Feb 21, 2025 • Filed to: Mobile Repair Solutions • Proven solutions
Fixing most iPhone issues can be solved with a relatively simple action of restarting your device. But sometimes, this isn't the case, and you need to either go into Recovery Mode or DFU mode. DFU, or Device Firmware Update, differs from Recovery Mode because it allows devices to be restored from any state.
Recovery Mode utilizes iBoot for upgrading or restoring your iPhone. On the other hand, DFU Mode is embedded in your iPhone and allows upgrading and downgrading as there's no iBoot agent. Now that you know the basics, we'll teach you how to navigate iPhone X DFU mode. We'll also teach you iPhone XR DFU Mode, iPhone XS DFU Mode, and XS Max to cover all X Series. Follow the guide below to learn how.
For iOS issues, Recovery Mode almost always solves any problem on your iPhone. However, if your iOS is corrupted and Recovery Mode can't fix it, DFU Mode is necessary under specific circumstances.
Here are some instances when you have to use DFU mode:
Here are some tips before using DFU Mode on iPhone X Series.
Here's a nifty table comparing how to make backups using iCloud, iTunes, and a great alternative with Dr.Fone - Phone Backup.
After reading how DFU mode works, it's time to tackle how to enable it. Take note that has removed the Home button for the iPhone X series. It means that the process to enter DFU mode has totally changed. Here's how to enable DFU mode on iPhone XR, X, XS, and XS Max.
Step 1: Use a USB cable and connect your iPhone to a computer. Afterward, launch iTunes.
Step 2: Grab your iPhone and do the following while it's still connected to the computer. Press and release Volume Up. Next, press and release Volume Down. Third, press and hold the Side button. Wait for the iPhone screen to go black. Continue holding the Side button and pressing and holding Volume Down now. Wait between 5-8 seconds before releasing the Side button. Keep holding Volume Down until iTunes recognizes your iPhone.
Step 3: Once iTunes detects your iPhone, release your hold on Volume Down. Wait for a pop-up on iTunes. It indicates that your iPhone X, XR, XS, or XS Max, has successfully entered DFU mode.
Tips
Your iPhone will automatically reboot and exit DFU mode if your restoration is done right. If you've entered DFU mode by mistake, here's how to go to DFU mode. Follow the guide below.
Step 1: In quick succession, press and quickly release Volume Up. Do the same for Volume Down.
Step 2: Press and hold the Side button. Wait until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
Sometimes, your iPhone's DFU Mode isn't enough to fix your iOS issues. If this happens to you, use a dedicated program like Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS), as it usually gets the job done.
Key Features
Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) has many features you can immediately take advantage of. Here are some of the key elements of the program.
Here are the steps to repair your iPhone using Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) if it's stuck in DFU mode without losing data.
Step 1: Download and install Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS). Launch the program and connect your iPhone to your computer with a USB cable.
Step 2: Click System Repair. Choose and download the correct firmware for your iPhone on the provided list.
Step 3: Recovering your iPhone stuck in DFU mode lasts 10-15 minutes. Wait for the Standard Repair process to finish without touching your iPhone. Wait for the image, as seen below, to appear. It means the repair process has been completed.
Note:
Your device will automatically update to the latest iOS version to fix your iPhone stuck in DFU mode.
Entering DFU Mode is necessary under specific circumstances. You'll usually have to do it if Recovery Mode does not solve your problem. However, if both methods fail, don't worry, as you still have an alternative. Dr.Fone can fix your iPhone even if you've accidentally bricked it while entering DFU mode. Knowing you have several options is essential, so you will not panic when your iPhone is experiencing issues.
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