DFU mode iPhone: How to enter DFU mode and why is it needed? How to Put Your iPhone into DFU Mode Using iTunes

DFU Mode or DFU Mode is an abbreviation for Device Firmware Update, which translated into the great and mighty means - the device firmware update mode. Many novice iPhone and iPad users confuse DFU mode with Recovery Mode. The difference between them is that in the recovery mod there is a picture on the phone screen with an image of a cable and the iTunes logo. In DFU mode, the device generally looks dead - the screen does not light up and does not respond to buttons.
From the name it is clear that DFU mode on iPhone and iPad is used to flash the device or restore the firmware in the event of a failure.

In general, by default, iTunes is responsible for updating the firmware of Apple devices. But in the case when it cannot update or flash the device, or it does not start or load at all, you have to resort to DFU mode.

How to put iPhone and iPad into DFU mode

There are two ways to enter DFU mode. They can be used for any mobile device from Apple - iPhone 4,5,6 or iPad and iPad mini. Let's look at both options.

Method 1.

Simultaneously press the iPhone's Power button and the Home button:

Keep them pressed for 10 seconds. After this time, release only the power button. We continue to hold the “Home” button until the mobile device goes into DFU Mode.

Method 2.

We connect our iPhone or iPad using a cable to a computer or laptop, preferably not through a USB hub but directly to the motherboard port. We launch the iTunes program, and then completely turn off the device. Make sure it's actually turned off.
Now you need to press the “Home” button and at the same time the “Power” button. We count down 10 seconds, after which we release the power button and continue to hold down the “Home” button. After about another 10-15 seconds, iTunes should signal that a new device has been detected. Now you can release the Home button.
The device screen will be black - don’t be alarmed, this is normal.
Now you can reflash the device.

How to exit DFU mode

In order to take your iPhone or iPad out of DFU mode, you need to press two buttons again - Home And Power and hold until the device turns off. After that it will turn on again and boot normally.

Video instruction - How to enter DFU mode:

Good time! All you need to know about the DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is that it allows you to put your iPhone or iPad into a state in which it is possible to completely restore the iOS system - after this operation, your gadget will be “like new”. No, scratches and abrasions will not go away; simply restoring the firmware via DFU will not get rid of it - you need something more serious. But the inside of the device will be clean.

Why is this even necessary? Various software failures, proper removal of jailbreak - all this can be cured and corrected only by completely reinstalling the system. Which, in turn, cannot be completed without entering this mode.

As you can see, DFU is a useful thing. And now is the time to learn how to use it all. One two Three. Go!

Putting any iPhone or iPad into DFU mode (if it has a mechanical Home button)

Follow these steps in sequence:

1. Launch iTunes and connect your phone or tablet to your computer.
2. Turn off the device (it should still be connected to the PC).
3. Press and hold two buttons at the same time - Home (under the screen) and Power (located on the top edge of the device, except for iPhone 6 and older versions - here it was moved to the right side).
4. We wait 10 seconds and release the Power button while holding the Home key.
5. Continue holding the button for about 10 seconds.
6. After a while, iTunes will notify you that the program has detected the device in recovery mode.
7. Finally releasing the button :)

That's all, you can safely start restoring the firmware! The only thing is to avoid mistakes, use only original wires. Of course, non-certified ones also know how to charge (if there are any), but they don’t cope very well with software updates.

By the way, when transferred to DFU, iOS devices do not show any signs. That is, the screen is completely black, nothing is written on it, there are no identification marks and no characteristic sounds are played.

Only iTunes will inform you about the successful result of all manipulations performed. Here's a sign like this

How to put iPhone 7, iPhone 8 and iPhone X into DFU mode?

A small update to the article related to the release of the iPhone 7 (Plus), iPhone 8 (Plus) and iPhone X. As you know, the Home button in these models has ceased to be mechanical (in the “top ten” it was removed altogether) and is no longer pressable as before. How now to enter the DFU?

Everything is very simple, here are short instructions:

1. Launch iTunes and connect the iPhone to the computer.
2. Turn off the gadget.
3. On the phone we simultaneously press two buttons - power and volume down (!!!).
4. We wait 10 seconds and release the power button, but continue to hold the “volume down” button.
5. After 5-10 seconds, iTunes will see the device in recovery mode.
6. Release the volume down key.

Congratulations, your iPhone has entered DFU mode, you can start restoring the firmware.

How to enable DFU mode on iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR?

The devices are new, but entering the Device Firmware Update mode is carried out in the old way (exactly the same as in the “eight” and iPhone X).

However, as Malakhov says, do not rush to switch.

For those who have problems activating DFU mode using the method from the previous subheading, there are slightly modified instructions.

