iPhone application installations and updates causing “Apple Logo Screen of Death”
By Will Park on Thursday, August 7th, 2008 at 1:35 PM PST In Announcements, Apple, iPhone, iPhone OS
Windows users are likely familiar with the dreaded and all-too-prevalent “Blue Screen of Death.” Heck, even Bill Gates hit that infamous BOD snafu during a high-profile keynote. But, Apple (NSDQ: AAPL)’s products have traditionally been viewed as being a bit more stable and crash-immune. That is, until now.
Scattered reports are coming in that point towards iPhones and iPhone 3Gs running the iPhone 2.0 OS and iPhone 2.0.1 OS experiencing system crashes with iPhone application installations and updates. The crashes, associated with what has been dubbed the “Apple Logo Screen of Death,” are apparently rare and random, but can require an iPhone restore to bring things back to normal.
iPhone users are reporting that application installs and updates can sometimes trigger an iPhone crash, resulting in the Apple Logo Screen of Death that sees the iPhone trapped in a seemingly endless feedback loop.
Should you happen to come across the new-found iPhone crash-screen, you’ll need to put your iPhone in to restore mode and restore that sucker right quick. Your iPhone is not bricked, it just needs some tender loving care.
To restore your iPhone, connect it to iTunes and hold down the Power/Sleep button simultaneously with the Home button. Keep both buttons pressed down until your iPhone powers off. When your iPhone turns off, release the Power/Sleep button, but keep the Home button depressed until iTunes detects the iPhone (it should detect restore mode).
Once iTunes detects your iPhone in restore mode, hit the “Restore” button to get your crashed out iPhone back to working order.
Let us know if you’ve hit the Apple Logo Screen of Death on your iPhone or iPhone 3G.
This happened to me yesterday.
It took 3 hours to restore the iPhone.
No fun !! Really bad !!
APPLE PLEASE FIX THIS !!
this thing has happened to me today, all i did is press home button and power button until it restarted, then the same damn logo came on for about 3 minutes until i did it once again and later about 5 minutes later the home screen popped up, i didnt need to restore it
WTF??? Apple control the hardware, software and OS and they still get this.
So just how much testing do they go through or do they use us a lab rats?
Blue screen of death Apple Screen of Death – crash different !@!!!Q@!
As someone who has been struggling A LOT with the ins and outs of iTunes App installations failing, let me share this little tidbit to those who get the “Apple Screen of Death”:
DON’T FREAK OUT AND KEEP FORCIBLY REBOOTING IT.
As near as I can guess what is happening is that the iPhone has sensed it locked up, and a watchdog timer or crash causes it to reboot automatically. But keep in mind that it’s also running a version of Mac OSX on a flash drive that SENSES THE FILESYSTEM IS CORRUPT.
The reason I’ve found that it appears dead is because it’s doing the UNIX equivalent of a fsck on the filesystem, which takes noticably longer than a check of a “clean” filesystem.
If you keep mashing the power and interrupting it, you’re going to screw up the filesystem even worse, and start pushing it towards the only other repair option: the “Restore” from iTunes, which wipes the filesystem and starts over.
So if you notice your iPhone spontaneously reboot, unhook the USB cable and LEAVE IT ALONE FOR 5 MINUTES and give it a chance to verify the filesystem. You’ll still likely have to forcibly kill the iTunes process, however.
If it’s still unresponsive after that five minutes, THEN restore it. Otherwise, leave the operating system alone and quit yanking the power away from it while it’s trying to read/write corrections!
Second restore in 2 days since upgrading to 2.0.1 on a 3G iPhone. WTF?
UPDATE: after 3 more restores, Rogers is sending me a new iPhone.
i got more of these BEFORE the update that i did after
Superman who! Batman what! My new hero is PommieZ. I was a victim of the Apple logo screen of death seven times.
The Apple iPhone screen of death happen to my first iPhone 3G five times. Thinking it was the iPhone, i took it back to the apple store and had it replaced.
Well to make a long story short, the new iPhone 3G did it once before i went angrily tearing thru cyber space and happen upon the wisdom of PommieZ and these are the wise words that poured forth from his or her keyboard.
