Struggling with your iPhone showing “Press home to upgrade” while the home button is broken? You can fix this issue and complete the upgrade even if the home button isn’t working. Many users face this issue, but there are simple steps that can help.
Connecting your phone to a computer is a common solution. Use the Volume and Power buttons to put the phone into Recovery Mode. Alternatively, some software tools can help fix the problem by guiding you through the process step-by-step.
Making a trip to an Apple Store is another option. They can help repair the home button or suggest other ways to fix the issue. This ensures your phone returns to its fully functional state quickly.
“Press Home to Upgrade” with a Broken Home Button: Solutions
The Problem: A Broken Home Button
Many apps and devices, especially older iPhones and iPads, rely on the Home button for various functions, including upgrades. If your Home button is broken, you might encounter messages like “Press Home to Upgrade,” which can prevent you from proceeding. This article provides solutions to bypass this issue.
Software Solutions (If Possible)
If your device is still somewhat functional, you might be able to use software workarounds:
- AssistiveTouch: This accessibility feature creates a virtual Home button on the screen.
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch.
- Turn on AssistiveTouch. A gray circle will appear on the screen. This is your virtual Home button.
- Tap the AssistiveTouch button, then tap “Home” to simulate a Home button press.
- Voice Control (Siri): If Siri is enabled, you can try using voice commands. Say “Hey Siri, go home” to simulate a Home button press. This may not work for all upgrade prompts.
Hardware Solutions (If Software Doesn’t Work)
If the software solutions don’t work, you might need a hardware repair or workaround:
- Professional Repair: The most reliable solution is to have the Home button professionally repaired. This is the best option if you plan to keep using the device long-term.
- External Home Button Adapters (Less Common): There were some external Home button adapters available for older devices. These plugged into the charging port. They provided a physical button. These are less common now and may not work with newer operating systems.
Upgrading Through iTunes/Finder (For iOS Devices)
You can often bypass the “Press Home to Upgrade” prompt by upgrading through iTunes (on older macOS versions or Windows) or Finder (on newer macOS versions):
- Connect your device to your computer with a USB cable.
- Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina or later).
- Select your device.
- Click “Summary” (in iTunes) or “General” (in Finder).
- Click “Check for Update.”
- If an update is available, click “Download and Update.”
DFU Mode Restore (Advanced, Use With Caution)
If other methods fail, you can try a DFU (Device Firmware Update) restore. This is a more advanced procedure. It can erase all data on your device. Back up your data if possible before attempting this. Search online for specific instructions for your device model, as the DFU mode process varies.
When to Consider a New Device
If your device is very old, repairing the Home button might not be cost-effective. It might be time to consider upgrading to a newer device. This is especially true if other hardware issues exist.
Other Accessibility Features on iOS
Besides AssistiveTouch, iOS offers many other accessibility features that can make using your device easier. These include VoiceOver (screen reader), Zoom (magnifier), and Switch Control (for using external switches). You can find these features in Settings > Accessibility.
Key Takeaways
- Fix the issue even with a broken home button using a computer
- Use software tools for step-by-step guidance
- Visit an Apple Store for professional help
Understanding Recovery and Update Processes
To deal with the “Press home to upgrade” issue when the home button is broken, users need to understand both the recovery process and update procedures. These methods ensure the iPhone is restored or updated properly.
Initiating Recovery Mode
Recovery Mode can help when the iPhone is stuck and the home button is not working.
To start, press and release the Volume Up button, then press and release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Power button until you see the Apple logo and then the Recovery Mode screen. Connect your iPhone to a computer using a USB cable. Open iTunes on the computer. A prompt will appear, offering options to update or restore the iPhone.
Recovery Mode ensures that the device can be controlled via the computer, bypassing the broken home button issue.
Update and Restore Procedures
Updating the iPhone ensures it has the latest iOS version. Open iTunes and make sure it is updated to the latest version. Connect the iPhone to the computer with a USB cable.
In iTunes, select your iPhone. You will see options to update or restore. To update the iOS, click the Update button. This process installs the latest software without deleting any data.
For restoring, which resets the iPhone to factory settings, click Restore. This is useful if the software has serious issues or if the update fails.
Both methods help fix issues related to the “Press home to upgrade” screen even when the home button is broken.
Troubleshooting and Repair Options
When faced with an unresponsive or broken home button on your iPhone during an upgrade, there are various methods to restore functionality. These include using accessibility features and seeking professional repair services.
Dealing With an Unresponsive Home Button
If the home button on your iPhone is unresponsive, using built-in iOS features might help. Assistive Touch is a great tool in this situation. It creates a virtual home button on the screen that can be used instead of the physical one. Turn it on by going to Settings > Accessibility > Assistive Touch.
Another method is to use Recovery Mode. Connect your iPhone to a computer. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button. Hold the Side button until the Recovery Mode screen appears. This might help fix the phone if it’s stuck.
Alternative Access Methods
If accessibility settings don’t work, consider other ways to gain access to your iPhone. On some models like iPhone 8, using Touch ID can be a temporary solution. If your iPhone is stuck in the upgrade screen, you might need to try more advanced methods.
Options like connecting to iTunes or using third-party tools can work. If the phone is stuck in Recovery Mode, restoring via iTunes is helpful. If these methods fail, consider professional repair services. An Apple Authorized Service Provider can replace the home button or fix other issues. They ensure the phone functions properly without voiding the warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about dealing with the ‘Press Home to Upgrade’ screen when your Home button is broken on an iPhone or iPad.
How can I bypass the ‘Press Home to Upgrade’ screen if my Home button is not functioning?
You can use AssistiveTouch. Turn on AssistiveTouch in your device settings. This feature creates a virtual Home button on your screen that you can use to complete the upgrade.
Is there an alternative way to upgrade an iPhone 7 without using the Home button?
Yes, you can connect your iPhone to a computer. Use Finder or iTunes to upgrade. Follow the prompts on your computer screen to update the software.
What steps should I follow if I forgot my passcode and my iPad is asking to press home to upgrade?
First, put your iPad in Recovery Mode. Connect it to a computer. Open Finder or iTunes and select your device. Choose to restore the iPad. This will erase the device, so make sure you have a backup.
My iPhone is stuck on ‘Press Home to Upgrade’ screen, how can I resolve this?
Try using a computer. Connect your iPhone and open Finder or iTunes. Follow the instructions to either update or restore your iPhone from there.
Can iOS 14 be upgraded without the Home button, and if so, how?
Yes, use AssistiveTouch. Enable this in Accessibility settings. It provides a virtual Home button that you can use to complete the upgrade process.
What to do if the ‘Press Home to Upgrade’ prompt persists and the passcode input is not working?
Restart your device. If the problem continues, use Recovery Mode. Connect the device to a computer and follow the steps in Finder or iTunes to either update or restore it. Ensure your software is up to date for fewer issues.
