FoneTool Repair Help Documents

Q: Why FoneTool Repair fails to recognize iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch correctly?

A: Please follow the steps below to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

1. Disconnect and reconnect your iOS device to the computer using the USB cable.

2. Make sure the USB cable is not damaged. If possible, try using another Apple-certified original cable for the connection.

3. Ensure that the USB port on your computer is functioning properly. Try connecting the device to another USB port.

4. If your iOS device is locked, please keep the screen unlocked during the connection and operation process.

5. After connecting your iOS device to the computer, make sure the necessary drivers are properly installed and enabled.

To check the driver status, go to: This PC → Manage → Device Manager → Universal Serial Bus controllers, look for the following drivers: Apple Mobile Device USB Composite Device Apple Mobile Device USB Device If the drivers are missing, disabled, or malfunctioning, try updating or reinstalling them manually.

6. If the drivers appear to be normal but the software still cannot detect your iOS device, use the “Repair Driver” option in the software menu to check and fix possible driver issues automatically.

7. If your iOS device and drivers are functioning properly but the software still fails to recognize the device, it might be blocked by antivirus or security software. Please ensure the software is not being restricted, or add it to the white list in your security or antivirus software and try again.

Q: What are Recovery Mode and DFU Mode?

A: The Recovery Mode and DFU Mode are special interactive modes that iOS devices can enter when performing system upgrades or downgrades.

If your iOS device is just lagging, apps are crashing, or you encounter minor issues during system update or restore, try Recovery Mode first.

If your iOS device is completely bricked (e.g., won’t turn on, keeps rebooting, or isn’t recognized even in Recovery Mode), then you’ll need to use DFU Mode for a deeper repair.

How to Enter Recovery/DFU Mode, please refer to here.

Q: What is iOS system firmware?

A: IOS system firmware, in simple terms, refers to the "operating system" of iOS devices such as iPhone and iPad. The firmware usually exists in. ipsw format, and users can download the corresponding version of the firmware for system installation.

Q: After performing a factory reset (including Deep Mode Repair, iOS Downgrade, Advanced Reset, etc.), the phone displays “Device is locked. Enter your Apple ID and password to activate” on the setup wizard screen?

A: If the phone was logged into an Apple ID and had Find My iPhone enabled before the factory reset, it will require entering that specific Apple ID and password for activation before use.

Q: After restoring the device using data erasure (Deep Repair, iOS Downgrade, Advanced Reset, etc.), the setup screen says "This device is locked. Enter the Apple ID and password to activate."

A: If your iPhone was signed in to an Apple ID and enabled the "Find My iPhone"before, the device will require you to enter the same Apple ID and password to activate it after the data-erasing restore. This is an Apple security measure (Activation Lock) to prevent unauthorized use of the device.

Even after data erasure, the Activation Lock remains tied to the Apple ID. It cannot be bypassed or removed without entering the correct Apple ID credentials or disabling Find My iPhone from the associated account.

Q: After using the “Exit Recovery Mode” feature, the device automatically re-enters Recovery Mode.

A: This may happen if the iOS system is corrupted or incomplete. Try using the System Repair feature in the FoneTool Repair to fix system-related issues and restore normal functionality.

Q: What should you do if the iOS device shows: "Attempting data recovery"?

A: If you see this screen, it means the device encountered a problem during an iOS update (either upgrading to a newer version or downgrading to an older one).

In many cases, waiting for about 30–60 minutes allows the process to complete successfully.