Chosen Solution

Hello.  I have an iPhone 7 that’s stuck in recovery mode (connect to iTunes screen / support.apple.com).  Happened during an update to 12.4 and backup didn’t happen for some reason.  Every time I try to update to 12.4 I keep getting unknown error 14 every time the update status bar reaches the 1/2 mark.  I also noticed the iPhone resets during the update process - (aka the screen goes black, then the connect to iTunes screen comes on and iTunes says I need to update or restore).  Basically I don’t care about the phone I just want to get the photos and videos off of it.  If I have to rip this thing apart to get those photos and videos lets do it!  I have an ’extra’ iPhone 7 I can use a parts or to transfer part from the bricked iPhone into as well. Things I have tried:

  • Updating from iTunes (phone resets / fails at 1/2 mark / Error 14)
  • Hard resetting the phone and putting into DFU mode (this does nothing)
  • Taking to a data recovery place  (they say this is a hardware issue)
  • Taking it to Apple (they did nothing I didn’t do) Questions:
  • Is this really a hardware issue?  My thoughts on a hardware issue is the part HAS to be replaced in order to fix the problem.  EVERYONE I talked to (data recovery shops and Apple) who saying this is a hardware issue says I have to restore the phone (aka erase everything) and phone will work again.  I find it strange that erasing my stored data will fix my hardware issue…
  • If this is a hardware issue, can a faulty battery really be preventing an update from installing?  I’m looking at this since the iPhone does reset occasionally but at the same time this doesn’t happen when the error 14 occurs.
  • Was wondering if it makes sense to people here to switch the logic board from the bricked iPhone to another iPhone?  Any thoughts on that working?
  • Any suggestions as to what I should do?  I’ll try anything (that I’m capable of).  I use a PC not a Mac.  I’m willing to risk destroying one of both iPhones to get at that data.

An hardware issue can’t be fixed by software. Hardware can prevent software from working correctly instead and this may be the case. Error 14 may come from communication issues and here’s what to check, according to Apple troubleshooting steps. Use the USB cable that came with your device. If you don’t have it, try a different Apple USB cable or a MFi certified cable.Switch to a different USB port on your computer. Don’t plug into your keyboard.Switch to a USB port on a different computer.If you still see the error, check for other USB issues, check your third-party security software, then check your hardware. If none of these help, check that your lightning port is clean, without any dirt or lint. Next step would be to replace the lightning dock or, since you have another iPhone, put the logic board into the other housing, leave home button and front cam flex cables disconnected, they are not strictly needed for restoring and may have some glitch you want to minimize. Unfortunately there’s nothing else you can move or switch on your own, if you want to get data back you’ll have to revert to a Pro who can do further troubleshooting and put the iPhone back in fully working condition. If it wasn’t for data a full wipe might be attempted to rule out software issues but that’s out of question here at this stage.