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| How to fix iPhone 11 stuck in recovery mode with failed at Rose Error -1 | |
|---|---|
| Device | iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max |
| Affects part(s) | Main Logic Board |
| Needs equipment | Soldering Iron, Hot Air Station, Reballing Stencil |
| Difficulty | ◉◉◉◉ 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.
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.
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.
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.