How to Turn Off Safe Mode on iPhone - Complete Fix Guide (iOS 18, 2025)
Is your iPhone stuck in Safe Mode? This restricted state disables third-party apps and tweaks, making your iPhone frustrating to use. Safe Mode typically appears after jailbreaking issues, but can also occur on non-jailbroken iPhones due to software glitches.
This complete guide shows you how to turn off Safe Mode on iPhone with 7 proven methods, understand what causes it, and prevent it from happening again.
Quick Answer: How to Turn Off Safe Mode
For most users (fastest method):
- Force restart your iPhone
- Safe Mode usually exits after restart
For jailbroken iPhones:
- Open Cydia or package manager
- Uninstall the recently installed tweak/package
- Respring or restart iPhone
Still stuck? Try updating iOS, resetting settings, or restoring iPhone (methods below).
Let's dive into what Safe Mode is and how to exit it permanently.
What Is Safe Mode on iPhone?
Safe Mode is a diagnostic state that disables customizations and third-party modifications to help you troubleshoot problems.
How Safe Mode Works
When iPhone enters Safe Mode:
- ✅ Core iOS features work - Phone, Messages, Safari, Settings
- ✅ Built-in Apple apps function normally
- ❌ Third-party apps disabled or restricted
- ❌ Jailbreak tweaks disabled (if jailbroken)
- ❌ Custom themes/modifications inactive
- ❌ App Store downloads may fail
Visual indicators:
- "Safe Mode" text in status bar (jailbroken devices)
- Some apps crash on launch
- Home screen returns to default layout
- Widgets may disappear
What Causes Safe Mode on iPhone?
For jailbroken iPhones:
- Incompatible jailbreak tweak installed
- Conflicting modifications
- Corrupt package installation
- Failed jailbreak process
- System file modification error
For non-jailbroken iPhones:
- iOS software bug or glitch
- Failed iOS update
- Corrupt system cache
- App crashing repeatedly (triggers Safe Mode protection)
- Beta iOS version instability
- Storage critically low (less than 1 GB free)
Note: True "Safe Mode" primarily affects jailbroken devices. Non-jailbroken iPhones experiencing similar symptoms usually have a software glitch, not actual Safe Mode.
Method 1: Force Restart iPhone
Success rate: 80% - Fixes most temporary Safe Mode triggers.
Force restarting clears RAM and reloads iOS without Safe Mode restrictions.
iPhone 8 and Newer (Including iPhone 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, XS, XR, X)
- Press Volume Up button, release quickly
- Press Volume Down button, release quickly
- Press and hold Side button
- Keep holding through Apple logo (10-15 seconds)
- Release when Apple logo appears
- Wait for iPhone to restart
Safe Mode should be gone after restart completes.
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
- Press and hold Volume Down + Side button together
- Keep holding both buttons
- Wait for Apple logo (10-15 seconds)
- Release when logo appears
- Wait for restart to complete
iPhone 6s and Older
- Press and hold Home + Top (or Side) button together
- Keep holding both buttons
- Wait for Apple logo (10-15 seconds)
- Release when logo appears
- Wait for restart to complete
After Force Restart
Check if Safe Mode is gone:
- Open a third-party app (Instagram, TikTok, any non-Apple app)
- If app works normally → Safe Mode exited ✅
- If app crashes or won't open → Try next methods
Why this works: Force restart clears temporary software conflicts without changing settings or data.
Method 2: Remove Recent Jailbreak Tweaks (Jailbroken iPhones)
For jailbroken devices only - removes the problematic modification.
Identify the Problem Tweak
Safe Mode usually appears after:
- Installing new jailbreak tweak
- Updating existing tweak
- Installing incompatible package
- Modifying system files
Remember what you installed/changed in the last 24-48 hours before Safe Mode started.
Uninstall via Cydia/Sileo/Zebra
- Open Cydia (or your package manager)
- Tap Installed tab
- Find the recently installed tweak (sort by Recent)
- Tap the tweak name
- Tap Modify (top right)
- Tap Remove
- Confirm removal
- Tap Return to Cydia when done
- Respring device (or force restart)
Safe Mode should exit if that tweak was the cause.
Uninstall Multiple Tweaks
If you installed several tweaks:
- Remove them one-by-one (newest first)
- Respring after each removal
- Check if Safe Mode exits
- When Safe Mode exits, you've found the problematic tweak
Don't reinstall that tweak - it's incompatible with your iOS version or conflicts with another package.
Use iCleaner Pro to Disable Tweaks (Advanced)
Test which tweak causes Safe Mode without uninstalling:
- Open iCleaner Pro
- Tap + icon (bottom left)
- Tap Cydia Substrate Addons
- Disable all tweaks (toggle all OFF)
- Tap Apply (top right)
- Respring device
- Safe Mode should exit
- Re-enable tweaks one-by-one to find the culprit
- When Safe Mode returns, the last enabled tweak is the problem
Permanently remove the problematic tweak via Cydia.
