If your iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo, won’t turn on, won’t update, or keeps failing during a restore, DFU mode may help you recover it. DFU, or Device Firmware Update mode, lets a Mac or Windows PC communicate with an iPhone at a deeper level before iOS loads.
DFU mode is different from Recovery Mode and should generally be treated as an advanced troubleshooting option. In this guide, we’ll explain when to use DFU mode, how to enter it on different iPhone models, how to tell when it worked, and how to exit DFU mode.
What Is DFU Mode?
DFU mode stands for Device Firmware Update mode. It puts an iPhone into a low-level state where it can communicate with a connected computer without loading the normal iOS interface.
This can be useful when an iPhone has a serious software or firmware problem and normal troubleshooting hasn’t worked. DFU mode doesn’t automatically fix the iPhone, but it can allow a computer to perform a deeper restore.
DFU mode is different from Recovery Mode. In Recovery Mode, the iPhone displays a cable pointing toward a computer. In DFU mode, the screen remains completely black while the computer detects the device.
| Mode | What You See | Main Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Mode | iOS interface | Everyday use |
| Recovery Mode | Cable and computer | Update or restore iOS |
| DFU Mode | Completely black screen | Deeper firmware recovery |
If you can still use your iPhone normally, back it up before attempting any recovery procedure.
Before You Start
You’ll need your iPhone, a USB cable and a Mac or Windows PC.
On a Mac, use Finder to communicate with the iPhone. On Windows, use the Apple Devices app. Older Windows setups may use iTunes.
If your iPhone is still accessible, make a backup before entering DFU mode. Entering DFU mode itself does not erase your data, but restoring the iPhone from your computer does.
Apple recommends trying Update before Restore when troubleshooting an iPhone through a computer. Update attempts to reinstall iOS without erasing your personal data, while Restore erases the device and reinstalls iOS.
If you’re simply dealing with a frozen iPhone, try a force restart first. DFU mode is better reserved for situations where simpler recovery methods haven’t worked.
How to Enter DFU Mode on iPhone
The button combination depends on your iPhone model. The most important thing to remember is that a successful DFU mode screen stays completely black.
iPhone 8 and Later
This method works on the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone SE (3rd generation), iPhone X and all later iPhone models.
- Connect your iPhone to your Mac or Windows PC using a USB cable.
- Open Finder, Apple Devices or iTunes.
- Quickly press and release Volume Up.
- Quickly press and release Volume Down.
- Press and hold the Side button.
- Keep holding the Side button until the screen turns completely black.
- As soon as the screen goes black, continue holding the Side button and press and hold Volume Down.
- Hold both buttons for about five seconds.
- Release the Side button while continuing to hold Volume Down.
- Keep holding Volume Down for about 10 seconds.
If the process worked, the screen should remain completely black and your computer should detect the iPhone.
If you see the Apple logo, the timing was incorrect. Start the process again.
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus use a different button combination.
- Connect the iPhone to your computer.
- Open Finder, Apple Devices or iTunes.
- Press and hold the Side and Volume Down buttons together.
- Keep holding both buttons for about eight seconds.
- Release the Side button.
- Continue holding Volume Down.
- Keep holding until the computer detects the iPhone.
The display should remain black.
If the Apple logo appears, repeat the process.
iPhone 6s and Earlier
This method covers the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE (1st generation) and earlier iPhone models.
- Connect the iPhone to your computer.
- Open Finder, Apple Devices or iTunes.
- Press and hold the Home and Side buttons together. On models with a Top button instead of a Side button, use the Top button.
- Hold both buttons for about eight seconds.
- Release the Side or Top button while continuing to hold Home.
- Keep holding Home until your computer detects the iPhone.
The screen should remain completely black when DFU mode is successful.
How to Know DFU Mode Worked
This is where DFU mode can be confusing.
Black screen + computer detects iPhone = DFU mode.
If the Apple logo appears, the iPhone has started booting normally and you need to try again.
If you see a cable pointing toward a computer, you’ve entered Recovery Mode instead.
Once the computer detects the iPhone, follow the recovery options shown in Finder, Apple Devices or iTunes.
How to Exit DFU Mode
If you entered DFU mode by mistake and haven’t started a restore, you can usually exit by force restarting the iPhone.
iPhone 8 and Later
- Quickly press and release Volume Up.
- Quickly press and release Volume Down.
- Press and hold the Side button.
- Keep holding until the Apple logo appears.
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
Press and hold the Side and Volume Down buttons together until the Apple logo appears.
iPhone 6s and Earlier
Press and hold the Home and Side or Top buttons together until the Apple logo appears.
Your iPhone should then restart normally.
If DFU Mode Doesn’t Work
Don’t worry if you don’t get it right on the first attempt. The timing of the button presses is precise, and it can take several tries.
- If the Apple logo appears, the timing was probably off. Start the sequence again.
- If the Recovery Mode screen appears, you’ve entered Recovery Mode rather than DFU mode. You can still use Recovery Mode to update or restore your iPhone.
- If your computer doesn’t detect the iPhone, check the USB connection first. Try another cable, USB port or computer, and make sure Finder, Apple Devices or iTunes is up to date.
If your iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo, won’t turn on, won’t update or repeatedly fails to restore, try the less destructive recovery options before resorting to a full restore. Apple recommends trying an update before restoring the device when possible.
If none of the recovery methods work and your iPhone still isn’t detected or responding, the problem may be hardware-related and the device may require service.
What to Remember About DFU Mode
DFU mode is an advanced recovery option for an iPhone that won’t start, update or restore normally. It isn’t something most users will need, but it can be useful when standard troubleshooting and Recovery Mode aren’t enough.
The easiest way to identify DFU mode is to look at the screen: it should stay completely black while the computer detects the iPhone.
Before restoring your iPhone, make sure you understand the difference between Update and Restore. If your data isn’t backed up, try every non-destructive recovery option available before choosing Restore.
