How to Put Your iPhone into DFU Mode
Putting a device into DFU mode is similar to Recovery Mode. Here’s what to do:
What Is DFU Mode, Anyway?
The iPhone Device Firmware Update (DFU) Mode makes low-level changes to the software running the device. While it is related to Recovery Mode, it’s more comprehensive, and you can use it to solve more difficult problems. If the device won’t turn off, continue to hold the Power button and Home button after the slider appears. Eventually, the device will turn off. Release the buttons when the device powers down. If you have an iPhone 6 or older: With the device off, hold the Sleep/Power button and Home button at the same time. If the iTunes logo and message appear, you held the button for too long and need to start again. When an iOS device is in DFU mode, the device is powered on but hasn’t booted up the operating system. As a result, you can make changes to the operating system because it’s not running yet.
When to Use DFU Mode on iPhone
For most ordinary uses of the iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad, you won’t need DFU Mode. Recovery Mode is usually the only thing you’ll need. If the device is stuck in a loop after updating the operating system or has data so corrupted that it won’t run properly, Recovery Mode is your first step. Under most circumstances, use iPhone DFU Mode to:
Downgrade the version of the iOS running on the device. Do this if, for some reason, an upgrade to a newer version damaged the device or caused apps to not work correctly. Avoid this if possible, but it may be necessary in some rare cases. Jailbreak the device or un-jailbreak it. Remove an expired beta version of the iOS. Fix an iPhone that won’t start up past the Apple logo.
Putting the device into DFU Mode may be necessary to fix some situations, but it’s important to remember that it’s potentially dangerous. Using DFU Mode to downgrade the OS or jailbreak the device can damage it and violate the warranty.
