How to Put iPhone or iPad on Recovery mode? (Step by Step Tutorial)

Summary: DFU or Recovery mode is a way to recover your iPhone or iPad using a computer in case of technical issues. Read this post for a step-by-step process of how to enter and exit Recovery Mode and DFU mode on iPhone.

When you run out of solutions to troubleshoot your iPhone, Recovery Mode or DFU Mode comes as a rescue. Whether iPhone stops booting or fails to restore, you can use the functions in iPhone and fix the issue.

But the method to bring an iPhone in DFU or Recovery Mode varies in each iPhone model and iPad.

This post will guide you on how to enter and exit Recovery and DFU Modes in different iPhone and iPad variants. But first, understand what these iPhone functions are and their uses.

What is Recovery Mode and its use?

Recovery Mode uses iBoot to upgrade or restore your iPhone. iBoot is a bootloader program for iOS devices. Recovery Mode helps install the same or above iOS firmware version already on your iPhone. The iPhone screen in Recovery Mode prompts to connect iPhone to iTunes, showing a computer image.

Recovery Mode helps fix iPhone updates or restore issues, such as iPhone stuck at the Apple logo , unable to open the locked iPhone or want to reset iPhone but forgot iPhone passcode .

What is DFU Mode and its use?

Device Firmware Update or DFU mode lets your iPhone connect with iTunes on the computer without iBoot. As DFU mode doesn’t use iBoot, you can make changes in the operating system of the iOS device. An iPhone in DFU mode has a completely black screen.

Putting iPhone into DFU mode is the solution when Recovery Mode doesn’t resolve the problem. DFU mode can restore or upgrade iPhone. This mode is also commonly used to downgrade or jailbreak iPhone s.

Caution — you may lose all your iPhone data!

If you are entering DFU mode, make sure to back up your iPhone data . DFU mode permanently erases iPhone data . So always back up your videos, photos, messages, chats, Notes, etc., either to iCloud or iTunes.

However, if you have lost iPhone data and don’t have a backup, then immediately download iPhone data recovery software — Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone . The software helps to restore lost or deleted iPhone contacts, call logs, photos, videos, text, FaceTime, audio, chats, Calendar, Notes, Safari bookmarks, etc. It is quick to recover and extremely user-friendly.

What is required to perform Recovery and DFU modes in iPhone?

1. Windows or Mac system.
2. Lightning to USB cable.
3. iTunes updated to the latest version on your computer.

How to put iPhone 6 and earlier versions in Recovery Mode
Follow the below steps to enter Recovery Mode on iPhone 6, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5, iPhone 4s, and iPhone 4.

• Connect your iPhone to your PC using USB Lightning Cable and launch iTunes.
• Press and hold down the Home and Power button to turn the iPhone.

• Then connect the USB cable to iPhone and turn it on by holding the Home button.
• Continue to hold the Home button until a pop-up appears informing ‘an iPhone has been detected in recovery mode’ on your system.
• In Recovery mode, you can either restore the iPhone, set it up as new, or just recover your backups.

How to put iPhone 7 in Recovery Mode
It’s easy to enter Recovery Mode on iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus. Follow the below steps:

• Turn off your iPhone 7 and connect it to your Mac or Windows computer.
• Ensure iTunes or Finder is running on the system.
• Press and hold the Power and Volume down button for 10 seconds.
• While continuing to hold the Volume down button, release the Power button.

• Release the button if you see the iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode message on your system.

How to put iPhone 8 in Recovery Mode
If you want to enter the Recovery Mode on iPhone 8 and its variants, follow the below steps:

• Connect your iPhone 8 to your Mac or Windows system with a USB cable.
• Next, press and release the following buttons in a sequence Volume Up button, Volume Down, and Side button until your device reboots. Continue holding the Side button, even after seeing the Apple logo appear.
• Release the Side button once the Connect to iTunes logo appears on the iPhone’s display.

• Launch iTunes, and you should see a message stating, “There is a problem with the iPhone that requires it to be updated or restored.” You can choose to Update or Restore your iPhone’s software.

