How to Put iPhone and iPad in DFU Mode: Step-by-Step Guide

As the last straw to troubleshoot an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, DFU mode can quickly update, jailbreak, install an older iOS version or restore your device to a normal working state in an emergency. However, it is tricky to boot an iPhone into DFU mode since it entails precise timing, and the operation varies with different iPhone/iPad models. Don't worry. This article will explain in detail how to enter DFU mode on different iPhone or iPad models.

Part 1: What Is DFU Mode on iPhone/iPad?

You may have previously heard DFU mode many times on various occasions. But, what is DFU mode on iPad/iPhone on earth? iOS DFU mode, or the Device Firmware Update on iPhone or iPad, is a special mode that enables your device to communicate with iTunes, update the firmware, and restore the operating system automatically without installing iTunes.

When entering DFU mode, users can downgrade their devices to an older version of iOS, jailbreak the iPhone/iPad, un-jailbreak the iPhone/iPad, delete the iOS or iPadOS beta version, and reboot the iPhone or iPad stably.

Although iPhone/iPad DFU mode puts your devices into a recovery-similar mode, it is different from the recovery mode. DFU is a far more comprehensive mode that fixes more challenging iOS system issues and makes fewer changes to the firmware. Besides, the iPhone DFU mode will turn your device on but not yet boot it into iOS.

Well, you may also wonder what the firmware is. As the name shows, firmware is the software between the hardware and iOS operating system and provides low-level control of a device's hardware, such as the ROM, EPROM, Flash memory, etc.

Part 2: How to Put iPhone/iPad in DFU Mode?

The methods for putting your device in DFU mode vary from device to device because some iPhone/iPad models have a mechanical Home button while some do not. Therefore, we will illustrate how to get into DFU mode on different device models in this part.

How to Put iPhone 8/8 Plus or Later in DFU Mode?

The following steps go for iPhone 17/16/15/14/13/12/11/XS/XR/X/SE (2nd generation)/8/8 Plus:

1. Plug your iPhone into the computer that runs the latest version of iTunes, and power your iPhone off.

2. Press and quickly release the "Volume Up" button.

3. Press and quickly release the "Volume Down" button.

4. Press and hold the "Side" button until the screen goes black.

5. Press and hold the "Side" + "Volume Down" buttons for 5 seconds or so. After that, release the "Side" button but continue holding the "Volume Down" button for a while.

When iTunes on your computer alerts you the iPhone has entered into recovery mode, click "OK" to restore your iPhone.

How to Put iPhone 7/7 Plus in DFU Mode?

If you are using an iPhone 7 Plus/7 and want to put iPhone 7 Plus/7 into DFU mode, you can refer to these steps.

1. Power off your iPhone 7/7 Plus and plug it into your computer with a USB cable. Ensure that you have installed the latest version of iTunes on the computer.

2. Press and hold the "Side" + "Volume Down" buttons for 10 seconds and then release the "Side" button but keep holding the "Volume Down" button.

3. When iTunes pops up a message, that reads "iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode. You must restore this iPhone before it can be used with iTunes.", release the button and tap "OK".

How to Put iPhone 6/6s or Earlier, iPhone SE, and iPad (with Home Button) into DFU Mode?

iPhone 6s is the last iPhone model with a Home button, which is released in 2015. Similarly, some iPad and iPod touch models also have the Home button. Thus, how to put iPad mini 4 in DFU mode? How to enter DFU mode on iPad Air? or how to put iPad into DFU mode?

Suppose that you have the same queries. In this case, the following instructions may be helpful to you.

1. Connect your iDevice to the computer via a USB cable and run iTunes or Finder.

2. Power off your iDevice if you don't already.

3. Press and hold the "Home" + "Lock" button for 8 seconds. Later, release the "Lock" button but continue holding the "Home" button until iTunes says your iDevice has got into the recovery mode.

How to Put iPad with Face ID in DFU Mode?

If you have activated the Face ID on your iPad like iPad Pro 11-inch and later, iPad Air 4th Gen and later, you can force the iPad Pro into DFU mode with the steps below.

1. Connect your iPad with the Face ID to your computer that runs the latest version of iTunes or Finder.

2. Make sure that you have powered your iPad off.

3. Press and hold the "Side" button until the screen goes black. At this moment, keep holding the "Side" button while pressing and holding the "Volume Down" button for 10 seconds.

4. Release the "Side" button but keep holding the "Volume Down" button for another 5 seconds.

5. If you see a popup in iTunes or Finder noticing you the device has entered into recovery mode, you're done!

Note: During DFU mode, your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch should go black, and nothing will display on the screen. If the Apple logo appears on the screen, you may have held down the Side or Lock button for too long.

Part 3: How to Exit DFU Mode?

What if you unnecessarily boot your iPhone or iPad into the DFU mode? Now, you know how to get iPhone to DFU mode. You can exit DFU mode by force restarting your device.

• For iPhone 8/8 Plus/X or later: Press and release the "Volume Up" button, and press and release the "Volume Down" button. Later, press and hold the "Side" button until your device starts to reboot.
• For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the "Side" + "Volume Down" buttons until your device reboots automatically.
• For iPhone 6/6s/SE, iPad with Home button: Press and hold the "Home" + "Lock" buttons until it restarts automatically.
• For iPad with Face ID: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, and then quickly press and release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Top button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. Release the Top button, and your iPad will restart, exiting DFU mode.

