View source for How to fix iPhone 11 stuck in recovery mode with failed at Rose Error -1

{{Repair Guide|Device=iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max|Needs equipment=Soldering Iron, Hot Air Station, Reballing Stencil|Affects parts=Main Logic Board|Difficulty=4. Specialist|Type=Soldering}}

== Problem Description ==
An iPhone 11 or 11 Pro is stuck in recovery mode and fails to restore when flashing with 3uTools. The flash process typically reaches 90% and then fails with Error Code -1.

This is most often caused by the Rose IC not being detected. On the iPhone 11 (non-Pro), this can happen because of:

* A bad Rose IC
* Cracked solder joints or separation between the top and bottom logic board layers after a drop, which interrupts Rose IC communication

On iPhone 11 Pro / Pro Max models, the Rose IC sits on the top board, so interposer issues are not usually responsible — the fault is almost always with the IC itself.
[[File:11-rose-flashing-error.png|thumb|iPhone 11-11 Pro Max Flashing Error (ROSE IC)]]
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== Symptoms ==

* Device is permanently in Recovery Mode.
* Flashing fails at ~90% with error (-1) in 3uTools.
* Unplugging all flexes and trying to flash doesn't fix the issue.

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[[File:11-rose-location.png|thumb|iPhone 11 Rose IC location]]

== Diagnostic Steps ==

# Visual Inspection
#* Open the device and check for signs of water damage, board warping, or physical cracks.
#* Look closely for separation between board layers.
# Restore Attempt
#* Attempt a full flash using 3uTools.
#* Confirm the process fails at 90% with error -1.
# iSocket Test (Non-Pro Models)
#* Separate the logic board layers carefully.
#* Place both layers in an iSocket/test fixture and attempt flashing again.
#* If flash succeeds: The fault is with the interposer/middle-layer connection — reball the board layers and rejoin them.
#* If flash fails: Move on to Rose IC diagnosis and replacement.
# Skip iSocket Test on Pro Models
#* Since Rose IC is on the top board, interposer issues are not the cause.

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[[File:11p-rose-location.png|thumb|iPhone 11 Pro & Pro Max Rose IC location]]

== Repair Steps ==

=== Solution 1: Reball the Middle Layer (iPhone 11) ===

* Clean and reball all interposer pads on top and bottom board layers.
* Rejoin board with a preheater and proper alignment jig.
* Test flash again — in many cases this restores proper Rose IC communication.

=== Solution 2: Replace or Reball Rose IC ===

* Locate Rose IC on the bottom board (11) or top board (11 Pro/Pro Max).
* Remove and replace with donor chip.
* Clean the pads, reflow, and reassemble.

=== Solution 3: Final Flash & Verification ===

* Reassemble iPhone partially and attempt a full restore.
* If successful, phone should boot normally and pass activation.
* Perform a full functional check (Wi-Fi, LTE, Face ID, etc.) before final assembly.