How to put iPhone 11 into Recovery Mode
To enter Recovery Mode on iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, or iPhone 11 Pro Max, follow these steps:

• Connect your iPhone with your Mac or PC and launch iTunes.
• Force restart your iPhone with the following steps:
  • Press and release the Volume Up button.
  • Press and release the Volume Down button.
  • Press and hold the Side button.
• Make sure to release these buttons if you see the recovery mode screen with the “Connect to iTunes” screen.
• Then choose your iPhone in iTunes, and you will see a pop-up saying that your iPhone is in Recovery Mode. Here, you can either update or restore your iPhone.

How to put iPhone 12 into Recovery Mode
Follow the below steps to enter Recovery Mode on iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max:

• Update iTunes to the latest version.
• Connect your iPhone to your PC or Mac via Lightning to a USB cable.
• Note: If you are connecting your iPhone to the computer for the first time, click on ‘Trust’ in the Trust This Computer dialog box and follow the prompts.
• Once your iPhone is paired with the computer, press the Volume up button followed by the Volume down button and release.
• Press and continue to hold the Side button until you see the ‘Connect to computer’ screen on your iPhone. While on your computer, you would see the iPhone Recovery Mode message in iTunes, confirming that your iPhone has entered into Recovery Mode. The computer asks you to either Update or Restore your iPhone**.** Click on any based on your requirement.

If you choose Update, iTunes will update your iPhone 12 to the latest iOS release. This won’t lead to any loss of data.

If you select Restore: It will erase iPhone data completely and renew your entire iPhone.

How to put Recovery Mode on iPhone 13
Entering Recovery Mode on iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro has the same steps as iPhone 12. To enter the Recovery Mode, connect your iPhone to your computer and do the following steps in quick succession.

• Press the Volume up button and release.
• Press the Volume down button and release.
• Press and continue to hold the side button until the ‘Connect to iTunes’ screen appears on iPhone.

How to put Recovery Mode on iPhone 14
To use recovery mode on iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro, follows these steps:

1. Connect your iPhone to your system with a Lightning cable.
2. Now on iPhone, press and quickly release the Volume up, Volume down, and side buttons until you see the recovery mode screen.
3. Select your iPhone in the Finder/iTunes window and choose to update or restore your iPhone.

How to exit Recovery Mode on iPhone
It’s easy to exit Recovery Mode on iPhone. Follow the below steps:

• Hold the Home button and Lock button to exit DFU mode on iPhone 6 and earlier versions until your device reboots.
• To exit DFU mode on iPhone 7/7 Plus, hold the Side and Volume Down buttons until the device reboots.
• To exit the Recovery Mode on iPhone 8 or later version, press and hold the Side button until the “Connect to iTunes” screen disappears, and then iPhone should reboot back into iOS.

How to put Recovery Mode on iPad
To enter Recovery Mode on the iPad, follow these steps:

• Connect your iPad to Windows or Mac system using a USB cable.
• For iPad with a Home button: Press and hold the Home button and the Top/Side button until your iPad enters recovery mode.
• For iPad without a Home button: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, Volume Down button, and the Top button. Keep holding the Top button until the iPad enters recovery mode.

How to put iPhone into DFU mode ?
Follow the below steps to enter DFU Mode on iPhone and its various version:

1. Connect iPhone to PC or Mac via USB cable. Note: If the ‘Trust This Computer’ dialog box appears, follow the prompts.
2. Once your iPhone is paired with a computer, follow these steps:

How to Enter DFU Mode on an iPhone 8 and later versions

• Press the Volume up button, then Volume down button, and release.
• Quickly press and hold the Side button for about 5 seconds.
• Along with the Side button, press and hold the Volume down button.
• Release the Side button and continue to hold the Volume down button for about 10 seconds.
• Once you see the ‘Recovery Mode’ screen in iTunes on your computer, you have successfully entered the DFU mode. However, the iPhone screen remains black in DFU Mode.

How to Enter DFU Mode on an iPhone 7

• Press and hold the Power and the Volume down buttons for 8–10 seconds.
• Release the Power button and continue to hold the Volume down button.
• Release the Volume down button once your iPhone has entered recovery mode.

