How To Enter DFU Mode (All iPhone Models) - 2024

DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is a special mode on iPhones that allows the device to connect to iTunes or Finder without loading the operating system or bootloader. It's primarily used for deep software restoration, troubleshooting, or installing custom firmware when a regular restore doesn't resolve issues. DFU mode gives more control over the iPhone's software, making it essential for advanced troubleshooting.

Photo: iJunkie

Which iPhones Have DFU Mode:

All iPhones, from the earliest models to the latest releases, support DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode. This feature allows users to perform a deeper level of software restoration, making it useful for troubleshooting issues or installing custom firmware. DFU mode is accessible across all iPhone models, including the latest series, offering a reliable way to reset or recover a device when standard methods fail.

How To Enter DFU Mode:

It may differ from device to device, but it is not a difficult process. If you fail, you can try again. For all these processes, you will need a computer with iTunes and a lightning - USB (preferred) cable. If you are using USB-C cable, it might not work.

A9 and older devices (iPhone 6s and older, iPhone SE and iPod touch 6 and older)

1. Connect the device to a computer using a lightning cable.
2. Hold down both Lock button and Home button.
3. After 8 seconds release the Lock button while continuing to hold down the Home button.
4. Nothing will be displayed on the screen when the device is in DFU mode. If open, iTunes will alert you that a device was dedecten in recovery mode.

Tip: If Apple logo appears, the Lock button was held down for too long.

Tip: If your device shows a screen telling you to connect the device to iTunes, retry these steps.

A10 Bionic devices (iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus)

1. Connect the device to a computer using a lightning cable.
2. Hold down both Side button and Volume Down button.
3. After 8 seconds release the Side button while continuing to hold down Volume Down button.
4. Nothing will be displayed on the screen when the device is in DFU mode. If open, iTunes will alert you that a device was dedected in recovery mode.

Tip: If Apple logo appears, the Lock button was held down for too long.

Tip: If your device shows a screen telling you to connect the device to iTunes, retry these steps.

A11 Bionic and newer devices (iPhone 8 and newer)

1. Connect the device to a computer using a lightning cable.
2. Quick-press the Volume Up button.
3. Quick-press the Volume Down Button.
4. Hold the side button until screen goes black, then hold down both Side button and Volume Down button.
5. After 5 seconds release the Side button while continuing to hold Volume Down button.
6. Nothing will be displayed on the screen when the device is in DFU mode. If open, iTunes will alert you that a device was dedected in recovery mode.

Tip: If Apple logo appears, the Lock button was held down for too long.

Tip: If your device shows a screen telling you to connect the device to iTunes, retry these steps.

How To Exit DFU Mode:

To exit DFU mode, simply force restart your device.

• iPhone 6s and older, iPhone SE and iPod touch: Hold the Home button and the Lock button until device reboots.
• iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: Hold down the Side button and Volume Down button until device reboots.
• iPhone 8 and newer: Quick-press the Volume Up button, then quick-press the Volume Down button, then hold down the Side button until device reboots.

source: The iPhone Wiki