{"id":9803,"date":"2022-05-19T09:12:45","date_gmt":"2022-05-19T16:12:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gazelle.com\/thehorn\/?p=9803"},"modified":"2026-04-09T13:52:26","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T20:52:26","slug":"how-to-put-your-iphone-into-dfu-mode","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gazelle.com\/thehorn\/2022\/05\/19\/how-to-put-your-iphone-into-dfu-mode\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Put Your iPhone Into DFU Mode"},"content":{"rendered":"

Smartphones have endless capabilities and features that bring convenience and connection to users worldwide. However, this doesn’t mean that they’re without problems. Some devices, like iPhones, may experience operating system problems that shut down your phone or make it unusable.<\/p>\n

If your device has corrupt or broken firmware, hardware-related problems, failed software updates, or has basically stopped responding, consider putting your iPhone in DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode. Unlike a standard recovery mode, DFU mode works at the hardware level through the iPhone’s SecureROM – meaning it can restore a device from virtually any state. This post will teach you how to use DFU mode on iPhone models and the steps to ensure you follow the process correctly.<\/p>\n

What Is DFU Mode?<\/h2>\n

DFU stands for Device Firmware Update<\/a> \u2014 this mode lets all devices be restored from any state by making changes to the software and firmware running your device. DFU is a mode built into iPhone hardware that can fix even the most severe software problems. Many confuse DFU mode with recovery mode, and while they’re similar, DFU mode works with more advanced problems.<\/p>\n

DFU mode basically overwrites and wipes any buggy or incomplete iPhone software to the latest version of iOS. When you put your device in DFU mode, it retains its power but doesn’t run the operating system, so you can make changes before it boots up. Unlike recovery mode, DFU mode is part of the SecureROM<\/a><\/strong> – code that’s burned directly into the device’s hardware and can’t be removed or modified. If you’re experiencing common iOS problems<\/a> that simpler fixes can’t resolve, DFU mode may be the solution.<\/p>\n

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How to Put Your iPhone Into DFU Mode<\/h2>\n

Entering DFU mode can be tough because it requires steps that can vary for every iPhone model. Before you get started with the DFU process for any model, always back up your data<\/a> – or you risk losing it all in this process. Here are the steps for entering DFU mode for iPhone models.<\/p>\n

iPhone 6s or Earlier<\/h3>\n

The older your phone is, the more software and firmware problems you’re likely to run into, so follow these steps to put your device into DFU mode:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to a Windows or Mac computer.<\/li>\n
  2. Open the Finder or iTunes application on the computer.<\/li>\n
  3. On the phone, hold down the Home button and Lock button simultaneously.<\/li>\n
  4. After about 8 seconds, release the Lock button while continuing to hold the Home button.<\/li>\n
  5. Once you get a notification that Finder or iTunes detects your device in recovery mode, release the Home button.<\/li>\n
  6. Click on the restore option to upgrade to a new version of iOS.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    iPhone 7<\/h3>\n

    The steps for DFU mode on an iPhone 7 are similar to the iPhone 6s but use different buttons, so make sure to follow them:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone 7 to a Windows or Mac computer.<\/li>\n
    2. Open the Finder or iTunes application on the computer.<\/li>\n
    3. On the phone, press and hold down both the Side button and the Volume Down button simultaneously.<\/li>\n
    4. After 8 seconds, release the Side button while continuing to hold the Volume Down button.<\/li>\n
    5. When iTunes or Finder detects your iPhone in recovery mode and sends you a message, release the Volume Down button.<\/li>\n
    6. Click to restore your iPhone and install a new operating system.<\/li>\n
    7. Ensure that your screen is black, or you will need to repeat this process.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      iPhone 8 and Later (Including Face ID Models)<\/h3>\n

      This applies to iPhone 8 and all newer models, including Face ID models like the iPhone X through the latest iPhone 16 lineup<\/a>. These steps also apply to all mini, Pro and Pro Max<\/a> variants.<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to a Windows or Mac computer.<\/li>\n
      2. Open the Finder or iTunes application on the computer.<\/li>\n
      3. On the phone, quickly press and release the Volume Up button.<\/li>\n
      4. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.<\/li>\n
      5. Press and hold the Side button until the screen goes black.<\/li>\n
      6. As soon as the screen goes black, press and hold the Volume Down button while still holding the Side button for 5 seconds.<\/li>\n
      7. Release the Side button but keep holding the Volume Down button.<\/li>\n
      8. When you get a message that iTunes or Finder detects your iPhone in recovery mode, release the Volume Down button.<\/li>\n
      9. Tap to restore your iPhone and install a new OS.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        An important tip to remember when entering DFU mode is you should not see the Apple logo and your iPhone should not restart during this process. If either of these things happens, it means you might have followed the steps incorrectly and you’ll need to repeat the process before restoring your device<\/a>.<\/p>\n

        Frequently Asked Questions About DFU Mode <\/h2>\n

        If you’re unfamiliar with iPhone recovery or this is your first time trying to restart and put your device into DFU mode, you probably have a few questions about the process. <\/p>\n

        Does It Delete Your Data?<\/h3>\n

        Entering the DFU mode to reinstall your operating system can permanently delete your data if you don’t back it up on your iCloud<\/a>, iTunes or another device. When you restore your iPhone, you can either restore from backup<\/a> or restore to the factory default, which will delete everything. The restore mode will erase your files and data if you haven’t backed them up, so double-check that your data is safe if you don’t want to initiate a device erasure<\/a>. <\/p>\n

        But you should only use DFU mode if your software and firmware problems are extreme. If your iPhone is freezing on the Apple logo screen or experiencing software problems, see buying a locked or unlocked iPhone<\/a> in better condition. <\/p>\n

        How Do I Exit DFU Mode?<\/h3>\n

        Just as with entering DFU mode, exiting DFU mode can vary slightly depending on your model. Let’s look at how to exit DFU mode on a few different iPhone models:<\/p>\n