How to Enter DFU Mode on an iPhone 6S or Earlier Versions

• Press and hold the Power/Sleep and Home buttons together for 10 seconds.
• Release the Power/Sleep button, but continue holding the Home button.
• Release the Home button once you see iTunes/Finder has detected an iPhone in recovery mode message.

Note: If you see the Apple logo on your iPhone, try again and repeat the above steps carefully.

How to exit DFU Mode on iPhone ?
If you want to exit DFU Mode on iPhone and its variants, follow the below steps:

How to Exit DFU Mode on an iPhone 8 or Later versions

1. Press the Volume Up button and quickly release.
2. Press the Volume Down button and quickly release.
3. Now, press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears on iPhone. This indicates your iPhone has exited DFU Mode. Your iPhone would boot to the ‘Lock’ screen in a few seconds. Now, enter your passcode and continue to use your iPhone.

How to Exit DFU Mode on an iPhone 7
Press and hold the Power or Sleep button and the Volume down button until you see the Apple Logo.

How to Exit DFU Mode on iPhone 6 or Earlier versions
Hold the Home button and the Power button of the iPhone simultaneously until Apple’s logo appears on the screen.

Conclusion

Whenever your iPhone and its variants show problems like being stuck at the Apple logo, won’t upgrade, restore, or respond, you can use Recovery Mode and DFU Mode functions to resolve the problem. But don’t forget to back up your iPhone data before using these functions.

However, in any unfortunate incident of data loss while performing the functions, trust Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone – a software that brings back lost data on your iPhone securely.

FAQ

1. Does DFU Mode delete iPhone data?

If you use DFU mode to install something or restore your device, all your iPhone’s data will be erased.

2. Can you enter the recovery mode if your iPhone is disabled?

An iPhone is disabled when a user enters an incorrect password too many times on the lock screen. You should be able to enter the recovery mode using the same steps mentioned above and restore your iPhone to regain access.

3. How to put the iPhone in recovery mode without a computer?

A computer is not necessary to enter the recovery mode on an iPhone. You only need to press the right buttons, depending on your iPhone model, to enter the recovery mode. However, to restore your iPhone – you will need a computer.

Best 10 iMessage Recovery Software

Summary: Digital data may sometimes seem a nuisance, and due to essential data may be deleted with unwanted trash. However, if you have also deleted your important messages with all the trash various companies spam you with, you have the option to recover your messages. We are covering the best 10 iMessage Recovery Software to let you make your choice and stay stress-free.

Messages have been an integral part of our personal and professional lives. Losing important messages can be a nightmare. Since most Apple systems work seamlessly with cloud backups, there’s not much to worry about if the backup exists. The heavens fall flat, though, when there’s no backup.

Fret not, as we have a list of top iMessage recovery software to help you get the messages back. We’ve walked the hard yard to make a list and take notes of all the available software. Then, we tested each and listed only the best 10 iMessage Recovery Software for your perusal.

What are iMessages?

iMessage is Apple’s proprietary messaging service. iMessages are a secure form of text, photo, and video messaging across Apple devices. They can only be sent from and received by an Apple device, like an iPhone, iPad, or a Mac.

Top iMessage Recovery Software

1. Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone

Stellar is a known name across the data recovery world, with top-of-the-line products and services. Stellar has been the industry leader for the past 25 years, with awards and accolades to go along with it. When they launched their iPhone Data Recovery Software, they packed years of expertise, experience, and technological advancement in that software. The software is dedicated to simplifying the lives of iPhone users by offering data recovery in every possible way. Among the many options for recovery, Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone software also recovers iMessages easily.

The top Features of Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone:

• Apart from the iMessages, it also recovers photos, videos, contacts, call logs, text messages, photo streams, voice memos, camera roll, app data, and so on. It is a single solution for all iPhone users.
• It also recovers your messages, including attachments, from messaging apps like WhatsApp, WeChat, and Tango.
• The preview feature lets you pick the data you want to recover and discard the unwanted data.
• It also allows for recovering desired data from iCloud and iTunes while not affecting the current iPhone data.

