Why is my iPhone 5 can’t restore – Stuck at ‘Waiting for iPhone’?

Hey, I had this exact same problem with my iPhone 5! I thought it was the end of the line for my phone, but here’s a less conventional solution that worked for me:
1. Disconnect All Peripherals: Make sure to disconnect any unnecessary peripherals from your computer.
2. Check Charging Port: The Lightning port on your iPhone could be dusty or dirty. Carefully clean it with a dry, soft-bristled brush.
3. Try Another iCloud Account: If you have access to another iCloud account, try restoring your iPhone connected to that account.
4. Third-Party Software: As a last resort, consider using third-party software designed to fix iOS problems when iTunes isn’t sufficient.

Good luck!

I’ve faced a similar issue with my iPhone 5 in the past. Here’s what worked for me:
1. Reset Network Settings: On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This clears current network settings and can solve connection issues.
2. Reinstall iTunes: Uninstall iTunes from your computer completely and then reinstall it from Apple’s official website.
3. DFU Mode: Enter Device Firmware Update (DFU) mode for a deeper restoration that can fix more pervasive software issues:
– Connect your iPhone to your computer.
– Quickly press the Volume Up button and then the Volume Down button.
– Press and hold the Side button until the screen goes black.
– Press and hold the Side button and the Volume Down button for 5 seconds.
– Release the Side button but keep holding the Volume Down button until you see the screen indicate it’s in DFU mode.
4. Try a Different Computer: Sometimes, the problem lies with the computer itself. If possible, try restoring your iPhone using a different Mac or PC.

The issue with your iPhone 5 being stuck at ‘Waiting for iPhone’ during restore could be from entering recovery mode incorrectly, a faulty USB connection, or even a deeper software error. Here are some steps to try:
– Ensure all software, from iOS to iTunes, is updated.
– Confirm using genuine Apple cables and avoid USB hubs.
– Attempt the restore both normally and in Recovery/DFU mode.
– If accessibility and settings allow, remove security software temporarily to avoid interference.

One potential reason your iPhone 5 restore process is getting stuck at ‘Waiting for iPhone’ could be due to software issues or glitches in iTunes. Here’s a detailed solution that might help:

1. Update iTunes: Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer. Sometimes, an outdated version can cause connectivity issues.
2. Force Restart iPhone: Try performing a force restart on your iPhone 5 by holding down the Home button and the Sleep/Wake button simultaneously until you see the Apple logo.
3. Check USB Connections: Ensure that you’re using an original Apple USB cable and try connecting to a different USB port on your computer. Avoid using USB hubs.
4. Update Computer Software: Ensure that your computer’s operating system is up to date. Sometimes compatibility issues with outdated software can cause restore problems.
5. Use Recovery Mode: If the basic restart doesn’t work, try putting your iPhone 5 into recovery mode before restoring:
   • Connect your iPhone to your computer.
   • Hold down the Home button and Sleep/Wake button at the same time.
   • Keep holding until you see the recovery mode screen (a cable pointing to the iTunes logo).
   • iTunes should detect your iPhone in recovery mode and prompt you to restore it.
6. Inspect Security Software: Ensure that any security software on your computer is not interfering with the restore process. Sometimes, firewalls or antivirus software can block iTunes from communicating with Apple servers.

If these steps don’t work, you may need to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for further assistance.