Method 3: Update iOS to Latest Version
Success rate: 70% - Fixes software bugs causing Safe Mode on non-jailbroken iPhones.
Apple frequently releases updates that fix iOS bugs and glitches.
Check for iOS Update
- Settings → General → Software Update
- Wait for check to complete
- If update available, tap Download and Install
- Enter passcode if prompted
- Tap Agree to Terms
- Wait for download (5-15 minutes on WiFi)
- Tap Install Now
- iPhone restarts and installs update (10-30 minutes)
Safe Mode should be resolved after update completes.
Update via iTunes/Finder (Mac/PC)
If iPhone won't update wirelessly:
- Connect iPhone to computer with cable
- Open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows)
- Select your iPhone
- Click Check for Update
- Click Download and Update
- Follow prompts to complete update
Important notes:
- Backup iPhone before updating (Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now)
- Updating removes jailbreak (if jailbroken)
- Requires stable internet connection
- iPhone must have 50%+ battery or be plugged in
Method 4: Reset All Settings
Success rate: 65% - Clears corrupted settings without deleting data.
This method resets settings only - your photos, apps, messages, and data remain intact.
What Gets Reset
Resets to defaults:
- WiFi networks and passwords (you'll need to reconnect)
- Bluetooth pairings (re-pair devices)
- Display settings (brightness, wallpaper, text size)
- Privacy settings (location, notifications)
- Keyboard dictionary
- Home screen layout
- Network settings
Keeps your data:
- ✅ Photos, videos
- ✅ Messages, contacts
- ✅ Apps and app data
- ✅ Music, files
How to Reset All Settings
- Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap Reset
- Tap Reset All Settings
- Enter passcode if prompted
- Tap Reset All Settings to confirm
- Wait for iPhone to restart (2-5 minutes)
After restart:
- Safe Mode should be gone
- Reconnect to WiFi
- Reconfigure settings preferences
Why this works: Corrupted settings files can trigger Safe Mode-like behavior. Resetting clears these corrupted preferences.
Method 5: Restore iPhone via iTunes/Finder (Without Data Loss)
Success rate: 85% - Re-installs iOS while preserving data.
This method reinstalls the iOS operating system without erasing your personal data.
Before You Start
- Backup iPhone first (critical!)
- Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now
- Or backup to computer via iTunes/Finder
- Update iTunes/Finder to latest version
- Have good internet connection (downloads 5-8 GB)
Restore via Computer
On Mac (macOS Catalina 10.15 or later):
- Connect iPhone to Mac with cable
- Open Finder
- Select iPhone from sidebar
- Click Restore iPhone
- Click Restore to confirm
- Wait for download and restore (30-60 minutes)
- Set up iPhone when prompted
On Mac (macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier) or Windows:
- Connect iPhone to computer
- Open iTunes
- Click iPhone icon (top left)
- Click Restore iPhone
- Click Restore to confirm
- Wait for process to complete
Safe Mode will be gone - fresh iOS installation removes software glitches.
Restore as New vs Restore from Backup
After restore completes:
Option 1: Set up as new iPhone
- Starts completely fresh (no apps, settings, data)
- Guarantees Safe Mode won't return
- Requires manual app reinstall and setup
- Use if recurring Safe Mode problem
Option 2: Restore from backup
- Brings back all apps, settings, data
- Faster setup (automatic)
- Safe Mode likely won't return (iOS reinstalled)
- If Safe Mode returns → problematic app/data in backup
Recommendation: Restore from backup first. If Safe Mode returns, restore as new iPhone.
Method 6: Delete Recently Installed Apps
Success rate: 50% - Removes app causing repeated crashes (triggers Safe Mode on non-jailbroken iPhones).
Identify Problem Apps
Safe Mode often triggered by:
- App crashing repeatedly
- Incompatible app after iOS update
- Beta app with bugs
- App conflicting with system
Think about:
- What apps did you install in past 24-48 hours?
- Which apps crash frequently?
- Any apps from unknown developers?
Delete Suspicious Apps
- Long-press the app icon
- Tap Remove App
- Tap Delete App
- Tap Delete to confirm
- Restart iPhone
Check if Safe Mode exits after restarting.
Check Crash Logs (Advanced)
See which apps are crashing:
- Settings → Privacy & Security → Analytics & Improvements
- Tap Analytics Data
- Look for repeated app names (appears multiple times)
- These apps are crashing frequently
- Delete problematic apps
Re-download apps one-by-one after Safe Mode exits to identify the culprit.
Method 7: Factory Reset iPhone (Last Resort)
Success rate: 99% - Completely erases and reinstalls iOS.
