How to Reboot Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max When It Stays On Boot Screen

When an iPhone 15 Pro Max gets stuck on the boot screen it can feel like a wall of glass. The device will show the Apple logo and a progress bar that never advances, leaving you in a frustrating state of limbo. The good news is that most of these cases can be resolved without professional help. This guide walks you through every possible method, from the simplest restart to the more involved recovery mode, and explains why each step works. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a full toolbox for handling a stuck boot screen on your iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Why the iPhone 15 Pro Max Might Hang on the Boot Screen

Before diving into solutions, it helps to understand why the problem occurs. Common causes include:

• Software glitches – A corrupt app installation or a recent iOS update that didn’t complete properly.
• Failed over-the-air (OTA) update – If the phone stops mid‑update, it may be left in an unusable state.
• Hardware issues – Occasionally, a faulty component like the main chip or the display controller can stall the boot process.
• Bad memory – When the RAM or flash storage encounters a read error, the device may not be able to load the operating system.
• Accidental “Emergency SOS” or power‑down – Holding the side button for too long during a crash can leave the phone frozen on the Apple logo.

The troubleshooting steps below address each of these scenarios. In most cases, a forced restart or a quick recovery will resolve the problem. Only in extreme hardware cases will you need to visit an Apple Store.

Step 1 – Try a Simple Restart

The first thing to attempt is a quick restart. If the phone is merely frozen, this will usually bring it back online.

1. Press and release the Volume Up button.
2. Press and release the Volume Down button.
3. Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo reappears.
4. Release the Side button when the logo shows up.

If the progress bar moves and the phone starts normally, you’re good to go. If it remains stuck, move to the next step.

Step 2 – Force Restart (Hard Reset)

A force restart bypasses the normal boot sequence and can clear minor software bugs that prevent the phone from fully booting.

1. Press and release the Volume Up button.
2. Press and release the Volume Down button.
3. Press and hold the Side button for at least 10 seconds.
4. Keep holding until the Apple logo appears.

Unlike a regular restart, this method forces the device to reload its core system files. If the boot screen disappears, you’ve solved the issue. If not, proceed to recovery mode.

Step 3 – Enter Recovery Mode

Recovery mode allows your iPhone to communicate with a computer via a special firmware interface. From there, you can choose to update or restore the device.

What You’ll Need

• A computer running the latest version of macOS or Windows.
• The latest version of iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on macOS Catalina or newer).
• A Lightning‑to‑USB cable (or USB‑to‑USB‑C, depending on your computer).

How to Put the iPhone 15 Pro Max in Recovery Mode

1. Connect the iPhone to the computer using the cable.
2. Open iTunes or Finder.
3. Force restart the iPhone as described in Step 2, but when the Apple logo appears, do not release the Side button.
4. Keep holding the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen: a cable pointing toward a laptop icon.
5. Release the button once the screen appears.

At this point, your computer should detect the iPhone in recovery mode and offer two options: Restore or Update. Do not choose Restore unless you’re ready to erase your data.

Step 4 – Update the iPhone via Recovery Mode

Updating will download the latest iOS firmware and reinstall it without wiping your data.

1. In iTunes/Finder, click Update.
2. The computer will connect to Apple’s servers, download the firmware, and begin reinstalling.
3. Wait for the process to finish; it may take 15–30 minutes.
4. When the device restarts, check whether the boot screen issue is resolved.

If the update succeeds, you’ll have a fresh, clean system but your content remains untouched. If the update fails or the phone reverts to the stuck screen, you’ll need to proceed with a full restore.

Step 5 – Restore the iPhone (Erase All Data)

Restoring erases everything on the device and installs the latest iOS version from scratch. Back up first! If you have a recent iCloud backup or a local backup on your computer, you can restore your data afterward.

1. In iTunes/Finder, click Restore.
2. Confirm the prompt to erase all content.
3. The computer will download the iOS firmware and install it.
4. Once the installation completes, the phone will restart.

