So you turned on your iPhone after you restore or update it, but it did not get past the hello screen. What happened? The short answer is that there's either a software issue or a hardware malfunction.
Don't worry; there are ways to fix this problem. Let us help you figure out how to fix an iPhone stuck on the hello screen.
There are several possible reasons for your iPhone being stuck on the hello screen:
During an iOS update, data transfer, or restoration, your iPhone has access to the firmware. Issues with USB cables, defective USB ports, or other interferences can corrupt the software, causing the iPhone to get stuck.
During boot-up, the iPhone checks its hardware. If a component, like the Wi-Fi antenna, fails to respond, the device can get stuck on the hello screen.
Jailbreaking can cause your iPhone to become unresponsive during the boot-up process. Apps on a jailbroken iPhone can bypass Apple's firmware security, potentially leading to issues.
To fix the problem of an iPhone stuck on the hello screen, try the troubleshooting steps below. It's advisable to back up your data before beginning.
Try to create a backup of your important files using iTunes, iCloud, or Finder first. We recommend using iTunes or Finder for backup. Once your data is backed up, proceed with troubleshooting.
You can fix the iPhone stuck on the hello screen issue by restarting your iPhone. Follow the instructions below to force restart your iPhone.
Force restart an iPhone 12, iPhone 11, iPhone X, and iPhone 8
Force restart an iPhone 7
Force restart an iPhone 6s or previous model
If force restarting your iPhone does not fix the problem of the iPhone stuck on the hello screen. Then, try the TinyFix tool.
After your iPhone restarts, connect it to a power source for at least 1 hour. While this step is unlikely to fix the issue, it might help your iPhone move past the Hello screen and give you more time to see if the problem resolves itself without further intervention.
If your SIM card is not properly seated in the SIM card tray, your iPhone might have trouble reading it, which could cause it to get stuck on the Hello screen. To fix this, use a paperclip or SIM eject tool to eject the tray, reposition the SIM card, and reinsert the tray into your iPhone.
If a force restart doesn't solve the issue of your iPhone being stuck on the hello screen, you can try using an iOS system repair tool like TinyFix. This tool is an excellent troubleshooter for system issues, capable of fixing iPhones stuck on the Apple logo, black screen, or not turning on, all without data loss.
TinyFix is ideal if you couldn't back up your data and don't want to lose it. It supports all iPhone models and iOS versions, including the latest one. Follow these steps to use TinyFix to fix an iPhone stuck on the hello screen:
1. Download and install the TinyFix software on your PC. Run the software after installation is complete.
2. Connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable. Click on the iOS System Repair button to begin the process.
3. Select Standard Repair Mode and download the recommended firmware package.
4. Click Start to Repair after the firmware download is complete. Wait for the tool to finish repairing your iPhone.
After the repair is complete, you can set up your iPhone and start using it. If you prefer not to use a third-party tool, you can restore your iPhone using recovery mode. ;
Restoring your iPhone in recovery mode can also fix the issue, but it will erase all data on the device. Make sure you have a backup before proceeding. Here's how to do it:
Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
Step 2. Put your iPhone into recovery mode:
Step 3. Open iTunes or Finder and choose Update. If updating fails, repeat the process and choose Restore.
Do not disconnect your iPhone until the firmware is fully downloaded and installed. The process can take up to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed. After the installation, your iPhone will restart. Configure it from the hello screen and start using it.
If the above solutions don't work, try restoring your iPhone in DFU mode. This mode reinstalls the firmware and can fix issues related to the iPhone being stuck on the hello screen.
For iPhone 12, 11, X, or 8:
For iPhone 7:
For iPhone 6s or earlier:
A black screen indicates the iPhone is in DFU mode, and iTunes or Finder should detect it. Follow the prompts to restore your iPhone. If these steps do not resolve the issue, it is likely a hardware problem.
If the problem persists, visit an iPhone repair shop or an Apple service center. If your device is under warranty, you can claim a repair or replacement from Apple. Schedule an appointment with the Genius Bar for further assistance.
Updating or restoring your iOS device is generally a straightforward process, but sometimes issues can arise. If you know someone experiencing the same problem, share this article with them. Let us know in the comments if there are other iPhone issues you'd like us to discuss.
Mako is a technical writer with a passion for all things tech. Whether you're wondering about how to fix your iPhone or Android device or trying to get something to work in your settings, Mako is your go-to for professional help. He loves writing, testing solutions, and most of all, making sure his research is factually accurate.