⚠️ Warning: This erases EVERYTHING on your iPhone. Only use as last resort.
Before Factory Reset
Critical steps:
- Backup to iCloud - Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now
- Backup to computer - Connect to iTunes/Finder and backup
- Export important photos/videos to computer or cloud
- Note app passwords (you'll need to log in again)
- Turn off Find My iPhone - Settings → Apple ID → Find My → Find My iPhone → OFF
Erase iPhone
- Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings
- Tap Continue
- Enter Apple ID password if prompted
- Tap Erase iPhone
- Tap Erase iPhone again to confirm
- Wait for erasure (5-10 minutes)
- iPhone restarts to setup screen
Set Up iPhone
After erasure completes:
Option 1: Set up as new (recommended for persistent Safe Mode)
- Manually reinstall apps
- Manually configure settings
- Guarantees fresh start without bugs
Option 2: Restore from backup
- Quick setup with all data restored
- If Safe Mode returns → backup contains the problem
If Safe Mode returns after restore:
- Erase again
- Set up as new iPhone (don't restore backup)
- This confirms backup contains corrupted data
How to Prevent Safe Mode on iPhone
For Jailbroken iPhones
-
Only install trusted tweaks
- Use reputable repositories (BigBoss, ModMyi, ZodTTD)
- Avoid pirated tweaks (security risk, bugs)
- Read user reviews before installing
-
Check tweak compatibility
- Verify tweak supports your iOS version
- Check developer notes for conflicts
- Install one tweak at a time (easier to identify problems)
-
Keep packages updated
- Regularly update Cydia/Sileo
- Update installed tweaks (bug fixes)
- Update jailbreak tools
-
Don't modify system files
- Unless you know exactly what you're doing
- Backup before major changes
- Use safe mode-compatible tweaks
-
Use iCleaner Pro
- Clean temporary files weekly
- Remove unused dependencies
- Clear cache regularly
For Non-Jailbroken iPhones
-
Keep iOS updated
- Settings → General → Software Update
- Enable automatic updates (Settings → General → Software Update → Automatic Updates → ON)
- Install updates within 1-2 weeks of release
-
Only install trusted apps
- Download from official App Store only
- Avoid sideloading apps (non-App Store sources)
- Check app reviews and developer reputation
-
Maintain storage space
- Keep 10-15% storage free (minimum)
- Delete unused apps
- Clear cache regularly
-
Avoid beta iOS versions
- Unless you're a developer or tester
- Beta versions have bugs and instability
- Wait for public release
-
Restart iPhone weekly
- Clears RAM and temporary bugs
- Improves performance
- Prevents software glitches
Troubleshooting: Safe Mode Won't Turn Off
Problem 1: Force Restart Doesn't Work
Try:
- Repeat force restart 2-3 times
- Let iPhone fully charge (50%+ battery)
- Force restart while charging
- Wait 30 minutes, try again
If still stuck:
- Proceed to Method 3 (Update iOS) or Method 5 (Restore via iTunes)
Problem 2: Can't Update iOS
Error messages or update fails:
Fix:
-
Free up storage space
- Need 5-8 GB free for update
- Delete apps, photos, videos
- Settings → General → iPhone Storage → Offload Unused Apps
-
Connect to stable WiFi
- Disconnect and reconnect to WiFi
- Forget network and rejoin
- Try different WiFi network
-
Update via computer
- iTunes/Finder method bypasses some errors
- Downloads update to computer (doesn't need iPhone storage)
Problem 3: iPhone Keeps Entering Safe Mode
Recurring Safe Mode after restart:
For jailbroken iPhones:
- Problematic tweak not fully removed
- Open Cydia → Installed → Expert view → Check for leftover packages
- Use iCleaner Pro to remove preference files
- Consider re-jailbreaking (fresh jailbreak)
For non-jailbroken iPhones:
- Corrupt iOS installation → Factory reset required (Method 7)
- Hardware issue (rare) → Contact Apple Support or visit Apple Store
- Restore as new iPhone (don't restore from backup)
Problem 4: Restore Stuck or Failed
iTunes/Finder restore freezes:
Fix:
- Disconnect iPhone, close iTunes/Finder
- Force restart iPhone
- Reconnect and try restore again
- Try different computer (if available)
- Try different cable (use Apple-certified cable)
- Update iTunes/Finder to latest version
- Disable antivirus temporarily (can interfere with restore)
If restore keeps failing:
- iPhone may have hardware issue
- Visit Apple Store or authorized service provider
- May need device replacement (if under warranty)
Safe Mode vs Recovery Mode vs DFU Mode
Safe Mode
- Purpose: Disable third-party mods/tweaks for troubleshooting
- Features work: Most iOS features functional
- Used for: Removing problematic jailbreak tweaks
- How to exit: Force restart or remove problematic tweak
Recovery Mode
- Purpose: Restore or update iOS when iPhone won't boot
- Features work: Only restore/update via computer
- Used for: iOS update failures, boot loops
- How to exit: Force restart or restore via iTunes/Finder
DFU Mode (Device Firmware Update)
- Purpose: Lowest-level restore (bypasses bootloader)
- Features work: Nothing - black screen only
- Used for: Severe software corruption, jailbreak recovery
- How to exit: Force restart or restore via iTunes/Finder
Safe Mode is the least severe - iPhone still functions mostly normally.
