iPhone or iPad DFU Mode: The Complete Guide

If your iPhone has ever experienced system issues, you may have encountered DFU mode as a potential solution. While it can be complex to implement, DFU mode is one of the most effective remedies for common iOS problems. In this guide, we will explore every aspect of DFU mode—what it is and how it can help you resolve issues on your iPhone or iPad.

What Is iPhone or iPad DFU Mode?

Device Firmware Update (DFU) mode is a special system mode used to update the firmware on an iOS device. When the device is in DFU mode, it can communicate with iTunes, allowing iTunes to install the latest version of iOS on the device.

Consequently, DFU mode can be particularly useful in various situations, such as for devices running older iOS versions or when jailbreaking a device.

Additionally, DFU mode is one of the best ways to fix an unresponsive device or one that has not responded to other solutions. DFU mode primarily deals with the firmware aspect of the device. 

Firmware is the software embedded in the hardware that facilitates various functions at the hardware level, including starting the iOS system and powering on the device. It also checks the hardware components to ensure that the correct software is functioning properly, which is why you need to put the device in DFU mode to jailbreak it.

What Is DFU Mode Used For?

If your iPhone or iPad starts to behave abnormally soon after updating to the latest version of iOS, you may have trouble accessing apps and core functions. In this case, you might want to revert to the previous version. DFU mode simplifies the process of downgrading to an earlier version.

Jailbreak Your iPhone

Jailbreaking your iPhone or iPad involves installing a customized version of iOS that grants access to apps and features not available in the standard version. To jailbreak your device, you will need to enter DFU mode.

Un-Jailbreak Your iPhone

If you decide to un-jailbreak your device after jailbreaking it, you'll need to enter DFU mode again to boot back into iOS.

Remove Beta iOS

If you sign up for the Apple Developer program to install beta versions of iOS, you can access new features before they are released to the general public. However, beta versions can often be buggy and may cause performance or battery drain issues. To remove a beta version of iOS, you will need to put your device in DFU mode.

When Your iPhone Functions Abnormally

DFU mode is also an effective solution for devices that are not functioning normally. Restoring the device in DFU mode via iTunes can resolve various iOS boot issues.

What to Do Before Restoring iPhone or iPad in DFU Mode

It is crucial to understand that when your iPhone or iPad is in DFU mode, your computer will erase all the code that controls the software and hardware components of the device.

The risk of something going wrong is significant. If your iPhone or iPad is damaged—particularly if it has suffered liquid damage—DFU mode may render the device completely unusable.

A functional iPhone or iPad with minor iOS issues can become entirely inoperable if a DFU restore fails, especially in cases of liquid damage. Before entering DFU mode, consider the following steps:

Back Up Your iPhone or iPad

DFU mode will erase all data on your device, so backing up your data is essential.

Update iTunes or macOS

Install the latest version of iTunes on your computer or update macOS to the latest version.

Maintain a Stable Connection

Ensure the device remains connected to the computer while iTunes or Finder reinstalls the system software and firmware.

Warranty Risks

Be aware that using DFU mode to downgrade iOS or jailbreak the device may void your warranty or damage the device.

Avoid Water-Damaged Devices

Do not attempt to restore a water-damaged iPhone or iPad in DFU mode.

How to Put Your iPhone or iPad in DFU Mode and Restore It

The method to enter DFU mode varies depending on your iPhone or iPad model, as you must use the physical buttons. Here's how to do it:

Step 1. Connect your iPhone or iPad to computer and put it in DFU mode by using the steps below:

iPhone 8, 8 Plus, X, and Later:

1. Connect the iPhone to your computer.
2. Launch iTunes or Finder on your computer if it doesn't open automatically.
3. Turn off your iPhone.
4. Press and hold the Side button for 3 seconds.
5. Now, while holding the Side button, press and hold Volume Down button for 10 seconds. If you see the Apple logo, it means you've held the buttons too long, and you'll need to try again.
6. Release the Side button but continue to hold the Volume Down button for about 5 seconds until you see the message in iTunes: "iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode." If you see the "Recovery mode" screen, that also means you've held them too long, so you'll need to try again.
7. If the screen is completely black, your device is successfully in DFU mode.

iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer.
2. Launch iTunes or Finder.
3. Turn off your iPhone 7 or 7 Plus.
4. Press and hold the Side button for 3 seconds.
5. Now, while holding the Side button, press and hold Home button for 10 seconds. If you see the Apple logo, it means you've held the buttons too long, and you'll need to try again.
6. If the screen is black, and you see the message in iTunes or Finder: "iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode," you have successfully entered DFU mode.

iPhone 6S, SE, or Earlier:

1. Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC using a USB cable.
2. If iTunes or Finder doesn't open automatically, launch it manually.
3. Turn off your iPhone.
4. Press and hold the Top button for 3 seconds.
5. Now, while holding the Top button, press and hold Home button for 10 seconds. If you see the Apple logo, it means you've held the buttons too long, and you'll need to try again.
6. Release the Top button but continue to hold the Home button for about 5 seconds until you see the message in iTunes: "iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode."

You will know that the device is in DFU mode if the screen is completely black. If you see the "Connect to iTunes" screen or the Apple logo, you may have held the buttons too long and need to repeat the steps.

iPad with Face ID:

1. Connect the iPad to your computer.
2. Launch iTunes or Finder on your computer if it doesn't open automatically.
3. Turn off your iPad.
4. Press and hold the Power button for 3 seconds.
5. Now, while holding the Power button, press and hold Volume Down button for 10 seconds. If you see the Apple logo, it means you've held the buttons too long, and you'll need to try again.
6. Release the Power button but continue to hold the Volume Down button for about 5 seconds until you see the message in iTunes: "iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode." If you see the "Recovery mode" screen, that also means you've held them too long, so you'll need to try again.
7. If the screen is completely black, your iPad is successfully in DFU mode.

iPad with Home Button:

1. Connect your iPad to a Mac or PC using a USB cable.
2. If iTunes or Finder doesn't open automatically, launch it manually.
3. Turn off your iPad.
4. Press and hold the Top button for 3 seconds.
5. Now, while holding the Top button, press and hold Home button for 10 seconds. If you see the Apple logo, it means you've held the buttons too long, and you'll need to try again.
6. Release the Top button but continue to hold the Home button for about 5 seconds until you see the message in iTunes: "iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode."

Step 2. After your iPhone or iPad is in DFU mode, and the message pops up in iTunes or Finder, click "OK." iTunes will detect the iPhone, and you should see "If you are experiencing problems with your iPhone, you can restore its original settings by clicking Restore iPhone." Click "Restore iPhone" to complete the process.

How to Exit DFU Mode

Here's how to exit DFU mode on your iPhone or iPad:

• iPhone 8 and Newer: Press the Volume Up button, press the Volume Down button, then hold down the Side button until the device restarts.
• iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold both the Side and Volume Down buttons until the device restarts.
• iPhone 6S and Older: Press and hold both the Home and Power buttons until the iPhone restarts.
• iPad with Face ID: Press the Volume Up button, press the Volume Down button, then hold down the Side button until the device restarts.
• iPad with Home Button: Press and hold both the Home and Power buttons until the iPad restarts.

Using iPhone or iPad DFU Mode

DFU mode is often the last resort when trying to resolve various system issues on your iPhone. If restoring the device in DFU mode does not work, it may indicate a serious hardware or software problem, and it's time to seek assistance from professionals.

If your iPhone has sustained liquid damage, attempting to use DFU mode may exacerbate the situation. In such cases, it's best to consult a professional right away.