An iPhone stuck in a boot loop after an iOS update is one of the most stressful problems a UK user can face. The device keeps restarting, flashing the Apple logo, then rebooting again — and you never reach the Home screen. I’ve had this happen once after updating on O2’s mobile data, and it took a mix of wired recovery steps and network resets to bring my phone back. For more device-specific help, you can always browse the iPhone Hub.

This guide focuses on UK-specific causes, including incomplete updates on EE/O2/Vodafone/Three, unreliable home Wi-Fi, and problems caused by low battery during the update process. I’ve also added useful internal guides like Performance & System and Connectivity & Network for deeper troubleshooting.

Why iPhones Enter a Boot Loop After an iOS Update

1. Interrupted update on poor UK mobile signal

If you downloaded the update using weak 4G/5G coverage in rural parts of Wales, Scotland, or countryside England, the update may have corrupted during installation. This is more common on MVNOs like Giffgaff, SMARTY, and Tesco Mobile.

2. Low storage during installation

iOS updates need free space. If your iPhone ran out of storage mid-update, it may enter a loop while trying to finish setup.

3. Battery drained during the update

If the battery dipped below 20% during the installation (common in cold UK temperatures), the update may have failed.

4. Corrupted system files

This happens when an older iOS build conflicts with a newer patch. It's more common on older iPhone models like the SE (1st/2nd gen) and 7/8.

5. Faulty or ageing hardware

If your storage chip (NAND) is failing — common on older refurbished units — updates often expose the issue and trigger looping.

Immediate Fixes to Try (Before Using a Computer)

1. Force Restart Your iPhone

Try this first — it often breaks the loop.

iPhone 8 and newer: Volume Up → Volume Down → hold Power button.
iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold Volume Down + Power together.
iPhone 6s or earlier: Hold Home + Power.

If the device stays stuck on the Apple logo for more than 10 seconds, move on.

2. Charge for at Least 30 Minutes

If the update failed due to low battery, leaving the phone plugged into an official Apple USB-C or Lightning charger often allows the update to finish. Avoid cheap supermarket cables — some cause unstable voltage, which can worsen the boot loop.

3. Try Different Network Conditions

If the device loops after showing “Attempting Data Recovery”, it may be trying to verify the update via network. Switch locations, disable Wi-Fi, or try a stronger network (EE and Vodafone usually perform best indoors in the UK).

Computer-Based Recovery Methods (Mac or Windows)

1. Use Recovery Mode

This is the most reliable fix. You'll reinstall the latest iOS version without deleting data.

Connect your iPhone to a Mac or Windows PC using a cable.
Force restart again but keep holding the buttons until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
On your computer, choose Update (not Restore).

This downloads the latest iOS version and installs it cleanly. If the connection is unstable, plug in via Ethernet or a strong British home broadband service (Virgin Media, BT Fibre, Sky).

2. If Recovery Fails, Use DFU Mode

DFU mode rewrites the firmware entirely. Note: This will erase the device, but it is the final method before hardware repair.

UK-Specific Tips Based on Real Cases

1. Avoid updating on mobile data

O2 and Three can throttle speeds in busy areas (London, Birmingham, Leeds), causing corrupt downloads. Even EE can drop packets inside older brick houses.

2. Use wired broadband for iTunes/Finder recovery

Many British homes with mesh Wi-Fi (BT Complete Wi-Fi, Sky Q) still experience dropouts during large downloads. Wired Ethernet prevents corrupted update files.

3. Check for storage issues

If your iPhone loops only after "Attempting Data Recovery", there's a strong chance your internal storage is nearly full. This ties directly to system performance, discussed more in the Performance & System hub.

4. Watch out for cloned or unofficial batteries

Many used/refurbished iPhones sold on Facebook Marketplace, CeX, or Gumtree contain cheap replacement batteries. These sometimes fail during updates, causing loops.

When the Boot Loop is Hardware-Related

Your iPhone may need professional repair if:

It loops immediately with no Apple logo animation.
DFU mode doesn’t recognise the device.
You hear clicking/ticking near the logic board.
The phone overheats during each restart.

In the UK, your best repair options are:

Apple Store Genius Bar
Stormfront (Authorised Apple Provider)
Timpson Phone Repairs (varies by branch)
KRCS (in England & Wales)

Preventing Boot Loops on Future iOS Updates

Always update on stable home broadband, not mobile data.
Keep at least 5–10GB free storage before updating.
Charge your iPhone to at least 50% before installation.
Avoid updating during winter cold snaps — battery voltage can dip suddenly.
Remove old profiles or VPNs that might interrupt data verification.

Conclusion

An iPhone stuck in a boot loop after an iOS update isn’t the end of the line. Most UK users can recover the device using a combination of force restarts, Recovery Mode, and stable broadband connections. If these fail, DFU restoration or hardware repair at an authorised UK centre is the final step. With the right approach, you can bring even a severely looping iPhone back to life.

iPhone boot loop after iOS update – UK recovery guide