“DON’T FREAK OUT AND KEEP FORCIBLY REBOOTING IT.
As near as I can guess what is happening is that the iPhone has sensed it locked up, and a watchdog timer or crash causes it to reboot automatically. But keep in mind that it’s also running a version of Mac OSX on a flash drive that SENSES THE FILESYSTEM IS CORRUPT.
The reason I’ve found that it appears dead is because it’s doing the UNIX equivalent of a fsck on the filesystem, which takes noticeably longer than a check of a “clean” filesystem.
If you keep mashing the power and interrupting it, you’re going to screw up the filesystem even worse, and start pushing it towards the only other repair option: the “Restore” from iTunes, which wipes the filesystem and starts over.
So if you notice your iPhone spontaneously reboot, unhook the USB cable and LEAVE IT ALONE FOR 5 MINUTES and give it a chance to verify the filesystem. You’ll still likely have to forcibly kill the iTunes process, however.
If it’s still unresponsive after that five minutes, THEN restore it. Otherwise, leave the operating system alone and quit yanking the power away from it while it’s trying to read/write corrections!”
All i can say is, it worked exactly as PommieZ foretold.
Thank You Sir or Mam.
I didn’t get the apple screen of death, but my iphone has entered an cycle where it will crash, and then lose all of my music, and none of my third party apps work.
Just got it again while updating a game from AppStore..
Wouldn’t start or anything..
So now i’m trying to restore it..
I have experienced this multiple times over the past weeks with my 1G iPhone, which worked flawlessly before I installed the 2.0 software, and I can hardly believe that this bug is in actual shipping software from a company that claims to release products that “just work.” It crashes the phone AND loses any data you had in your apps AND renders the phone inoperable (including making 911 emergency calls) until you can get back to your computer and run a restore, which takes literally 2-4 hours, depending on what you had on the phone to begin with. Absolutely unbelievable.
The only thing I’ve seen in the Apple forums that works sometimes is to run iTunes, put the phone in Recovery mode by holding down the Home button while plugging it into USB, and then when the iTunes logo and USB cable picture appears on the iPhone, unplug the phone. Then reboot the phone, and the phone MIGHT come back. YMMV.
I think we all expect the phone to have some bugs and early kinks to work out, but there is a huge amount of frustration that this particular bug causes the phone to become completely non-functional, even for emergency calls. Add to that Apple’s utter silence about the issue (not even a “we know it’s an issue, we’re working on it, and a fix is forthcoming, and in the meantime do XYZ to avoid this bug.”) and you have a lot of long-time Apple fans as well as first-time Apple users that are pretty pissed off and frustrated.
For us, the phone software simply does not work as advertised, and the 2.0 software release is a botched hack job that was hurried to market to make a date, and quality fell by the wayside in the rush.
My phone has exhibited this problem nearly 20 times. At first it was fine. Apps downloaded without a problem. Than while downloading an app it froze. I reset it thinking that this was no big deal. However, it became caught in that treacherous black hole of a loop, the seemingly innocent silver apple taunting me. Finally I replaced the phone, but what am I doing now? waiting again for a system restore to load to completion. It is not a hardware issue. Apple please fix this bug!
I have had to restore my iphone at least once a day, sometimes even more. WTF apple! Fix this please. I am also on my 3rd iPhone 3G. I call support and they can’t fix it, so they send me a new one. I would think that fixing this issue would cost less then replacing a phone every time this happens. Maybe not.
I just want it to be fixed-I am really starting to hate my iphone for the first time since I got the first iphone over a year ago.
APPLE PLEASE FIX THIS ISSUE.
Happens to me every f***ing day and I’m f***ing sick of it.
Only during an app install or update.
Usually, after resetting and resetting a few times, eventually iTunes recognizes the f***king phone and there’s no need for a restore.
But sometimes, nothing I do will get the phone to boot up so I’m forced to restore or go to the Apple Store and put a gun to the Genius Bar idiots’ heads and make them give me a new phone, even though I know the same thing will happen on the new phone because it’s software related.
email me at bj3949@earthlink.net if you have any comments or suggestions on how to get out of this Apple Death Screen everytime.