The best iPhone Message Recovery software, and more, are available for both Windows and Mac. It supports iOS 15 and all the versions below. In addition, it is compatible with all the iPhone series, including the iPhone 14 series.

Steps to Recover iMessages using Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone

• Download and install Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone to your computer. It is available for both Windows and Mac users.
• Use your data cable to connect your Apple device to your computer.
• Run Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone.
• Select the ‘Recover from iPhone’ option on the main screen.

• Select the data type you want to recover.
• Click ‘Next’ to begin the scanning process.
• Preview the data available to recover.
• Select the required data and click ‘Save’ to start recovering the data.
• You can also recover from iTunes or iCloud backup and follow the same steps.

2. Dr. Fone for iOS

Dr. Fone for iOS comes from the house of Wondershare, which supports a wide array of data recovery on iOS. In addition, it has a preview feature to sneak a peek at any deleted messages before recovering them. Dr. Fone has an excellent scanning procedure that is also uncomplicated.

The top Features of Dr. Fone for iOS:

• Fast Data Recovery
• Compatible with all the iPhones
• Recover from iTunes, iCloud, as well as iPhone

3. Primo iPhone Data Recovery

It is also a wonderful iPhone messages recovery application that provides assured results. It enables one to recover any deleted message regardless of the circumstance. For example, it can result from water damage, forgotten passwords, update failures, etc. Primo iPhone Data Recovery uses three settings of recuperation to guarantee a greater success rate as an iMessage recovery software. The problem with Primo is that it works only with iPhone 7 and earlier versions.

The top features of Primo iPhone Data Recovery:

• Recover any of the top 25 file types from any iPhone.
• Three recovery settings, from simple to deep recovery.

4. PhoneRescue for iOS

PhoneRescue is also among the best iMessage recovery software that has helped many users recover their lost data on iPhone devices. In addition, it features easier operating steps that don’t require the user to be tech-savvy, as even casual users can follow the steps, making it a choice application for the users.

The top features of PhoneRescue for iOS:

• Recovers iMessages safely, and no other person can access your data.
• It can help you restore deleted messages/iMessage to your iPhone’s messaging application directly.
• You can preview and then choose the message before restoring them.
• No backup is needed to recover 31 file types with ease.

5. ApowerRescue

ApowerRescue is a high-grade iMessages recovery software for iPhone users. It allows one to recover missing messages easily. ApowerRescue provides extensive device scanning for iPhones, iCloud backup, and iTunes backup to help one recover any erased data. It can recover lost information even if your gadget isn’t easily accessible, is stuck on the Apple Logo, or has a white or black screen. ApowerRescue supports up to iPhone XS Max and iPad Pro models.

The top features of ApowerRescue are:

• Recovers iMessages safely, and no other person can access your data.
• It can help you restore deleted messages/iMessage to your iPhone’s messaging application directly.
• You can preview and then choose the message before restoring them.
• No backup is needed to recover 31 file types with ease.

6. 7thShare iPhone Data Recovery

The 7thShare iPhone Data Recovery has been one of the best iMessage recovery software in terms of its ease of use, speed, usage, and efficiency. It recovers lost data in two ways: from iphone as well as from iTunes backup.

The top features of 7thShare iPhone Data Recovery are:

• It recovers deleted messages more quickly.
• The recovery of files is selective.
• No skills are required.
• Clean and user-friendly interface.

7. iMyFone D-Back

iMyFone D-Back is the best software for fast recovery of data from iPhones with only access to the iCloud account. It is good for recovering mistakenly erased files and messages, even in case of a factory reset. iMyFone D-Back is an iPhone Data Recovery software application specially produced for iOS 9 to iOS 15 gadgets. Thus, it came in handy for different use cases like sync issues. It can recover all data files and information supported with various other programs.

The top features of iMyFone D-Back are:

• Powerful recovery through an intelligent integrated algorithm of iMyFone D-Back.
• You can sneak a peek at the content before recovering it.
• It enables selective recovery of data that stays clear of overwriting existing data.
• It has 3 data healing modes.
• It can be used to recover complete information.

