[Solved] Attempting Data Recovery iPhone Failed after iOS Update

“Attempting data recovery” loop on iPhone 7

There have been numerous complaints regarding unsuccessful updates resulting in the "attempting data recovery" loop since the release of iOS 10 till iOS 14.

iOS updates give your iPhone a fresh lease on life. However, the truth is that every Apple update, including this one, brings with it some sort of bug or new problem. The "Attempting data recovery" loop not only delays the update but also wipes some or all of their data off on iPhone.

What does attempting data recovery mean on iPhone?

The “attempting data recovery” is related to an update bug that occurs frequently while running iOS versions 10.0.1 to 12 and updating new iOS versions, like iOS 14 via iTunes. When users attempt to update their iOS devices to the latest version, the “attempting data recovery” would appear.

Generally, the attempting data recovery will finish automatically and your iPhone boots normally. Apple Company has not explained why this mistake occurs in some circumstances. However, it is certainly related to the upgrade.

In some circumstances, the attempt occurs for unknown reasons. You need to be patient when you see this message. There are straightforward solutions to this mistake. Otherwise, there is a risk that you will face losing important media files, contacts, or backup of your iPhone. Many users have reported that they restarted their iPhone, but the photos had vanished from their camera roll following an upgrade.

Possible reasons for attempting data recovery

The attempting data recovery failed problem commonly arises with iOS updated with iTunes. The “attempting data recovery” stage takes a long time to load and is frequently the operation "press home button to restore".

Users unplug their iPhones from their PCs or Macs during iOS update.

Downgrade iOS from iOS 14 to iOS 13 or below.

iOS updates after a jailbreak.

How to fix iPhone stuck at attempting data recovery

Here are three methods to fix the “attempting data recovery” loop. You could follow the detailed steps below.

Method 1: Force restart your iPhone

Forcing a restart is one of the most effective methods for resolving all types of iPhone problems. If using the home button to recover does not work, a force restart is likely to do the trick.

A force restart of your iPhone differs from a normal restart. When your iPhone isn't working properly, you need to reboot it forcibly. In Recovery Mode or Restore Mode, iPhone is either frozen, stuck at the Apple logo or another screen. It turns off the iPhone and then turns it back on. Because each iPhone model has its own set of procedures, make sure to follow them all.

For iPhone X/XS/XR/11/12/8/8plus/SE 2:

Step 1: Press and fast release the Volume Up button.

Step 2: Press and fast release the Volume Down button.

Step 3: Press and hold the Side button (Power) until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 7/7 plus:

Press the Volume Down button and Sleep/Wake button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears and then release the two buttons.

For iphone 6/6s/SE 1:

Press the Sleep/Wake button and Home button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears and then release the two buttons.

Method 2: Put iPhone to Recovery Mode manually

If you still can't fix the attempting data recovery loop by force restart, you could try to put your iPhone to Recovery Mode manually. Recovery Mode works if iOS updates fail. Using this method, the data in iPhone would be deleted completely. You could recover iPhone data with iTunes or iCloud backup after your iPhone is reset. Follow the detailed steps below to put your iPhone in Recovery Mode.

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to the computer.

Step 2: Force restart your iPhone (See method 1), but don't release the buttons when you see the Apple logo, wait until the “Connect to iTunes” screen appears.

Step 3: Then open iTunes. There will be a pop-up message to note your iPhone should be updated or restored. Select “Update”.

Step 4: After the update completes, you need to set up your iPhone.

How to recover iPhone data after fixed attempting data recovery issue?

Although Recovery Mode resolves the iPhone's "attempting data recovery" issue, it also erases all data from the device. You could restore data from an iTunes backup or an iCloud backup to your iPhone. There are three data recovery methods for you to select to restore iPhone data.

If your iTunes/iCloud backups are unable to restore your iPhone, or you discover that some part of your data is still missing after restoring the device, data recovery software would be a nice choice for you.

Recover iPhone data from iTunes backup

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to the computer and open iTunes.

Step 2: Select “Restore Backup” to recover iPhone data.

Recover iPhone data from iCloud

After you put your iPhone to Recovery Mode and reset your iPhone, you could choose “restore from iCloud backup”, then wait for the recovery process completes.

iPhone Data recovery software

You could use some iPhone data recovery software to recover iPhone data from iTunes or iCloud backup. It differs from recovering all data from iTunes or iCloud, you could selectively recover data from iTunes or iCloud backups. You could think of this software as an iPhone backup extractor. Here we take Wondershare Dr. Fone as an example.

Step 1: Launch Dr.Fone on your PC

Step 2: Select “Recover from iTunes/iCloud Backup Files”

Step 3: After scanning completes, you could preview and selectively recover any data you want.

Wrap it up

The iPhone ‘attempting data recovery' loop is a common issue encountered after attempting to upgrade to iOS 10, 10.1, 11, 12, 13,14, and later. The ‘attempting data recovery' loop is frequently resolved by forcing the device to restart. If this doesn't work, try restarting your iPhone in Recovery Mode. Data can be restored using iTunes or iCloud backup files for iPhone. If you want to selectively recover data, you could choose an iPhone data recovery tool.

Hopefully, you could know how to fix attempting data recovery loop on iPhone 12/11/XS/X/8 plus/8/7 plus/7/6s/6 when iOS updates failed after reading this post. More importantly, regular backing up of vital data is the best way to avoid data loss. You could use iTunes or iCloud for backup. Alternatively, FoneTool is freeware for iOS devices backup easily and quickly.