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What to do if…
your phone is stuck in a restart loop or recovery mode after an update

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy USA guide

Short answer

Keep the phone connected to reliable power and do not select anything labeled erase, wipe, restore, or factory reset. Follow the phone manufacturer’s official instructions for your exact model, starting with a restart or data-preserving update option.

Do not do these things

  • Do not keep trying different button combinations from unofficial videos, forums, or social posts.
  • Do not select Restore, Erase, Wipe data, or Factory reset unless you understand that it may remove your data.
  • Do not disconnect the phone during an active update or computer-based software reinstall.
  • Do not install unofficial firmware, flashing tools, or repair software.
  • Do not assume that a restart loop or recovery screen means the phone or its data is permanently lost.
  • Do not authorize a reset or software restore without asking whether it will erase the phone.

What to do now

  1. Connect the phone to a reliable wall charger. Remove its case, external battery pack, and other accessories, then check whether a power or volume button is being pressed or feels stuck.

  2. Write down the exact phone model and the words, symbols, progress bar, or error code shown on the screen. Take a photo with another device if possible.

  3. If the screen still says that an update is in progress, or the progress indicator is changing, leave the phone connected to power and avoid interrupting it. A progress bar can move slowly or appear unchanged for a while.

  4. Find the manufacturer’s official forced-restart instructions for your exact model and make one careful attempt. Button combinations differ between phones, so do not guess or repeatedly try unrelated combinations.

  5. If an iPhone shows the Connect to computer or Restore screen, connect it to a Mac or Windows PC. Open Finder on a current Mac, Apple Devices on a Windows PC, or iTunes where Apple’s instructions specify it. When offered Update or Restore, choose Update first; Apple states that Update reinstalls iOS while keeping personal data, whereas Restore erases the device.

  6. If an Android phone shows recovery, bootloader, fastboot, or a No command screen, use the manufacturer’s official support page for that exact model. If the menu already displays a plain Restart or Reboot system now option, you can try that, but stop before selecting anything containing wipe, erase, reset, or factory reset.

  7. If a Samsung Galaxy phone remains on a Download mode screen and no update or computer repair process is active, follow Samsung’s official Download mode instructions. Samsung advises checking that the case or another object is not pressing the buttons.

  8. If the official restart or update route fails, stop repeating it and contact the manufacturer or an authorized repair provider. Explain that the problem began immediately after an update and ask whether a data-preserving repair can be attempted before any reset or restore.

  9. Use another trusted phone or computer for urgent calls, travel details, work access, or account verification rather than relying on the looping phone.

What can wait

You do not need to decide now whether to factory-reset, replace, trade in, sell, or send the phone to a data-recovery service. Reinstalling apps, changing every password, comparing repair prices, moving your phone number, and making warranty or insurance decisions can wait until the official non-erasing options have been checked.

Important reassurance

A restart loop or recovery screen after an update does not by itself prove that the phone is permanently damaged or that its stored data has already been erased. Official recovery tools may still be able to reinstall or repair the operating system, although some restore and reset options do erase data.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate steps to reduce the risk of accidental data loss and try the safest official recovery route. Later decisions about repair, replacement, backups, account access, or specialist data recovery may require help from the manufacturer or a qualified technician.

Important note

This is general technical information, not professional repair or data-recovery advice. Screens, controls, recovery options, and data-loss risks vary by phone model and operating-system version. Read every warning before approving an operation that may erase the device.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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