[Fixed] Attempting data recovery after iOS 15 update

Just after updating my iPhone to the newest version of iOS 15, I saw a screen that said press home to recover. When I did this, the iPhone rebooted in the middle of the recovery procedure, returning me to the same screen “Attempting data recovery”. This is going on and on, and my iPhone was stuck in a loop. Is there any way to fix it?

Many iPhone and iPad users attempted to update their iOS devices to the latest operating system. However, several of them came across the error that iPhones and iPads were attempting data recovery. Even worse, a handful of them failed to finish this update process, resulting in data loss on their iPhone after iOS update.

How to fix “attempting data recovery” after iOS 15 update?

The iPhone attempting data recovery meaning is a system fault that causes the device to become stuck in a loop and prevents users from accessing it. When an external cause disrupts the iOS installation process, the error is generally triggered.

If your iPhone is stuck at the Apple logo and "attempting data recovery" screen, you could try the following methods to fix the attempting data recovery issue.

Method 1: Force restart of the iPhone

A force restart is one of the most effective methods to solve kinds of different iPhone problems. A force restart of your iPhone differs from a normal restart. If using the home button to recover does not work, a force restart which turns off the iPhone and then turns it back is likely to take effect.

If the iPhone is stuck at the white Apple logo screen or doesn't know what to do after receiving the "attempting data recovery" message, a simple force restart can help you overcome the problem and get access to your device. So, before you do anything else, be sure you forcibly restart your device and check if it resolves the issue. Follow the detailed steps for force restart to different iPhone models.

If you are using 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.

iPhone 7/7 plus:

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

iPhone 6/6s/SE 1:

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

Method 2: Fix “iPhone attempting data recovery” by iTunes

You can also use iTunes to fix the "iPhone attempting data recovery" loop if you still can’t fix the issue by force restart. You need to put your iPhone to Recovery Mode manually.

However, if you use iTunes to restore your iPhone, it’s probably to lose all of the important data on your iPhone, especially if you don't have any backups. If you have, you could recover iPhone data with iTunes or iCloud backup after your iPhone is reset.

Follow the detailed steps below to fix the “iPhone attempting data recovery” issue with iTunes.

Step 1: Force restart your iPhone by the steps above, but don't release the buttons when you see the Apple logo, wait until the “Connect to iTunes” screen appears.

Step 2: Launch the latest iTunes and connect iPhone with the computer. There will be a pop-up message to note your iPhone should be updated or restored. Select “Update”.

Step 3: If the update doesn’t work, you need to click “Restore” to reset your iPhone, which will erase all the data on the iPhone. Wait for the update or restore process to complete, you need to set up your iPhone.

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

As previously said, data loss is a common issue when users want to fix the iPhone “attempting data recovery” error. Though putting iPhone to Recovery Mode could fix the issue, all of the iPhone data would be erased from the iOS device. You could recover iPhone data and settings if you have an iTunes or iCloud backup.

If your iTunes/iCloud backups are unable to restore your iPhone, iPhone data recovery software would be a good solution for you.

Recover lost iPhone data from iTunes backup

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to the computer and launch iTunes.

Step 2. Select “Restore Backup” to under Backups.

Step 3. Choose the latest backup from the backup list and click “Restore”. And then wait for the restore process to finish.

Recover lost iPhone data from iCloud backup

After fixing the “attempting data recovery” issue when you put your iPhone to Recovery Mode, you could choose “restore from iCloud backup” when resetting your iPhone. You need to sign in to your Apple ID to get access to your iCloud backups and then choose a backup.

Bottom line

Though iOS 15 updates have begun to appear, it's important to note that the operating system isn't yet entirely stable. This is most likely why many iOS devices are stuck in the "iPhone attempting data recovery" loop while installing the most recent software upgrades.  

Hopefully, you could fix the “attempting data recovery” issue with the methods listed and recover iPhone lost data from iTunes or iCloud backups. If you don't want to lose any data, making a regular backup could be the best way. FoneTool freeware could help you selectively back up vital iPhone data with a fast speed.