How to Enter DFU Mode on iPhone 8 Plus

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If you’re dealing with serious software problems on your iPhone 8 Plus — like boot loops, update failures, or stubborn bugs — putting your device into DFU mode can sometimes be the only way to fix it. DFU stands for Device Firmware Update. It’s a deep recovery state that lets your iPhone talk to iTunes without loading the operating system, perfect for restoring, downgrading, or even unbricking your phone.

Here’s exactly how to get your iPhone 8 Plus into DFU mode, along with some important warnings before you try it.

What Is DFU Mode and Why Use It?

Unlike Recovery Mode, DFU mode keeps the device on without loading iOS. This allows you to:

  • Restore iOS even when normal recovery won’t work.
  • Downgrade to an older iOS version.
  • Remove expired beta software.
  • Solve deep-level software corruption.

⚠️ Warning:
If your iPhone has hardware damage (like water or drop damage), trying to enter DFU mode could “brick” your device permanently. Proceed carefully and only if you’re sure there’s no physical damage.

How to Put iPhone 8 Plus Into DFU Mode

The process is a little different from older iPhones because the Home button is no longer mechanical. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Connect your iPhone 8 Plus to a computer using a Lightning cable.
  2. Open iTunes (or Finder if you’re on macOS Catalina or later).
  3. Turn off your iPhone:
    • Hold the Side button until the “slide to power off” appears.
    • Slide to power it off.
  4. Press and hold the Side button (Power) for 3 seconds.
  5. While still holding the Side button, press and hold the Volume Down button.
  6. Keep holding both buttons for about 10 seconds.
    • If the Apple logo appears, you held it too long. Start over.
  7. Release the Side button but keep holding the Volume Down button for another 5 seconds.
    • If you see the “Plug into iTunes” screen, you also held it too long. Start over.

If your iPhone screen stays black and iTunes (or Finder) says it detected a device in recovery mode, you’re in DFU mode! You can now proceed with restoring your iPhone.

How to Exit DFU Mode on iPhone 8 Plus

Exiting DFU mode is easy if you change your mind or after completing a restore:

  • Force restart your iPhone:
    1. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
    2. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
    3. Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.

Or simply power it off by going to Settings → General → Shut Down if your device is functional.

Need More Help?

If you need more step-by-step support for your iPhone 8 Plus, feel free to check out our [iPhone 8 Plus Troubleshooting Page] for guides, tips, and real solutions.
Got a specific problem? Reach out to us and provide as much detail as possible — we’re here to help!

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