How to Fix iPhone 3GS Stuck on Apple Logo After Factory Reset
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sunshine276 • September 17, 2012 at 4:45pm
I have an iPhone 3GS and I tried to perform a factory reset on it, but now it is stuck on the Apple logo. How can I fix this boot loop issue?
Answers
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iClarified • January 11, 2026 at 8:34am
To fix an iPhone 3GS stuck on the Apple logo after a factory reset, you should perform a DFU (Device Firmware Update) restore. This is the deepest type of restore and can solve software-related boot loops.
1. Connect your iPhone 3GS to your computer using a USB cable and open iTunes (or Finder on newer macOS versions).
2. Press and hold both the Power button and the Home button simultaneously for exactly 10 seconds.
3. After 10 seconds, release the Power button but continue holding the Home button.
4. If the screen remains black but iTunes/Finder alerts you that it has detected an iPhone in recovery mode, you have successfully entered DFU mode.
5. Click the 'Restore' button to download and reinstall the latest compatible software (iOS 6.1.6).
**Note:** This process will erase all data on the device. Since the iPhone 3GS is a legacy device, ensure you are using a compatible version of iTunes if you are on an older operating system.
1. Connect your iPhone 3GS to your computer using a USB cable and open iTunes (or Finder on newer macOS versions).
2. Press and hold both the Power button and the Home button simultaneously for exactly 10 seconds.
3. After 10 seconds, release the Power button but continue holding the Home button.
4. If the screen remains black but iTunes/Finder alerts you that it has detected an iPhone in recovery mode, you have successfully entered DFU mode.
5. Click the 'Restore' button to download and reinstall the latest compatible software (iOS 6.1.6).
**Note:** This process will erase all data on the device. Since the iPhone 3GS is a legacy device, ensure you are using a compatible version of iTunes if you are on an older operating system.
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NoGoodNick • September 22, 2012 at 6:59pm
You will need to perform a 'Restore' via iTunes. Before you proceed, ensure your computer has a stable internet connection.
If a standard restore fails, you can manually download the iOS 6 firmware (IPSW file) for your device. In iTunes, hold the 'Shift' key (Windows) or 'Option' key (Mac) while clicking the 'Restore' button. This allows you to select the specific firmware file you downloaded.
Please be aware that performing a Restore will erase all data on the device. If you have previously backed up your contacts or data to iCloud or iTunes, you can sync them back once the device is working again.
If a standard restore fails, you can manually download the iOS 6 firmware (IPSW file) for your device. In iTunes, hold the 'Shift' key (Windows) or 'Option' key (Mac) while clicking the 'Restore' button. This allows you to select the specific firmware file you downloaded.
Please be aware that performing a Restore will erase all data on the device. If you have previously backed up your contacts or data to iCloud or iTunes, you can sync them back once the device is working again.