By Hally | Last Updated
"How can I solve the problem iPhone recovery mode stuck on waiting for iPhone? When I restore my iPhone in recovery mode with iTunes, the top bar of iTunes shows me Waiting for iPhone and I have waited for about an hour. But Nothing changes! "
iTunes stuck on waiting for iPhone is the issue you might encounter while restoring or updating your iPhone. And it's usually related to the connection between your phone and iTunes. Facing this issue, what you can do first is waiting. If iTunes still not responds, it might be time for you to fix iPhone stuck on waiting for iPhone during restore or update. For the recommended fixes, here are 4 ones.
Several factors can cause iTunes to hang on the "Waiting for iPhone" screen:
A broken or unstable USB cable can stop your iPhone from properly connecting to iTunes and then the issue iTunes stuck on waiting for iPhone happens. So it's necessary to make sure that the USB cable is workable. Besides, it would be better to connect your iPhone and computer with an Apple official lightning cable. Also, ensure that the USB port of your PC is clean and in normal status. It is recommended to try a different USB port on the computer. In addition, ensure the cable is firmly connected to both the iPhone and the computer.
Internet connection is needed for iTunes to update or restore your iPhone. For example, iTunes has to connect to Apple servers while restoring iPhone. In other words, if there is a problem with your Internet connection, the issue could occur. Just make your computer access the strong and good Internet connection.
Make sure that you have installed the latest iTunes on your computer, because the outdated iTunes version can cause iTunes stuck on waiting for iPhone during restore or update sometimes. To check and update the installed iTunes, below is a brief guide.
In Windows, you need to run iTunes, choose Help button in the upper pane and choose Check for Updates option. If there is an available update, just follow the on-screen instruction to install it.
In Mac, you can open iTunes, click iTunes option in the top menu and then select Check for Updates option. If the iTunes version is not the latest one, you should update it.
If none of the above methods work, consider using a trusted third-party repair tool to fix iOS system errors without data loss. You can repair the iOS and then see whether the problem is resolved. To securely fix the abnormal iOS without damaging your iPhone data, iSunshare iOS Repair Genius will be applied here. It can fix most of the common iOS issues and make your iPhone revert to its healthy state lastly. Here is how to use such a smart tool.
Step 1: Install and launch iOS Repair Genius on your Windows computer. If there isn't iTunes installed on your PC, you need to install it, which lets iOS Repair Genius run more smoothly.
Step 2: Choose System Repair > Standard Mode function and click Start button on the next screen to move on.
Step 3: Connect your iPhone to the Windows PC and hit Next button in the lower-right corner. Instantly, the utility will detect your iPhone model & its firmware version and lead you to the download-firmware interface.
Step 4: Hit Download button to download the firmware package. It's optional to set the destination for saving the firmware file and you can do it by clicking Select option. Once the download process ends, the firmware file will be identified automatically.
Step 5: Click Repair button to begin repairing your iOS without data loss.
Step 6: After your iOS is repaired, a tips box will be popped out to remind you and your iPhone will reboot. Now, your iPhone may be free of the issue iTunes stuck on waiting for iPhone.
1. How long does waiting for iPhone take?
The duration of the "Waiting for iPhone" process depends on several factors, including the task being performed (e.g., syncing, restoring, updating), the iPhone model, iOS version, and your computer’s performance. Ideally, the process should take just a few minutes under normal circumstances.
2. Is it possible to fix iTunes Waiting for iPhone without data loss?
Yes, in most cases, following the troubleshooting steps above can fix the issue without erasing data.
3. Why does iTunes keep disconnecting from my iPhone?
This can occur due to faulty cables, ports, or software conflicts. Testing with a different cable or computer can help diagnose the problem.
When iTunes gets stuck on "Waiting for iPhone," it’s usually due to connectivity or software-related issues. By following the steps in this guide, you can resolve the problem and ensure smooth iTunes functionality in the future. If the issue persists, consider reaching out to Apple Support for further assistance.
