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iPhone 11 stuck in recovery mode - Error retrieving WKMS decryption key

iPhone 11 stuck in recovery mode. Restoring to iOS 27.0.1 (24A446) fails with error 1109, "Error retrieving WKMS decryption key".


Multiple attempts across three networks and two devices (Windows 11).


Is this apple services down or a local issue?

3 replies

Follow this process below to keep your personal data.


If you see the Restore screen on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

If you see the Restore screen on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, learn what to do.



Restart your device

If you see the Restore screen, restart your device:

  • iPad models with Face ID: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Top button until the device restarts.
  • iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
  • iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPod touch (7th generation): Press and hold both the Side (or Top) button and the Volume Down button until you see the Apple logo. 
  • iPad with Home button, iPhone 6s or earlier, and iPod touch (6th generation) or earlier: Press and hold both the Side (or Top) button and the Home button until you see the Apple logo.


Reinstall iOS or iPadOS

If you still see the Restore screen after you restart, you need to reinstall iOS or iPadOS:

  1. On your Mac, make sure that you’ve installed the latest software updates (including iTunes if you have MacOS Mojave or earlier). Or on your Windows PC, make sure that you’ve installed the latest version of iTunes.
  2. Connect your device to your computer using the cable that came with your device. You should see this message: "There's a problem with the [your device name] that requires it to be updated or restored."
  3. Click Update (not Restore) to reinstall iOS or iPadOS and keep your personal data.



If the above fails


If your device turns on but gets stuck during start up

If you see the Apple logo or a red or blue screen during startup, try these steps:

  1. Connect your device to a computer. On a Mac with macOS Catalina 10.15, open Finder. On a Mac with macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier, or on a PC, open iTunes.
  2. Locate your device on your computer.
  3. While your device is connected, follow these steps:
    • iPad models with Face ID: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Top button until your device begins to restart. Continue holding the Top button until your device goes into recovery mode.
    • iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Then, press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen.
    • iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPod touch (7th generation): Press and hold the Top (or Side) and Volume Down buttons at the same time. Keep holding them until you see the recovery mode screen.
  • iPad with Home button, iPhone 6s or earlier, and iPod touch (6th generation) or earlier: Press and hold both the Home and the Top (or Side) buttons at the same time. Keep holding them until you see the recovery mode screen.
  1. When you get the option to restore or update, choose Update. Your computer will try to reinstall iOS or iPadOS without erasing your data.

Your computer will download the software for your device. If it takes more than 15 minutes, your device will exit recovery mode and you'll need to repeat steps 2 and 3.


If you need more help

Contact Apple Support to set up service if you have any of these issues:

  • You still see a black screen after charging, force restarting, or following the steps in this article.
  • You see a black screen, but you can hear alerts, sounds, and vibrations.
  • The screen remains black, but the device chirps when you unmute it and connect it to power.
  • Your screen is on, but it doesn't respond when you tap, slide, or try other gestures. 
  • You can't force your device to restart because a button is broken or stuck.
  • Your device is stuck on the Apple logo, displays a solid color, or isn't recognized in iTunes.


If you're experiencing difficulty connecting your iPhone to your PC, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:


  1. Assuming you have Windows 10. Download and use iTunes for Windows 10. With iTunes for Windows 10, you can manage your entire media collection in one place. Download and use iTunes for Windows 10
  2. Check the USB cable and ports: Ensure that you're using a certified Lightning to USB cable and try connecting it to different USB ports on your PC. Also, check for any physical damage or debris in the ports that may be preventing a proper connection. Use genuine cable --> Identify counterfeit or uncertified Lightning connector accessories ...
  3. Disconnect all other USB devices from your computer, except for your keyboard and mouse. --> Resolve USB-related alerts in iTunes/Finder - Apple Support
  4. Search for accessories that have completed MFi certification. Once an accessory has completed MFi certification requirements and is reported to Apple as sold/distributed, it will be searchable in our public database of authorized Lightning, headset, charging, iAP-enabled, and Find My network-enabled accessories.
    1. Learn how to identify counterfeit or uncertified Lightning-based accessories.
  5. Restart your iPhone and PC: Sometimes, restarting your devices can resolve temporary connection issues. Restart both your iPhone and your PC, and then try connecting them again.
    1. Restart the device. That's it.
    2. Still not solved --> Force restart iPhone - Apple Support
  6. Make sure that your iPhone is running the latest software versions. On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update
    1. Update Over-the-Air (OTA) —> Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support (IN)
    2. Update using iTunes/Finder —> Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support (IN)
  7. When connecting your iPhone to your PC for the first time, you may need to trust the computer on your iPhone. Unlock your iPhone and check for any prompts asking you to trust the connected computer. Confirm the trust request on your iPhone. About the “Trust This Computer” alert message on your ...
  8. Try a different port, cable, or computer. The issue could be related to your computer, its USB port, or the USB cable connecting it to your device. If possible, try a different computer, USB port, or USB cable. Also, check for any debris in the charging port on the bottom of your iPhone or iPad. --> If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone, iPad, or iPod ...
  9. Reset your iPhone's settings: If the issue persists, you can try resetting your iPhone's settings. Go to Settings > General > Transfer & Reset > Reset > Reset All Settings. This will not erase your data but will reset your settings to their default values. After the reset, attempt to connect your iPhone to your PC again. Return iPhone settings to their defaults - Apple Support (IN)
  10. If unable to connect --> If iTunes doesn't recognize your iPhone, iPad, or iPod - Apple Support
  11. For your Windows PC —> Troubleshooting issues with iTunes for Windows - Apple Community
  12. Sometimes, third-party security software or firewalls can interfere with the connection between your iPhone and PC. Temporarily disable any security software or firewalls and see if that resolves the issue.
  13. Put your device in recovery mode and set it up again ... Keep your device connected and wait until the Connect to computer screen appears: iPhone ...If you can't update or restore your iPhone or iPod touch



If you are experiencing an issue not listed here, contact support as they can provide specific troubleshooting steps based on your situation.


You can do the following using iTunes :

  1. Following this process is the only way out if your iPhone is disabled. The steps given in this link will help you reset the passcode -> If you forgot the passcode for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, or your ...
    1. Note: If you have forgotten the Screen Time Passcode then restoring your device from a backup after the passcode reset will return the Passcode back to your device. So, please do not restore from a backup.
  2. See how to --> Sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod using iTunes on your computer ...
  3. Learn how to--> Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
  4. Here is the process to --> Backup on iTunes.
  5. Microsoft support says (iTunes not required for Import) --> Import photos and videos from an iPhone to a PC
  6. In the iTunes app on your PC, choose Account > Sign In > Set up and view an iTunes Store account on PC - Apple Support
  7. Organize and play your music and video · Play or download unlimited songs with Apple Music (with a paid subscription) · Find music, movies, TV shows, and audiobooks--> What is iTunes on PC?
  8. In the iTunes app on your PC, choose Account > Sign In, then sign in with your Apple ID. If you don't have an Apple ID, you can create one during setup. Choose Music from the pop-up menu at the top left, then click For You. Click Try it Now, then follow the onscreen instructions. Subscribe to Apple Music using iTunes on a PC


Search for accessories that have completed MFi certification. Once an accessory has completed MFi certification requirements and is reported to Apple as sold/distributed, it will be searchable in our public database of authorized Lightning, headset, charging, iAP-enabled, and Find My network-enabled accessories.


Learn how to identify counterfeit or uncertified Lightning-based accessories.