How do I fix my iPhone 11 Pro Max stuck on the restore screen?

I own a IPhone 11 Pro Max and, after connecting to iTunes it automatically tried to update to the latest version update. I believe 18? However, the phone has now stuck on the restore screen and no matter what I try to do I cannot get it to work. It no longer is detected by iTunes or Apple Devices and will not factory reset. It seems the update is not suitable and as corrupted the software on my phone? Possibly rendering my phone unserviceable? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 6, iOS 12

Posted on May 16, 2025 05:55 AM

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3 replies

May 16, 2025 07:21 AM in response to chris301up

Hi there,


Try this:


Connect to your computer 

Connect your device to your computer using the cable that came with your device. Don't disconnect your device from your computer.


Restart your device

For iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release the volume up button. Press and quickly release the volume down button. Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.


If the Restore screen still appears after you restart

If the Restore screen still appears after you restart, you need to reinstall iOS or iPadOS:

  1. Open the Finder on your Mac, or open the Apple Devices app on your PC. If your PC doesn't have the Apple Devices app, or your Mac is using macOS Mojave or earlier, open iTunes instead. Find out which macOS your Mac is using.
  2. Make sure that your device is still connected to your computer. A "There's a problem with the [your device name] that requires it to be updated or restored" message should appear.
  3. Click Update (not Restore) to reinstall iOS or iPadOS and keep your personal data.
  4. Don't disconnect your device from your computer until the update finishes.

Get more help

  • Learn what to do if you get a restore error when you try to update or restore.
  • If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch still shows the Restore screen, or you can't force a restart because one of your buttons is broken or stuck, you might need service. Get service



May 16, 2025 12:06 PM in response to chris301up

Hi again. I have just tried, several times, to reinstall software on the IPhone but using my desktop PC and another USB cable. Very much the same issue. iTunes downloaded the software and the restore began but when the progress bar on the IPhone got about halfway across (underneath the Apple logo) again it wouldn't progress further. Got a message 'the iphone could not be updated error 53'. Any ideas please? Thank you

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How do I fix my iPhone 11 Pro Max stuck on the restore screen?

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