[4 Methods] How to Get iPhone Out of DFU Mode
"I found that my iPhone 11 has been stuck in DFU mode since last weekend and I couldn't figure out the real reason for the problem. Is it possible to fix the iPhone in DFU mode? Any solutions offered will be appreciated." - David from Reddit
Getting your iPhone out of DFU mode can feel like a high-stakes puzzle, especially when you are staring at a completely black, unresponsive screen. While DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is a powerful tool for fixing deep-seated firmware issues, it is remarkably easy to get stuck there if the process is interrupted or if you enter it by mistake, just like David.
The good news is that in almost all cases, your device is not bricked. Whether you are using the latest iPhone 17 or an older model, there are several proven ways to force your device back to life without losing a single photo.
What Exactly Is DFU Mode on iPhone?
DFU mode is the deepest level of recovery for an iPhone. Unlike Recovery Mode, which uses the "iBoot" bootloader to restore your phone, DFU mode bypasses the bootloader entirely. This allows you to interface with the hardware directly to install firmware.
Because it is a "naked" hardware state, the screen will always remain completely black. If you see an Apple logo or a "Connect to Computer" icon, you are not in DFU mode.
DFU Mode vs. Recovery Mode – A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Recovery Mode | DFU Mode |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | A failsafe loaded by iBoot. | A hardware-level bypass of iBoot. |
| Screen Status | Shows a "Connect to Computer" icon. | Completely black (looks turned off). |
| Primary Use | Standard updates and restores. | Downgrading iOS, fixing jailbreaks. |
| Exit Difficulty | Easy (often automatic after 15 mins). | Hard (requires manual force restart). |
Further Reading: iPhone Recovery Mode vs DFU Mode: What Are the Differences?
How to Fix iPhone Stuck in DFU Mode?
If your iPhone is stuck in DFU mode, you can try the 4 effective methods to get out of it instantly. To save your time, you can watch the following short video and choose your best solution.
| Feature | 1️⃣ Force Restart | 2️⃣ TunesKit Repair | 3️⃣ Battery Drain | 4️⃣ iTunes/Finder Restore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Success Rate | High (80%) | Very High (99%) | Low (50%) | High (95%) |
| Data Loss Risk | None | None | None | High (Erases Everything) |
| Time Required | ~30 Seconds | ~5–10 Minutes | 12–24+ Hours | 30+ Minutes |
| Difficulty | Moderate (Timing is tricky) | Easy (Guided clicks) | Very Easy (Passive) | Moderate (Common errors) |
| Computer Needed? | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Cost | Free | Paid (Free Trial Available) | Free | Free |
| Best For | The first attempt for almost everyone | Users with broken buttons or stubborn software | Users with no computer and broken buttons | Users who have a full backup and want a factory reset |
Method 1. The Manual Force Restart (No Computer Required)
The most common way to get out of DFU mode is to perform a force restart. This "kicks" the hardware out of its current state and forces it to attempt a normal boot. The steps vary significantly depending on which iPhone model you have.
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For iPhone 8 and Later (Including iPhone 15, 16, and 17):
1. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
2. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
3. Press and hold the Side (Power) button.
4. Continue holding the Side button for about 10–15 seconds. Do not let go even if the screen remains black. Release the button only when the Apple logo appears on the screen. -
For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus:
1. Press and hold the Side (Power) button and the Volume Down button at the same time.
2. Keep holding both buttons for approximately 10 seconds.
3. Release both buttons once the Apple logo flashes on the screen. -
For iPhone 6s and Older:
1. Press and hold the Home button and the Power (Top or Side) button simultaneously.
2. Hold them for about 8–10 seconds.
3. Once the Apple logo appears, let go of both buttons.
Method 2. Fix iPhone Stuck in DFU Mode With iOS System Recovery Software
Sometimes, manual button combinations fail, often due to a sticky button or a deeper software glitch that keeps the device in a DFU Loop. In these cases, using a professional system recovery tool is the safest alternative.
Tools like TunesKit iOS System Recovery are designed specifically for this scenario. They can detect a device in DFU mode and kick it back to normal with a single click. More importantly, it will help you get out of DFU mode without risking losing any current data on your devices.
TunesKit software is very easy to operate, even if you are a non-technical person. What's more, TunesKit iOS System Recovery works for all iOS versions including the latest iOS 26, and fully supports almost all models of iPhone, such as iPhone 16 and 17.
Key Features of TunesKit iOS System Recovery
Fix iPhone stuck in DFU mode, black screen, boot loop, etc. without data loss. One-click to enter and exit recovery mode. It's compatible with the latest iPhone model and iOS version.
600,000+ Downloads
Here's the step-by-step guide on how to fix your iPhone stuck in DFU mode through several clicks.
Step 1Connect iPhone to the Computer
Launch the software and connect your iPhone to the computer via a USB cable. Click iOS System Repair option and then "Start" button to move forward. Select the "Standard Repair" and tap on the "Next" button. Choose the device model you've connected. After that follow the instructions to continue.