After the restore, you’ll be guided through the initial setup. If you have an active iCloud backup, choose Restore from iCloud Backup during setup. If you backed up locally, use Restore from Mac or PC.

Step 6 – Use DFU Mode for Advanced Recovery

Device Firmware Update (DFU) mode is deeper than recovery mode and can fix stubborn firmware corruption. It’s more complex and should be used only if the previous steps fail.

1. Connect the iPhone to the computer.
2. Open iTunes/Finder.
3. Force restart (Press Volume Up, release, press Volume Down, release, then hold Side).
4. Immediately after the Apple logo appears, release the Side button and press and hold it again for about 5 seconds.
5. Then release the Side button and press and hold the Volume Down button for 5 seconds.
6. If the screen stays black but iTunes/Finder detects the device, you’re in DFU mode.
7. Choose Restore.

Because DFU bypasses the operating system entirely, it will always reinstall a fresh firmware. Use this as a last resort.

Step 7 – Check for Hardware Issues

If none of the software steps resolve the problem, hardware might be at fault. Common indicators:

• The phone still shows the Apple logo after a full restore.
• The screen remains black or shows a constant black screen.
• The device does not respond to button presses or touch input.

At this point, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store. Provide them with a detailed explanation of the steps you already took. Most hardware repairs (e.g., a faulty logic board) require professional diagnostics.

Step 8 – Contact Apple Support or Visit an Apple Store

Apple’s warranty, AppleCare+, or the Apple Support app can help you get a repair or replacement. When you reach out:

1. Explain that the phone is stuck on the boot screen and that you have already performed force restarts, recovery mode updates, and restores.
2. Provide the device’s serial number (Settings > General > About).
3. Mention any recent OTA updates or physical incidents (drop, water exposure).

Apple may ask you to bring the device in. If it is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, repairs are often free or at a low cost.

FAQ

What if the phone gets stuck during the OTA update?

If the device halts mid‑update, you should use recovery mode (Step 3) and choose Update. This downloads the same firmware again and restarts the installation.

Will a factory reset erase all my data?

Yes. If you choose Restore in iTunes/Finder or use DFU mode, all data will be deleted. Always back up first.

Can I use iCloud backup if the phone can’t be turned on?

You cannot recover from iCloud without a working device. However, once you restore the phone, you can restore from an existing iCloud backup during setup.

Is it safe to try the DFU mode again if it failed previously?

Yes, but be careful. DFU mode requires precise timing. Mistakes can lock you out temporarily, but the device will still respond to a proper restore.

How do I know if my AppleCare+ still covers this issue?

Check your AppleCare+ contract or look up your coverage status in the Apple Support app. Hardware defects are usually covered, while software glitches might not be.

Preventive Tips to Avoid Future Boot‑Screen Hang-ups

1. Keep iOS Updated – Install updates promptly to reduce the chance of software bugs.
2. Avoid Force‑Quiting System Apps – Let iOS manage app states.
3. Use Reliable Accessories – Faulty cables or chargers can cause power spikes.
4. Avoid Extreme Temperatures – Keep the phone in a stable environment.
5. Back Up Regularly – Use iCloud or local backups so you can restore quickly if needed.

By following these practices, you’ll minimize the risk of encountering a stuck boot screen again.

Closing Thoughts

A stuck boot screen on the iPhone 15 Pro Max is frustrating but usually fixable. The key is to proceed methodically: start with a simple restart, move to a hard reset, then explore recovery and DFU modes before seeking professional help. Each step progressively bypasses more layers of the device’s software, giving you a higher chance of recovery without data loss.

Remember that your iPhone’s health depends on both its software and hardware. Treat it with care, keep it updated, and you’ll enjoy the full power of the 15 Pro Max without interruption.

If you’re still encountering issues after trying all these steps, it’s time to reach out to Apple Support. They have the tools and expertise to diagnose and fix deeper problems, ensuring you get back to using your device as soon as possible.