If your iPhone keeps restarting, it could be due to issues like outdated or incomplete iOS updates, battery health degradation, or hardware failures. Such problems can lead to frequent restarts or continuous reboot cycles, commonly referred to as boot loops or restart loops. The longer your iPhone remains stuck in these cycles, the higher the risk of data corruption or permanent data loss.
We’ll walk you through common causes and potential solutions. However, if basic troubleshooting fails to resolve the issue, seeking expert iPhone data recovery services is your safest option. Our experts specialize in safely retrieving data from even the most challenging situations, ensuring your information is preserved no matter what.
Reasons Your iPhone Keeps Restarting
Frequent restarts on your iPhone can be caused by a variety of issues, ranging from minor software bugs to serious hardware failures. Pinpointing the cause is essential for finding the most effective solution and preventing further damage to your device or data.
Below, we’ve outlined the most common reasons your iPhone might be restarting, including how likely you are to resolve each problem on your own. For each cause, we’ve also provided specific troubleshooting methods tailored to help you fix the issue and restore your iPhone to full functionality.
SIM Card or Accessory Issues
Poorly seated SIM cards or third-party accessories may disrupt performance, causing restarts. Look for issues after inserting SIMs or using accessories.
Likelihood of Fixing: High
Reseating or removing accessories can typically offer a resolution.
Reseat the SIM card and force restart your iPhone. Replace third-party accessories with Apple-certified ones if needed.
Faulty Apps
Buggy or poorly optimized apps can cause crashes, freezing, or restart loops.
Likelihood of Fixing: High
In most cases, removing problematic apps will resolve the issue.
Analyze and uninstall faulty apps. If issues persist, try performing a factory reset.
iOS Issues
Outdated, incomplete, or corrupted iOS updates can trigger restart loops or frequent crashes.
Likelihood of Fixing: Moderate to High
A system update often resolves these problems.
Update your iOS system via Settings for minor issues. For persistent problems, restore iPhone via iTunes or Finder, or use DFU mode for severe cases.
Overheating
Resource-heavy apps, prolonged use, or hot environments can cause your iPhone to shut down repeatedly.
Likelihood of Fixing: Moderate to High
This can sometimes be fixed, unless battery or hardware issues are causing the iPhone to overheat.
Check your battery health to rule out battery issues. Then, let your phone cool off before trying a forced restart.
Malware
Malicious software, often from non–App Store downloads, can destabilize your system and cause unusual behavior or restarts.
Likelihood of Fixing: Moderate
For severe cases, professional services may be needed.
Analyze and uninstall faulty apps if needed. If issues persist, use DFU mode to completely reinstall iOS and remove malware.
Firmware Issues
Corrupted or outdated firmware can cause continuous reboot cycles, boot loops, or the iPhone getting stuck on the Apple logo screen.
Likelihood of Fixing: Moderate to Low
In some cases, reinstalling the firmware can fix these issues, but it does require advanced troubleshooting.
Use DFU mode to reinstall both iOS and firmware. Contact Secure Data Recovery to preserve your data before attempting this.
Battery or Hardware Issues
Failing batteries or damaged components like charging ports can cause boot loops, random restarts, and overheating.
Likelihood of Fixing: Low
This usually requires professional repairs or replacements.
Check your battery health. If your battery health is fine but your device continues to restart, contact Secure Data Recovery to protect your data before repairs.
How To Fix an iPhone That Keeps Restarting
If your iPhone keeps restarting, the first step is to identify the underlying cause and apply the most appropriate fix. The methods outlined below are tailored to address the specific causes highlighted in the chart above, allowing you to target the problem directly and efficiently. Whether your issue stems from a faulty app, battery issues, or outdated software, these step-by-step instructions will guide you through resolving the problem and restoring your iPhone to normal functionality.
1. Force Restart Your iPhone
Frequent restarts or boot loops on your iPhone can often be caused by minor glitches, such as unresponsive apps or software issues. A forced restart is a simple yet effective way to address these issues and restore your iPhone’s functionality without deleting any of your data.
Here’s how to force restart your iPhone, based on your model:
- For iPhone 8 or newer models:
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Hold the Side button (power button) until the Apple logo appears.
- For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:
- Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Power button at the same time.
- Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.
- For iPhone 6s or older models:
- Press and hold the Home button and the Power button at the same time.
- Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.
2. Update Your iOS System
Outdated or incomplete iOS updates are a common cause of frequent restarts and restart loops on iPhones. These issues can disrupt your phone’s performance, but updating your iOS system often resolves software bugs and improves stability. This process will not delete any of your data.
