The DFU mode (Device Firmware Update) can be defined as a deep-level state, in which Apple Devices (iPhone, iPad & Mac) provide access to advanced level recovery tools and capabilities.
These advanced functions as available in DFU mode can be used to install custom firmware, Jailbreak the device, Unlock SIM, Downgrade iOS and fix software related issues, which could not be fixed by Recovery mode.
Note: DFU mode is not recommended, if your device appears to has suffered internal component damage due to a fall, impact or water damage.
Enter DFU Mode on iPhone
You can put your iPhone in DFU mode by pressing and releasing the Side/Volume buttons in a sequence, which varies depending on the model of iPhone being put in DFU mode.
When iPhone enters DFU mode, its screen goes completely black and remains black during the entire process, unlike Recovery mode which shows a connection screen.
This happens due to the operating system becoming inactive and the boot sequence being suspended, which allows execution of the restoration tasks at a far deeper level compared to Recovery mode.
Note: DFU Mode will completely erase the data on your iPhone. Hence, make sure that you download a complete backup of iPhone to computer, before going ahead with the DFU Mode process.
1. Put iPhone in DFU Mode (iPhone 8 & Later)
Connect iPhone to Mac or Windows computer (with iTunes installed on it) and follow the steps below put your device in Recovery mode.
- Quick-press the Volume Up button.
- Quick-press the Volume Down button.
- Long-press the Side button (power button).
- When the screen turns black, continue holding the Side button and long-press the Volume Down button.
- Count 5 seconds and release the Side button and continue holding the Volume Down button for 10 seconds.
If above steps were executed properly, the screen of your iPhone will stay black and you will see “iPhone has entered DFU mode” notification on the computer.
Note: If you see Apple Logo appearing, you have held down the Volume Down button for too long. Repeat the process, till you get black screen.
2. Enter DFU Mode on iPhone 6/6 Plus
If you have an older device (iPhone 6, 6s, iPhone 5, 5s), you can follow the steps below to enter DFU Mode.
- Plug iPhone to Mac or Windows computer with iTunes installed on it.
- Press and hold both Power and Home buttons, until the screen goes black.
- After 5 seconds, release the Power button and keep holding the Home button
- After 5 seconds, release the Home Button and your iPhone should be in DFU Mode (Black screen).
Note: If you do not see black screen, repeat steps (2 to 4), until the screen goes black.
3. Enter DFU Mode on iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
If you have an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus, you can follow the steps below to enter DFU Mode.
- Plug iPhone to Mac or Windows computer with iTunes installed on it.
- Press and hold both Power and Volume Down buttons for 5 seconds, until the screen goes black.
- After 5 seconds, release the Power button and keep holding the Volume Down button.
- After 5 seconds, release the Volume Down button and your iPhone should be in DFU Mode (Black screen).
Note: If you do not see black screen, repeat steps (2 to 4) until the screen goes black.
How to Exit DFU Mode On iPhone
When you are done with the DFU mode process, you can exit DFU mode by following the below steps.
iPhone 8 and above: Quick press Volume Up > Volume Down buttons. Press and hold the Side (ON/OFF) button, until you see iPhone starting with Apple Logo.
Your iPhone will be out of DFU Mode as soon as you see the white Apple Logo appearing on the screen of your device.
iPhone 6 and below: Press and hold Home and Side (ON/OFF) buttons, until you see iPhone starting with Apple Logo
iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold Volume Down and Side (ON/OFF) buttons, until you see iPhone starting with Apple Logo.
Difference Between DFU and Recovery Mode
When iPhone goes into recovery mode, it automatically loads up a boot loader program known as iBoot, which takes control of the device.
After this, the boot loader program performs firmware checks on the device and provides you with the option to Update or Restore the device.
In the case of DFU mode, the boot loader program is completely bypassed, which provides access to the device at a much deeper level and allows you to perform advanced functions.