How to Use Recovery Assistant to Restore iPhone

This practical guide explains how to use recovery assistant to restore iPhone. Follow the steps in order, review the requirements first, and use the troubleshooting notes when a setting or option does not work as expected.

How does Recovery Assistant restore iPhone?

On iPhone running iOS 26 if there is a boot issue such as stuck on the Apple logo or a boot error then Recovery Assistant is automatically launched to find the problem and fix it.

If the problem can't be resolved, Recovery Assistant suggests restoring using another iPhone or iPad running iOS 26 or later.

Step 1:

After entering Recovery mode, a diagnostic message will appear. On the recovery mode screen, tap the three-dot menu in the upper right corner and select Restore with Another Device.

Step 2:

Place your iPhone near another iPhone or iPad running iOS 26 or later. Make sure the supporting device is connected to Wi-Fi.

A six-digit code will appear on both screens for you to enter when connecting.

Step 3:

The supported device will display a Restore Nearby [device] message. Tap Continue and then the device will download the latest firmware, and wirelessly transfer the data to your iPhone.

Keep your devices close together to monitor the restore progress. Once complete, your iPhone will restart and can set up again, restoring from an iCloud backup if necessary.

How Recovery Assistant restores iPhone

Auto Activation: If the device fails to boot, it enters recovery mode and displays a diagnostic message.

Diagnostic Scan: The system detects faulty software, failed updates, bootloops or misconfigurations.

Self-Repair: Automatically repair minor problems (such as corrupted boot files).

Wireless restore options: If needed, you can restore your iPhone wirelessly using another iOS 26 or later device.

Secure pairing: Two devices pair similar to AirDrop, using encrypted authentication.

Firmware Download: Supported devices download the latest iOS version from Apple's servers and send it over the air.

Install & Restart: iPhone installs updates and restarts, sets up or restores iCloud.