iPhone 14 Pro Max stuck in 'Attempting Data Recovery' loop after iOS update, how to recover without losing data?
Hi everyone,
I’m having a critical issue with my iPhone 14 Pro Max that started after I updated to the latest iOS version. I’ll walk you through the exact sequence of events:
- After the update, the phone asked for my passcode, which I entered correctly.
- Then it asked me to confirm the passcode again — also entered correctly.
- The phone displayed “Attempting Data Recovery”, followed by the Apple logo and a loading bar.
- After reaching 100%, instead of completing setup, the phone went back to the “iPhone Unavailable. Try again in 3 hours” screen.
- I waited the full 3 hours again, re-entered the passcode correctly, confirmed it again, and the same “Attempting Data Recovery” process repeated.
- But once the loading bar finishes, it loops back to the iPhone Unavailable (3 hours) again.
This cycle has now happened multiple times.
What I Know & Have:
- I know the correct passcode
- I have access to the Apple ID, password, and trusted phone number
- I do not want to lose my data, as my school email, bank app, and authenticator apps are inside
- I haven't yet confirmed if a recent iCloud backup exists
What I’ve Tried:
- Waited patiently through the full “Attempting Data Recovery” loading process
- Force restarted the iPhone (Volume Up → Volume Down → hold Side Button)
- Let it go through the loop multiple times
- Connected to a computer and tried Update via Finder, but couldn’t break the cycle
My Question:
How can I break out of this loop without erasing the phone and losing my data?
Why does it accept the passcode, attempt data recovery, then suddenly throw me back to iPhone Unavailable (3 hours) again?
Has anyone solved this without doing a full restore? Any suggestions are deeply appreciated. 🙏
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: iPhone 14 Pro Max Stuck in “Attempting Data Recovery” → Then Loops Back to “iPhone Unavailable (3 Hours)” After iOS Update
iPhone 14 Pro Max, iOS 18
