New iPhone 16 pro is locked (read post)

Got a new iPhone 16 pro and I am trying to transfer my old iPhone 14's data. Started the data transfer and my new iPhone 16 pro was forced into a software update ( i had chosen to update later but was then forced). The update said it was installed then I was just stuck waiting for some time maybe 15 mins and nothing on the screen was changing just both of my phones pending. Did the silver bullet reset trick (vup then release vdown then release hold power until the apple appears) and now my new iPhone 16 pro is locked and I can't swipe up to unlock and type in my password.

When I try the 'silver bullet' reset method I can't swipe the shut off option, and when I get through to the apple the problem with the swiping to unlock persists.

very stressful any help is appreciated

iPhone 14 Pro, iOS 18

Posted on Oct 15, 2024 12:23 PM

Top-ranking reply

anamile257

Level 1

25 points

Posted on Oct 15, 2024 7:05 PM

I had to do this twice before it started working normally!!

>If you have a Mac/MacBook you can put it into recovery mode and download the software from your Mac

you would reset your phone as normal (vol up, vol down, press & hold power) but you’re going to continue to press down the power button….

once it finally decides to turn off and the Apple logo pops up DONT LET GO OF THE POWER BUTTON but plug the phone into your Mac

once the image of the cord & Mac pop up on your phone screen you can let go of the power button and follow the prompts in your Mac to either update or restore the phone.

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53 replies

Dec 28, 2024 10:36 AM in response to duodiscus

duodiscus wrote:

Did this also, but iPhone 16 is not visible in iTunes (apple music) on iMac or MacBook Air

Did you perform a Forced Restart? The key is to KEEP HOLDING the side power button after tapping the up volume, then the down button then KEEP HOLDING the side power button until you see the Apple Logo appear, which can take a while --> Force restart iPhone - Apple Support (CA)

Nov 12, 2024 8:54 PM in response to Asking_the_questions

Got my 16 pro max today. In the process of initial setup. it did the same thing too. I can't escape the hello screen. The hello animation keep going but I can't swipe up. I performed an update and restore a few times. same issue.

Edit: It finally worked after 4th attempt. New iPhone should not be having this kind of issues.

[Edited by Moderator]

Oct 15, 2024 7:09 PM in response to Podge2024

You should be able to do this on a non-Mac computer so long as you have the latest version of iTunes installed. When you do it just make sure you have iTunes already open.

Oct 16, 2024 8:10 AM in response to Asking_the_questions

Same but apparently it’s a firmware issue on apples side. They said they’re trying to get it fixed by today but today already came and no update was pushed

Dec 21, 2024 8:28 AM in response to Asking_the_questions

I am having same problem with my IPhone 16 while transferring data from my old IPhone 11. Do not know what to do… Hopefully Apple Service center will help me.

Oct 15, 2024 1:46 PM in response to Asking_the_questions

I have this exact same problem, phone is basically useless. Tried the volume up, down and power button nothing. Tried to get it to turn off… seems to be 1 in 10 chance it will turn off. Phone is incredibly hot and I can’t even use it, so I’m trying to drain the battery and see if that solves the problem. If not it’s going straight back to the store

Cwiki

Level 1

20 points

Oct 15, 2024 3:50 PM in response to anamile257

I've attempted to do both the "update" and the "reset & update" options a few times now and it does not appear to resolve the issue. I think the problem is actually with the update itself.

Quite disappointing, going to try the Apple Store tomorrow.

Oct 15, 2024 10:20 PM in response to anamile257

New iPhone 16 pro is locked (read post) - Apple Community

I did this too to unbrick my iPhone 16. I still cannot complete the data transfer though. Currently trying to use iCloud instead of my old iPhone.

Oct 16, 2024 7:01 AM in response to Asking_the_questions

I have the iPhone 16 pro max and I have suffered with all the issues addressed below but also my phone managed to sap its full charge in about 2 hours tops. The phone was also extremely hot to the point I thought it was going to explode or catch fire and with not been able to switch it off I thought this could be a recipe for disaster!

Oct 26, 2024 8:45 AM in response to Asking_the_questions

Update: At a genius bar appointment at my nearest Apple Store. Was told I had to set one and have someone check the Phone out in person.

Will probably try the mail in service if the appointment goes poorly.

Anyone know if it’s a good alternative?

Thanks

(I see quite a few people are having the same / similar issues)

DLlo

Level 1

14 points

Dec 18, 2024 12:04 PM in response to Asking_the_questions

Still the same issue, phone delivered today and stuck on hello screen after update… already taken the number from my old device though so no phone now! Apple support playing like this is a new one to them. Clearly not by this thread

Hfro2024

Level 1

8 points

Dec 21, 2024 11:35 AM in response to Asking_the_questions

I have had exactly the same issue with my new iPhone 16 today. I didn’t be switch over from the sim, so also can’t access my old phone to make calls ect. Does anyone know how to actually rectify the issue? I’m on my second plug into computer attempt to see if that works. Defo don’t want to have to go to store this close to Christmas

Dec 27, 2024 8:49 PM in response to Cwiki

I’m currently going to that issue now how did you do it? I’m connected my phone to my MacBook, but it’s not showing up and I am constantly holding the silver button in the down button, but it’s just giving me a spiral.

Dec 28, 2024 10:16 AM in response to Asking_the_questions

Same over here.

Bought a new iPhone 16 pro 256 this afternoon.

Started the configuration via my iPhone 13 pro.

During the configuration iPhone 16 did an update of IOS to IOS 18.2

iPhone 16 was stuck in this update for a few hours and did not respond to swipes or buttons.

Finally switched it off.

After switching it on again I can't swipe it up to unlock, it immediately goed back to the Hello screen.

It also cannot be switched off with volume up, volume down, side button.

A lock symbol 🔒 is displayed in the upper bar next to the time.

iPhone 16 cannot be unlocked.

iPhone 16 is not visible in iTunes (apple music) on iMac and MacBook Air when connected via USB.

When I connect iPhone 13 via USB the phone immediately pops up in iTunes.

iPhone 16 is also pretty warm (hot)

Any help is appreciated.

Jan 26, 2025 6:22 PM in response to Asking_the_questions

I have the exact same issue!

brand new iPhone 16 and got stuck on iOS update. Tried to restart or swipe up with no luck! Can not get it to force restart either. Just shows the “hello” screen over and over.

makes me angry I might have to go to AT&T tomorrow when I had this sent directly to my home to avoid going in person.

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New iPhone 16 pro is locked (read post)