Your iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo, and you just want it working again. Before you click anything on the computer, I want you to check one thing: are your photos and files backed up? Restore erases the iPhone. If those files are only on the phone, stop before choosing that option. Here’s what you can check safely and what to tell us if you need help.
If the phone is unusually hot, swollen, burned, wet, or lifting apart at the screen, stop charging and restarting it. Don’t press the screen back down or add heat. Call us before trying anything else, and tell us if saving the data is your main concern.
First, tell us what the screen is doing
Is the logo staying on, disappearing and coming back, or sitting above a progress bar? Does the phone ring or vibrate? Those details help us decide what to check. Also tell us if this started after an update, a drop, getting wet, or another repair. The Apple logo by itself does not tell us which part, if any, needs replacing.
If you’re restoring the phone or moving data to it, give the progress bar time. Apple says this can take over an hour. Check that it has not moved for at least one hour before using Apple’s frozen-progress recovery steps. That advice does not apply to a phone that is hot, swollen, wet or physically damaged.
- Apple logo with or without a progress bar
- Progress still moving or unchanged for an hour
- Repeated restart or boot loop
- Connect to Computer screen
- Impact, liquid, heat or earlier repair
Try a force restart for your iPhone model
For iPhone 8 and later, Apple says to press and quickly release Volume Up, press and quickly release Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears; this can take longer than 10 seconds. iPhone 7 models and older iPhones use different button combinations, so use Apple’s instructions for the exact model.
A force restart does not erase the phone. Try it once and note what happens. If it goes straight back to the same problem, don’t keep repeating it. Stop if a button is stuck or the phone gets unusually hot. Tell us what happened so we don’t start by repeating the same check.
Read this before you click Restore
When Apple’s recovery steps give you a choice between Update and Restore on a trusted computer, its frozen-logo instructions say to choose Update. That attempts to install the latest iOS version. Restore erases the iPhone. They are different options, so take a moment to read the screen.
My advice is simple: don’t erase the phone just to see if it fixes the logo. First check whether you have a usable iCloud or computer backup. If you don’t, and the photos or files matter, call us before going further. Tell us you want the data protected before any work starts.
When to bring it in
Apple says the phone may need service if recovery mode cannot update or restore it, or if a required button is broken or stuck. Bring that information with you. Let us know if the computer does not recognize the phone, it keeps leaving recovery mode, or the problem followed a drop, liquid exposure or previous repair.
We need to check the phone before recommending a part. The problem could involve software, storage, power, charging or the board. Micro-soldering can help with some board faults, but a stuck logo does not automatically mean you need board work. I can’t promise a repair or recovered files before we inspect the device.
Keep your passwords private
If the phone responds long enough, back it up and check that iCloud has finished syncing. Apple also says never to give anyone your Apple Account password, device passcode or account security details. Please don’t put any of those in our quote form.
If you can’t complete the preparation steps because the phone is stuck, tell us. Bring the phone and, if relevant, the cable you were using. Make sure you own the device or have permission to bring it in.
What to tell us when you call
Keep it simple: tell us the iPhone model, what the screen shows, when the problem started and what you’ve tried. Then say whether the files are backed up or only on the phone. We don’t need your password or a description of your private photos.
You can reach us in Davie, Tamarac or at the Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop. If saving the data is the priority, call the store before you come over. We’ll explain where to bring the phone and what we need to check first. The service and store links below will get you to the right team.
Sources and further reading
Common questions
Does an iPhone stuck on the Apple logo automatically need board repair?
No. Software, storage, power, display, battery, charging and hardware problems can create similar startup symptoms. Evaluation comes before a board-level diagnosis.
Will a force restart erase my iPhone?
No. Apple’s force-restart button sequence does not erase the iPhone. Restore is the recovery option that Apple says reinstalls iOS and erases the data.
Should I choose Update or Restore in recovery mode?
Apple’s frozen-logo guidance says to choose Update when the computer offers Update or Restore. Restore erases the iPhone, so verify the backup or request a data-priority evaluation before selecting it.
Can Phone Repair Guy guarantee my iPhone data will be recovered?
No. Recovery depends on the storage, encryption, board condition, damage and prior attempts. State that data is the priority before work begins.
Related repair help
Get a clear next step.
Call your nearest Phone Repair Guy store or send the device and symptoms for a repair evaluation.