DFU mode stands for Device Firmware Update mode, a state wherein you can let your device communicate with iTunes without loading the iPhone operating system or boot loader. It is primarily used for modifying the firmware of your iPhone for either downgrade (iOS restore) or custom firmware installation (jailbreaking) or SIM unlock. Putting your iPhone into DFU mode can be regarded as the last best resort when fixing major software issues on the device. Yet, timing is necessary when entering DFU mode. So if you don’t get it at first, then keep trying again until you finally succeed.
If you have been using iOS devices (iPhone or iPad) for years, then most likely you’re already familiar with the entire process of entering DFU mode. However, there are some slight changes on the usual procedures for the latest iOS flagship smartphones the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X compared to the predecessor iPhones.
This post will walk you through the modified procedures on how to put your iPhone 8 Plus into DFU Mode whenever you find the need to work with the iPhone system in resolving complex issues tied to iOS. Read on to learn more.
Before we move any further, if you are looking for a solution to a different problem, them drop by our iPhone 8 Plus troubleshooting page for we have already addressed some of the most common problems with this device. Odds are that there are already existing solutions to your problem. Try to find issues that are similar with yours and use the solutions we suggested. If they don’t work or if you need more help, fill up our iPhone issues questionnaire and we’ll help you with you problem.
What is DFU Mode and how does it work on your iPhone?
As explicated earlier, DFU stands for Device Firmware Update. DFU mode is related to recovery mode but it is more comprehensive than recovery mode. You can consider putting your iPhone into DFU mode to solve more difficult problems on the iPhone software.
When your iPhone is in DFU mode, your device is powered on but the operating system has not yet booted up. This then allows you to make changes to the operating system itself as it is not yet running. You cannot change the OS while it is already running.
If your iPhone is stuck on bootloop after installing an iOS update or when some corrupted data halts the iPhone’s normal operation, your first resolution option would be a recovery mode. However, there are other cases where the main culprit is just tough enough to withstand the iOS recovery mode restore and so you need to try some more effective solution that is DFU mode restore. You can also use DFU mode if you need to remove an expired beta version of iOS from your device.
DFU Mode Precautions
While DFU mode is promising positive results when it comes to fixing iOS-related issues, there is also a possible danger from putting your iPhone into this state. There is a chance that your iPhone may end up being bricked especially if you have had attempted to enter DFU mode with physical or liquid damage transpiring on the device. Such damages can likely interrupt the process and if that happens, things can go wrong. This is one of the main reasons as to why Apple does not recommend DFU mode restore among other suggested solutions to various software-related issues affecting the iPhone or other iOS devices. Otherwise, do it with prudence.
If you are willing to do so at your own risk and that you are using assuming responsibility for any negative outcomes, then you may go ahead and give DFU mode a try.
Entering DFU Mode on the Apple iPhone 8 Plus
Apple’s newest iPhones from the iPhone 7 up to the latest iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X don’t have a physical Home button found in prior versions. What serves as the Home button for these new iOS devices is a capacitive Force Touch Home button. This change has therefore shifted the DFU mode functionality to the Volume Down button.
Outlined below are the steps on how to enter DFU mode on your iPhone 8 Plus. These steps are likewise applicable to the iPhone 8, and iPhone X devices.
- Secure a computer that has the latest version of iTunes program installed. You may use either Windows PC or Mac computer.
- Connect your iPhone 8 Plus to the computer using the supplied USB (OEM) or iPhone cable.
- Open iTunes on the computer if it does not launch automatically.
- Once iTunes is running, turn off your iPhone 8 Plus. Make sure that iTUnes is still running and your iPhone is still plugged into the computer before you turn it off completely.
- Press and hold down the Side (On/Off) or Power button for 3 seconds.
- Then press and hold down the Volume Down button on the left side of your iPhone while you’re still holding down the Power or Side button. Keep holding both buttons for a period of 10 seconds. If the Apple logo appears, it means that you have held the buttons too long. In this case, you will need to start all over again. Otherwise, proceed to the next step.
- Release the Power (On/Off) or Side button but continue holding the Volume Down button for about 5 seconds. If you see the “Plug into iTunes” screen, it means that you have held the button for too long. Again, you will need to start all over in this case.
If the screen remains black, it means that you already have successfully entered DFU mode on your iPhone. You may think that your iPhone is turned off but it is not. At this point, iTunes will prompt you with an alert message saying that it has detected your iPhone and will allow it to be restored. If iTunes is able to detect your iPhone 8 Plus, you’re all set to proceed.
While many iPhone problems can be resolved by some relatively simple methods like a soft reset or reboot, other problems are just too complex and require a more comprehensive approach so as to get rectified. Among the widely considered effective approaches is the so-called DFU Mode restore. When you perform a DFU mode restore, the computer erases and reloads every bit of code that controls both software and hardware on your iPhone.
How to Exit DFU Mode on iPhone 8 Plus?
Once you’re done working on the main issue on your your iPhone 8 Plus in DFU mode, you can exit DFU Mode by simply turning off your iPhone.
- To turn off your iPhone 8 Plus, just hold down the Side (Power) button and then move the slider to completely power off your iPhone.
With iOS 11, you can also turn off your iPhone by heading over to the Settings menu and then select the option to Power off your device.
And that covers everything in this guide. Keep posted for more significant walkthroughs on how to use each of key features of the new iPhone 8 Plus or visit our Troubleshooting page for other relevant topics.
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If you need more help with the use of certain functions and features of the new Apple iPhone 8 smartphone, feel free to visit our Tutorial Page. There you can find a list of how-to contents, step-by-step tutorials, as well as answers to FAQs regarding iPhone 8. If you have other concerns or encountered some troubles while using the phone, you can reach us through this form. Just be sure to tell us more details of the problem or device issue(s) you may have and we will be more than happy to assist you further.