Guide to Restoring a Bricked iPhone or iPad

January 10, 2023

Have you ever tried to update your iPhone or iPad and ended up with a completely unresponsive device? Or attempted to jailbreak your device and ended up with a black screen? If so, your device is likely “bricked.” This means that it is essentially a paperweight, unable to be used or turned on. It can be a frustrating experience, but don’t worry – there is a way to fix your bricked device.

This guide will cover the causes of a bricked iPhone or iPad, the tools you’ll need to restore it, and various methods for restoring it. We’ll also provide some tips on how to avoid bricking your device in the future.

Causes of a Bricked iPhone or iPad

There are several reasons why an iPhone or iPad may become bricked:

Software update went wrong: A failed software update is one of the most common causes of a bricked device. This can happen for various reasons, such as a weak internet connection or a problem with the update itself.
Jailbreaking attempts: Attempting to jailbreak an iPhone or iPad – that is, to remove the limitations imposed by Apple on the device’s operating system – can also lead to a bricked device. This is because jailbreaking involves making changes to the device’s software, which can be risky and cause problems if not done correctly.
Physical damage to the device: In some cases, physical damage can cause it to become bricked. This could be due to water damage, a dropped device, or other types of damage.

Prerequisites for Restoring a Bricked iPhone or iPad

Before you start the process of restoring your bricked device, there are a few things you’ll need to have on hand:

Original cables and charger: It’s important to use the original cables and charger that came with your device, as third-party cables and chargers may not work correctly.
The latest version of iTunes or Finder (for Mac): You’ll need to have the latest version of iTunes or Finder installed on your computer in order to repair your device.
A computer that meets the minimum system requirements for iTunes or Finder: Make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for running iTunes or Finder. If your computer has outdated specifications, it may not be able to support the latest version of these programs.

Methods for Restoring a Bricked iPhone or iPad

There are several methods you can try to fix your bricked iPad or iPhone. Here are four options:

Option 1: Forced Restart

A forced restart can sometimes fix a bricked device. Follow these steps to force restart your iPhone:

iPhone 8 or newer: Quickly press and release the volume up button, then the volume down button. Then, press & hold the power button until the device restarts.
iPhone 7 or 7 Plus: Press & hold the power and volume down buttons simultaneously until the device restarts.
iPhone 6s or earlier, or iPod touch: Press & hold the power button and home button simultaneously until the device restarts.
iPad without a home button: Press the volume button nearest to the top button & then press the volume button farthest from the top button. Press & hold the top button until the apple logo appears.
iPad with a home button: Press & hold the top & the Home button until the apple logo appears.

This method is an excellent place to start if your device is unresponsive or stuck on a black screen.

Option 2: Recovery Mode

You can put your device into recovery mode if a forced restart doesn’t work. This will allow you to restore the device using iTunes or Finder. Follow these steps to enter recovery mode:

iPhone 8 or newer: Quickly press and release the volume up button, then the volume down button. Then, press & hold the power button until the “Connect to iTunes” screen appears.
iPhone 7 or 7 Plus: Press & hold the power and volume down buttons simultaneously until the “Connect to iTunes” screen appears.
iPhone 6s or earlier, iPad, or iPod touch: Press & hold the power button and home button simultaneously until the “Connect to iTunes” screen appears.
iPad without a home button: Press the volume button nearest to the top button & then press the volume button farthest from the top button. Press & hold the top button until the “Connect to iTunes” screen appears.
iPad with a home button: Press & hold the power button and home button simultaneously until the “Connect to iTunes” screen appears.

Once your device is in recovery mode, connect it to your computer and open iTunes or Finder. You should see a message saying that the device is in recovery mode and needs to be restored. Follow the prompts to fix your device.

Option 3: DFU Mode

Device Firmware Update (DFU) mode is a more advanced method and should only be attempted if you are comfortable with troubleshooting and have tried all other methods. Follow these steps to enter DFU mode:

iPhone 8 or newer: Quickly press and release the volume up button, then the volume down button. Then, press & hold the power button until the display goes black. Immediately press & hold the volume down button while still holding the power button. After 5 seconds, release the power button while holding the volume down button until the “Connect to iTunes” screen appears.
iPhone 7 or 7 Plus: Press the power and volume down buttons simultaneously until the display goes black. Immediately press & hold the volume down button while still holding the power button. After 8 seconds, release the power button while holding the volume down button until the “Connect to iTunes” screen appears.
iPhone 6s or earlier, iPad, or iPod touch: Press & hold the power button and home button simultaneously until the display goes black. Immediately press & hold the home button while still holding the power button. After 8 seconds, release the power button while holding the home button until the “Connect to iTunes” screen appears.

Once your device is in DFU mode, connect it to your computer and open iTunes or Finder. You should see a message saying that the device is in DFU mode and needs to be restored. Follow the prompts to repair your device.

Option 4: Professional Repair Services

If none of the above methods works, or if you are not comfortable attempting them, you may need to seek the help of a professional repair service. Many companies offer repair services for bricked devices, but be sure to choose a reputable one.

Tips for Avoiding a Bricked iPhone or iPad in the future

Here are a few tips to help you avoid bricking your device in the future:

Keep your device updated with the latest software: Make sure to check for and install software updates when available regularly. These updates often include bug fixes and security enhancements that can help prevent problems with your device.
Please back up your device regularly: Backing it regularly will allow you to restore it in case of a problem. You can back up your device using iTunes or Finder or a cloud-based backup service like iCloud.
Avoid jailbreaking: As mentioned earlier, jailbreaking or tampering with the device’s software can be risky and can lead to a bricked device. If you decide to jailbreak your device, follow proper procedures and be prepared for the possibility that something could go wrong.

Conclusion

In order to avoid bricking your device in the future, make sure to keep it up to date with the latest software, back it up regularly, and avoid jailbreaking or tampering with the device’s software. By following these steps, you can ensure that your device stays in good working order.

Guide to Restoring a Bricked iPhone or iPad

Causes of a Bricked iPhone or iPad

Prerequisites for Restoring a Bricked iPhone or iPad

Methods for Restoring a Bricked iPhone or iPad

Option 1: Forced Restart

Option 2: Recovery Mode

Option 3: DFU Mode

Option 4: Professional Repair Services

Tips for Avoiding a Bricked iPhone or iPad in the future

Conclusion

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