8. MobiKin Doctor for iOS

MobiKin Doctor for iOS works great when looking for easy and quick recovery from iOS devices and iTunes backup. The application supports most iPods, iPhones, as well as iPads. Recovering data from the internal storage of your devices, like contacts and iMessages, works like a breeze. This great iMessage recovery software can also recover many other file types, like videos, music, books, attachments, calendar, etc.

The top Features of MobiKin Doctor for iOS are:

• Preview and recover data from iPhone’s internal memory without any backup.
• Pick only the files you want to recover through previews.
• Recover from iPhone easily.

9. Aiseesoft Fonelab

Aiseesoft Fonelab focuses on the ease of recovery, ensuring that technology helps even the ones who don’t understand. A simple, step-by-step process allows you to recover data from one iOS device to another. Among the best iPhone message recovery software, it can recover from iOS, iTunes Backup, or iCloud backup.

The top features of Aiseesoft Fonelab are:

• Data recovery is independent of the method of data loss.
• Export recovered data to other iOS devices.
• Supports both old and new iPhones.

10. Coolmuster iPhone Data Recovery

Coolmuster iPhone Data Recovery is designed to improve the efficiency of data recovery. It recovers accidentally deleted iMessages, while also recovering other file types, like photos, videos, messages, notes, etc.

The top features of Coolmuster iPhone Data Recovery are:

• It allows you to recover deleted messages and contacts without backup.
• In addition, you can preview your iMessages before recovery.
• You can also transfer data to your computer using the software.

Recovering lost data with the best iMessage Recovery Software

Technological advancements have meant that there are several options available for the recovery of data. iMessages can be recovered using any software with or without iTunes/iCloud backup. However, we recommend Stellar due to its stellar record in data recovery. The software needs no introduction, and reviews have consistently pitched Stellar’s Data Recovery solutions to consumers for their ease of use and efficiency.

FAQs

How do I recover all my iMessages?

You can recover all your iMessages by connecting your iPhone to your computer, opening iTunes, and finding your backup. If the backup doesn’t recover all iMessages, you can try one of the best iMessage recovery software, Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone.

Are deleted iMessages gone forever?

Deleted iMessages may seem scary, but they aren’t gone forever. You can always find them in iTunes or iCloud backups. In addition, you can try the top iPhone message recovery software listed above if they’re not there.

Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone failed to recognize my iPhone. How to fix it?

In case Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone software doesn’t recognize your iPhone, do the following to fix the issue:

1. Install/ update to the latest iTunes on your PC or Mac computer.
2. Ensure your iPhone is turned on and on the Home screen.
3. Check if the USB port and cable are working fine or use a different Apple USB cable.
4. Ensure the iOS device ‘Trust’ your computer. If you receive the ‘Trust this Computer’ message, click on ‘Trust’.
5. Restart your iPhone.
6. Restart your computer.
7. Update your Windows or macOS.

Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone supports all the iPhone models and their individual variants, including iPhone 13, iPhone 12, iPhone 11, iPhone XS, and below variants. It is compatible with the latest iOS 15, 14, 13, 12 and below.

How to Wipe iPhone Data Permanently?

Summary: Do you want to erase everything on your iPhone? But fear that it could be recovered. Learn about the best tool that wipes iPhone data permanently and makes it unrecoverable by any recovery software.

Your iPhone is a trove of personal data — photos, videos, passwords, ID proofs, bank details, chats, messages, contacts, and a lot more— which, naturally, you don’t want to fall into other hands. That’s why you prefer to delete all the information on your iPhone before selling it to others.

But several iPhone recovery software can easily restore deleted data from an old or discarded iPhone. So there’s always a fear that someone could recover your iPhone’s data and misuse it.

Here’s a solution — permanently wipe iPhone data beyond the scope of recovery by any software.

How do you permanently erase data from your iPhone?

Manual deletion is one of the ways to remove data. But it can be easily recovered by iPhone features like restoring ‘Recently Deleted’ or recovery software.

Then, Apple suggests resetting the content and settings of the iOS device. It’s effective as the deleted data is not accessible directly on your iPhone. But this also does not completely erase your data from iPhone storage.