Hopefully this will be a little easier.

So, enter iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR into DFU:

1. Turn on iTunes and connect the phone to the computer.
2. Press the power key and wait.
3. The “Turn Off” slider appears. We wait and do nothing. Don't let go of the power button!
4. After some time, the phone screen will turn black.
5. Press and hold “Volume Down” (while continuing to hold the power button!).
6. After 5 seconds, release the power button (“Volume down” still held!).
7. After 5-10 seconds, iTunes will see the iPhone in DFU mode.
8. Victory!

Let me remind you that these instructions are suitable for any iPhone starting with iPhone 8. Let’s use it!

We enter DFU mode without buttons, i.e. programmatically

Unfortunately, the previous methods may not always be suitable, because they are based on the use of buttons - Home, Power and “volume down”, but what if they don’t work? Left without DFU mode and, accordingly, without the ability to restore the software? Nothing like that - there is still a way out. We will need:

1. Computer and wire for synchronization.
2. A file downloaded to your PC with the latest firmware for your device.
3. Redsn0w program. Download links - redsn0w_win_0.9.15b3 and redsn0w_mac_0.9.15b3. The first is a version for Windows, the second for Mac OS.

Download and install redsn0w. In the window that opens, select Extras.

Follow DFU IPSW and indicate the previously downloaded official firmware.

We wait for some time and a modified software file appears on the desktop.

Now, if you specify this particular file when restoring iOS, you do not need to press any Home or Power buttons; you will enter DFU mode automatically.

How to get your iPhone or iPad out of DFU mode

There is also a small nuance here. In most cases, you can get away with simply rebooting the gadget. Well... you just have to hold the power button a little longer than usual.

Does not help? Then we perform a forced restart - . Naturally, you must first disconnect the device from the computer.

Here is such a short instruction. However, there is nothing more to describe here - they pressed and held two buttons, released one and connected it to the computer. All!:)

P.S. But if I missed something or have any questions, write in the comments, I’ll add to the article and answer with pleasure!

P.S.S. I almost forgot the most important thing! Attention! For successful and correct operation of the DFU mode, you must click on the social network buttons and “like” this article. Try it, it really works! :)

Operating system failures on Apple products occur much less frequently than on other devices. But still, they arise. In such situations, DFU mode is needed to return the device to operation. Many owners find it difficult to switch the gadget to DFU mode the first time. This is due to the fact that when it is activated, there are no images on the display, just a black screen. If you don't succeed in putting your iPad into DFU mode the first time, you can always try again.

DFU mode (the acronym stands for Device Firmware Update) is an emergency mode designed to allow you to restore the operating system in cases where other methods have failed.

iPhone and iPad owners often confuse DFU mode with Recovery Mode. This mode is also intended for recovery; it is “softer” and has significant differences. Let's clarify the difference. When entering DFU mode, the display remains simply black, with no images. Also, this mode does not start without iTunes support. When launched, it bypasses the operating system, launching at the device level.

If Recovery Mode is activated, a plug and an iTunes program icon are displayed on the screen. It is not necessary to use the iTunes program to activate this mode. The launch is carried out at the operating system level. If using Recovery Mode did not bring results, it is better to transfer the gadget to DFU, and try to bring him back to life.

When is DFU needed?

Emergency recovery mode will help in cases where the gadget does not turn on, the usual methods of restoring the tablet have not been successful, or the battery is not charging. It is important to know that when flashing, all personal data of the user will be erased. Before resorting to such a harsh method, try troubleshooting using Recovery Mode.

DFU iPad mode, how to enter?

You can transfer iPad to DFU using two methods. It may not work the first time, but don’t panic; after trying a couple more times, you’ll succeed. What do we have to do?

Method 1

Before you put your iPad 2 into recovery mode, you need to update iTunes to the latest version. Open it on your PC and connect the tablet via a USB cable. After this, you can activate recovery. You need to press and hold the “power” and “home” buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds. You can count to ten in your head.

After ten seconds, press the “power” button without ceasing to press the “home” key. Do this for a few more seconds. If the actions are performed correctly, the display will remain black, and iTunes will notify you that the tablet has been found in emergency mode. Such indicators will confirm that the user has switched the tablet to emergency recovery mode.

Method 2

First of all, turn off the gadget. Wait a couple of minutes and get started. Press the “power” key and hold for 3 seconds. Now press and hold the “home” button. Count to 10 or time ten seconds. When the time is up, press “power” without ceasing to press “home” for a couple more seconds.

