Put iPhone in maintenance mode (DFU) - a guide
Related Videos: DFU Mode on iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR: How To DFU Restore Your iPhone (May 2024).
If you want to operate deeper in the system of your iPhone, you have to put the device into maintenance mode (DFU). We'll show you how.
Why do you need maintenance mode (DFU mode)?
- The DFU mode (Device Firmware Update) is mainly intended to reinstall the iPhone or iPad if it no longer starts.
- In contrast to the usual restore via iTunes, restoring in DFU mode not only deletes the settings: the operating system is installed from scratch.
- For many jailbreaks, the iPhone must also be put into maintenance mode, otherwise they will not be able to access the system.
- The device is disrupted by the DFU mode during the boot process: It is aborted prematurely, so that you get deeper access to the system.
Put iPhone in maintenance mode (DFU)
We'll show you how to put your iPhone into DFU mode. We will explain these steps to you again in our practical tip video.
- Turn off your iPhone and connect it to the computer with a USB cable. Start iTunes.
- Now hold down both the home button and the on / off switch for 10 seconds. During this phase, the Apple logo should appear and disappear again.
- Note: Since iPhone 7 you have to hold down the volume down button and the power button. The home button no longer works mechanically.
- Regardless of the actions on the screen, release the on / off switch after the time has elapsed. The home button (or the volume down key) is pressed for another 10 seconds.
- The screen should then remain black and the message "iTunes has detected an iPhone in the maintenance state" should appear on the computer.
- If this is not the case, disconnect the device from the cable and wait a moment until it has completely switched off again. Now try again. It doesn't always work on the first try.
- If the plan is successful, you can restore the device via iTunes.
iPhone: exit maintenance mode
If the DFU mode is no longer required or you have decided against a jailbreak, you will not be able to get out of the mode again easily. You need a key combination again:
- To do this, press and hold the home button and the on / off switch (or the volume down button) simultaneously for 10 seconds. Then let go, the iPhone will restart as usual.