPhone?

Recovery Mode can be used in a number of situations, but it's most commonly used when your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is having issues. If that happens, you can put your device into Recovery Mode to get it working again.

Question 2: Does DFU mode erase everything?

Yes, it will. The Recovery Mode will restore your phone to its factory settings and erase all contents on your iPhone. After that, you can restore your iPhone from an iTunes backup if you have one beforehand.

Question 3: How do I put my iPhone in recovery mode?

It's easy to put your iPhone into Recovery Mode, but the steps vary depending on which model you have.

For iPhone 8/X/11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max

Step 1: Connect your iPhone 8/8 Plus/X/11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max to the computer and launch iTunes.

Step 2: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then quickly press and release the Volume Down button. Now, hold down the Side button (the Sleep/Wake button) until your iPhone's screen turns black.

Step 3: When your iPhone screen turns black, release the Side button, then quickly press and hold the Side button and the Volume Down button for 5 seconds.

Step 4 Hold the side button again, but this time keep holding down the Volume Down button for another 5 seconds. Keep an eye on iTunes as you do this. When you see a small window pop up in iTunes saying that it has detected an iPhone in recovery mode, let go of the Volume Down button and check your iPhone's screen.

Step 5: If your screen goes black, congratulations! You've successfully put your iPhone 8/8 Plus/X in DFU mode. If it doesn't (for example, you see "Connect to iTunes"), you'll need to start over and try entering DFU mode again.

For iPhone 7/7 Plus

Step 1: Connect your iPhone 7 to the computer. If iTunes doesn't launch automatically, open it.

Step 2: Turn off your iPhone 7. Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until you see the slider. Slide it to turn off your iPhone.

Step 3: With the iPhone 7 off, hold down the Sleep/Wake button and the Volume Down button for 10 seconds.

Step 4 . After 10 seconds, hold down the Volume Down button for 5 seconds. If your iPhone screen is still black, you've entered DFU mode. iTunes should detect your iPhone. To exit DFU mode, turn off your iPhone.

For iPhone 6S or earlier models

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your computer and run iTunes.

Step 2: Turn off your iPhone. Hold down the Sleep/Wake button until you see the slider. Slide it to the right to turn off your iPhone.

Step 3: With the device off, hold down the “Sleep/Wake” and “Home” buttons together for ten seconds.

Step 4: Hold the Home button for another 5 seconds. If your iPhone's screen stays black, you've entered DFU mode. You'll also see a window pop up in iTunes telling you that it has detected your device.

If your iPhone is in DFU mode, then your device's screen will be black, and iTunes will recognize it as a device in recovery mode. Click "OK" to begin restoring your iPhone.

Bottom line

That's all there is to it for backing up your iPhone in recovery mode. As mentioned, there isn't a direct way to back up an iPhone in recovery mode. Your best bet would be to exit recovery mode and use iTunes, iCloud, or a third-party tool for the backup. If you want to learn more about iOS recovery mode, the detailed information in Part 3 might come in handy.