How to Backup iPhone in Recovery Mode or DFU Mode (iOS 13 supported)

by Jenefey Aaron   Updated on 2019-11-30 / Update for  iPhone Data

"I finally decided to update my iPhone 6s to iOS 13/12/11. However, I (stupidly) did not backup my iPhone before doing this. Currently it says the software is up to date but it is in recovery mode and wants me to restore my iPhone as the final step. I do not want to lose all my pictures from this past summer that I did not backup. Is it possible to backup my photos while the phone is in recovery mode?"-From Apple Forum

Stuck in recovery mode or DFU mode can be annoying. And for those who don't have an iPhone backup, it is even worse. Anxiously looking for how to backup iPhone in recovery mode or DFU mode? Read on.

Step 1: How to Eixt iPhone Recovery mode/DFU mode Before Backup

Step 2: Backup iPhone Data after Exiting Recovery Mode and DFU Mode

Extra Info: Comparison between Recovery Mode and DFU Mode

Step 1: How to Eixt iPhone Recovery mode/DFU mode Before Backup

If your iPhone is stuck in recovery mode, the most common way to get out of recovery mode is to do a restore or firmware upgrade. Then your data on iPhone may be gone. So when iPhone is stuck in recovery mode, the biggest fear for most users is losing all data on the device.

If only there is a tool which enables iPhone to exit recovery mode and DFU mode, and without data loss. iPhone reboot tool (officially named Tenorshare ReiBoot) is exactly the one. Just in 1 click, you can get your iPhone/iPad/iPod running iOS 10/9.3.2/9/8/7 out of recovery mode or DFU mode for 100% free. It works well on Windows and Mac. checks out how it works.

  • 1. Download and install Tenorshare ReiBoot, then click to open it.
  • 2. Connect your iPhone that stuck in recovery mode or DFU mode to computer. You'll find that the "Exit Recovery Mode" button is now activated. Click "Exit Recovery Mode" and wait for a while to let your iPhone reboot.
  • backup iphone in dfu mode

There is also a Mac version for users to get iPhone out of recovery mode or DFU mode on Windows 10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista.

Step 2: How to Make an iPhone Backup Out of Recovery Mode or DFU Mode

When your iPhone boots up, it has gone back to normal. And you will not damage or lose any iPhone files. Then you can make a backup to keep your iPhone data safe. We offer you iPhone Care Pro to easily backup iPhone contacts, photos, messages with one click. Feel free to have a try.

Just in case anything is lost, you can use iPhone data recovery software to get back lost data.

Note: Some data recovery tools claim that they can scan iPhone devices stuck in recovery mode and make a backup. Some others say they are able to get back all lost data when iPhone is out of recovery mode. Not really. On one hand, iPhone in recovery mode or DFU mode can't be recognized. On the other hand, after restoring, all files on iPhone have been gone for good, which can never be retrieved.

Extra Info: Recovery Mode VS DFU Mode

Recovery mode and DFU mode are 2 common used modes for iPhone, iPad, iPod users.

backup iphone files from recovery mode

Recovery mode is a state of iBoot that is used during standard upgrades and restores. As iBoot is active, it doesn't allow you to downgrade your device's software. When iPhone is in recovery mode, the iTunes logo and the icon of your USB cable will appear at the same time and iTunes will inform you that an iPhone in recovery mode has been detected.

DFU mode is short for Device Firmware Update mode. It is a special mode where the device can still interface with iTunes, yet it doesn't load the iBoot. The screen will appear totally black in DFU mode.

The main difference between the recovery mode and DFU mode is iBoot. Recovery mode uses iBoot during restoring or upgrading your iPhone while DFU mode bypasses the iBoot so you can downgrade the current firmware.

For more details, go to another article explaining the difference between recovery mode and DFU mode.