iPad Air 5 (M1) stuck in recovery mode, can’t enter DFU

Troubleshooting a Stuck iPad Air 5 (M1) in Recovery Mode: Effective Solutions and Best Practices

Introduction

Apple devices, renowned for their seamless user experience, can sometimes encounter technical issues that require advanced troubleshooting. One common challenge faced by iPad users is a device becoming stuck in recovery mode, especially during update or restoration procedures. In this article, we examine the specific case of an iPad Air 5 (M1) exhibiting such symptoms and explore effective methods to resolve these issues, including entering DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode for comprehensive recovery.

Understanding the Issue

The problem in question involves an iPad Air 5 (M1) that was powered off and, upon attempted restart, entered a loop displaying only the Apple logo. Connecting the device to a charger triggered a prompt to connect to a PC for recovery, indicating that the device recognized a need for software restoration. Attempts to update or restore the device via iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later) did not resolve the issue, leaving the iPad stuck in recovery mode. Furthermore, efforts to manually enter DFU mode—a deeper restoration mode designed for low-level repairs—also failed.

Potential Causes

Several factors can contribute to such issues:

• Software corruption during the update or restore process
• Hardware glitches or connectivity problems
• Incompatibility or issues with existing device drivers
• Bootloader or firmware corruption

Standard Troubleshooting Steps

Before considering advanced recovery options, ensure the following:

1. Update the Software Environment
2. Use the latest version of iTunes (Windows/macOS) or ensure your macOS is current.

3. Update your device drivers if you are on Windows.

4. Check Physical Connections

5. Use a high-quality, certified Lightning or USB-C cable.

6. Connect directly to a reliable USB port on your computer.

7. Retry Connection and Restoration

8. Disconnect and reconnect the device.
9. Attempt to update or restore via iTunes/Finder multiple times.

Advanced Recovery: Entering DFU Mode

DFU mode allows for a more comprehensive restoration of the device’s firmware. However, success depends on precise execution:

Steps to Enter DFU Mode on an iPad Air 5 (M1):

1. Connect your iPad to your computer via a compatible cable.
2. Put the device into DFU mode:
3. Press and release the