Several Methods to Enter DFU Mode on iOS/iPadOS

This article is a restored piece from the original blog. Below, we will delve into how to get your iOS device into DFU mode.

What is DFU Mode?

DFU stands for Device Firmware Update. DFU mode is a state that allows an iPhone to connect to a computer via iTunes without the computer reading the phone’s system or any other files. This distinguishes DFU mode from Recovery mode.

Entering DFU Mode

Entering DFU Mode on A9 and Earlier Processor Devices

Follow the steps below to enter DFU mode on devices with A9 and earlier processors, including iPad, iPhone 6s and lower, iPhone SE, and iPod Touch 6 and lower models.

1. Connect your phone to the computer using a Lightning cable.
2. Press and hold the Home button and the power button simultaneously.
3. After holding for 8-10 seconds, release the power button while pressing the volume “-” button. (If the Apple logo appears, you held the power button too long.)

Your device should now successfully enter DFU mode. (If your device prompts you to connect to iTunes, please retry these steps.)

Entering DFU Mode on A10 Processor Devices

Follow these steps to enter DFU mode on Apple A10 devices, including iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPad 2018, and iPod Touch 7.

1. Connect your phone to the computer using a Lightning cable.
2. Press and hold the power button and the volume “-” button simultaneously.
3. After holding for 8-10 seconds, release the power button while pressing the volume “-” button. (If the Apple logo appears, you held the power button too long.)

Your device should now successfully enter DFU mode. (If your device prompts you to connect to iTunes, please retry these steps.)

Entering DFU Mode on A11 and Later Processor Devices

Follow these steps to enter DFU mode on Apple A11 and newer devices (including iPhone 8 and later, iPad Pro 2018, iPad Air 2019, iPad Mini 2019).

1. Connect your phone to the computer using a Lightning cable.
2. Quickly press the volume “+” button.
3. Quickly press the volume “-” button.
4. Hold the power button until the screen goes black, then simultaneously hold the power button and the volume “-” button.
5. After holding for about 5 seconds, release the power button while pressing the volume “-” button. (If the Apple logo appears, you held the power button too long.)

Your device should now successfully enter DFU mode. (If your device prompts you to connect to iTunes, please retry these steps.)

Once your iOS device is in DFU mode, it can successfully connect to the computer, allowing you to perform a series of recovery operations via iTunes.