Most of the faults your iPhone software will develop can be solved with a few tricks or by resetting it using Recovery mode. On rare occasions, however, those options may not work. Before you search for the nearest Apple repair center, you should try to restore your iPhone using DFU mode instead.

In this article, we’ll check out how to put your iPhone in DFU mode and also how to exit this mode.

What Is DFU Mode?

Device Firmware Update mode — or DFU mode for short — is a state that an iPhone can be put in to get your device back into working order.

DFU mode is similar to the BIOS on Windows computers or Recovery Mode on a Mac. It exists "below" the operating system level — iOS — but can still communicate with iTunes or Finder on a Windows or Mac computer.

In DFU mode, your iOS device is accessible to iTunes or Finder at a more privileged level. This allows for more to be changed than normal. However, going into DFU mode on its own does not change anything on the iPhone.

Quick tip: DFU mode can be useful for installing older versions of iOS if a beta release does not allow you to install an update.

Does DFU Mode Delete iPhone Data?

Unfortunately, if you use this mode to install something or restore your iPhone, all of your iPhone’s data will be erased. This works similarly to the iTunes restore method, which also deletes all of your data.

It completely erases your iPhone, erasing all of your videos, photos, messages, apps, and even the previously configured settings. When you’re finished with this mode, you’ll have to reset your device to use it. We recommend backing up your files before entering DFU mode, then restoring them after the process.

Put an iPhone in DFU mode

To put an iPhone into DFU mode, follow the steps below.

Before you begin:

• Back up your iPhone if you can, as a DFU restore will erase your iPhone data.
• Install the latest version of iTunes or macOS on your Windows or Mac.
• Do not disconnect your iPhone when iTunes or Finder is actively reinstalling the system software and firmware.
• If your iPhone is damaged in any way, and especially if it’s water-damaged, a DFU restore may break your iPhone.

It is necessary to note that using DFU mode to downgrade iOS or jailbreak your device can cause damage and void the warranty.

Entering DFU mode on an iPhone involves a combination of pressing, holding, and releasing different buttons. You will also need a compatible USB cable to connect the device to a Mac or a Windows PC running the latest version of macOS or iTunes.

Important: Macs running macOS Catalina and later will use Finder. PCs and Macs running macOS Mojave or earlier will need iTunes.

Follow these steps to enter DFU mode on an iPhone 8 or later:

1. Quickly press and release the volume up button, then quickly press and release the volume down button, and then press and hold the side button until the screen goes black.
2. As soon as the screen turns black, press and hold the volume down button while continuing to hold the side button.
3. After 5 seconds, release the side button while continuing to hold the volume down button until your iPhone shows up in iTunes or Finder.
4. As soon as it appears in iTunes or Finder, release the volume button. Ta-da! Your iPhone is in DFU mode.

Note: If the Apple logo is appearing on the screen, you held down the volume down button for too long. Start the process over from the beginning and try again.

How to Exit DFU Mode on an iPhone

For iPhone 8 or later:

1. Quickly press and release the Volume up button.
2. Quickly press and release the Volume down button.
3. Press and hold the Side/Power button until the Apple logo appears on your phone screen.

DFU Is Powerful, But Not Perfect

If your iPhone isn’t working and you’ve tried all the other solutions, you might still be able to fix it using DFU mode. However, a DFU restore is not the ultimate fix for all iPhone problems. Some issues may be plain hardware faults and cannot be fixed with system software or firmware restore. If your iPhone stubbornly refuses to enter DFU mode, or the issues persist after performing a reset, consider seeking a professional repair instead.

see also: How to Put Your iPhone in Recovery Mode (Step-by-Step)

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