How to Fix iPhone Stuck at ‘attempting data recovery’ Loop

Since the release of iOS 10, there are frequent complaints about failed updates leading to ‘attempting data recovery’ loop. Moreover, users are concerned about data loss in such situations.

Users globally reported that their iPhone gets stuck at ‘attempting data recovery’ loop while trying to install iOS updates. The issue occurs when they update to iOS 10/11/12 versions by using iTunes. This not only leaves the update in lurch but also erases some or all data from their iPhone.

iOS updates breathe new life to your device. However, the truth is also that Apple’s every update brings some kind of bug or new problem along with it, as this one.

If your iPhone screen too gets stuck at ‘attempting data recovery’ loop during iOS update, read on this post further.

It shares how to fix iPhone ‘attempting data recovery’ failed problem and recover lost iPhone data in any case.

You can apply the methods on iPhone XS, X, 8 Plus, 8, 7 Plus, 7, 6S Plus, 6S, 6 Plus, 6, 5S, 5c, 5, 4S and 4. They are relevant to iOS 10, 11, 12, and later versions.

Common cases of ‘attempting data recovery’ loop on iPhone

The attempting to data recovery failed problem usually occurs when iOS is updated with iTunes. The ‘attempting data recovery’ screen takes long time and often followed by a prompt ‘press home button to restore.’

Some of these occurrences were reported in following scenarios:

• Users unplugged the iPhone from PC or Mac during the update
• Downgrading from iOS 12 to 11.4 or below
• Updating iOS after jailbreak

How to fix iPhone stuck at ‘Attempting data recovery’ loop

1. Force Restart iPhone
2. Put iPhone to Recovery Mode

Method 1: Force Restart iPhone

It’s important to know here that force restart is different from normal Restart. A force restart is advised when iPhone is not in its normal working condition. It is either hanged, stuck at Apple logo or other screen, in Recovery Mode, or Restore Mode. It cuts the power and turn on the iPhone again. Force restart usually fixes many iPhone issues.

Steps to Force Restart iPhone 8 and earlier:

• Press and fast release the Volume Up button
• Press and fast release the Volume Down button
• Press and hold the Side button (power) until the Apple logo appears

Steps to force Restart iPhone X and later:

• Press and quickly release the Volume Up button
• Press and quickly release the Volume Down button
• Press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery-mode screen.

Method 2: Put iPhone to Recovery Mode

If Force Restart doesn’t help, try this method. Recovery Mode helps in cases of failed iOS updates. Thus, whenever during iOS update the iPhone gets stuck at ‘attempting data recovery’ loop put the device on Recovery Mode.

[Caution]: Recovery Mode erases the iPhone data completely, which can be restored with the help of iTunes backup. So, make sure that the iTunes version is latest.

Steps to put iPhone on Recovery Mode:

1. Connect iPhone to computer
2. Open iTunes
3. Force restart iPhone (with steps mentioned above)
4. Dialog box appears. Select Update

5. After the Update process completes, set up your iPhone.

Fixed ‘attempting data recovery’ failed problem. Further, how to restore data on iPhone

Recovery Mode though fix iPhone’s ‘attempting data recovery’ issue but at the same time erases all information from the device. You can restore iPhone data from iTunes backup or iCloud backup.

In case, iTunes/iCloud backups are not able to restore iPhone or you discover that some of the data is still missing after restoring the device, choose Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone.

The software is also helpful when you don’t want to unnecessarily recover all the data from iTunes or iCloud. It lets you recover exactly what you want, by allowing to choose specific files like photos, videos, WhatsApp chats, or memos, Calendar, etc., and restoring them on the device.

Additionally, Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone also restores the data lost and deleted after jailbreak, water damage, Black screen of death, iPhone stuck at Apple logo, screen damage iPhone, factory reset etc. It supports recovery from iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, X, 8 Plus, 8, 7 Plus, 7, 6S Plus, 6S, 6 Plus, 6, 5S, 5c, 5, 4S and 4.

Steps to Restore data on iPhone with Stellar Data Recovery of iPhone

• Download Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone on PC/ Mac
• Connect iPhone to the computer
• Select iTunes from the software screen
• Follow the simple on screen instructions

Wrapping Up

Users look forward to iOS updates. However, the experience can get irritating, when iPhone software updates fail. iPhone ‘attempting data recovery’ loop is one such common problem faced after attempts to upgrade to the latest iOS 10, 10.1, 11, 12 and later.

Force restart of the device often resolves ‘attempting data recovery’ loop issue. If this doesn’t work, further try to get your iPhone on Recovery Mode. Later restore data via iTunes or Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone. The software approach is easy and lets you select and restore only that information which you want.