How to Enter DFU Mode on iPhone: Guide for All Models

Introduction / Why It's Needed

DFU mode (Device Firmware Update) is a special bootloader mode on iOS devices that allows you to reflash or restore the operating system at the firmware level, bypassing the standard bootloader (iBoot). It is necessary in cases where:

• iPhone/iPad won't turn on, is stuck on the Apple logo, or in a reboot loop.
• Standard Recovery Mode doesn't help.
• An update or jailbreak process failed.
• You need to completely downgrade or install an iOS version for which you don't have a current backup.

In this guide, you will find precise instructions for entering DFU mode for all iPhone and iPad models current as of 2026.

⚠️ Important: Entering DFU mode and subsequent restoration lead to the complete erasure of all data on the device. Before starting, try to make a backup via iCloud or iTunes if the device still partially works.

Requirements / Preparation

Before you begin, ensure you have:

1. A computer with the latest version of:
   • Windows: iTunes (download from the official Apple website, version 12.10 or newer).
   • macOS: Finder (built into macOS Catalina 10.15 and newer). For older macOS versions, iTunes is required.
2. An original or certified Apple Lightning or USB-C cable. Cheap or damaged cables often cause failures when entering DFU.
3. A charged iPhone/iPad (at least 20%, preferably 50%+) so the device doesn't turn off during the process.
4. A stable internet connection (to download the firmware during restoration).
5. Find My iPhone settings (if enabled, you will need to enter your Apple ID and password after restoration).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Determining Your Device Type

The button combination to enter DFU differs drastically depending on the model. Choose your case:

• Case A: iPhone 8, iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16, and iPad (2018 and newer) without a Home button.
• Case B: iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus.
• Case C: iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE (1st generation, 2016), iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5, and all older models with a Home button.

Case A: Entering DFU on iPhone 8 / X / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 and iPad without Home

1. Connect the device to your computer using the cable.
2. Perform a sequence of quick presses:
   • Press and release the Volume Up button.
   • Immediately press and release the Volume Down button.
   • Hold the Side (power) button for 5 seconds.
3. Without releasing the Side button, press and hold the Volume Down button for an additional 10 seconds.
4. Release the Side button, but continue holding the Volume Down button for another 5 seconds.
5. If done correctly, the device's screen will remain black. On the computer, a pop-up window will appear in iTunes/Finder indicating that a device in recovery mode has been detected.

💡 Tip: If the Apple logo appears on the screen after releasing the Side button—you entered standard Recovery Mode. Start over, paying close attention to the timing between steps 2 and 3.

Case B: Entering DFU on iPhone 7 / 7 Plus

1. Connect the device to your computer.
2. Press and hold the Side (power) button for 3 seconds.
3. Without releasing the Side button, press and hold the Volume Down button for an additional 10 seconds.
4. Release the Side button, but continue holding the Volume Down button for another 5 seconds.
5. The screen should stay black. iTunes/Finder will detect the device in recovery mode.

Case C: Entering DFU on iPhone 6s / 6s Plus / SE (2016) and older (with Home button)

1. Connect the device to your computer.
2. Press and hold both the Home button and the Side/Top (power) button simultaneously for 10 seconds.
3. Release the Side button, but continue holding the Home button for another 5 seconds.
4. The device screen should go black. If the Apple logo appears—start over. iTunes will show a message about recovery mode.

Verifying the Result

You have successfully entered DFU mode if all of the following conditions are met:

1. The iPhone/iPad screen is completely black (not just off, but with no backlight or logo).
2. On the computer, a window appears in iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS) with the message: "An iPhone has been detected in recovery mode. You must restore this iPhone before it can be used with iTunes."
3. In iTunes, on the device's tab, it shows not the iPhone logo, but a cable icon with the text 'Connect to iTunes' (or a similar message in Finder).

If the screen is black but the computer doesn't see the device, try:

• Reconnect the cable to a different USB port (directly on the motherboard, not through a hub).
• Restart iTunes/Finder and the computer.
• Try a different cable.

Potential Issues

Issue 1: Device reboots into normal mode instead of DFU

Cause: Inaccurate timing or holding the buttons for too long. Solution: Perform the actions strictly according to the instructions for your model. The key point is to release the Side (or top) button exactly when the screen goes black, but before the Apple logo appears. Start again from step 2.

Issue 2: iTunes/Finder doesn't see the device in DFU

Cause: Unstable connection, outdated software, driver conflict (Windows), or hardware malfunction. Solution:

1. Check the cable and port. Try a different cable and a different computer.
2. Update iTunes to the latest version (in Windows: Help → Check for Updates).
3. On Windows, reinstall the Apple Mobile Device drivers: open Device Manager, find "Apple Mobile Device USB Driver," uninstall it, and then reconnect the cable.
4. If the device was locked with a passcode, unlock it before entering DFU and enter the passcode when prompted.

Issue 3: Stuck in DFU mode, can't exit

Cause: This is the normal state of DFU. The device is waiting for restore commands from iTunes/Finder. Solution: To exit, simply hold the power button (Side) on the device for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears. The device will reboot into normal mode, but without iOS. On the next boot, it will again prompt you to connect to iTunes/Finder. To fully exit and load iOS, you must perform a restore in iTunes/Finder.