Confirmation that the device has been transferred to emergency recovery will be the appearance of a message in iTunes with the corresponding inscription and a black display on the tablet. When we put the gadget into this mode and flash it, all user data is deleted. Therefore, it is important to make periodic backups so that if something happens, you can restore the data on your iPad.

If you entered this mode to familiarize yourself with the device's capabilities, exiting it is easy (you will find this information below). But simply unplugging the cord from the computer will not be enough.

iPad Recovery

To start this process, you need to click on the “restore gadget” button in the iTunes workspace. After you click on it, the recovery procedure will start. There are times when it takes about three hours. It all depends on the original problem and the amount of data in the new firmware. Be patient and make sure that the tablet does not disconnect from the computer.

When the recovery procedure is complete, use the backup copy of your user data and download it to your tablet. After this, you will be able to use the gadget as before. If you do not have backup data, you will have to use the device from scratch.

How to exit DFU mode

How do you get out of disaster recovery if you just wanted to explore the option? For further operation of the tablet, it needs to work in normal mode, and simply disconnecting it from the PC will not work.

To remove the gadget, we use a reboot. To implement this, you must simultaneously press and hold the “home” and “power” keys for ten seconds. Then just release the keys and turn on the gadget. If you rebooted correctly, the standard Apple screensaver of the installed iOS will appear on the display. That's all you need to know to get your tablet out of disaster recovery.

Switching to DFU mode on all Apple smartphones occurs the same way. If you don't know how to enter this function, follow our instructions.

1. Transition procedure

To put any iPhone into DFU mode, do this:

• Use a USB cable to connect your device to your computer. In this case, the operating system on the PC/laptop must be either Windows or Mac, with iTunes installed (but do not launch it yet). If you do not have this program, download it from apple.com and install it.
• While connected, turn off your iPhone. To do this, it is most convenient to simply hold down the power button, also known as “Power” (located on the side or top). You can also simultaneously press the “Home” button, also known as “Home” (large, round, located under the screen on the front side of the device), and the aforementioned “Power”. If you chose the second option, keep these two buttons pressed for exactly 10 seconds (no less). Launch iTunes on your computer.

Clue: In iPhone 6, the on and off button (“Power”) is located on the side. This is the only difference when it comes to how to enter different models of Apple smartphones into recovery and update mode.

• After 10 seconds, release “Power”, but do not release “Home”. Hold down the Home button until the message shown in Figure 2 appears on your computer. It indicates that the connected device is in recovery mode. Actually, this is what we need.

Important! The process of switching to the desired mode from the moment you release the “Power” button, but hold the “Home” button, can take about 30 seconds, and in some cases up to a minute. Don't let go of the button! If after a minute nothing happens, start over.

Also remember that when you go to DFU, absolutely nothing will be displayed on the smartphone screen. Only a message on the computer indicates that you did everything correctly.

If something happens on the smartphone, it starts to turn on or some pictures appear on it, then something is wrong.

It is very important to adhere to the time frames indicated above - hold down the power and Home buttons for only 10 seconds, and the Power button for up to a minute, until a message appears in iTunes.

Now you know how to transfer an Apple smartphone to DFU. But this instruction is relevant only for those cases when all the keys are in working condition. If this is not the case, you will have to use workarounds.

2. Go to DFU with broken buttons

Important! This method assumes that you jailbreak your iPhone, that is, replace the firmware on it with a custom one. In this case, the warranty for the device will no longer apply.

If you do not want to jailbreak, take your phone to a service center. For assistance and to find your nearest service center, visit support.apple.com. For more information about contacting support, read our article.

Now let's move on to how to enter DFU mode without using buttons.

To do this, do this:

• Download and install the redsn0w utility. You can download it, for example, from iphonehacks.com.
• Launch the program and successively click on the “Extras” buttons, in the next window “Even more” and then “DFU IPSW”.

• Now download the official (this is important!) firmware. If you want your device to have the latest version of iOS, download the firmware from apple.com. But if you need an older version, then it can be found, for example, on the website newapples.ru. Although there are a huge number of similar sites, and you can choose any of them. Often firmware can also be found on forums.
• In the next window, select the file with the official firmware and click “OK”. You will have to wait a little while the program creates custom firmware from the official one and installs it on your smartphone. It is impossible to say exactly how long this process takes. It all depends on the model. But you will see the progress of this action on your screen.
• When the firmware creation is complete, launch iTunes on your computer. At the same time, hold down the “Shift” button if you have Windows and the “Option” button if you have a Mac. A message appears indicating that iTunes will restore the data on the connected device. Click "Restore".

• Now the smartphone will be connected to the computer, and will be in DFU mode. This is what we needed.

As you can see, you can put your iPhone into recovery and update mode both with and without working buttons. However, in the second case you will have to jailbreak.