How to Fix iPhone Won't Restore Problems [2024] (2024)

Apple’s flagship series of iPhone devices are used by millions of people the world over. Though, just like any other device, it also malfunctions at times. It could be anything from a non-responsive touch to an unknown error. If you are having any kind of problem related to your device, then don’t worry. We will help you fix iPhone won’t restore issue in this informative guide. Read on and get familiar with different solutions to fix iPhone won’t restore error.

Part 1. Top 5 Solutions to fix iPhone won’t restore problems

Ideally, an iOS device can experience different kinds of problems. We have shortlisted the five most effective solutions to fix iPhone won’t restore issue right here. Read on and learn how to fix iPhone won’t restore problem by taking one step at a time.

1. Resolve the “Unknown Error Occurred” issue

This is one of the most common errors faced by iOS users. There are times when after connecting your phone to the system or while syncing it with iTunes, you might get an “unknown error” message like this. There would be a serial number written besides that (for instance, error 21). Firstly, you need to understand the type of error that is displayed. To do this, you can visit Apple’s listing of error types here.

In order to fix iPhone won’t restore error like this, check the quality of the USB/lightning cable. Try using a different computer or replace your cable. An error like this might happen due to a hardware issue. If you still get it, then you might need to put your device on recovery stage while connecting it to your system.

2. Restore a non-responsive device by resetting it

If your device has become non-responsive and won’t restore, then don’t worry. You can learn how to fix iPhone won’t restore after hard-resetting it. This will break its power cycle and restart it without much trouble. To do this, hold the power and the home button at the same time for at least 10 seconds. This will forcefully restart your phone. Let go of it as the Apple logo will appear on the screen.

3. Check for iTunes update

There are times when even after connecting their phone to the system, iTunes doesn’t recognize it. This might happen if you are using an older version of iTunes. A few iPhone devices work only on the new version of iTunes. Therefore, you need to update the iTunes version to fix iPhone won’t restore problem. To do this, visit Help > Check for updates. This will open a new window and let you update your device easily.

4. Put your device into Recovery mode

This is one of the most recommended solutions to fix iPhone won’t restore issue. If your phone has got a bad update or is just not getting recognized by system, then you can retrieve it by entering its recovery mode.

To do this, connect your phone to its lightning cable and long press the Home button while connecting it to your system. Holding the Home button, open iTunes on your system until you see its symbol on your device. Now, you can take the assistance of iTunes to restore it.

5. Restore using iTunes

After entering the recovery mode on your phone, you can connect it to iTunes to restore it. Most of the times, this will let you fix iPhone won’t restore error by providing a dedicated solution. As soon as you will connect your phone to iTunes, you would get the following pop-up message stating that there is a problem with your device. If you wish to overcome it, then click on the “Restore” button and follow the on-screen instructions.

In case if you don’t get this message, then you can manually restore your phone. Click on your phone’s icon on iTunes and under its Summary, select “Restore Backup”. You would be asked to send the backup file to your device. Afterward, you would be able to overcome this issue.

Part 2. Bonus tips to fix iPhone won’t restore problems

We are sure that after following our suggestions, you would be able to learn how to fix iPhone won’t restore issue. Nevertheless, if you are still facing a few setbacks, then don’t worry. To help our readers, we have come up with some bonus tips to fix iPhone won’t restore problem.

1. Make sure your phone has trusted your system

This is one of the most common mistakes iPhone users tend to make. After connecting your device to the system, you would get a pop-up message on your phone’s screen regarding its authentication. In order to establish a reliable connection, you need to tap on the “Trust” button. Otherwise, you won’t be able to connect your phone to your system.

2. Enter the Device Firmware Update (DMU) Mode

This is something that not many iPhone users are aware of. Not just recovery mode, you can also put your phone into DMU mode to fix iPhone won’t restore issue. In order to do this, hold the power button of your device for around 5 seconds. Release it slightly and hold the power as well as the home button simultaneously for the next 10 seconds. Now, release the power button, but keep holding the Home button for another 5 seconds.

By doing so, you would be able to enter the DMU mode on your device. You can use it as one of the solutions to fix iPhone won’t restore problem and recover your device.

3. Update your iPhone

If you haven’t updated your phone in a while, then chances are that you might find it hard to sync it with iTunes. The best way to overcome this issue is by updating the iOS version on your device. You can check it by visiting Settings > General > Software Update. From here, you can see the latest update of iOS available on your device. Just tap on the “Install Now” button to update your phone.

4. Use a third-party software

If nothing else seems to work, then you can always take the assistance of third-party software to resolve your problems. For instance, you can use MobileTrans - Restore in order to use your device without any setback.

Check our video tutorial below:

We hope that after following these easy suggestions, you would be able to move post an issue related to your device. Now when you know how to fix iPhone won’t restore problem, you can definitely make the most out of your phone. Go ahead and choose your preferred solutions to fix iPhone won’t restore problem and unleash the true potential of your device.