How to update your iPhone through settings:
- Ensure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi and has at least 50% battery (or is connected to a charger).
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap General, then Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap Update Now
- Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the update.
What to do if your iPhone is stuck in a restart loop:
If you cannot access your settings because your iPhone is caught in a restart loop, you can update it through a computer using iTunes or Finder.
- Connect your iPhone to a computer with a USB cable:
- On a Windows PC: Ensure iTunes is installed and updated.
- On a Mac: Open Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (earlier macOS versions).
- Put your iPhone into Recovery Mode:
- iPhone 8 or newer: Press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button, and hold the Side button until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
- iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Power button together until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
- iPhone 6s or older: Press and hold the Home button and the Power button until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
- When prompted on your computer, select Update (not Restore) to reinstall iOS without erasing your data.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
3. Analyze and Uninstall Faulty Apps
Faulty or buggy apps can sometimes cause your iPhone to crash or even trigger restart loops. Identifying and uninstalling problematic apps is often an effective way to resolve these issues. Removing these apps will only delete the data linked to them, leaving the rest of your iPhone’s data untouched.
How to identify and uninstall problematic apps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap Privacy & Security.
- Then select Analytics & Improvements.
- Select Analytics Data and review the list for any apps that appear repeatedly in the crash reports. Apps listed frequently in these logs are more likely to be causing issues.
- Once identified, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Scroll through the list of installed apps, find the app causing issues, and tap it.
- Select Delete App to uninstall it from your device.
4. Check Your Battery Health
A failing or degraded battery is a common cause of frequent shutdowns and restart loops on iPhones. As batteries age or become damaged, they may no longer provide stable power to your device, resulting in performance issues. Checking your battery’s health can help you determine if the battery is the source of the problem and whether you need a battery replacement.
How to check your battery health:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap Battery, then Battery Health.
- Look at the Maximum Capacity percentage:
- If the capacity is below 80%, your battery may no longer hold a sufficient charge, and replacement is likely necessary.
- If your battery is the problem, contact Apple Support or visit the Apple Store to replace the battery safely and restore your iPhone’s functionality. Make sure you back up your data first.
5. Restore iPhone via iTunes or Finder
When software problems persist, a full system restore may be necessary to fix the issue. Restoring your iPhone erases all data and settings, reinstalling the operating system to eliminate deeper software glitches. Performing a restore will delete all data on your iPhone unless you back it up first.
If your iPhone is stuck in a restart loop and you’re unable to create a backup, consider contacting Secure Data Recovery. Our experts can safely retrieve and preserve your files before proceeding with a restore.
How to restore your iPhone using iTunes or Finder:
- Connect your iPhone to a Windows PC or Mac.
- Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina or later).
- Put your iPhone into recovery mode (following the instructions outlined in method 2).
- Once in Recovery Mode, you’ll see options to Update or Restore in iTunes or Finder. Choose Restore to erase your iPhone and reinstall the operating system.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restore process.
6. Perform a Factory Reset
A factory reset erases all data and settings on your iPhone without reinstalling the operating system or firmware. This method is particularly effective for resolving persistent restart issues caused by faulty apps or corrupted settings. However, since this process permanently deletes all data on your device, it’s crucial to back up your information beforehand.
If you’re unable to create a backup using iCloud or iTunes, contact Secure Data Recovery for iPhone data recovery services before proceeding.
How to reset all settings to factory mode:
- Back up your iPhone.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap General, then Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm and reset your iPhone.
7. Use DFU Mode To Reinstall iOS and Firmware
DFU mode (Device Firmware Update) is a powerful troubleshooting tool that reinstalls both iOS and firmware without loading the current operating system. It’s an effective solution for resolving severe software or firmware problems. Unlike recovery mode — which only reinstalls iOS while preserving the existing firmware — DFU mode bypasses the operating system entirely, offering a more comprehensive reset.
This method is typically used as a last resort when all other troubleshooting attempts have failed. However, because DFU mode erases all data on your iPhone, it’s crucial to back up your information beforehand. If a backup isn’t available due to restart loops or other issues, consider contacting a data recovery service to safely retrieve your data before proceeding with this advanced method.
How to use DFU mode on your iPhone:
- Connect your iPhone to a Windows PC or Mac.
- Enter DFU mode on your iPhone (model-specific instructions):
- iPhone 8 or newer models:
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button.
- Hold the Side button until the screen goes black.
- Release the Side button and immediately hold the Volume Down button and the Side button together for 5 seconds.
- Release the Side button but continue holding the Volume Down button for another 10 seconds.
- iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:
- Hold the Power button and the Volume Down button together for 8 seconds.
- Release the Power button but continue holding the Volume Down button for another 10 seconds.
- iPhone 6s or older models:
- Hold the Home button and the Power button together for 8 seconds.
- Release the Power button but continue holding the Home button for another 10 seconds.
- iPhone 8 or newer models:
- The screen should remain black, indicating DFU mode.
- iTunes or Finder will detect your iPhone in DFU mode and prompt you to restore the device.
- Follow the on-screen prompts on your Mac or PC to reinstall iOS.
What To Do if Rebooting Issues Persist After Troubleshooting
If your iPhone keeps restarting despite following the troubleshooting steps, the problem might be more serious — such as damaged or failing hardware. At this stage, it’s essential to act carefully to protect your device and, more importantly, your data. Here’s what you should do to address the issue and minimize the risk of permanent data loss.
Avoid Further Troubleshooting
If you suspect hardware damage or data corruption, avoid attempting additional troubleshooting on your own. Continuing to experiment with fixes could exacerbate the problem or result in permanent data loss. Instead, focus on taking steps to safeguard your data and leave diagnostics or repairs to experts.
Contact Apple Support
Apple Support can provide detailed diagnostics and solutions, particularly if the issue is related to hardware defects, software bugs, or manufacturing problems. This is especially helpful if your device is still under warranty. Contact Apple Support to schedule an appointment.
Ask an Expert To Safeguard Your Data
Persistent reboots often involve serious issues like hardware failure, malware, or corrupted firmware that can jeopardize your data. If your iPhone is still stuck in a restart loop or you’re unable to back up your data, consider using professional iPhone data recovery services.
Tips for Preventing Continuous iPhone Reboots
Taking proactive steps is the best way to avoid frustrating reboot problems and ensure your iPhone runs smoothly over the long term. By maintaining your device properly and being mindful of potential issues, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing continuous iPhone restarts. Follow these practical tips to minimize the risk of future problems and keep your iPhone performing at its best.
- Keep your iOS updated. Regularly update your iPhone to the latest iOS version to take advantage of critical bug fixes and security patches. Updates often address software vulnerabilities that could cause restart loops or performance issues.
- Download apps from the App Store only. Avoid downloading apps from unofficial third-party app stores or sources. These apps may contain malware or poor coding that can destabilize your iPhone. Stick to the App Store, where apps undergo Apple’s security checks, and always keep your apps updated for the best performance.
- Check your battery health regularly. Monitor your iPhone’s battery health to identify potential issues before they cause restart problems. If the Maximum Capacity drops below 80% or the system displays a “Service Recommended” message, consider replacing the battery to avoid frequent restarts or shutdowns.
- Avoid overheating your device. Keep your iPhone away from extreme heat or direct sunlight, as overheating can cause your phone to shut down unexpectedly. Additionally, avoid charging your device while using resource-intensive apps, like games or video editing software, to prevent excess heat buildup.
- Use Apple-certified accessories. Stick to Apple-certified chargers and cables to prevent damage to your charging port or internal components. Third-party accessories without certification can cause hardware issues or inconsistent power delivery, which may contribute to restart problems.
- Restart your iPhone regularly. Make it a habit to restart your iPhone on a regular basis. Regular reboots can clear minor software glitches and refresh your system, improving stability and performance over time.
- Free up storage space. Ensure your iPhone always has enough free storage for the operating system to function properly. Delete unused apps and offload large files to iCloud or other external storage solutions.
- Scan for faulty apps or crashes. Perform regular scans to identify apps that cause frequent crashes. If you notice any apps that appear in the crash logs, uninstall them or update them to the latest version.
By implementing these tips, you can enhance your iPhone’s performance, maintain its stability, and significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering restart loops or other frustrating issues in the future. A little proactive care goes a long way in keeping your device running smoothly and reliably.
Resolve iPhone Restart Loops Without Risking Your Data
When your iPhone keeps restarting, it’s more than just an inconvenience — it’s a sign that something isn’t right. Whether the issue stems from a faulty app, a failing battery, or a software glitch, finding the right solution starts with accurately identifying the cause.
While many troubleshooting steps can be performed at home, advanced methods like restoring or resetting your device carry the risk of losing valuable data if not done carefully. If you’re uncertain about backing up your data or dealing with complex problems such as hardware failure or malware, we provide expert assistance to recover your files.
Don’t let frequent restarts jeopardize your photos, messages, and other important files. Contact our iPhone data recovery experts today for fast, reliable help and peace of mind.
