DFU mode is quite different - it loads a new firmware on your device, wiping all previous data from it. DFU stands for Device Firmware Update, so it will update your firmware but will also wipe your phone clean.
What exactly is DFU mode? Device Firmware Update is a mode that an iPhone or iPad can be put in to get your device back into working order. DFU is very similar to the BIOS on Windows computers or Recovery Mode on a Mac. This mode is available 'below' the operating system level.
For iPhone 7 or 7 Plus:
DFU mode lets the device interface with iTunes, update the firmware, and restore the OS without automatically installing the last downloaded version. It's useful for installing older versions of iOS if a beta persistently hangs your phone, or if a jailbreak goes bad.
An iPhone in DFU Mode allows you to install custom firmware, Jailbreak the device, Unlock SIM, Downgrade iOS, Unlock disabled iPhone and recover iPhone from problems. While it takes a bit of practice and skill to put iPhone into DFU Mode, you should be able to get it right within the first 2-3 attempts.
What is iPhone DFU mode? DFU mode is a state that you can put your iPhone into where it can interface with iTunes, but does not load the iPhone operating system or boot loader (this is what really differs DFU mode from the more simple recovery mode). DFU stands for Device Firmware Update.
DFU mode is a low-level device restore state that allows for an iPhone to be restored directly from firmware, it requires a Mac or Windows PC with iTunes to use properly. If you need to enter DFU mode on an iPhone XS, XR, or XS Max, we'll show you how to do so in this walkthrough.
What's the iPhone DFU Mode? DFU or Device Firmware Upgrade mode allows all devices to be restored from any state. It is essentially a mode where the boot ROM can accept iBSS. DFU is burned into the hardware, so it cannot be removed.
DFU is acronymous for “device firmware update,” and places your device into a recovery mode that makes low-level changes to the firmware on that device. If you're thinking “but there's already a recovery mode on iPhones and iPads,” you're correct!
Go into DFU mode: iPad Pro with Face ID. iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, or iPhone SE 2/3. iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus. iPhone 6s or earlier, iPad (with Home Button), or iPod touch.
Hold Home + Power button again for 8 seconds until you see the Apple logo, then release them after the screen turns off. Press Home + Power button for 20 seconds, release Power and hold Home button for 8 seconds. After 20 seconds, release Home button and your iPhone 7/7 Plus shall load normally again.
To enter DFU mode perform the following steps:
Because only limited portions of the iPhone's components are active in DFU mode it cannot be used to charge the phone. It is also not advisable to place the iPhone into DFU mode unnecessarily as any accidental damage or corruption to the phone's firmware can result in the phone not working correctly or at all.