iPhone DFU Mode – The Complete Guide

iPhone DFU Mode, device firmware update, is the ultimate solution to many Apple iOS software issues. You can use it to jailbreak, reverse jailbreak, update from beta, or fix a host of different issues. DFU mode is an excellent choice when you’ve tried everything, and nothing works. What it does is put your phone into a state where it’s able to interface with iTunes on either Mac or Windows without starting iOS. 

From here, you can restore your iPhone (or any iOS device) along with take additional steps to repair/alter your phone. Working with iPhone DFU mode is a little advanced and may take patience, but it’s definitely something every iPhone user should be aware of. Here’s everything you need to get your phone into DFU mode:

Why Would I Want to Use DFU Mode?

If your phone has successfully entered DFU mode, nothing will appear on screen.

iPhone DFU mode is not something you will need or want to use on an everyday basis. Even if you are experiencing technical problems, you are better offing using Recovery Mode before as a first step. However, there are a few occasions when you may need it including:

• If you want to downgrade from the current iOS on the device. Sometimes, new upgrades cause device issues or apps to malfunction. In general, you should avoid this, but it may become necessary if Apple has bricked your phone with the latest iOS.
• If you want to jailbreak or un-jailbreak your iOS device
• If you need to remove an expired beta iOS version
• Repair an iPhone that won’t boot past iPhone logo

Be aware, it can be risky to put your phone into DFU mode. It’s very possible you will erase some or all of your data or corrupt core system files. And if you use DFU mode to downgrade the iOS or to jailbreak, you’ll likely violate your device warranty. 

How to Enter iPhone DFU Mode

Before you begin, make sure to sync your device with iCloud and other services—if you are able to. If you are jailbreaking your phone, you may also want to do a backup to iTunes to prevent data loss or any other issues. 

For iPhone 8 and Above:

1. Connect your iPhone to a computer with the USB cable
2. Press the Volume Up button
3. Press the Volume Down button
4. Hold down the Side button until the screen turns black. Next hold the Side button and Volume Down button at the same time
5. Release the Side button after 5 seconds while you continue to press the Volume Down button
   1. Note: If the side button appears, you help the Side button for too long
6. When device is in DFU mode, nothing will appear on the screen. However iTunes will alert you that it detected a device in recovery mode.
   1. Note: If your iPhone displays a screen telling you to connect to iTunes, repeat these steps. It may take several tries to get it to work properly.

For iPhone 7

Connect the iPhone to your computer with the USB cable.

1. Hold both the Side button and Volume Down button
2. Release the Side button after 8 seconds while continuing to press the Volume Down
   1. If you see the Apple logo on screen, you held the Side button for too long

If the device has successfully entered DFU mode, nothing will appear on screen. If your device displays a screen telling you to connect to iTunes, repeat these stepsFor iPhone 6S and below including iPhone SE

1. Connect the iPhone to your computer with a USB cable.
2. Hold down both the Home button and Lock button
3. Release the Lock button after 8 seconds while you continue holding the Home
   1. If the Apple logo appears on your device, you held the Lock button for too long
4. If the device has successfully entered DFU mode, nothing will appear on screen. However, if a message appears on the screen telling you to connect to iTunes, you need to repeat these steps.

How to Exit DFU Mode

All you have to do to exit DFU mode is force restart your device.

• For iPhone 8 and newer models, press the Volume Up, followed by the Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the device restarts.
• For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, hold the Side button and Volume Down button until the device restarts
• For iPhone 6S and older, hold the Home button and Lock button until the device restarts.

Using iPhone DFU Mode

iPhone DFU mode is often the last tool in your belt before you have to call in the professionals. If you’re unable to repair your phone, you likely have a very serious software problem going on—or it could be a hardware malfunction. Whatever the case, you can sell your used iPhone for cash quickly and easily with Buyback Boss. Click here to see how much you get for your used iPhone. 

And for more great iPhone essentials, head on over to our blog. Here you can learn great tips such as what to do if your personal hotspot isn’t working and what to do if your touch screen is unresponsive. It’s the ultimate stop for all things iPhone so cruise on over now!