Some iPhone 16 devices getting stuck at 'Hello' screen during setup (workaround inside)

A few weeks ago, some iPhone 16 users reported an issue where the devices got stuck on the “Cellular setup complete” screen during setup. And now, a new but similar issue has popped up where several users are reporting a situation where, during or shortly after the data transfer from their old iPhone or an attempted software update, their new iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro Max freezes at the “Hello” screen. They can’t swipe to unlock, and even forced restarts or resets don’t seem to fix the issue. The phones either refuse to turn off or get stuck in a reboot loop, leaving users unable to complete the setup process.

One of the most common scenarios involves users beginning a data transfer from an older iPhone, only for their new iPhone 16 to initiate a mandatory software update. Despite some opting to update later, the device forces the update anyway, causing a freeze after the update installation. At this point, the screen becomes unresponsive, and users are unable to unlock the phone or swipe to interact with it. What’s worse, attempts to restart the device with Apple’s recommended reset sequence often prove futile, leaving the phone locked and useless. Here’s a video of the glitch.

A growing number of users report that their devices remain stuck on the initial “Hello” screen, with no way to swipe up to unlock and begin using the phone. Even standard troubleshooting methods, like force-restarting the phone using the volume and power button combination, seem ineffective for most.

For those lucky enough to have a MacBook handy, a workaround involving recovery mode has proven helpful. Users describe a process of forcing the iPhone into recovery mode by holding down the power button until the device is recognized by the Mac, which allows them to either restore or update the software. This method has worked for some, although it often requires several attempts. Unfortunately, for those without access to a Mac, the process becomes even more complicated. Apple provides a Windows app, Apple Devices, which can perform a similar restore operation, but success with this method seems inconsistent based on user feedback.

The frustration among users is palpable, with many noting that their phones become excessively hot, causing even more anxiety. Some have even reported their devices draining the battery in just a few hours due to the issue. A number of users have resorted to letting the battery completely discharge, hoping that a fresh start might fix the problem, but this doesn’t always yield results.

While a trip to the Apple Store has been recommended in many cases, it’s not always a convenient option. Some users who visited their local Apple Store found they were not alone, with others experiencing the same issue. However, even the in-store staff were sometimes unable to offer immediate fixes, leaving users without functional devices despite paying top dollar for Apple’s latest release.

Apple hasn’t officially responded to the issue beyond what individual support reps have told affected customers. A few forum members have claimed that Apple support acknowledged the problem and said it might be related to firmware or software updates. While Apple is reportedly working on a fix, there’s no word on when it will be rolled out.

This setup issue seems to be spreading, with some users even suggesting that older iPhones updating to iOS 18 are facing similar problems. For now, the best course of action for those affected seems to be patience, persistence, and — if possible — access to a MacBook to try the recovery route. As reports of this issue continue to pile up, it’s clear Apple will need to act fast to address what could be a major headache for new iPhone 16 owners.