Put an iPod or iPhone into DFU Mode
To manipulate your device in many ways, including jailbreaking it, you might have to put it into DFU (Device Firmware Upgrade) Mode at one point or another. Follow this guide to put your device into DFU mode. Because of the need for exact timing during the procedure, it is recommended that you read the entire guide first before beginning.
Contents
Steps
Putting Your Device Into DFU Mode
- Connect your device to the computer. In order to enter DFU mode, your device must be connected to a computer with the USB cable. Make sure that iTunes is running.
- Turn your device off. Press and hold the Power button until the Power slider appears. Slide it to the right to turn the device off. Wait for your device to completely power down before continuing.
- Press the Power button. Hold the Power button for 3 seconds.
- Press the Home button. After the first 3 seconds, press and hold the Home button while continuing to hold the Power button. Do this for 10 seconds.
- Release the Power button. After exactly 10 seconds of holding both buttons, release the Power button but continue holding the Home button. After a few seconds, a message will appear in iTunes letting you know that the device has been detected. The device’s screen will remain blank if done successfully.
Understanding DFU Mode
- Put your device into DFU mode when downgrading. If you want to go back to an Downgrade an iPod Touch or iPhone of iOS, you will need to enter DFU mode so that the old operating system software can be installed.
- DFU mode occurs before the device loads the installed operating system This allows you to change system files while they're not being accessed.
- Put your device into DFU mode when jailbreaking. If you're jailbreaking your iPhone, you may need to put it into DFU mode to load the custom operating system. Not every jailbreak process requires you to do this.
- Put your device into DFU mode when unjailbreaking. If you want to send in your jailbroken iPhone for warranty service, you will need to Unjailbreak Your iPod Touch 3G or iPhone 3G. This may require you to put your device into DFU mode. This is usually done as a troubleshooting step, when the device will not restore properly through iTunes.
Tips
- Timing is critical when putting a device into DFU mode. It may take a few attempts before you are successful.
Warnings
- Jailbreaking will void your warranty and expose your phone to threats such as malwares and other security issues. wikiHow and the authors of this article are not responsible for any damage caused to your device by jailbreaking.
