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If you have ever encountered an unresponsive iPhone or need to restore an older version of iOS, putting your phone into Device Firmware Update (DFU) mode might be an option to consider. This tutorial will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to enter DFU mode, along with an explanation of what it is and why it can be helpful for iPhone users.
What is DFU mode?
DFU is a special mode that allows a computer to update firmware on iPhones or iPads. In DFU mode, the phone can still communicate with iTunes, but without automatically installing the latest iOS version, as in Recovery Mode. DFU mode is crucial for installing older versions of iOS or third-party software like jailbreak. Additionally, it is helpful when an unresponsive iPhone doesn’t respond to other troubleshooting methods.
How to Put Your iPhone into DFU Mode
The method for entering DFU mode depends on the iPhone model. Here are the instructions for various iPhone models:
iPhone 6s, SE or earlier
- Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC using the provided USB cable. The phone can be on or off.
- Open iTunes.
- Press and hold the power button and home button for 8 seconds. The “Slide to Power Off” screen should appear.
- After 8 seconds, release the power button, but still hold the home button until iTunes displays, “iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode.”
- Release the home button when you see that the iPhone screen is black; this distinguishes it from Recovery Mode, which displays the “Connect to iTunes” image.
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
- Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC using the USB cable.
- Open iTunes.
- Press and hold the power button and volume down button for 8 seconds. “Slide to Power Off” screen should appear.
- After 8 seconds, release the power button, but still hold the volume down button until iTunes says, “iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode.”
- Release the volume down button when the iPhone screen is black.
iPhone 8, 8 Plus and X
- Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC with the USB cable.
- Open iTunes.
- Press the volume up button (and release it quickly), and then press the volume down button (and release it quickly).
- Press and hold the side (power) button until the screen turns black.
- Hold the side and volume down buttons together for five seconds, and then release the side button but keep holding the volume down button until “iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode” is displayed.
- Release the volume down button.
How to Exit DFU mode
If you want to exit DFU mode and return to normal mode, press and hold the Home button and the Sleep button until the Apple logo appears.
FAQs
What is Firmware?
Firmware is software that exists on a level between the hardware and the operating system. It is software contained in the hardware and used to provide various functions on a hardware level, such as starting up the iOS software when you boot your iPhone.
Why is DFU mode useful?
DFU mode is useful for installing older versions of iOS or third-party software. Additionally, it is helpful when an unresponsive iPhone doesn’t respond to other troubleshooting methods.