JessicaEva

Q: My iPad Mini will not update or restore, it is stuck in recovery mode! Please help!

Hello! Please can someone help me!

 

I only got my iPad a few months ago and it was working perfectly, I loved it so much! My boyfriend got it for me for Christmas and I was over the moon but when I was at work I dropped it by accident and even though it had a case on, the screen still smashed. I checked it and it was still working perfectly, the screen was just broken. I sent it off and they told me it would only be a week. But, in fact it took 3 weeks just to replace a screen! I finally got it back and it seemed ok. I tried to unlock it with the Touch ID but it didn't work, I check the settings and it said it is unable to do it. The Touch ID was absolutely fine when I sent it off so I don't know understand how it would've broken when all they had to do was replace the screen. Anyway, I had been using my iPad as usual despite the fact the Touch ID is now broken. A few days ago I tried to update to IOS 8.4.1 but it didn't work, It kept telling me an error. I kept trying and trying, making sure I did everything the internet told me to do. And then I saw someone said they used iTunes to update it and it worked, so today I did that. And this is when it all goes wrong... I tried to update it and it was all going well until half way through it told me an error. So my iPad was stuck half way through downloading the update. I unplugged it from my laptop and it restarts but goes to a iTunes Symbol telling me to connect it back to iTunes, so I did. And it kept telling me I had to update or restore it. I tried both but every time I try it, it tells me the same thing.. It fails. I cannot get it off this iTunes Symbol telling me to connect to it. I have tried updating my MacBook Pro Retina Display but still the same fail. Please can somebody help me fix this problem! I am really not wanting to fork out more money to fix my iPad Mini when this time it wasn't my fault at all! It was in fact the people that are meant to fix it!!

 

Thank you so much for reading! I am in serious need for help, I am so heartbroken.

 

- Jess x

iPad Mini, iOS 8.4.1

Posted on Aug 21, 2015 6:14 PM

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Q: My iPad Mini will not update or restore, it is stuck in recovery mode! Please help!

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  • Helpful answers

  • by joe_7399,

    joe_7399 joe_7399 Aug 23, 2015 8:11 AM in response to JessicaEva
    Community Specialists
    Aug 23, 2015 8:11 AM in response to JessicaEva

    Hi JessicaEva,

     

    Welcome to the Apple Support Communities!

     

    I understand that you have a couple of different issues going on with your iPad and know how frustrating situations like this can me. 

     

    First, I understand that your iPad is showing the Connect to iTunes graphic on the display and every time you connect it and attempt a restore, you receive and error and the display goes back to the same graphic. 

     

    To begin troubleshooting this situation, I would suggest manually forcing the iPad into recovery mode and then attempting the restore. The instructions for this process can be found in the attached article below. I know that you are already seeing a message that your iPad is in recovery mode, but following these instructions and manually forcing the recovery mode may help you through the restore. If you continue receiving the error, can you please let me know exactly what the error message is?

     

    If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

     

    I understand that the secondary issue with your iPad is Touch ID not working as expected after receiving your iPad back from repair. To begin troubleshooting the Touch ID, I would suggest working through the steps outlined in the attached article below. 

     

    Use Touch ID on iPhone and iPad - Apple Support

     

    Get help with Touch ID

    Sometimes, you'll need to enter your passcode or Apple ID instead of using Touch ID:

     

    • If you've just restarted your device
    • If your fingerprint isn't recognized five times in a row
    • If you haven't unlocked your device in more than 48 hours 

     

    • If you've just enrolled or deleted fingerprints
    • If you're trying to open Touch ID & Passcode in the Settings menu
    • If Require Password is set to Immediately under Settings > General > Restrictions

     

    If you still need help, follow these steps. Try again after each step:

    1. Make sure you have the latest version of iOS.
    2. Make sure that your fingers and the Home button are clean and dry.1 For the Home button, use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe off any dirt or debris.
    3. Your finger should cover the Home button completely, touching the surrounding metal ring. While Touch ID is scanning, you shouldn't press down hard, tap too quickly, or move your finger around.
    4. If you're using a case or screen protector, make sure it doesn't cover the Home button or the surrounding ring.
    5. Tap Settings > Touch ID & Passcode. Make sure that iPhone Unlock or iTunes & App Store is on, and that you've enrolled one or more fingerprints.
    6. Try enrolling a different finger.
    7. If you can't enroll any of your fingers, take your device to an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider, or contact Apple Support.

    1 Moisture, lotions, sweat, oils, cuts, or dry skin might affect fingerprint recognition. Certain activities can also temporarily affect fingerprint recognition, including exercising, showering, swimming, cooking, or other conditions or changes that affect your fingerprint.

     

    If the above troubleshooting does not resolve the issue and the original screen repair was completed by Apple, you may want to consider either taking your iPad back into the Apple Store or setting up a mail in repair to get this issue resolved. 

     

     

     

    Warranty after service
    Apple covers defects if they arise from authorized service for 90 days or the remaining term of your iPad warranty, whichever is longer.

     

    Best regards