How to Exit DFU Mode on iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch

Are you someone whose device went into DFU mode, and you have no idea what it is? Well, let's get to figuring out how to exit DFU mode and learn all there is about Apple's DFU mode.

What is DFU Mode?

The DFU mode, also known as Device Firmware Update mode, is a feature in Apple products that lets the user address issues in the firmware and software of their device. You'd be familiar with factory resets on your previous devices.

The DFU mode is just like that, but between you and me, I think it does a lot more. Instead of simply resetting your phone, I'd say this feature lets you manage your device more extensively.
Here's what you can do with DFU mode:

1. Upgrade or downgrade the iOS system
2. Update iOS from a Beta version
3. Jailbreak and un-jailbreak your device

Although there is a proper way to put your device into DFU mode, sometimes you can do so by accident as well. If you're like me, you probably put your device in DFU mode while following some online guide and then had no idea how to exit it.

It's literally the most common reason out there. When I did my research, most users had done the same. So here's how to exit the mode on your respective Apple device.

Exiting DFU Mode for iPhone

When it comes to exiting the DFU mode for iPhone, there are three different guides based on which model and iOS version you're working with. I tried a method meant for iPhone 8 and later on my iPhone 7, and no wonder it wasn't working. Here's the breakdown:

For iPhone 6s and Older:

If you have an iPhone 6s or any older model all the way to the iPhone 5s, the following method is the most effective way to exit the DFU mode:

1. Press and hold the Home and Sleep/Wake buttons until you see the Apple logo on your screen.
2. As soon as you see the Apple logo on your screen, let go of both buttons simultaneously.
3. Now when your phone starts, it should be out of the DFU mode.

Note: Make sure to adjust the timing of your buttons if either is damaged or a little slow to respond. This is a common issue in many old iPhones.

For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:

When it comes to the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, the home button is replaced with the volume-down button. Here is your exclusive guide:

1. Press and hold the Volume Down and Sleep/Wake buttons until you see the Apple logo on your screen.
2. As soon as you see the Apple logo on your screen, let go of both buttons simultaneously.
3. Now when your phone starts, it should have exited the DFU mode.

Note: This method might not work if your volume down button is damaged and pushes both volume buttons at the same time. If the issue occurs, take it to an Apple Care shop for help.

For iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and Newer:

The method for iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and newer models is generally the same. It has more steps than the other two, so you don't accidentally set or unset your phone from its select modes. Here's what you need to do:

1. First, press and hold the Volume Up button and then release it.
2. Now, do the same with the Volume Down button.
3. Using the same technique, press and hold the Side button and release it once the Apple logo appears on the screen.
4. Now when your phone starts, it should have exited from the DFU mode.

Note: You need to follow these steps in this exact same order. Get the instructions right and removing DFU mode should be a piece of cake.

Exiting DFU Mode for iPad

iPads have a different construction and button layout than iPhones, hence their guide tends to differ as well. I've only ever seen anyone complain about an iPad in DFU mode if their child accidentally set it. That's funny if you ask me. Here's how to unset the mode:

For iPads with the Home Button:

Removing the DFU mode on an iPad with a Home button is easy as long as the buttons on the device are working properly. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Press and hold on the Home button and Side button simultaneously.
2. When you see the Apple logo on the screen, let go of the buttons.
3. Your iPad should now have exited the DFU mode.

For iPads with Face ID:

Even though FaceID was a godsend for those of us who hated having the home button stop working, it changed the way the iPad was reset. If you have an iPad with FaceID, here's what you need:

1. Press hold and release the Volume Up button.
2. Press hold and release the Volume Down button.
3. Press and hold the Top or Side button and then let go once the Apple logo appears on the screen.

Exiting DFU Mode for iPod Touch

Moving to the last of the Apple devices on the list, we have the iPod Touch. Here's how to set them off DFU mode for each version.

For iPod Touch 6th:

1. Press and hold the Home and Sleep/Wake buttons until you see the Apple logo on your screen.
2. As soon as you see the Apple logo on your screen, let go of both buttons simultaneously.

For iPod Touch 7th:

1. Press and hold the Volume Down and Sleep/Wake buttons until you see the Apple logo on your screen.
2. As soon as you see the Apple logo on your screen, let go of both buttons simultaneously.

Conclusion

Well, that was fairly simple. This just goes to show that if you have the right guide, anything is easy! Now you know how to exit the DFU mode from your device; you can improve your Apple device management and upgrade it whenever you want!