Feb 21, 2025 • Filed to: Mobile Repair Solutions • Proven solutions
Any issues you encounter on your iPhone SE can be solved with a simple restart. However, getting stuck in a restart loop poses a problem, and sometimes you need to go into Recovery Mode. If Recovery Mode doesn't work, DFU Mode will allow your iPhone SE to be restored from any state.
While Recovery Mode uses iBoot for upgrading your iPhone, DFU allows downgrading as there's no iBoot agent in DFU Mode. The iPhone SE 2020s DFU Mode process is the same as iPhone SE and iPhone SE 2s DFU Mode. If you're interested in accessing DFU Mode on the iPhone SE series of devices, follow the guide below to learn how.
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.
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).
If you own the first version of the iPhone SE, here's how to enter DFU mode.
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.
If you own the latest iPhone SE models, here's how to enter DFU mode.
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.
To exit DFU mode meanwhile, here's what you should do.
iPhone SE 1 has a different exit method to DFU Mode from the 2020 and 2022 models. Read below to learn how.
Hold down the Home button. Do the same with the Lock button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
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.
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.
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.
Enter/exit DFU and Recovery Mode for FREE.
Here are the steps to repair your iPhone using Dr.Fone if it's stuck in DFU mode without losing data.
Note: Your device will be updated to the latest iOS version to fix your iPhone stuck in DFU mode.
Here are some frequently asked questions about DFU mode.
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).
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.
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.
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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