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To manipulate your device in many ways, including jailbreaking it, you might have to put it into DFU (Device Firmware Upgrade) Mode at one point or another. Follow this guide to put your device into DFU mode. Because of the need for exact timing during the procedure, it is recommended that you read the entire guide first before beginning.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Putting Your Device Into DFU Mode

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  1. In order to enter DFU mode, your device must be connected to a computer with the USB cable. Make sure that iTunes is running.
  2. Hold the Power button for 5 seconds.
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  3. After the first 5 seconds, press and hold the Home button while continuing to hold the Power button. Do this for 10 seconds or until the screen darkens.
  4. After exactly 10 seconds of holding both buttons, release the Power button but continue holding the Home button. After a few seconds, a message will appear in iTunes letting you know that the device has been detected. The device’s screen will remain blank if done successfully.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Understanding DFU Mode

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  1. If you want to go back to an earlier version of iOS, you will need to enter DFU mode so that the old operating system software can be installed.
    • DFU mode occurs before the device loads the installed operating system This allows you to change system files while they're not being accessed.
  2. If you're jailbreaking your iPhone, you may need to put it into DFU mode to load the custom operating system. Not every jailbreak process requires you to do this.
  3. If you want to send in your jailbroken iPhone for warranty service, you will need to reverse the jailbreak process . This may require you to put your device into DFU mode. This is usually done as a troubleshooting step, when the device will not restore properly through iTunes.
  4. Sometimes, a firmware update may interrupt, causing corrupted files. It is advised that an iPhone is not force-restarted during a firmware update, as the iPhone may not continue with the firmware update. However, if an iPhone's firmware update is interrupted or the system memory is corrupt as a result of a process like jailbreaking, DFU mode ensures that the iOS device can be restored even if the memory is corrupt.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can iPhone in DFU mode connect to WiFi?
    Community Answer
    No, an iPhone or iPod in DFU mode can only connect to iTunes via a USB sync cable.
  • Question
    How long will this take?
    Community Answer
    It depends on what you're doing. if you're just booting into DFU then it's about 15-20 seconds before the computer picks up on it.
  • Question
    I cannot do the DFU mode, why?
    Community Answer
    It all depends on the timing. If you cannot do it after a few attempts, try again later.
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      Tips

      • Timing is critical when putting a device into DFU mode. It may take a few attempts before you are successful.
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      Warnings

      • Jailbreaking will void your warranty and expose your phone to threats such as malwares and other security issues. wikiHow and the authors of this article are not responsible for any damage caused to your device by jailbreaking.
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