[2 Methods] How to Restore iPhone from DFU Mode with or without iTunes
This guide explains how to restore an iPhone from DFU mode using two proven methods: iTunes and TunesKit iOS System Recovery. You'll learn the steps involved and how to recover your device safely. The article also covers common DFU mode FAQs and troubleshoot DFU-related issues.
Is your iPhone stuck in DFU mode and unable to start normally? DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is an advanced recovery mode used to restore or update iOS firmware. However, if your device remains stuck on DFU mode, you may lose access to its normal functions. In this guide, you'll learn how to restore an iPhone from DFU mode with or without iTunes, along with practical solutions to recover your device safely.
How to Restore iPhone from DFU Mode
Restoring an iPhone from DFU mode is often the most effective way to resolve system issues and regain access to your device. Below, we'll show you how to restore your iPhone from DFU mode using different methods, with detailed instructions for each.
Method 1: How to Restore iPhone from DFU Mode without iTunes [No Data Loss]
If you'd rather avoid iTunes, a more convenient solution is to use a professional iOS repair tool such as TunesKit iOS System Recovery. Unlike iTunes restoration, this method can help you exit DFU mode without erasing your data. In addition to restoring an iPhone stuck in DFU mode, TunesKit iOS System Recovery can fix a wide range of iOS issues, including iPhone stuck on the Apple logo, black screen, recovery mode, and more.
The software is capable of resolving over 150 iOS and iPadOS system problems while keeping your device running smoothly. Compatible with most iPhone, iPad, and iPod models as well as the latest iOS versions, TunesKit offers two intelligent repair modes and a user-friendly interface, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced users.
Key Features of TunesKit iOS System Recovery
Fix more than 150 iOS issuses including iPhone stuck in boot loop, iPhone green screen, iPhone stuck on white Apple, etc., without causing any data loss.
Now let's look at how to restore iPhone in DFU Mode without iTunes.
Step 1Connect iPhone to the computer
Download TunesKit iOS System Recovery software and install it on the computer. Then open this program and connect your iPhone to PC with a USB cable until the device is being detected. Next, choose iOS System Repair and click "Start".

Step 2Choose a repair mode
To ensure your data remains safe, choose "Standard Repair" to fix the DFU issue without erasing your data.

Step 3Download firmware package
If your iPhone has already been in the DFU mode, then it will require you to check the device-related information including version and model. Then you have to hit the "Download" button on the right corner of this tool's screen. After that, the firmware package corresponding to your device will start to being download.

Step 4Restore iPhone from DFU mode
After it successfully downloads and verifies the firmware package, just click the "Start Standard Repair" button and it will begin to repair your iOS system by itself. When the fixing process is completed, you succeed in restoring your iPhone from DFU mode. Don't disconnect your iPhone during the whole process, otherwise you have to try it again and some other problem may occur.

Just as mentioned above, using TunesKit iOS System Recovery is easy and speedy. You don't need other people's help and wait for a long time. Come and simply give it a try.
Method 2: How to Restore iPhone from DFU Mode with iTunes [Data Loss]
iTunes is Apple's official tool for managing and restoring iOS devices. If your iPhone is stuck in DFU mode, you can use iTunes to reinstall the firmware and restore the device to normal operation. However, this process will erase all data and settings stored on your iPhone, so it is recommended only if you have a recent backup available.
Follow these steps to restore your iPhone from DFU mode using iTunes:
- Step 1. Download and install the latest version of iTunes on your computer.
- Step 2. Launch iTunes and connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable.
- Step 3. Once iTunes detects the device in recovery/DFU mode, a pop-up message will appear. Click the OK option.
- Step 4. Then click the Restore iPhone button and confirm your choice.

- Step 5. Wait for iTunes to download the firmware and complete the restoration process.
- Step 6. After the process is finished, your iPhone will restart automatically and return to its factory settings.
Note
Restoring an iPhone through iTunes removes all existing data on the device. If you have an iTunes or iCloud backup, you can restore your data afterward. Otherwise, any unsaved data may be permanently lost.
Video Tutorial: How to Restore iPhone from DFU Mode [2 Methods]
More FAQs Related to DFU Mode
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How do I enter DFU mode on my iPhone?
The exact steps vary depending on your iPhone model. Generally, you need to connect your iPhone to a computer and use a specific button combination to enter DFU mode.
For older iPhone models with a Home button:
Step 1: Connect your iPhone to the computer and open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
Step 2: Press and hold both the Power button and the Home button for about 8 seconds.
Step 3: Release the Power button while continuing to hold the Home button.
Step 4: Keep holding the Home button until iTunes or Finder detects your iPhone in recovery mode.

If the iPhone screen remains black and iTunes/Finder recognizes the device, your iPhone has successfully entered DFU mode. -
How Do I Get My iPhone Out of DFU Mode?
If you no longer need DFU mode, you can exit it by force restarting your iPhone.
Step 1: Disconnect your iPhone from the computer if necessary.
Step 2: Perform a force restart using the button combination for your iPhone model.
Step 3: Keep holding the required buttons until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
Step 4: Release the buttons and wait for your iPhone to restart normally..

Once the Apple logo appears and the device boots successfully, your iPhone has exited DFU mode. -
Does DFU mode erase everything?
Putting your iPhone into DFU mode and restore iPhone in DFU mode will bring the device back to factory settings. So it does remove everything including data and applications on the iPhone.
If you are seeking methods to restore iPhone data after DFU mode, you can directly use professional iPhone data retrieving tools such as TunesKit iPhone Data Recovery, which can retrieve diverse kinds of data including photos, Wechat messages on iPhone, etc. and has a customer-friendly operation. -
Can I Put My iPhone into DFU Mode Without a Computer?
No. A computer is required to properly use DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode. Although the button combinations can place an iPhone into a DFU state, a computer running iTunes or Finder is needed to detect the device and perform firmware restoration or troubleshooting tasks.
If you do not have access to a computer, you may still be able to use standard recovery options on your iPhone, but DFU mode itself is generally intended for use with a computer connection.
Bottom Line
Although restoring iPhone/iPad/iPod from DFU mode may seem hard to be solve, yet above two ways are easy and effective in fixing this issue. But for the sake of your device safety, we sincerely suggest you use TunesKit iOS System Recovery to restore iPhone from DFU mode without iTunes. Finally, if you think this article is helpful, you can share it with your friends and relatives who have the same confusion.