DFU Restore

To fix the issues with your device, we’re going to perform a DFU Restore. DFU stands for Device Firmware Update which reloads the software and the firmware of your device. As such, it’s an even deeper restore mode than the recovery mode Apple describes on their website.

Caution: If you haven't upgraded your OS to the latest compatible version, then a DFU Restore will upgrade your device and it is not reversible once completed.

Back up your device to iCloud or iTunes (Do NOT skip this step!)

iPad, iPhone 6s and below, iPhone SE and iPod touch

  1. Connect the device to a computer using a USB cable.
  2. Hold down both the Home button and Lock button.
  3. After 8 seconds, release the Lock button while continuing to hold down the Home button.
    • If the Apple logo appears, the Lock button was held down for too long.
  4. Nothing will be displayed on the screen when the device is in DFU mode. If open, iTunes will alert you that a device was detected in recovery mode.
    • If your device shows a screen telling you to connect the device to iTunes, retry these steps.

iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus

  1. Connect the device to a computer using a USB cable.
  2. Hold down both the Side button and Volume Down button.
  3. After 8 seconds, release the Side button while continuing to hold down the Volume Down button.
    • If the Apple logo appears, the Side button was held down for too long.
  4. Nothing will be displayed on the screen when the device is in DFU mode. If open, iTunes will alert you that a device was detected in recovery mode.
    • If your device shows a screen telling you to connect the device to iTunes, retry these steps.

iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X

  1. Connect the device to a computer using a USB cable.
  2. Quick-press the Volume Up button
  3. Quick-press the Volume Down button
  4. Hold down the Side button until the screen goes black, then hold down both the Side button and Volume Down button.
  5. After 5 seconds, release the Side button while continuing to hold down the Volume Down button.
    • If the Apple logo appears, the Side button was held down for too long.
  6. Nothing will be displayed on the screen when the device is in DFU mode. If open, iTunes will alert you that a device was detected in recovery mode.
    • If your device shows a screen telling you to connect the device to iTunes, retry these steps.

Exiting DFU Mode

To exit DFU Mode, simply force restart your device.

  • For iPad, iPhone 6s and below, iPhone SE and iPod touch: hold the Home button and the Lock button until the device reboots.
  • For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: hold down the Side button and Volume Down button until the device reboots.
  • For iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X: quick-press the Volume Up button, then quick-press the Volume Down button, then hold down the Side button until the device reboots.

Now that your device is good as new and all your apps are downloading, give your device a few days to recalibrate. Please note that recalibration can take some time and we recommend fully charging your device then letting it fully discharge a couple times before declaring the problem officially fixed or not. If the issue comes back and you’ve eliminated the possibility of a software or firmware issue, then it might be time to have us send out a replacement part.

You can also find a great article on the DFU Restore process including a video overview here:  https://www.payetteforward.com/how-to-put-iphone-dfu-mode/