Complete Guide to Flash iPhone and Remove Passcode [All Models Supported]
Forgot your iPhone passcode or facing software glitches like the Apple logo bootloop? Flashing your iPhone using iTunes or 3uTools is the best way to restore your device back to working condition.
In this guide, we will show you how to easily enter Recovery/DFU mode and flash your iPhone. This method works for almost all models,
including:
Classic Models: iPhone 5, 5s, 6, 6s, 7, 8 Plus
X to 13 Series: iPhone X, XR, XS Max, iPhone 11, 12, 13 Pro Max
Latest Models: iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16, iPhone 17, and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
How to Put iPhone into Recovery Mode (Fix 'Not in Recovery' Error)
If your computer or iTunes does not detect your iPhone, it means the device is not properly booted into Recovery Mode. Follow these steps to fix it
Disconnect and Power Off: Unplug the USB cable from your iPhone and turn off the device completely.
The Home Button Method (For iPhone 6s and older): Press and hold the Home Button on your iPhone, then connect the USB cable to your computer while keeping the button pressed.
The Button Combo Method (For iPhone 8 to iPhone 18): Quickly press Volume Up, then Volume Down, then press and hold the Power/Side Button while connecting to the PC. Keep holding until the recovery screen appears.
Keep Holding: Do not release the button until you see the Connect to iTunes or a laptop icon appear on your iPhone screen.
iTunes Prompt: As soon as the logo appears, iTunes on your PC will automatically show a popup saying: iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode.
Restore & Flash: Click on Restore to download the latest iOS firmware and flash your device clean.
⚠️ Note: Restoring or flashing your iPhone to unlock a passcode will completely erase all data on the device. Make sure you remember your Apple ID and password to sign back in after the process.
Download iTunes link:-Latest iTune Download
Step 1: Put Your iPhone into Recovery / DFU Mode
Depending on your iPhone model, follow one of the two methods below to connect your device to the computer:
Method A: For Old Models (With Physical Home Button)
Supported: iPhone 5s, 6, 6s, 6 Plus, and older models.
1. Power Off: Completely turn off your iPhone and unplug it from the cable.
2. Press Home Button: Press and hold down the Home Button on your phone (as highlighted in the circle on the first phone image).
3. Connect to PC: While holding the Home Button, plug the USB cable into your phone.
4. Recovery Screen: Keep holding the button until the Connect to iTunes logo appears on the screen (as shown in the third phone image).
Step 2: How to Enter Recovery Mode on New iPhone Models
This method applies to all new models without a physical Home Button (iPhone 8, X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 Series). If you are using a newer generation iPhone, follow these exact steps to get the screen shown in the image above.1. Connect to PC: First, connect your iPhone to your computer or laptop using an original lightning or Type-C USB cable. Open iTunes or 3uTools on your PC.
2. Press Volume Up Down & Power: Quickly press Volume Up, then press Volume Down, and immediately press and hold the Side (Power) Button until the recovery screen appears. Do not release it when you see the Apple logo.
3. Wait for the Screen: Keep holding the Power button until the phone screen turns black and changes to the support.apple.com/iphone/restore screen with a laptop icon (as shown in the image).
💡 Note: Once your iPhone shows this exact laptop and cable screen, your computer will instantly show a popup notification to update or restore the device.
Step 3: Restore and Flash iPhone via iTunes
Once your iPhone successfully enters Recovery Mode, iTunes on your computer will instantly detect it. Follow these final steps to start the flashing process:
1. Click Restore iPhone: In the iTunes window, you will see the "Restore iPhone... option (as shown in the top part of the image). Click on it.
2. Confirmation Popup: A confirmation popup will appear on your screen (as shown in the bottom part of the image) stating that your iPhone will be erased and restored to factory settings.
3. Click Restore and Update: Click on the Restore and Update button to confirm.
4. Flashing Process Starts: iTunes will now automatically download the latest iOS firmware file and begin flashing your iPhone.
💡 Important: Keep your iPhone connected to the computer throughout the process. Do not disconnect the cable until the restore is 100% complete and your phone reboots to the setup screen.
