Guide 1l · Restart & Recovery
iPhone How-To Guide • RecoveryRecovery mode restore failing on an older iPhone? DFU mode can help. It uses the Home button and careful timing.
Works on: iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, 6, 6 Plus, SE (1st generation, 2016), 5s, 5c, 5, 4s and 4.
Warning: A DFU Restore Erases Everything
This deletes everything on the phone. Use it only as a last resort, after recovery mode fail. Photos, messages and apps are gone unless you have a backup (see How To Back Up Your iPhone). If you want to keep your data, call or text (720) 413-8150 first.
How To Enter DFU Mode
The screen stays black in DFU mode. That is normal. If you see the Apple logo or the computer-and-cable picture, you held a button too long. Start over.
- Plug the phone into a Mac (Finder) or a PC (Apple Devices app).
- Press and hold the Home button and the power button (side or top) together for 8 seconds.
- Let go of the power button. Keep holding Home for about 5 more seconds, until the computer sees the phone.
- The computer should say it found an iPhone in recovery mode, while the phone screen stays black. This is the last step: click Restore. This deletes everything on the phone.
If the Apple logo appears, you held the power button too long.
Did It Work?
DFU restore failed too? It may be hardware. I can check it and refer board-level work to a microsoldering specialist.
Source: If you can't update or restore your iPhone (Apple Support, checked Oct 18, 2026).
Changed your mind? A force restart takes the phone out of DFU mode without erasing it.
Apple doesn't publish DFU steps. These timings are the ones repair techs use.
Next step: 12a Get Ready For A Repair
If this didn't fix it: iPhone Diagnostics
Related: 1i Recovery Mode (iPhone 6s And Older) · 10a Back Up Your iPhone
Still stuck? Call or text (720) 413-8150 or book an appointment. It's a home-based shop, so please call or text before you head over.
Franchitti's Fix LLC is an independent repair shop, not affiliated with Apple.