When to Contact Apple Support
Seek professional help if:
- ❌ Safe Mode persists after all 7 methods
- ❌ iPhone won't turn on or stays black screen
- ❌ Restore fails multiple times with different computers/cables
- ❌ Physical damage visible (cracked screen, water damage)
- ❌ Battery health below 80% (Settings → Battery → Battery Health)
- ❌ iPhone randomly restarts even outside Safe Mode
Contact options:
- Apple Support app - Free chat or phone support
- apple.com/support - Online support and chat
- 1-800-MY-APPLE (1-800-692-7753) - Phone support
- Apple Store Genius Bar - In-person appointment (apple.com/retail)
Prepare before contacting:
- iPhone model and iOS version
- When Safe Mode started
- What you've tried already
- Error messages (take screenshots)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will turning off Safe Mode delete my data? A: No. Force restart, removing tweaks, updating iOS, and resetting settings don't delete data. Only factory reset (Method 7) erases everything - and you should backup first.
Q: Can I use my iPhone while in Safe Mode? A: Partially. Core features (Phone, Messages, Safari, Settings) work. Third-party apps may crash or be restricted. Jailbreak tweaks are disabled until you exit Safe Mode.
Q: Why does my iPhone keep entering Safe Mode? A: For jailbroken iPhones: incompatible or corrupt tweak. For stock iPhones: software bug or corrupt iOS installation. Try removing recent tweaks/apps or factory reset.
Q: Does Safe Mode mean my iPhone is jailbroken? A: Not necessarily. True Safe Mode primarily affects jailbroken devices, but non-jailbroken iPhones can have similar symptoms from software glitches (though it's not technically "Safe Mode").
Q: How long does Safe Mode last? A: Until you manually exit it by force restarting, removing problematic tweaks, or restoring iPhone. It won't automatically turn off on its own.
Q: Can I jailbreak exit Safe Mode by installing more tweaks? A: No. Installing more tweaks while in Safe Mode can make the problem worse. You must first identify and remove the problematic tweak causing Safe Mode.
Q: Will updating iOS remove jailbreak? A: Yes. Any iOS update removes the jailbreak. You'll need to re-jailbreak after updating (if a jailbreak is available for the new iOS version).
Q: Is Safe Mode the same as Low Power Mode? A: No. Low Power Mode reduces power consumption to extend battery life. Safe Mode disables third-party modifications to troubleshoot problems. They're completely different features.
Q: Can Safe Mode damage my iPhone? A: No. Safe Mode is a protective state designed to prevent damage from problematic software. It temporarily disables modifications to allow troubleshooting.
Q: Why won't my apps work in Safe Mode? A: Safe Mode restricts third-party apps and modifications to isolate the cause of problems. Once you exit Safe Mode by fixing the underlying issue, apps will work normally again.
Conclusion: Exit Safe Mode Successfully
Safe Mode on iPhone is frustrating but usually fixable with the methods in this guide. Whether your iPhone is jailbroken or stock, these 7 solutions will help you exit Safe Mode and prevent it from happening again.
Quick recap:
- Force restart - Works 80% of the time (try first)
- Remove recent tweaks - For jailbroken iPhones causing Safe Mode
- Update iOS - Fixes software bugs on stock iPhones
- Reset settings - Clears corrupted preferences (keeps data)
- Restore via iTunes/Finder - Reinstalls iOS (preserves data if backed up)
- Delete problematic apps - Removes crashing apps
- Factory reset - Last resort (erases everything - backup first!)
Prevention tips:
- Only install trusted tweaks/apps
- Keep iOS updated
- Maintain free storage space
- Restart iPhone weekly
Recommended Accessories for iPhone Troubleshooting
Keep your iPhone running smoothly with these essential tools:
- Fast Charging Cable & 20W Adapter - Quick charge during troubleshooting
- Portable Power Bank 20,000mAh - Never run out during restore process
- Lightning to USB Cable - Connect to computer for iTunes restore
- iPhone Backup Storage (1TB) - External backup before factory reset
- iPhone Repair Tool Kit - DIY hardware troubleshooting
Pro tip: Always keep a backup charging solution handy. Many iPhone issues require connecting to a computer, which can drain battery during restore processes.
Related guides:
Got your iPhone out of Safe Mode? Great! Keep it running smoothly by following the prevention tips above.
