Free Ways to Enter DFU Mode on Mac: Step by Step Guide

Part 1: What to Do in DFU Mode

DFU, Device Firmware Upgrade, is referred to as advanced recovery mode. This special mode comes as a built-in mode in OS devices. It’s mainly used for fixing issues faced by the device’s firmware and software. It enables all devices to get restored from any previous stage. Though recovery mode usually fixes all the issues iPhone users face, sometimes it fails to do so. This is when DFU Mode comes in handy.

When in DFU Mode, your device remains powered ON, but you can’t use it because your OS isn’t booted. In this mode, your device will directly connect with a Windows computer or iTunes on Mac without auto-updating your iOS version.

DFU Mode helps eliminate that irritating screen stuck on the Apple logo or devices being unresponsive or buggy. It can be used for various purposes, including un-jailbreaking your iPhone, jailbreaking it, updating from a beta version, and upgrading or downgrading the macOS version.

You may find entering this mode trickier than expected, as it involves indulging in multiple steps on precise timing. However, our step-by-step guide will surely help you successfully enter the Mac DFU Mode in no time.

Part 2: How to Enter DFU Mode on Mac with Apple Silicon

Here is your ultimate guide on entering DFU mode on Mac with Apple Silicon:

1. DFU Mode on Macbook Air

• Plug your Mac portable computer into a power source and then plug the USB-C cable into the connector shown.
• Press and release the power button.

• Keep pressing the power button, press and hold the following three buttons for about 3 seconds: Right Shift + Left Option + Left Control.

  

• Release the three buttons after 10 seconds but continue to press the power button.

Notes：These steps are only valid for MacBook Air (M2, 2022), and MacBook Air (M1, 2020).

2. DFU Mode on MacBook Pro Released after 2020

• Plug your Mac portable computer into a power source and then plug the USB-C cable into the connector shown.
• Hold and release the power button.

• While pressing the power button again, press these three buttons for approximately 10 seconds: Right Shift + Left Option + Left Control.

  

• Release the three buttons after 10 seconds but continue to press the power button.

Note: This guide is functional for:

• MacBook Pro (16-inch, M2 Max, 2023)
• MacBook Pro (16-inch, M2 Pro, 2023)
• MacBook Pro (14-inch, M2 Max, 2023)
• MacBook Pro (14-inch, M2 Pro, 2023)
• MacBook Pro (16-inch, M1 Pro, 2021)
• MacBook Pro (16-inch, M1 Max, 2021)
• MacBook Pro (14-inch, M1 Pro, 2021)
• MacBook Pro (14-inch, M1 Max, 2021)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, M2, 2022)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020)

3. DFU Mode on iMac (24-inch, M1, Two Ports, 2021)

1. Disconnect the iMac from the power source.

2. Connect the iMac to the power source and keep pressing the power button for approx. 3 seconds.

4. DFU Mode on Mac mini (M2，2023) and Mac mini (M1，2020)

Step 1: Disconnect the Mac Mini from power for at least 10 seconds.

Step 2: Connect the two Mac computers after plugging in the USB-C cable (with any desired converter).

Step 3: Reconnect the power while pressing the power button.

Step 4: Release the power button.

5. DFU Mode on Mac Mini (M2 Pro，2023)

• Detach the Mac mini power cable for at least 10 seconds.
• Connect the two Mac computers after plugging in the USB-C cable (with any desired converter).
• Reconnect the power while pressing the power button.
• Release the power button.

6. DFU Mode in Mac Studio

1. Detach the Mac mini power cable for at least 10 seconds.

2. Connect the two Mac computers after plugging in the USB-C cable (with any desired converter).

3. Reconnect the power while pressing the power button.

4. Release the power button.

Note: This guide can be used for entering Mac Studio (M1 Max, 2022) and Mac Studio (M1 Ultra, 2022).

Part 3: How to Enter DFU Mode on Intel-based Mac

Let’s now have a look at detailed step-by-step guides on how to enter DFU Mode on Intel-based Mac.

1. DFU Mode on MacBook Air 2020, 2019, and 2018

• Press the Power button for approximately five seconds to turn your Apple laptop off.
• On the left side of your Apple laptop, plug the USB-C cable into the front Thunderbolt port.

• While pressing the power button, press and hold the following three buttons for about 3 seconds: Right Shift + Left Option + Left Control.

  

Note: This guide is only for MacBook Air (Retina display, 13-inch, 2020), MacBook Air (Retina display, 13-inch, 2019), and MacBook Air (Retina display, 13-inch, 2018).

2. DFU Mode on MacBook Pro 2020, 2019, and 2018

1. Press the Sleep/Wake button for approximately 5 seconds to turn your Apple laptop off.

2. Plug the USB-C cable into the front Thunderbolt port on the left side of your Apple laptop.

3. While pressing the power button, press and hold the following three buttons for about 3 seconds: Right Shift + Left Option + Left Control.