Step 2Download Firmware Package
Confirm the info of your iPhone before the software start downloading the latest firmware package. Correct it if you find any message is wrong. Hit the "Download" button to let the program download and verify the firmware package.
Step 3Fix iPhone Stuck in DFU Mode
Once it completed the download process, just hit the "Repair" button and start repairing the iPhone DFU mode. Remember to keep your device connected to the computer during the recovering process to avoid any further problems.
Method 3. Try Battery Drain Technique
If you don't want to use third-party software and your buttons are broken, your only remaining option is patience. Some users have succesfully used this trick to take their iPhone off DFU mode, while some are not.
Step 1. Unplug your iPhone from any power source or computer.
Step 2. Next, just leave the device alone. Even in DFU mode, the phone is consuming power to maintain the connection with the processor.
Step 3. Now patiently wait for the battery to drain completely. This could take anywhere from 12 to 24 hours depending on your charge level.
Step 4. Once the battery is dead, the phone will shut down fully. Plug it into a charger. As soon as it receives power, it should attempt a fresh boot, naturally exiting DFU mode.
Method 4. Restore iPhone in DFU Mode via iTunes or Finder
If the manual reboot fails and software tools cannot detect the device, your iPhone's firmware might be genuinely corrupted. This often happens if a USB cable was unplugged midway through an update. To fix this, you must reinstall the operating system using Apple's native tools.
Warning: Using this method typically requires a "Restore", which will erase all data on your device. Only use this if you have a recent iCloud or local backup.
Step 1. Connect your iPhone to to your computer and open the latest iTunes or Finder.
Step 2. The computer should immediately show a message stating it has "detected an iPhone in Recovery Mode". Simply click the "Restore" button.
Step 3. Wait for the process to complete. Your iPhone will download the latest iOS version, wipe the device, and eventually reboot into the "Hello" setup screen.
Troubleshooting: Why Won't My iPhone Exit DFU Mode?
If you have tried the steps above and your screen is still black, one of several issues might be at play:
- Timing Mistakes: The most common reason a force restart fails is timing. If you hold the buttons for too long or too short a time, the device might simply loop back into DFU. Try the process again with a timer.
- Broken Buttons: If your Volume Down or Side button is physically damaged, the manual exit will never work. You will need to use Method 2 (TunesKit iOS System Recovery Software) or seek a hardware repair.
- Hardware Damage: If your phone entered DFU mode after being dropped or exposed to water, it might be a hardware "panic" caused by a short circuit.
- Battery Drain: Sometimes the phone isn't in DFU mode; it's just completely dead. Plug it into a wall charger for at least 30 minutes before trying the force restart again.
How to Put iPhone Into DFU Mode
There are times when you might need to re-enter DFU mode intentionally. For example, if you exited by mistake before completing a repair, or if you need to perform a deep firmware restore. Entering DFU mode requires precise timing. If you see the Apple logo at any point during these steps, you have failed and must start over.
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For iPhone 8 and Later (Including iPhone 15, 16, and 17):
1. Connect your iPhone to the computer.
2. Press and release Volume Up.
3. Press and release Volume Down. 4. Press and hold the Side Button until the screen goes black. 5. As soon as it goes black, press and hold Volume Down while still holding the Side Button. 6. Hold both for 5 seconds. 7. Release the Side Button but keep holding Volume Down for another 10 seconds. The screen should remain black. -
For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus:
1. Press and hold the Side (Power) button and the Volume Down button together.
2. Hold for 8 seconds.
3. Release the Side Button but keep holding Volume Down for another 5 seconds. -
For iPhone 6s and Earlier:
1. Press and hold the Home Button and Lock Button together.
2. Hold for 8 seconds.
3. Release the Lock Button but keep holding Home for another 5 seconds.
Further Reading: Full Guide - How to Put iPhone in DFU Mode
FAQs About iPhone Stuck in DFU Mode
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1. Will I lose data exiting DFU mode?
No. Simply exiting DFU mode via a manual Force Restart or using a repair tool like TunesKit iOS System Recovery does not erase your data. Data loss only occurs if you choose the "Restore" option in iTunes or Finder, which factory resets the device.
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2. Can I exit DFU mode without a computer?
Yes! The manual Force Restart method works entirely using the physical buttons on your iPhone. You do not need to connect to a computer unless that method fails or your buttons are physically broken.
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3. Why is my screen black but iTunes doesn't see it?
If your screen is black and your computer doesn't detect the device, your iPhone might simply be turned off or have a dead battery rather than being in DFU mode. Charge it for at least 30 minutes. If it still doesn't appear, you may have a hardware failure (such as a damaged screen or logic board).
Bottom Line
Exiting DFU mode is usually a matter of getting the button timing just right. For 90% of users, the Force Restart method will bring the phone back to life instantly. However, if your buttons are unresponsive or the firmware is corrupted, using a dedicated repair tool like TunesKit iOS System Repair is the most reliable way to save your data.
