Been in that loop before—total nightmare! You’ve got a couple of solid suggestions here, but let me throw in my two cents. Sometimes the simple stuff works, but our friendly neighborhood iPhones can be quite stubborn.
First off, one thing not mentioned that’s worth a try is battery draining. Let the device run out of juice completely, then charge it back up and see if it gets past the loop. Sounds basic, but sometimes a total power cycle initiates a fresh start when it’s recharged.
Reinstall iOS Using IPSW File: If the recovery and DFU modes are still giving you grief, try using an IPSW file to manually reinstall iOS. Go to ipsw.me, pick your device and the latest iOS version, then follow the steps listed there. Plug your phone into your computer, open iTunes (or Finder on macOS), and press “option” while clicking “Check for Update”. It’ll let you select the downloaded IPSW file. This can sometimes bypass bugs that typical recovery won’t fix.
Third-Party Repair Programs: @techchizkid mentioned data recovery—good call. I’ll add on to that: you might not need to focus solely on data recovery software. Consider repair tools like ReiBoot or Fixppo. These are designed to tackle various iOS glitches, including stubborn recovery loops. Sometimes they work miracles and sidestep full restores.
Check for Hardware Issues: Occasionally, a persistent recovery loop might hint at a hardware problem. Water damage or a faulty internal component can cause weird boot issues. If you’ve dropped your phone recently or exposed it to anything wet, head to a local repair shop to get it checked.
As for Disk Drill? Yep, it rocks for recovering lost data after a screw-up. If you go this route, download it from the official site to avoid sketchy versions: Disk Drill Data Recovery Software. If you decide to give it a whirl, the interface is pretty user-friendly and effective though not free. You can preview recovered files before you pay, which is a nice touch.
Factory Reset as a Last Resort: And yeah, if nothing works, the dreaded factory reset might be your only option. Be mentally prepared—you’ll lose data if it’s not backed up, but it’s a surefire way to regain a fully functional device. Go through settings if you can access them or use iTunes/Finder.
Preventive Measures for the Future: Everyone’s been harping on backups for a reason. Look into automatic iCloud backups, and for extra security, periodically do a manual backup to your computer. Better safe than sorry, right? Plus, using tools like iMazing can make the backup process easier and more flexible.
All fixes aside, there’s something incredibly frustrating about a premium device hiccuping during a mere update. Apple could definitely improve on that front. Sometimes these issues occur outta nowhere, and what’s more annoying is when standard troubleshooting just doesn’t make the cut.
Hope this helps throw some extra options your way. I know the struggle is real. May the tech gods be on your side!