iOS USB Restricted Mode

iOS USB Restricted Mode

As of iOS 11.4.1, Apple has introduced USB Restricted Mode, which disables data access to the USB port on the device after an hour, if a passcode has been added to the device.

What is USB Restricted Mode?

USB Restricted Mode is a Data Protection feature only - it is not meant as a theft deterrent, or a replacement for features such as Find My iPhone - it is designed only to prevent unauthorized access of data on a locked device.

USB Restricted Mode can be bypassed by putting the phone in Recovery Mode and re-flashing the device by connecting it to a Lean One Touch workstation configured to re-flash iOS devices- this will destroy the data on the device and restore it to a like-new state, ready for activation.

Recovery Mode

In order to re-flash the device, we must first put the device into Recovery Mode, which will allow USB connections again for the purpose of downloading and upgrading  device firmware. The instructions on how to do this will vary depending on which model of device you are working with, and are as follows:



iPad, iPhone 6s and below, iPhone SE and iPod touch

1.    Connect the device to a computer using a USB cable.

2. Press and hold both the Home and the Top (or Side) buttons at the same time. Keep holding them until you see the connect to iTunes screen.


iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus

1.    Connect the device to a computer using a USB cable.
2.    Press and hold the Side and Volume Down buttons at the same time. Keep holding them until you see connect to iTunes screen.


iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X

1.    Connect the device to a computer using a USB cable.
2.   Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Then, press and hold the Side button until you see the connect to iTunes screen.

You can find more information on Recovery Mode at The iPhone Wiki (External Link) here: https://www.theiphonewiki.com/wiki/Recovery_Mode

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