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What to do if…
your phone updates and then gets stuck in a restart loop

Short answer

Stop “trying things” at random. Get the phone powered and cooled, do one proper forced restart, then use the maker’s official recovery/update method (try the non-wipe “update/repair” path before anything that erases data).

Do not do these things

  • Don’t keep forcing restarts repeatedly for a long time — if one proper forced restart doesn’t break the loop, move on.
  • Don’t factory reset as your first move (it can erase data and may not fix a failed update).
  • Don’t install random “fix your bootloop” tools on a computer — stick to the phone maker’s official tools where possible.
  • Don’t unplug mid-restore/update once it’s started (unless the official tool tells you to).
  • Don’t keep the phone in a tight case/under a pillow while it loops (heat makes things worse).

What to do now

  1. Stabilise the device (30–90 seconds).
    Put it on a known-good charger/cable, remove the case if it feels warm, and disconnect accessories. If it’s hot, let it cool while still charging.

  2. Do one proper forced restart (then stop).

    • iPhone (common on iPhone 8 and later): quickly press Volume Up, quickly press Volume Down, then press-and-hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
    • Android (varies): often holding Power for ~20–30 seconds forces a restart; some models use Power + Volume Down.
      If it returns to the loop, move on to official recovery.

  3. If it’s an iPhone: use Apple’s recovery mode and try “Update” first (may keep data).
    Connect to a Mac/PC, put the iPhone into recovery mode, and if you’re offered Update or Restore, try Update first (it attempts to reinstall iOS without erasing).
    If updating isn’t possible or fails, Restore reinstalls iOS and erases the device.

  4. If it’s Android: try Safe Mode or Recovery Mode — avoid wiping unless it’s last resort.

    • If you can reach Safe Mode, it disables downloaded apps temporarily and may let you boot far enough to back up or remove a problematic app.
    • If you reach Recovery Mode, try Reboot system now first.
    • Only if your recovery menu specifically offers a cache wipe (wording varies): it may help, and it typically doesn’t erase personal files — but many phones won’t have this option.
      Treat Wipe data/factory reset as the last resort (it erases your data).

  5. If you get even a brief normal boot: grab essentials immediately.
    Prioritise preventing lockouts: confirm you can sign in to your Apple ID/Google account on another device, sync contacts/photos if possible, and check that key accounts (email/banking) have recovery options you can access. If you rely on app-based two-factor codes, look for backup codes from a computer you’re already logged into.

  6. Escalate in a way that protects your rights and your data (UK-specific).

    • If the phone is new or recently bought, start with the retailer for the handset: describe “stuck in a restart/boot loop immediately after an update,” and keep notes (date/time, symptoms, what you tried).
    • If it’s under a manufacturer warranty or care plan, use the manufacturer’s UK support route for repair options.
    • If you’re unsure who is responsible (handset vs separately supplied software), get consumer advice before accepting any irreversible step like a wipe or paid repair.

What can wait

  • You don’t need to decide today whether it was “a bad update” or “your fault”.
  • You don’t need to pay for third-party repair software or open the phone to make progress.
  • You don’t need to wipe the phone unless the official recovery steps fail and you accept the data loss risk.

Important reassurance

A restart loop after an update is a common failure mode, and it often has a clear recovery path. The safest approach is slow and official: power/temperature first, one forced restart, then the official recovery tools that try to update before anything that erases.

Scope note

This is first steps only to stabilise the situation and avoid accidental data loss. If official recovery fails, or the phone overheats, won’t be recognised by a computer, or seems physically damaged, the next step is manufacturer/authorised repair or retailer support.

Important note

This guide is general information, not device-specific repair advice. Button combinations and recovery menus vary by model and can change with software versions. Any restore/factory reset can erase data; pause before choosing anything described as “restore,” “reset,” or “erase.”

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