Part 4: Back Up Your iPhone Before Entering DFU Mode

Before entering DFU mode, it's crucial to back up your iPhone to ensure that no data is lost in case anything goes wrong during the process. While DFU mode is useful for troubleshooting and restoring firmware, it can also erase everything on your device. Therefore, backing up your data beforehand is essential to avoid losing important information like contacts, photos, and apps.

One of the best tools to back up your iPhone quickly and easily is Coolmuster iOS Assistant. This software allows you to back up your iPhone without the need for iTunes, offering a more flexible and user-friendly experience.

Why Choose Coolmuster iOS Assistant?

• You can back up your iPhone without the limitations of iTunes.
• Choose which data to back up, such as photos, messages, contacts, and more.
• Easily transfer data between your iPhone and computer.
• Quickly restore your iPhone data from backups when needed.
• Keeps your data safe during backup and restoration.
• Be compatible with iPhone 17/16/15/14/13/12/11/X/8/7/6, etc.

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How to Back Up Your iPhone Using Coolmuster iOS Assistant

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Bonus: Common DFU Mode Issues and How to Fix Them

While entering DFU mode is usually straightforward, users may occasionally encounter issues. Here are some of the most common problems people face when using DFU mode, along with solutions to help you resolve them.

1. iPhone/iPad Won't Enter DFU Mode

Sometimes, despite following the steps, your iPhone or iPad won't enter DFU mode, and the screen either shows the Apple logo or the recovery mode screen instead.

Solution:

• Check the timing: DFU mode requires precise timing for button presses. If you hold the buttons too long or not long enough, the device may not enter DFU mode. Try again, focusing on the timing.
• Use a different USB cable or port: A faulty USB connection might prevent the device from entering DFU mode. Ensure the cable is in good condition and connected securely.
• Update iTunes or Finder: Ensure that your iTunes (for Windows) or Finder (for macOS Catalina and later) is up to date. An outdated version can cause issues with detecting your device.
• Restart the device and computer: Sometimes, simply restarting both your iPhone/iPad and the computer can resolve detection issues.

2. Device Stuck in DFU Mode

After successfully entering DFU mode, your device might get stuck in DFU mode and won't exit, even after following the proper steps.

Solution:

• Force Restart the Device: If your device doesn't exit DFU mode, perform a force restart to break out of it. The steps for force restarting vary by model (refer to Part 3 for specific instructions).
• Restore Using iTunes/Finder: If the force restart doesn't work, restore your device using iTunes or Finder. This will erase all data, so ensure you've backed up beforehand.
• Try Third-Party Tools: If iTunes/Finder still can't restore your device, consider using third-party software like iOS System Recovery to help exit DFU mode and restore your device.

3. iTunes/Finder Doesn't Detect the Device in DFU Mode

Even though your device is in DFU mode, iTunes or Finder doesn't recognize it or prompts with an error.

Solution:

• Check the USB connection: Ensure your USB cable is functioning properly. Try using another cable or a different USB port on your computer.
• Reboot both devices: Restart both your computer and your iPhone/iPad. A fresh start might help establish a better connection.
• Disable security software: Sometimes, antivirus or firewall software can block iTunes from detecting your device. Temporarily disable any security software to see if it resolves the issue.
• Try Another Computer: If the problem persists, try connecting your iPhone/iPad to a different computer with the latest version of iTunes or Finder.

4. iPhone/iPad Displays Apple Logo or Recovery Mode Screen Instead of Black Screen

After following the DFU mode steps, your device displays the Apple logo or shows the iTunes logo with a cable, indicating recovery mode, rather than staying black.

Solution:

• Timing Issues: You may have held the buttons for too long or not long enough. Try repeating the steps and be more precise with the timing.
• Try DFU Mode Again: If recovery mode is activated instead of DFU mode, start the process over and carefully follow the steps to ensure you're entering DFU mode correctly.

5. DFU Mode Causes Data Loss

Entering DFU mode, especially when restoring or updating firmware, can result in data loss.

Solution:

• Always back up before entering DFU mode: Use a tool like Coolmuster iOS Assistant to back up your data before attempting any major changes, especially if you're planning to restore or update your iPhone.
• Restore from Backup: After completing DFU mode procedures (such as restoring firmware or updating the iOS), you can restore your data from the backup you created earlier.

6. DFU Mode Causes iPhone/iPad to Overheat

Some users report their device getting warm or even overheating when stuck in DFU mode for an extended period.

Solution:

• Don't keep the device in DFU mode for too long: DFU mode should only be used for troubleshooting or restoring the firmware. If the device is in DFU mode for too long, it can cause it to heat up.
• Turn off the device: If your device feels hot, turn it off to prevent any further damage, and let it cool down before trying again.

Conclusion

DFU mode is a powerful tool for fixing iPhone and iPad issues, but it comes with its own set of potential problems. By understanding these common issues and how to address them, you'll be able to troubleshoot and resolve any problems that may arise while using DFU mode. Always make sure to back up your data before attempting any significant changes to your device, and don't hesitate to use third-party tools for extra assistance when needed.

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