TUTORIALS

Recovery Mode vs DFU Mode: What’s the Difference?

11/09/2018

17643

But before we explain how to put your iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max in Recovery mode, let us first understand the difference between DFU mode and Recovery mode.


Recovery Mode vs DFU Mode: What’s the Difference?

DFU Mode

DFU mode is short for Device Firmware Update mode. It is a special mode that allows the iPhone to interface with the iTunes software on a Mac or PC, but without invoking the iBoot process. Since it bypasses the iBoot (the bootloader in iOS devices) process, DFU mode can be used in different situations including upgrading iOS firmware, downgrading iOS firmware, and even rebooting your tethered jailbroken device. When your iPhone is in DFU mode, the iPhone screen will be totally black.




Recovery Mode

Unlike the DFU mode, putting your iPhone in recovery mode invokes the iBoot process. It ensures that the user is actually attempting to install a signed firmware version that is equal to or greater than the one that’s already on the iPhone that’s in Recovery mode. Connect your device with 3uTools, you could enter Recovery Mode by one click.


Recovery Mode vs DFU Mode: What’s the Difference?

Windows
Mac OS
iOS
Linux
3uTools
Win 64-bit For this device
V9.0 2025-11-11
Download
Win 32-bit For this device
V9.0 2025-11-11
Download
3uTools V3.18
2025-09-18
Please use the 3uTools PC client to install the iOS client:
1、 Install either the Windows or Mac version of 3uTools on your computer
2、 Open the PC client and connect your device to the computer via USB cable
3、 After the connection is successful, wait for the computer to automatically install the mobile app for the device, or locate “Install Mobile App” on the computer and manually click to install.
3uTools
deb file
v3.01 2025-11-20
Download
rpm file
v3.01 2025-11-20
Download
Windows
iOS
Android
3uAirPlayer
Win 64-bit For this device
V6.0.2 2025-11-19
Download
Win 32-bit For this device
V6.0.2 2025-11-19
Download
iOS Device Mirroring (No App Required)
1、 Install 3uAirplayer on the Windows PC
2、 Open Control Center and select Screen Mirroring
3、 From the list, choose your PC to start mirroring
4、 Or connect your iOS device to the PC via USB to begin mirroring
Scan to get "3uAirPlayer" App