How to Put an iPhone in DFU Mode and Restore Your Device?

DFU mode is a special state that allows your iPhone to interact with a computer for advanced troubleshooting. Unlike recovery mode, DFU mode bypasses the bootloader and loads only essential firmware. This enables a complete reinstall of the iOS system, making it ideal for resolving complex software errors.

Many users confuse Recovery Mode and DFU mode, but they are different. Recovery mode still loads the bootloader and displays a connect-to-computer screen. DFU mode keeps the screen completely black while allowing the computer to detect the device. This deeper level of control helps fix issues that cannot be solved through standard updates or resets.

Before starting, make sure your computer has the latest version of iTunes if you are using Windows or macOS Mojave or earlier. On macOS Catalina and later, you will use Finder instead of iTunes. Also, ensure your iPhone has enough battery charge and a reliable USB cable to avoid interruptions during the restore process.

Restoring your iPhone using DFU mode will erase all data from the device. If your iPhone is still accessible, create a backup using iCloud or your computer before proceeding. This allows you to restore personal data after the process is complete.

How to Put an iPhone in DFU Mode and Restore Your Device?

To put an iPhone in DFU mode in 2026, connect it to a computer, open Finder or iTunes, and follow the correct button sequence based on your iPhone model. Once in DFU mode, restore the device using Finder or iTunes to reinstall iOS and fix major software issues.

Now, let us go through the steps to put your iPhone into DFU mode and restore it successfully in 2026.

Step 1: Prepare Your iPhone and Computer

Start by preparing everything needed for the DFU restore process. Connect your iPhone to a computer using a compatible USB cable. If you are using a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open Finder. If you are using Windows or an older Mac, open iTunes.

Make sure your computer recognizes the iPhone. If prompted, tap Trust on your iPhone and enter the passcode. This step ensures proper communication between your device and the computer.

Close all unnecessary applications on your computer to prevent interruptions. A stable connection is important because disconnecting the device during restoration can cause further software issues.

It is also a good idea to temporarily disable security software that might block iTunes or Finder from accessing the device. Once everything is ready and your iPhone is connected, you can proceed to enter DFU mode.

Step 2: Turn Off Your iPhone Completely

Before entering DFU mode, you must power off your iPhone completely. The method varies slightly depending on your model.

For iPhones with Face ID, press and hold the side button along with either volume button until the power slider appears. Drag the slider and wait for the device to turn off.

For iPhones with a Home button, press and hold the power button until the slider appears. Turn off the device and wait until the screen is fully black.

Ensure the iPhone remains connected to your computer after powering off. Do not disconnect the cable during this stage. Once your iPhone is turned off, you are ready to initiate the DFU button sequence.

Step 3: Enter DFU Mode Using the Correct Button Sequence

Entering DFU mode requires precise timing. Follow the instructions based on your iPhone model carefully.

For iPhone 8 and later models, including iPhone 15 and newer, quickly press and release the volume up button, then press and release the volume down button. After that, press and hold the side button until the screen goes black. Once the screen is black, press and hold the volume down button while still holding the side button. After about five seconds, release the side button but continue holding the volume down button for another ten seconds.

If done correctly, the screen will remain completely black, and Finder or iTunes will detect an iPhone in recovery mode. This indicates that DFU mode is active.

For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, press and hold the power button and volume down button together for about eight seconds. Then release the power button, but keep holding the volume down button until the computer detects the device.

For iPhone 6s and earlier models with a Home button, press and hold the power button and Home button together for about eight seconds. Release the power button while continuing to hold the Home button until the computer detects the iPhone.

If you see the Apple logo or recovery screen, you will need to repeat the process because the device has not entered DFU mode properly.

Step 4: Confirm DFU Mode on Your Computer

Once your iPhone is in DFU mode, Finder or iTunes will display a message stating that it has detected an iPhone in recovery mode and must be restored before use. Even though the message mentions recovery mode, this notification also appears when the device is in DFU mode.

The key sign of DFU mode is that your iPhone screen remains completely black. If you see any logos or images on the screen, you are not in DFU mode.

At this stage, your computer has full access to reinstall the iOS firmware. Ensure your internet connection is stable because Finder or iTunes will download the latest iOS version during the restore process.

Take a moment to confirm that you are ready to proceed, since restoring will erase all data from the device.

Step 5: Restore Your iPhone Using Finder or iTunes

Click the Restore iPhone option in Finder or iTunes. This will begin downloading the latest version of iOS and preparing the restore process. The download size may be several gigabytes, so the time required depends on your internet speed.

Once the download is complete, the computer will erase your iPhone and install a fresh copy of iOS. During this process, keep the device connected and avoid using the computer for other heavy tasks.

Your iPhone will restart several times while the firmware installs. This is normal and part of the restoration process. Do not disconnect the cable until Finder or iTunes confirms that the restore is complete.

After the restore finishes, your iPhone will restart and display the setup screen. You can then set it up as a new device or restore from a backup.

Step 6: Set Up and Restore Your Data

After restoring your iPhone, follow the on-screen setup instructions. Choose your language, region, and connect to a WiFi network. When prompted, you can restore your data from an iCloud backup or a computer backup.

If you prefer a clean start, you can set up the iPhone as new. This is often recommended if you were experiencing persistent software issues before entering DFU mode.

Reinstall your apps and sign in to your Apple ID to regain access to your data and services. Once the setup is complete, your iPhone should run smoothly with a fresh version of iOS.

How to Exit DFU Mode?

Exiting DFU mode is simple and only requires a force restart. The method depends on your iPhone model. Follow the correct steps below to safely exit DFU mode without restoring your device.

For iPhone 8 and later models, including iPhone SE 2nd gen, iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 1,5 and newer

• Press and quickly release the volume up button.
• Press and quickly release the volume down button.
• Then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
• Release the button when the Apple logo shows and allow the device to restart normally.

For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus

• Press and hold the volume down button and the power button together.
• Keep holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears.
• Release the buttons and wait for the iPhone to reboot.

For iPhone 6s, iPhone SE 1st gen, and earlier with a Home button

• Press and hold the Home button and the power button together.
• Continue holding until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
• Release both buttons once the logo shows and let the device start normally.

If your iPhone exits DFU mode successfully, it will boot back into iOS without restoring or erasing data. If the screen remains black, repeat the force restart steps carefully and ensure the device has enough battery charge.

Faqs

What is the purpose of DFU mode on an iPhone?

DFU mode allows you to restore and reinstall iOS at a deeper level than recovery mode. It is used to fix severe software problems that cannot be resolved through normal updates or resets.

Will DFU mode delete all data from my iPhone?

Yes, restoring your iPhone in DFU mode erases all data and settings. Always create a backup before starting if your device is accessible.

How do I know if my iPhone is in DFU mode?

When your iPhone is in DFU mode, the screen remains completely black while Finder or iTunes detects the device and prompts for restoration.

Is DFU mode safe for my iPhone?

Yes, DFU mode is safe when used correctly. It is an official Apple troubleshooting method designed to reinstall iOS and fix major issues.

What should I do if DFU mode does not work?

If you cannot enter DFU mode, try using a different USB cable or computer and repeat the button sequence carefully. Timing is important when activating DFU mode.