Note: This guide is functional for:

• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, 4 Thunderbolt / USB 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, 2 Thunderbolt / USB 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, 4 Thunderbolt / USB 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, 2 Thunderbolt / USB 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, 4 Thunderbolt / USB 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch 2019)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018)

3. DFU Mode on iMac (2020)

Step 1: Disconnect the iMac from the power source.

Step 2: Proceed with plugging the USB-C cable into the Thunderbolt port nearest to the Ethernet port.

Step 3: While pressing the power button, connect your iMac Pro or iMac to the power source and continue to press the power button for about 3 seconds.

4. DFU Mode on iMac Pro (2017)

• Detach the iMac Pro or iMac’s power cable.
• Plug the USB-C cable into the Thunderbolt port closest to the Ethernet port.
• While pressing the power button, connect your iMac Pro or iMac to the power source and continue to press the power button for about 3 seconds.

5. DFU Mode on Mac mini (2018)

1. For at least ten seconds, disconnect the Mac mini from power.

2. Move on with plugging the USB-C cable into the Thunderbolt port closest to the HDMI port.

3. While pressing the power button, connect the Mac mini to the power source and continue to press the power button for about 3 seconds.

6. DFU Mode on Mac Pro (2019, Desktop)

Step 1: Disconnect the Mac Pro from the power source and move on to performing one of the following steps:

Step 2: If you have a desktop Mac Pro, plug the USB-C cable into the Thunderbolt port most distant from the power button.

Step 3: While pressing down the power button, connect the Mac Pro to the power source and continue to press the power button for approximately 3 seconds.

7. DFU Mode on Mac Pro (2020, Rack-mount)

1. Disconnect the Mac Pro from the power source and move on to performing one of the following steps:

2. If you have a rack-mount Mac Pro, plug the USB-C cable into the Thunderbolt port nearest to the power button.

3. While pressing the power button, connect the Mac Pro to the power source and continue to press the power button for approximately 3 seconds.

Part 4: How to Fix Mac Issue without Data Loss in One-Click

Tenorshare ReiBoot is a helpful tool that can help you fix various issues on your Mac. If your Mac won't boot up or is stuck on the Apple logo, ReiBoot can help.

ReiBoot offers a "Repair macOS system issues" option that can help to fix more serious problems. This option will reinstall the macOS system files without affecting your personal data, which can help to fix issues like a corrupted operating system or a non-responsive Mac.

• Download and install ReiBoot on your normal mac computer. Launch ReiBoot and connect it to the computer that needs to be repaired. Once the device is recognized, click 'Repair macOS system issues'.

  

• In the below interface, select 'Standard Repair' and read the note below to avoid repairing process failure. If you're ready, click 'Standard Repair'.

  

• Select the model of the mac computer you need to be repaired and follow the instructions on the screen. Make your device enter into DFU mode.

  

• Click 'Download' to download the latest firmware package. It will take some time.

  

  Once the firmware package is downloaded on your computer, you can click 'Start Standard Repair' to start system recovery.

  

  The whole repair process will take a few minutes, please wait patiently. After the repair is done, your macOS device will automatically reboot and all your data will not be erased.

  

Extra Tips: How to Exit DFU Mode on Mac

After going through multiple guides on how to enter DFU mode on Mac, you must wonder how to exit DFU mode on Mac. Just press and hold the power button until you see the Apple logo and/or hear the startup chimeand that’s it!

FAQs about DFU Mode Mac

Q1: What's the difference between DFU mode and recovery mode on Mac?

The similarity between these modes is that both are used to recover an unbootable Mac without loading system. But do they work the same way? The answer is no.

In short, MacOS Recovery is a part of the operating system that helps you repair your internal disk, restore your files from Time Machine backups, reinstall macOS and more. On the contrary, DFU mode users can enter the state without loading the operating system. Since macOS is not running, you can fix bugs and even backups and restore your Mac to working condition.

Q2: How do I know if my mac is in DFU mode?

It's hard to tell whether your Mac devices are in DFU mode. In most cases, it will turn to be black screen. If you still not sure about it, you can use Tenorshare ReiBoot to free check. If you successfully enter into the firmware download page under the Standard Repair mode in the "Repair macOS system issues" features, your Mac device is in DFU mode.

Conclusion

This comprehensive guide covers multiple guides on how to enter DFU mode on Mac free of cost. Be sure to follow the guide specific to your Mac device; otherwise, you won’t be able to enter DFU Mode. Hope you find this info helpful. Stay tuned for more informative, detailed guides. Besides, Tenorshare ReiBoot is always be your best bet.

Tenorshare ReiBoot - Best iOS System Recovery Software

Fix iPhone Stuck and Update Issues without Data Loss

• Downgrade iOS 17 to iOS 16 ;
• Fix iPhone won't restore in recovery mode, my iPhone is stuck on the Apple Logo,iPhone black screen of death, iOS downgrade stuck, iPhone update stuck, etc.
• Support all iPhone models and the latest iOS 17 and earlier.

Free Trial Free Trial