Apple's iOS 27 recovery screen offers iPhone and iPad users a better first step when a device won't start, especially without a computer nearby. The iPadOS 27 public betas add a recovery screen with troubleshooting tools directly on the device. Before iOS 27, users needed a computer for Recovery Mode.

The screen includes Recovery Assistant, Software Update, Diagnostics Mode, Recovery Mode, Erase All Content and Settings, and Nearby Device Recovery. Start with Recovery Assistant for unexplained startup failures—it downloads a software package to resolve issues without a Mac or PC. Software Update repairs damaged installations after failed updates. Diagnostics Mode identifies hardware vs software problems.

Nearby Device Recovery works on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 lineup, iPhone 16e, iPhone 17 lineup, iPhone Air, and select iPads. Connect the malfunctioning device to power near an unlocked iPhone/iPad running iOS 18+. The assisting device shares its Wi-Fi connection. Computer-based recovery remains the fallback when on-device tools fail. Erase All Content and Settings is the final option.

To open the screen: turn off device, wait 30 seconds, hold Side/Top button past Apple logo until "Loading recovery options" appears. The screen shows battery level and can reconnect to known Wi-Fi. Tap power control to exit without erasing data. As of July 20, the feature is in prerelease software; testers should have current backups.