DFU refers to a device firmware update. There could be many reasons you might want to enter DFU mode. If you want to jailbreak your iPhone or unjailbreak it, the device firmware update mode can be used. It can also be used to update expired betas. Also, if there is a problem with your iPhone and nothing seems to work, including recovery mode, the device's firmware update mode may be your last hope.

So what happens in Device firmware update mode?

DFU puts your phone in a state where it can communicate with iTunes on your computer (whether Windows or Mac works for both). However, this mode does not load IOS or bootloader. Because of this, the device can be removed from any state. This, in fact, is the main difference between recovery mode and device firmware update mode.

It's better to try recovery mode or iOS system recovery before trying the device in firmware update mode. DFU mode is a last ditch attempt to get your phone out of any trouble, unless you intend to jailbreak the phone, or unjailbreak it, in which case it should be done. Recovery mode or system restore can solve most problems.

In this article, we have collected 6 popular DFU tools and we hope it will be useful for you to enter DFU mode.

Top 6 DFU Tools Enter DFU Mode

Trust your iPhone and are looking for an easy way to enter DFU mode? Entering DFU mode is only half the job. You'll need to be able to tinker with the settings to make sure your iPhone is working properly and all data is behaving as expected. Here are six different DFU tools that will help you enter DFU mode on your iPhone.

Note: Before you are going to use these DFU tools to enter DFU mode, it is better to use the third software 3rd party dr.fone toolkit - iOS Data Backup & Restore to backup iPhone files as all data will be erased during DFU mode. We all know that iTunes can also backup and restore our picture data. You may be wondering why I still need this software. Here I must say that iTunes is a bit difficult to use. And backup iTunes copy is not readable on the computer, making it impossible to view and verify information about our backup data. Moreover, we cannot preveiw and restore what we want to our device. While dr.fone toolkit is Backup and iOS Data Recovery allows you to view and selectively restore what you want to your iPhone or iPad. In addition, you can read the exported data directly on the computer. They are saved as .HTML, .CSV and .Vcard files. You can check the box below to get detailed information about dr.fone toolkit - iOS data backup and recovery

NO.1: DFU tool - Reiboot

This is one of the most popular DFU tools out there when it comes to entering your iPhone's DFU mode. You can use ReiBoot when iPhone crashes, or gets stuck in any specific mode, such as recovery mode. You can also use it if your phone keeps ringing again and again.

Pros:

  1. Reiboot works with all the latest IOS versions, and all the latest devices Apple Same.
  2. The application is easy to use. You just have to do what the application directs once you connect it to your computer.
  3. Reiboot even provides a resource for when it may not be able to resolve the issue.

Minuses:

  1. Automatic start Apps sometimes crash after loading.

NO.2: DFU tool - Recboot

The name is very similar to the one we discussed above, but then it is a different one. However, it does the same task. RecBoot can help you if your phone is stuck in a certain mode. iPhones often get stuck in recovery mode. The software allows you to simultaneously get into and out of mode. It is built for Windows.

Pros:

  1. Loads quickly. This is a small file compared to other alternatives.
  2. Easy to use as it gives simple step by step directions.
  3. Works well if you want to enter recovery mode which can be done with one click

Minuses:

  1. Does not work on 64-bit machines.
  2. The recovery mode options are limited to you not being able to do anything else.

NO.3: DFU tool - Tiny Umbrella

Looking for DFU software or a DFU tool that might be a little difficult to use but can do a little more than just enter DFU mode? Although the Tiny Umbrella has a number of functions and this is not its main function, it performs this function admirably well. It can be used to exit recovery mode, or get an iPhone or iPad to get out of a stuck reboot loop.

Pros:

  1. You can solve this problem with just one button.
  2. It has other features too, making it a multi-functionality app.

Minuses:

  1. Doesn't recognize the device sometimes.

NO.4: DFU tool - iReb

No matter how many times you press the home and power button nothing happens in such a situation iReb is your savior. It completely reboots the iOS device.

Pros:

  1. Works for all operating systems on PC.
  2. Simple application with just three buttons, making it very clear to use.
  3. Even works on Windows, although the name starts with “~I”

Minuses:

  1. You may suffer data loss.
  2. Not a great option when it comes to looking for reliability

No. 6: DFU tool - RedSn0w

Looking for a DFU tool that can do more than just help you force yourself into DFU mode? RedSn0w is primarily a jailbreak tool. However, it has other functionality too, including exiting recovery mode. This problem may be caused by iTunes recovery errors.

Pros:

  1. Provides additional features such as jailbreak.
  2. Prevents the endless recovery mode loop you may get in case you jailbreak your iPhone directly.

Minuses:

  1. Not as easy as other apps.

Poll: Which DFU tool do you like best?

Which DFU tool do you like best?

Troubleshooting: What to do if I'm stuck in DFU mode

With the above tools or method, you will be able to make entering DFU mode of your iPhone easily. But if you are unhappily stuck in DFU mode and cannot exit DFU mode, then you can try dr.fone toolkit - iOS system recovery. This tool can help you exit DFU mode easily. Most importly, this program can fix your iPhone to normal without losing data. So you don't have to worry about losing your precious contacts, messages, photos and many more. Apart from this, it can also fix other iPhone system problems and errors. You can check the box below for more.

Good time! All you need to know about 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 has been 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 iPhone release 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!

DFU mode for iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max. Instructions!

