iPhone 16 DFU mode, recovery, and force restart guide

A frozen screen can derail your day. Before you book a repair, use the built-in rescue tools in iPhone 16 to clear glitches. A normal restart (Side button + either volume key > slide to power off) fixes most issues, but stubborn software needs force restart, recovery mode, or the deeper iPhone 16 DFU mode.

The entire 2025 lineup, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, shares the same three-button layout, so every model follows one set of steps. Force restart simply reboots iOS and keeps data intact. Recovery mode lets Finder or iTunes reinstall iOS while trying to preserve your files. DFU mode erases the device and writes a clean firmware image just like Apple technicians do. Work through the options in this order to avoid unnecessary data loss.

What each option does

• Force restart – reboots iOS and leaves apps and data untouched

• Recovery mode – reinstalls iOS through Finder or iTunes and tries to keep content

• DFU mode – wipes the phone and installs fresh firmware for severe corruption

Pre-restore checklist

• Disable Find My: Settings > Apple ID > Find My > Find My iPhone > Off

• Verify a backup: confirm the latest iCloud backup or create an encrypted Finder/iTunes backup

• Update desktop software: macOS 16 Sequoia or the newest iTunes improves cable communication

How to force restart iPhone 16

1. Press and quickly release Volume Up

2. Press and quickly release Volume Down

3. Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears > release

Repeat if the logo does not show after 20 seconds.

How to enter recovery mode

1. Connect the iPhone to a Mac (Finder) or PC (iTunes)

2. Repeat the force-restart sequence but keep holding the Side button once the screen goes dark

3. Release when the laptop-and-cable icon appears

4. In Finder or iTunes choose Update first. If it fails, choose Restore and reload your backup afterward

How to enter iPhone 16 DFU mode

1. Keep the cable attached and open Finder or iTunes

2. Press Volume Up, press Volume Down, then hold the Side button for 10 seconds until the screen turns off

3. Without releasing the Side button, press Volume Down for 5 seconds

4. Release the Side button but keep holding Volume Down for 10 more seconds

5. The display stays black. Finder or iTunes will detect an iPhone in recovery mode, confirming DFU is active

6. Click Restore iPhone. After iOS installs, restore your backup and re-enable Find My

Exit DFU or recovery mode

1. Press Volume Up, press Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
2. Disconnect the cable once iOS loads.

FAQ

• Does this guide work on iPhone 16 Plus?
  Yes. The Plus model uses the same buttons and follows identical sequences for force restart, recovery, and DFU.
• Does this guide work on iPhone 16 Pro?
  Yes. iPhone 16 Pro shares the same hardware controls, so the steps above apply without changes.
• Does this guide work on iPhone 16 Pro Max?
  Yes. All four models in the 2025 lineup use the same process for DFU mode and recovery.

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These steps apply to iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max on iOS 18 or later. Using iPhone 16 DFU mode does not void warranty, though hardware faults still need authorised repair. Because DFU erases data Apple cannot recover, always confirm a backup first. If you contact AppleCare afterward, list the steps you tried to speed diagnosis.