The Ultimate Guide for Using DFU Mode on iPhone SE/SE 2/SE

Part 1. What is DFU mode, and What's the Difference from Hard Reset?

DFU Mode skips the iBoot downloader that Recovery Mode utilizes to restore your iPhone to its original factory settings. DFU Mode also allows you to change and select the firmware you want to install on your iPhone. A Hard Reset, meanwhile, is what most people call the "Panic Button" as it forces your iPhone to do a restart.

Here's a table to compare the differences between a Hard Reset, DFU Mode, and Recovery Mode.

Part 2. How to Activate DFU Mode on iPhone SE?

After reading how DFU mode works, it's time to tackle how to enable it. It's slightly different from other iPhone models as the SE still has a Home Button.

Here's how to enable DFU Mode on iPhone SE 1 (2016), iPhone SE 2 (2020), and iPhone SE 3 (2022).

1. How to enter DFU Mode on iPhone SE 1 (iPhone SE 2016)?

If you own the first version of the iPhone SE, here's how to enter DFU mode.

• Step 1: Connect your iPhone SE to a computer with a USB cable. Launch iTunes.
• Step 2: Hold down the Home button. Do the same with the Lock button. Wait for 8 seconds and release the Lock button. Continue to hold down the Home button.

• Step 3: Wait for an alert from iTunes to notify you that a device was detected in recovery mode, as seen below.

Note: If the Apple logo appears while doing the steps, you've held the Home button too long. You'll have to redo the steps from the start.

2. How to enter DFU Mode on iPhone SE 2 (iPhone SE 2020) or iPhone SE 3 (iPhone SE 2022)?

If you own the latest iPhone SE models, here's how to enter DFU mode.

• Step 1: Connect your iPhone SE to a computer with a USB cable. Launch iTunes.
• Step 2: Press and quickly release Volume Up. Do the same for Volume Down. Afterward, Press and hold the Side button. Once your iPhone screen goes pitch black, continue holding the Side button and pressing Volume Down simultaneously. Wait for 5 seconds before releasing the Side button. Keep holding Volume Down until iTunes recognizes your iPhone.

• Step 3: Release Volume Down once iTunes detects your iPhone. Wait for a pop-up on iTunes, as seen below.

  

  Note: Some people mistake DFU Mode for Recovery mode. Under DFU Mode, your iPhone's screen will stay pitch black as iTunes notifies you that your device has been detected.

Part 3. How to Get iPhone SE out of DFU Mode?

To exit DFU mode meanwhile, here's what you should do.

Method 1. Exit DFU Mode on iPhone SE with Force Restart

iPhone SE 1 has a different exit method to DFU Mode from the 2020 and 2022 models. Read below to learn how.

1. How to Force Restart iPhone SE (2016)?

Hold down the Home button. Do the same with the Lock button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

2. How to Force Restart iPhone SE (2020 & 2022)?

Press and release Volume Up. Do the same for Volume Down. Next, press and hold the Side button. Continue holding it until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

Method 2. Restore iPhone SE in DFU Mode with iTunes [Data Loss]

If your iPhone got stuck in DFU mode because of an update, then you can use iTunes to restore it.

Here's how to restore your iPhone SE in DFU Mode with iTunes.

• Step 1: Connect your iPhone SE to a computer with a USB cable. Launch iTunes.
• Step 2A (iPhone SE 2016): Hold down the Home button. Do the same with the Lock button. Wait for 8 seconds and release the Lock button. Continue to hold down the Home button.

• Step 2B (iPhone SE 2022 & 2022): Press and quickly release Volume Up. Do the same for Volume Down. Afterward, Press and hold the Side button. Once your iPhone screen goes pitch black, continue holding the Side button accompanied by pressing and holding Volume Down now. Wait for 5 seconds before releasing the Side button. Keep holding Volume Down until iTunes recognizes your iPhone.

• Step 3: For both Step 2A and Step 2B, wait for a pop-up on iTunes, as seen below. Click Ok on the pop-up.

• Step 4: Look for your iPhone SE in Locations. Once highlighted, click Restore iPhone. Follow the on-screen prompts for iTunes to download the software on your computer. Wait for the restoration to finish. If successful, your iPhone SE will automatically restart as a new device, or you can restore it with a backup.

Method 3. Restore iPhone SE in DFU Mode with a 3rd Party Tool [Without Data Loss]

There are instances when your iPhone SE DFU Mode isn't enough to fix your iOS issues. If this happens to you, using a dedicated program like Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) usually gets the job done.

Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS)

Enter/exit DFU and Recovery Mode for FREE.

• Fixes various iOS issues like iPhone stuck on Apple logo, white screen, stuck in recovery mode, etc.
• Works smoothly with all versions of iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
• Retains existing phone data during the fix.
• Easy-to-follow instructions provided.

Available on: Windows Mac

Try Dr.Fone Repair

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Here are the steps to repair your iPhone using Dr.Fone if it's stuck in DFU mode without losing data.

• Step 1: Launch the Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) on your computer. Afterward, connect your iPhone to your computer with a USB cable.

• Step 2: Click Toolbox Repair and download the correct firmware for your iPhone. Then select the option of Exit DFU Mode.

• Step 3: On the next screen, follow the specific instructions to exit DFU mode on your iOS device.

Note: Your device will be updated to the latest iOS version to fix your iPhone stuck in DFU mode.

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Part 4. FAQs about DFU Mode on iPhone SE

Here are some frequently asked questions about DFU mode.

1. Is DFU Mode Safe?

Unlike Recovery Mode, DFU Mode is embedded into the hardware and cannot be manipulated. It's not recommended to enter DFU Mode if your iPhone suffered internal component damage. If this is you, it's better to repair your iPhone with a dedicated tool like Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS).

2. How Long Will iPhone SE Stay in DFU Mode?

DFU Mode will make your iPhone's screen go black, and only iTunes will notify you that your device is detected. If the Apple logo appears when you're trying to enter DFU Mode, then your steps are done incorrectly. You'll have to redo your actions from the start.

3. What Is the Difference Between DFU Mode and Recovery Mode on iPhone SE?

DFU Mode and Recovery mode are two entirely different solutions. Recovery Mode uses iBoot for upgrading your iPhone, while DFU allows upgrading and downgrading as there's no iBoot agent in DFU mode. As mentioned earlier, DFU Mode is embedded into the hardware and cannot be manipulated.

Conclusion

The iPhone SE's DFU Mode process works the same with iPhone 8 and earlier models. This is true with iPhone SE 2020 DFU Mode, as the SE still retains the Home button. However, if DFU Mode does not solve your problem, it's recommended to use a dedicated program instead.

Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) allows you to fix most iPhone issues even if your device suffers from internal damage. Using Dr.Fone is very beginner-friendly and requires no skills to operate. It's a fast and pretty simple process, so you can repair your iPhone SE in minutes.

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