How to: Get into DFU Mode for iPod Touch/iPhone

You'll probably heard of the DFU mode while trying to downgrade firmware version 1.1.3 and above. DFU means Device Firmware Update, hence it's a mode where the iPod Touch device will be made to force restore into whatever versions it's given with.

You will only do this if you can't downgrade/upgrade for some unexpected reason (using the Shift-Restore in iTunes).

Performing the DFU mode is somewhat tricky, and it requires patience and swiftness, because timings are essential. You cannot afford to miss a second or two, which will bring it to the Recovery Mode.

I realise, if you're early by 1 or 2 seconds, it'll make A LOT OF DIFFERENCE. I suggest waiting 1 or 2 seconds a little later for better results (I have done this umpteen times already).

In my opinion, DFU mode is like an interrupted Recovery Mode. Since the iPod Touch won't respond, it's like "spoilt" and "empty" hence it can be restored into any other firmwares effeciently.


A Valuable Tip!!!

Thanks to CHOUT for this tip.

If you managed to get your iPod Touch in "off" state (meaning, the screen is blank as though it's off), and Windows recognises it/iTunes recognises it, remove the USB cable (do not turn on the iPod!) and reconnect it back. Then try to downgrade via iTunes.


DFU Mode (Windows/Mac Compatible method)

Before you begin, turn on your iPod Touch (make sure it won't auto lock, to prevent mistakes), and connect it to iTunes. Once iTunes shows your device, perform the following steps:

Step 1: Hold down the “Home” button

Step 2: Hold down the “Standby” button

Step 3: When it says “slide to turn off”, ignore it. It should restart with a blank screen. Look at iTunes, and your device should be removed. Now lift the Standby button, while still holding onto the Home button.

Step 4: Keep holding the Home button until the iPod reconnects on iTunes. When the device shows up in iTunes, that’s when you’ll need to lift up your button. If you wait any longer, it will go into Recovery Mode, and that’s not what you want. Your iPod should be blank.

Step 5: Now iTunes will tell you that the iPod Touch is in Recover Mode. You can now perform a manual restore on it.


DFU Mode - The sound method (Windows ONLY! Alternative method)

For those Windows user, turn up your speakers.

You know when you connect something via USB, there's a sound that will ring? Use that sound as your cue.

Here's a variation:

Step 1: Connect to PC via the dock connector. Doesn't matter if iTunes is up or not.

Step 2: Hold Home button

Step 3: Hold Standby button

Step 4: When "Slide to turn off" appear, ignore it.

Step 5: Now you listen for the "USB out" sound. You should be able to tell if the device is disconnected from your PC. Now you can lift your Standby button. The screen should be blank.

Step 6: Now you listen for the "USB in" sound. You should be able to tell if the device is connected to your PC. Now you can lift your Home button. The screen IS STILL BLANK.

Step 7: If all goes well, your device should be blank and iTunes will launch by itself. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TURN ON YOUR DEVICE (well, you can't do that anyway). You can now perform a manual restore.

You're now good to go!


DFU Mode - The bubble method (Windows ONLY! Alternative method)

Thanks to momott for this tip.

Here's the breakdown of the method. All you need to do is watch your computer. And you don't have to launch iTunes at all.

Update: I realised the bubble method don't work 100%. That's because, for the first time you entering DFU mode (on that computer), the bubble appears once. After that it does not appear anymore.

Step 1: Connect your iPod Touch via the dock connector

Step 2: Hold Home button

Step 3: Hold Standby button. A "slide to off" appear, ignore it.

Step 4: Your iPod should restart. Just keep holding the 2 buttons until you see in your windows, a bubble appear saying that your iPod Touch is in DFU mode.

You can now perform the downgrade!


ZiPhone (yes now it works!) method

Download the latest ZiPhone (as of date of post, it's version 2.6b).

Step 1: Launch the GUI version of ZiPhone. (It keep changing icons, so I'm not sure, but it should have the word "GUI" in it)

Step 2: Under "Advanced Features", click on "Click to show advanced features".

Step 3: Click on "DFU Mode" button.


I got a better method!

Then jolly well share it with the rest of the world! I'm sure there are other people who are struggling to get the perfect method, so if you provide a simplified version, do let me know.