-brian
My Iphone is stuck on a screen with a usb and an iTunes symbol. I´ve turned it off and back on and its still there. I only got the phone yesterday
Your iPhone is in Recovery Mode. Just connect your iPhone to your mac or pc and open up itunes to begin the process. Itunes will recognize that your iPhone is in Recovery Mode and walk you thru the process of restoring your iPhone.
My computer isn´t even recognising my iPhone.
I’m now on my 2nd iPhone. The first crashed every time I tried to run a 3rd party app. Apple replaced it six days ago and now I am beginning my 3rd restore since then. The new iPhone has new problems, like 6-10 hour syncs and now the Apple logo of death. It’s getting a little old and it seems that each software version upgrade makes the problems worse.
I have had to do three reinstalls on the old model and decided to try the new 3g with a larger memory, for multiple applications. I am now on my second blue screen of death and am ready to take it back to the store and pay the restock fee and stick with the older model, since it doesnt matter either way, they both crash with application installation and especially updates. The more applications you have, as myself, the greater chance of crashing. I cant handle the 3 hours to reinstall everything on every crash. My laptop crashes rarely and takes just as long to reinstall!
This is unacceptable and I am ready for another phone.
I also thought I could use the old one as a back up, but use it with the new sim? Have to get another phone that I can put the sim into, since apple and att have prevented the older one as a backup phone. Bad business again.
Also Itunes is poorly designed with endless backups, and a sync feature that you say no to and it syncs itself anyway.
I shall stop here, but the problems continue…
Every time I try to update my apps via the phone I run into this problem. I have had to restore it 12 times so far. It also happens if I receive a call during an update, or try to do anything on my phone. I have no idea what apple’s plans are. Apparently, many people are having this issue. It seems as though apple would be working on a resolution. When this happens, I leave my phone alone for about 1 hour just to make sure it doesn’t come back up, usually it doesn’t, sometimes it has came back up after about 5-10 minutes. Does anyone know if apple has announced any future fixes for this problem? It is getting very frustrating because the update/restore takes so long to bring back functionality. I actually have a hard time trying to get my phone into recovery mode. I am doing it right, but have to do it multiple times because sometimes my computer gives me an error. Anyway, let me know.
Ok, add me to the list… Just installed an app from the app store and thus the ALSOD “Apple logo screen of death” occurred. Now, I’ve had a few issues since the purchase of this almost Microsoft like behavior device, with it’s install an app – crash – need a reboot to keep an app from crashing over and over – lockup at the boot process, etc. I’m starting to think that the only difference between the iphone and my last windows mobile phone, is that the 3g is faster. still pretty much crashes just the same. Oh, and of course itunes. Well, that may be the difference, but of course it seems to be the root of my issues. backups are slow, and of course, purchase an app – then lose it because you didn’t have a chance to back it up with itunes before it crashed.
I really never had any problems with my phone with Windows mobile. It never completely crashed on me. I love apple products. I love the iphone. What I am going to do is just make sure I upgrade only using ITunes until they work the bug out. I am just curious if they know about the issue.
Has happened to me 3 times. It’s always updating Apps. Guess I won’t be doing that anymore. First two times it’s taken 3 or 4 hours to ‘restore itself’ … just leaving it docked to iTunes .. but this time it’s been over 10 hours and still nothing. Plus it locks my PC up and everything seems to freeze. Most disturbing is the fact that the phone gets EXTREMELY hot sitting there docked trying to ‘fix itself’ … Im not sure, but it seems like this is bad for my phone. Pretty much blows.
Twice today. I went through a few days ago add added about 30 apps (all the good free ones) and everytime I try to do a wi/fi update it happens. BUt the remedy works.
thinking they shoould be be kicked in the nuts for some sorry shit like this
Since yesterday, everytime an app install or updates it crashes. The Apple logo screen stays on from 5 to 15 minutes… It crashed 6 times today, even when I’m just using apps now. I’m currently restoring it….
It’s happen to me twice this week. I am restoring as I am typing this.