So to wipe iPhones permanently, specialized erasure software should be used. The iPhone data erasure tool destroys all information on your storage by overwriting, thus rendering it unrecoverable.

Methods to erase everything on iPhone

1. Reset content and settings on iPhone (data gets inaccessible but recoverable)
2. Use iPhone data erasure software – Stellar Toolkit for iPhone (permanently wipes iPhone’s data, unrecoverable)

Method 1: Reset content and settings on iPhone

Apple provides a factory reset feature in iPhone with the ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ option. This method lets you bring your device to default settings by erasing iPhone data.

Apple’s factory reset will delete all settings, passcodes, photos, videos, notes, contacts, call history, messages, search history, app history, and other data on your iPhone.

However, erasing your iPhone with the ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ option does not delete your data permanently. All the personal data on iPhone is still recoverable with the help of advanced iPhone data recovery software.

Steps to Factory Reset iPhone:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap and follow General > Reset.
3. Tap on Erase All Content and Settings.
4. A dialog box appears; click Erase Now.
5. Enter your Passcode and your Apple ID password when prompted. This will wipe iPhone completely and turn off the device.

Now your device is ready to use as new without any personal photos, videos, or other information.

Note: Back up your iPhone data on iCloud or iTunes before performing a factory reset. Even when you want to sell the iPhone, the old data remains in iCloud and iTunes. And you can access it anytime on your computer or new iPhone.

Method 2: Erase data permanently using Stellar Toolkit for iPhone

When you want to delete iPhone data permanently beyond the scope of any recovery software, use an iPhone erasure tool – Stellar Toolkit for iPhone.

The factory reset option by Apple does leave a chance of iPhone data recovery by using the software. But, Stellar Toolkit for iPhone software permanently resets iPhone. The software erases iPhone data from the storage drive by overwriting and setting it to the original default settings. The software leaves no possibility of recovering data by any means.

You can quickly remove iPhone’s settings, photos, videos, audio, music, contacts, messages, chats, installed apps, call history, reminders, search history, and other data.

The software works with all iPhones and iPads. It can wipe off data from iPhone 15, 14, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 11 Pro, 11, XS MAX, XS, XR, X, 8, 7, 7s, 6s, 6 Plus, 6, 5s, 5c, 5, 4s, and 4. It supports iOS 6.0 and up to iOS 16.x.

Stellar iPhone erasure lets you completely wipe data from an unlimited number of iPhones with the software.

Additionally, the Toolkit can also recover lost, or deleted data from iPhone, iCloud, and iTunes in various data lost cases such as water-damaged iPhones , broken iPhones , stuck at Apple logos , and so on.

Key benefits

• Wipes complete iPhone data permanently
• Erases data from multiple unique iPhones
• Easy-to-use
• Compatible with all iPhones and iPads

Steps to erase iPhone data permanently with software:

Step 1: Download and run Stellar Toolkit for iPhone on your computer.

Step 2: Select Erase Data.

Step 3: Erase the iPhone Data screen appears. Click Next.

Step 4: Plug your iPhone into the computer when prompted.

Step 5: Click Erase.

Step 6: An Erase Process dialog box appears. Select Yes to start the erasing process on iPhone. Next, you can view the process progress bar.

Step 7: Once the process finishes, the ‘Data Erase Completes’ message box appears. Click OK.

Your iPhone is now reset as new without any personal information, passwords, or settings.

When should you erase iPhone data with software?

Your data is sensitive and can be easily exploited by someone. So before giving away your iOS device to its next owner, it is better to wipe it off completely so that no one can recover it.

You can use iPhone erasure software when you are-

• Selling an old iPhone
• Exchanging an old iPhone with a new one
• Donating an iPhone to someone
• Fixing technical malfunctions in your iPhone

Final Words

Stellar Toolkit for iPhone comes to the rescue when you want to be sure about your iPhone data privacy.

If you have to use your iOS device as new, give it away, donate, or resell, you must use the erasure software to wipe iPhone data permanently. It’s 100% secure and easy to use.

A free trial is available for Stellar Toolkit for iPhone; you may try it yourself.

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