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

Jul 17, 2024 • Filed to: Mobile Repair Solutions • Proven solutions

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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 iphone se introduction

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.

what is dfu mode

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

DFU Mode Hard Reset Recovery Mode
When to Use Stuck on the Restart loop Unresponsive iPhone Restoring iPhone
How to Use Requires USB Cable, iTunes, and button presses Requires button presses Requires USB Cable, iTunes, and button presses
How Long Does It Take? Within 15 - 30 minutes Within 10 - 20 seconds Within 30 minutes - 1 hour
What Will Happen All data will be erased All data is retained All data will be erased

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.

iphone se 2016 dfu mode

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

iphone se 2016 dfu mode itunes

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.

enter dfu mode iphone se 2020 22

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

    iphone se 2020 2022 pop up

    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.

exit dfu mode iphone se

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.

enter dfu mode with itunes

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.

iphone se 2016 dfu mode

  • 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.

enter dfu mode iphone se 2020 22

  • 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.

iphone se 2020 2022 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.

dfu mode restore iphone via itunes

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.

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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
3,981,454 people have downloaded it

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.

drfone main program window

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

drfone standard repair window

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

repair completed iphone stuck dfu mode

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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James Davis

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