At least I am not alone.
iPhone Firmware 2.1 seems to have fixed my Apple logo screen of death issue. But with this 2.X firmware you never know.
Well…my 1G phone did it today. Frack! I’ve avoided hacking/cracking the ph since I use it for work and don’t need the hassles of flaky software…little did I know “approved” Apple aps are just that. Phone has had issues with some applications aborting when I launch them or suddenly failing Micro-softy-ish in the middle, but they’re 3rd party aps, and as long as their misbehaviour is captured, I wasn’t too stressed. Today, though, I used the AppStore on my phone to download some of the updates to my installed Apps (I usually do this from my mac). Slow, but seemed to be working. Said there were 16 apps with updates, but once I started pulling down 3 of them, said there were no further updates…whatever. About 5min later, system locked up…just froze.
Power button and Home button combo got it “un-froze”, but then I found the Apple Logo Of Death (ALOG) and there I stayed. I tried leaving it alone figuring it was trying to pull its head out…an hour later…still ALOG. Power button does nothing. Home button; nothing. So PB+Home and back to ALOG. Waited and waited (2 hours), never came back. Various attempts at plugging and unplugging from power via USB and direct to AC…nada. Did find that about every 5-10min it would double buzz (vibrated twice), but nothing else.
It’s in restore mode now (THANKS to the person who mentioned the “hold HOME key down once connected until iTunes sees it). It’s also loading the new FW (note, 2.0.1 fixed a lot of flaky apps issues I was seeing before). I’ll see what happens next I guess.
Thanks to this forum!! Apple’s online “support” was un-supportive and offered nothing beyond PB+Home. *sigh*
Well…”restored” the damnable phone, but am told my iPhone cannot be restored because the backup is corrupt
…or not compatible with the phone…neat trick…it’s the only phone I have and I just finished a freaking 2hour backup about 3 days ago. I called support and was told, effectively…too bad for you. My data (note, iChats, data in apps, etc.) is lost forever. There is, they tell me, not a goddamned thing they can do. I am not a happy camper. That was a LOT of lost data and there seems to be no recourse. Anyone HERE know something I can do? I’ve backed up my “Backup” folder just in case someone has a way to decrypt the damned thing so I can at least cull the useful text information out of it, maybe…but I’m feeling pretty unhappy right now…. ;(((
Hey, my dad bought me this iPhone 3G like a week ago, i connect it to put some music and th damn screen turned to blue, we’ve read that this thing fight with drivers or unknown programs so we decied unstall my webcamera it worked at the first time but now it doesn’t! i’ve tried to make it work likee 4 HOURS AGO! and i don’t know what to do with this shit, it’s making me angry becuase it’s not fair that this thing cost a lot! i hope that you can help me, becuase it isn’t the first time that happens ._. AND IF APPLE CAN SEE THIS THEY SHOULD FIX THEIR DAMN PRODUCTS, IT HAPPENED TO WITH MY IPOD TOUCH, BUT IN A DIFFERENT WAY.
I FORGOT TO MENTION SOMETHING, my dad download 2.0 (version) or whatever is called, but in the screen says CONNECT TO ITUNES, an image of the white cable pointing straight to the Itunes Symbol, i did what you guys said but i don’t what else i should do, please help me
iF you are using Windows Vista, this article might help with your problem.
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2280
This is the apple support site.
iTunes 8: If Windows Vista displays a blue screen error message when connecting iPhone or iPod
Last Modified: September 12, 2008
Article: TS2280
Symptoms
After installing iTunes 8 for Windows, some users may see a blue screen error message when connecting iPhone or iPod to a Windows Vista computer. In some cases, the computer may immediately restart when connecting iPhone or iPod to the computer.
Products Affected
iPod, iPhone, iPod touch, Windows Vista, iPod touch (2nd generation), iTunes 8 for Windows, iPhone 3G
Resolution
Solution 1
Disconnect your iPhone or iPod from Windows Vista.
Uninstall iTunes and Apple Mobile Device Support
For Classic View
Choose Start > Control Panel > Programs and Features.
