[4 Methods] How to Get iPhone Out of DFU Mode
If your iPhone is stuck in DFU mode, force restart it first. If the screen stays black, try an iOS repair tool. Use Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes Restore only as a last resort because it erases data.
DFU mode is a special iPhone restore mode used for deep system repair. When an iPhone is in DFU mode, the screen stays completely black, but Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes may still detect it.
This can confuse many users because a black screen may look like the iPhone is turned off or broken. In this guide, you will learn how to tell whether your iPhone is really in DFU mode and what to do when it cannot exit normally.
What Exactly Is DFU Mode on iPhone?
DFU mode, short for Device Firmware Update mode, is a deep restore mode for iPhone. It lets a computer communicate with the device even when iOS does not load. In DFU mode, the screen stays completely black. If you see an Apple logo or a cable-to-computer icon, your iPhone is 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 Restore via Apple Tool |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Data Loss Risk | None | None | None | High (Erases Everything) |
| Computer Needed? | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | Moderate (Timing is tricky) | Easy (Guided clicks) | Very Easy (Passive) | Moderate (Common errors) |
| Time Required | ~30 Seconds | ~5–10 Minutes | 12–24+ Hours | 30+ Minutes |
| Cost | Free | Paid (Free Trial Available) | Free | Free |
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. It 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 losing your current data on your devices.
TunesKit software is very easy to operate, even if you are a non-technical person. What's more, the program works for all iOS versions including the latest iOS 27, and fully supports almost all models of iPhone, such as iPhone 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 (Optional)
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.
Pro Tip:This method is slow and not recommended if you need to use your iPhone soon.
Method 4. Restore iPhone via Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes [Data Loss]
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. Open Finder on Mac, Apple Devices on Windows, or iTunes on older computers.
- 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.
FAQs About iPhone Stuck in DFU Mode
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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 Finder, Apple Devices or iTunes, which factory resets the device.
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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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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).
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Is my iPhone really in DFU mode or just turned off?
In DFU mode, the screen stays black, but a computer should detect the device. If the computer cannot detect it, charge the iPhone first and check the cable.
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Does restoring from DFU mode erase my iPhone?
Yes. Restore with Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes erases all data and installs the latest iOS version. Use it only if force restart or TunesKit standard repair does not work.
Bottom Line
If your iPhone is stuck in DFU mode, start with a force restart because it does not erase your data. If the screen stays black or the device cannot exit DFU mode normally, you can try a standard iOS repair tool like TunesKit iOS System Repair before restoring the iPhone.
Restore with Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes should be used as a last resort because it will erase the device and install the latest iOS version. If Restore still does not work, the problem may be hardware-related, and you may need help from Apple Support.
