Iphone 3Gs Stuck On Apple Logo

[Scarlett]

For some reason my phone is stuck on the apple logo and won't turn off. I've looked online and the only solution seems to be to plug it into itunes and restore the phone, including updating to the newest os. I don't want the new system, however and have avoided it! I am also worried about retoring my phone to factory settings and possibly losing messages, contacts, notes etc. Is there any way I can get my phone working again without resorting to this?

[Buenchico]

Have you tried removing the battery and then replacing it? The often performs a 'soft reset' with a wide variety of electronic devices.

Chris

[ChillDoubt]

Try depressing both the on/off switch at the top of the phone and the bottom centre button at the same time for roughly 5 or 6 seconds.

Repeat several times if required. This generally sorts matters.

[tamborine]

give it an overnight charge

[Scarlett]

Hmm, I'm a bit scared to try and remove the battery. I might break it! I guess I could take it into a phone shop and ask them. ChillDoubt I did try the two buttons thing, whilst plugged into iTunes and it recognises the phone is in recovery mode and wants to restore it. Tambourine, I unplugged it overnight cos sometimes when it gets stuck it goes hot. And the battery went flat. So now I have it plugged in again until it can charge enough for me to try to next thing :\

[ChillDoubt]

Scarlett, try my method whilst NOT attached to iTunes or charging lead.

[Scarlett]

It fixed itself.. the battery went dead eventually so I then plugged it in and after 5 mins of going on and off it came back properly. I think it was just having a freak out and needed a rest. But letting the battery go completely flat and then plugging it in seemed to work. Thanks for your help!