We hope you never need it—but Apple has added a helpful new recovery option for the iPhone 16 and the current iPad mini (with the A17 Pro chip), aimed at making it easier to recover from a failed software update.

In rare cases, an iPhone or iPad can get stuck in recovery mode during an iOS or iPadOS update. If this happens, you’ll see an animation showing two devices being moved close together. This is Apple’s cue that a nearby restore is possible.

Here’s How It Works:

  1. Plug the device in recovery mode into power.
  2. Place it next to another unlocked Apple device (running iOS 18 or iPadOS 18, connected to Wi-Fi).
  3. On the working device, a message will appear: “Restore Nearby iPhone/iPad.”
  4. Tap Continue, and wait for the devices to connect.
  5. You’ll be asked to enter a six-digit code from the device in recovery mode onto the working device to confirm and share its Wi-Fi connection.
  6. Once you see “Restoring iPhone/iPad,” tap OK and let the process complete.

Tip: Keep both devices connected to power during this process to avoid interruptions.

What If It Doesn’t Work?

If the nearby restore option fails—or if you’re using a different iPhone or iPad model—you can still fall back on the traditional method: connect the device to a Mac or PC using a cable and restore it with Finder or iTunes.

 

Recovering from a Failed Update with a Nearby iPhone or iPad

(Featured image by iStock.com/stockforliving)

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