Were you hoping for something new? In vain. Nothing changed.

Activating DFU mode for iPhone 11 ( Pro Max) happens exactly the same as in all other iPhones (starting from the “eight”).

Therefore, if you are the happy owner of an iPhone 11 (Pro Max), then I can only envy you. To transfer your smartphone to DFU mode, use the instructions found in the previous subheading.

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 do not 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!

DFU mode (Device Firmware Update) is a device firmware update mode. Refers to emergency modes and is recognized by iTunes when connecting an iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch to a Mac or PC using a USB cable as a recovery mode.

How DFU mode works

In this mode, the iOS device operates without loading the shell operating system, therefore on iPhone display the picture is not visible and the device does not react in any way to pressing the “Power” and “Home” buttons separately.

Different from recovery mode ( Recovery Mode) because in this mode the device does not show visible signs of life (the control buttons do not work, there is no image on the display).

How to turn it on

  1. Press and hold the lock button until the screen goes black, then press and hold the lock and volume down button
  2. After 5 seconds, release the Lock button while continuing to hold the Volume Down button

iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus

  1. Connect your device to your Mac or PC
  2. Press and hold the Lock and Volume Down button at the same time
  3. After 8 seconds, release the Lock button while continuing to hold the Volume Down button

  1. Connect your device to your Mac or PC
  2. Press and hold the Home button and the Lock button at the same time
  3. After 8 seconds, release the Lock button while continuing to hold the Home button

How to turn off

iPhone 8, 8 Plus, X, iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max and younger

  1. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button
  2. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button
  3. Press and hold the lock button until the device restarts

iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus

  1. Press and hold the Lock and Volume Down buttons at the same time until the device reboots

iPhone 6S, iPhone SE and older, iPad, iPod Touch

  1. Press and hold the Home button and the Lock button at the same time until the device restarts

If Apple iPhone 6S Plus is frozen and does not respond to any manipulations, or for no reason has stopped turning on and responding to Charger, you can try to reboot it by performing a soft reset. A soft reset is a normal reboot of the device. As if you took out the battery and inserted it back, no data will be deleted. All information on the phone will be saved.

To perform a soft reset, do the following:

    Press and hold the "Home" and "Power" buttons

    Hold the buttons until the Apple logo appears (about 10 seconds)

If the device has no software or hardware problems, it should start in standard operating mode

The DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is designed to restore the software of Apple equipment. DFU mode h Often confused with Recovery mode. In Recovery mode, the USB cable and the iTunes icon are displayed on the screen. In DFU mode, the phone does not have any external manifestations and appears as if it is turned off. To enter DFU mode, do the following:

    Connect Apple iPhone 6S Plus to your computer

    Press the "Power" and "Home" buttons for 10 seconds

    Without releasing the "Home" button, release the "Power" button

    If the Apple logo appears, start the whole procedure from the beginning.

    Hold the "Home" button until iTunes detects the new device in recovery mode (about 20-30 seconds).

Now the device is in DFU mode and you can perform software recovery on it through apple software - iTunes.

Added by: Borodach 04/08/2016 Rating: 5 Votes: 1

Owners of iPhone and iPad often encounter problems during the process of flashing their iPhone and updating to a new one. iOS systems, this problem –iPhone stuck in DFU mode. Especially after iPhone jailbreak slows down easier in this mode. In this case, how to remove iPhone, iPad or iPod touch from DFU mode and fix it? We provide several methods.

How to exit DFU mode using Tenorshare ReiBoot One click

Supports getting out of any freezes with one click, such as stuck on the apple logo after updating to new iOS system, freezes in black screen, freezes in blue screen death, or freezing during startup, jailbreak, etc. Also supports all devices, iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.

First, download and install Tenorshare ReiBoot on your computer. Then run it. Connect your iPhone/iPad/iPod touch to your computer using a USB cable. And then Tenorshare ReiBoot will recognize your device, click “Enter Recovery Mode”, then your device is already out of DFU mode.


After that, click “Exit Recovery Mode”, wait a little and the device will reboot safely. Do not disconnect the device during this process.


One click this program can solve the hang, in addition, if the iphone is stuck in recovery mode (recovery mode), in itunes mode, in update mode, in shutdown, in mode headphones,Tenorshare ReiBoot always allows the device to recover from a freeze.

Other Ways to Solve iPhone Stuck in DFU Mode

Now, if you put your iPhone into DFU mode, you can get your phone out of it using a normal reboot - holding down the Home + Power buttons for 10 seconds. The phone will reboot and work in normal mode. If after connecting the cable and holding Home + Power for 10 seconds, the phone cannot start, then press the Power button and it will turn on.

How to recognize DFU mode?

DFU in an iPhone or iPad can only be recognized when the device is connected to a computer and only using a USB cable. It is the computer that will notify the user about the device firmware update mode. iTunes recognizes "Device Firmware Update" mode as recovery mode.


What is DFU mode? How is it different from recovery mode?

DFU mode (Device Firmware Update) is a device firmware update mode. It is an emergency mode and is recognized by iTunes when connecting the device to a computer as a recovery mode. In this case, the iPhone works without loading the system shell, so iPhone screen the picture is not visible and the device does not respond to key presses and does not turn on the display.

Different from recovery mode ( Recovery Mode) because in this mode the device does not show visible signs of life (the control button does not work, there is no image on the display). In some cases, this mode helps correct minor software glitch and allows you to reboot in normal mode.