First select Apple Mobile Device Support, click Uninstall.
Select iTunes, click Uninstall.
For Control Panel Home View
Choose Start > Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a Program.
First select Apple Mobile Device Support, click Uninstall.
Select iTunes and click Uninstall.
Restart the computer.
Re-download and install the updated iTunes 8 installer from http://www.apple.com/itunes/download.
Important: Do not use the iTunes8Setup or iTunes864Setup file you previously downloaded.
Solution 2
Refer to article TS1502 for additional troubleshooting steps if Windows XP or Vista computer displays a blue screen error message.
My iphone won’t restore. When it get’s to the part where it downloads a file and then extracts it, theres a error msgBox. It says the firmware file was corrupt and that i should reboot and try it again. I’ve done this a few times and still nothing. I’ve also reinstaled the latest itunes a couple of times.
I have gotten the screen of death. I followed your instructions to restore the phone (which was further than I had gotten before) but the same screen has come back on the phone. iTunes says that it is trying to connect to the store and then a connection message comes up. I am very frustrated.
i cant believe this, what kind of crap did apple bring out. thsi screen of death has killed my iphone today and it still cannot restore. please apple dont bring out phones if you know its not stable, same thing you guys do to ipod changing them every year.
THANK YOU I WAS CLUELESS ON WHAT WAS GOING ON AND THIX FIXED EVERTHING apperciate….. thanks again
I just got the Apple Logo screen of death! I can’t believe it. I have Firmware 2.2 and I can’t get rid of the recurring Apple logo. If I hook it up to a power source, the home screen will come on. Once it is in the sleep mode and not plugged in, it is nearly useless. I knew this phone was too good to be true. I followed the instructions above but with no avail. I’m off to the Apple store.
I got exactly the same symptoms as you Bryan – did you get any resolution?
mine says windows crashed again i am the blue screen of death no one hears your screams.
press any key to terminate this app
press ctrl alt delete to restart your computer your will lose any unsaved data in apps
press any key to continue
this what it said on startup on my itouch
on firmware 3.0 beta 3
you have to hold the power key when the apple logo comes up and won’t boot up. That really helped me allot. It happened to me two times and every time I did that it worked. Hope it works for you guys!
mine did it when i tried deleting a couple apps. mines restoring as i speak.
No biggie!
This really helped me out off shit. My English is not so good, sorry. I’m not a developer but was willing to pay 99,- to get the 3.0 before. I was on holidays and I think I missed something because on iTunes it kept saying it was up to date and at the same time it said I needed new software. I downloaded a folder with the new version, but I’m not a comp spec. so how do I know how to install it? On X-code organizer it could not read it and could not find any itunes update folder. Called Apple but not willing to give any support on iPhone or software. Had to call the provider (!!!!!!). How stupid can you advice (!) I tried to restore but it said the resource could not be found. There is no support or whatsoever that gave the advice that is here in this article. It is so simple and it WORKS!!!!! I can restore and use the new 3.0 It is so silly they said that as a developer you would be able to use the 17th june version, but for me it was absolutely not so. It first said it was up to date (everybody can understand that could not be so). I start to get really bad feelings about Apple company. Its long time ago it gave me a good feeling. What a commercial bad company. They keep up the appearance but are so commercial now-days. If someone starts something new I will join. `but thanks anyway for this great tip.
God, this just happened to me and I’m on holiday and won’t be able to use iTunes for another week. This really sucks cuz I use my iPhone all the time and now its just useless for the next week. Its been stuck on the ALOG for over 5 hrs now so I just turned it off with the lock and home buttons held together and left it like that.
The Apple Logo Screen of Death won’t leave and it is driving me insane. I have tried to do EVERYTHING that every website I have been to is telling me to. But to no avail. I tried to do a factory restore, but nothing is changing. I def. didn’t sync it yet, so I am worried that I am just FUBARED. My boyfriend just got this damn phone yesterday… He didn’t buy it from a store or anything, so I don’t want to bring it to at&t. And we live in a small city, so there is no apple store close by. Please if someone can assist me, my email is srizzlefoshizzle@gmail.com. Thanks!