How to Enter DFU Mode on iPhone 16 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Want to enter iPhone 16/iPhone 16 Pro DFU mode but don’t know how? We’ve got you covered. DFU mode is an important feature of your iPhone. It lets you fix serious problems with your iPhone’s operating system that would otherwise be impossible to fix.

But what exactly is it? And how do you enter it in the first place? How does it compare to Recovery Mode? Are they the same thing? We’re going to answer all of that today.

Part 1: What is DFU Mode on iPhone?

DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is a powerful troubleshooting tool for iPhones that allows the device to be restored from any state, including situations where the operating system is not functioning correctly.

This mode is typically used to resolve more serious issues, such as failed updates, jailbreak errors, or other software malfunctions that can’t be fixed through standard methods.

DFU mode is often considered the last resort before a hardware repair, as it can restore the device to factory settings and potentially resolve severe software problems. However, it's important to note that using DFU mode will erase all data on the iPhone, so it should be used with caution.

Part 2: DFU Mode vs. Recovery Mode

DFU Mode and Recovery Mode are both used for troubleshooting serious issues on an iPhone, but they differ in their capabilities and when to use them.

Recovery Mode is designed to restore your iPhone's operating system when it’s experiencing problems, like being stuck on the Apple logo or encountering a failed update. In Recovery Mode, you can reinstall iOS and restore the device from a backup, but it still relies on the current firmware and OS.

DFU Mode, on the other hand, goes deeper. It allows you to completely bypass the current firmware and OS, enabling you to reinstall everything from the ground up. DFU mode is used when Recovery Mode isn’t sufficient to resolve the issue, such as in cases of severe software corruption, failed jailbreaks, or downgrading the iOS version.

In short, Recovery Mode is generally easier to use and should be your first step for most software issues. DFU Mode is more advanced, offering a deeper level of restoration for more complex or severe problems.

Bonus: Reboot iOS System Repair Tool offers a one-click solution to enter iPhone Recovery Mode for free!

Part 3: How to Enter DFU Mode on iPhone 16?

With all that being said, it’s time to see how to put iPhone 16 in DFU mode.

1. Putting iPhone 16 in DFU Mode

Entering DFU mode on your iPhone 16 requires precise timing and specific button combinations. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Connect your iPhone 16 to your computer using a USB cable.

2. Open Finder or iTunes based on whether you’re using macOS or Windows.

3. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.

4. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.

5. Press and hold the Side button until the screen turns black.

6. As soon as the screen goes black, hold the Volume Down button while continuing to hold the Side button for about 5 seconds.

7. After 5 seconds, release the Side button but keep holding the Volume Down button for another 10 seconds. The screen should remain black, indicating that your iPhone is in DFU mode.

If done correctly, Finder or iTunes will detect your iPhone in recovery mode, but the iPhone screen will be black. You can now restore or update your iPhone using this deep-level restore method.

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2. How to Exit DFU Mode

To exit iPhone 16 DFU mode after update, follow this guide. Exiting DFU mode on your iPhone 16 is straightforward and can be done by performing a force restart. Here’s how to exit iPhone 16 DFU mode:

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 appear on the screen.

Once the Apple logo appears, your iPhone will restart and exit DFU mode. This process will bring your device back to normal functioning.

If you need to exit DFU mode to perform a restore or update, simply follow the previous steps for entering DFU mode, and then choose the appropriate option in Finder or iTunes.

Part 4: How to Restore Your iPhone Easily Without DFU Mode (No Data Loss)

Many people find messing with the DFU mode too tricky. Hence they want to avoid it altogether. OR, they might not want to lose their data in the process. If you’re one of those people, we have a solution for you.

With Tenorshare ReiBoot , you can restore and fix your iPhone easily, without having to do any tricky button combinations or losing your data. ReiBoot lets you:

• Enter/Exit iPhone Recovery Mode with one-click
• Fix 150+ iOS system issues? without data loss
• Upgrade to the latest iOS 18 or downgrade from 18 to 17 without iTunes
• Compatible with the latest iOS 18 and iPhone 16 series

Here’s how to use ReiBoot:

Step 1: Download and install ReiBoot on your PC or Mac. Open the program and connect your iPhone via USB. To enter recovery mode, click the button on the main interface. If you're experiencing ios system stuck issues, choose Repair Mode and click the "Start" button.

Step 2: Select Standard Repair. This mode can fix most common iOS issues without losing any data.

Step 3: Wait for a few minutes. When it’s done, your iPhone will automatically restart and should work just fine! It should now also be updated to the latest available iOS version.

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The Bottom Line

And that’s it — that’s how to enter DFU mode iPhone 16 Pro Max.

If you’d like to completely avoid entering DFU mode or losing your data, using Tenorshare ReiBoot to fix your iPhone is simply the better option.?