Recovery mode is useful when an iPhone 14 cannot update, restore, or start normally. The button sequence is the same across the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
How to Put an iPhone 14 in Recovery Mode
- Update your Mac, or install/update the Apple Devices app on a Windows PC.
- Connect the iPhone to the computer with a USB cable.
- Quickly press and release Volume Up.
- Quickly press and release Volume Down.
- Press and hold the Side button. Keep holding it past the Apple logo until the recovery-mode “Connect to computer” screen appears.
Update or Restore?
When Finder or Apple Devices recognizes the iPhone in recovery mode, you may be offered Update or Restore. When appropriate, trying Update first can reinstall iOS without intentionally erasing your data. Restore reinstalls iOS and erases the iPhone.
Recovery Mode vs. Force Restart
The button presses begin the same way, but the stopping point differs. For a force restart, release the Side button when the Apple logo appears. For recovery mode, continue holding until the Connect to computer screen appears.
If the iPhone Leaves Recovery Mode During a Download
A software download can take long enough for the iPhone to leave the recovery screen. Let the download finish, then repeat the recovery-mode button sequence and continue the restore/update process.
When to Get Service
If recovery mode cannot be used because a required button is broken, or the iPhone still cannot update or restore, Apple recommends service.
Summary
Connect the iPhone 14 to a computer, press Volume Up, press Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the recovery-mode screen appears. Continue holding past the Apple logo.
Matthew Roberts created this site to help his friends and family with questions that they might have about how to change the settings on their iPhones. It now serves as an archive of iPhone how-to guides to help anyone that stumbles upon this website.