Syeda Bushra Taimur on September 14, 2025, 10:10 pm

iPhone 17 Recovery & DFU Mode: How To Enter, Exit, And Fix Stuck Bugs Complete Guide

Apple’s iPhone 17 takes the iPhone 16 further, offering fluid displays, quicker charging, and smarter AI capabilities.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about managing your iPhone 17 — from how to enter and exit iPhone 17 Recovery mode and DFU mode to how to fix iPhone 17 stuck in Recovery mode and DFU mode.

What are DFU Mode& Recovery Mode on iPhone 17?

When we talk about restoring an iPhone, it must need to use Recovery mode or DFU mode.

What is iPhone 17 Recovery mode? iPhone 17 Recovery Mode is an iOS repair process that fixes iPhone 17 software issues through updates or restores using Apple’s signed iOS 26 firmware, such as an iPhone 17 frozen or iPhone 17 stuck on the Apple logo, failure to be recognized by a computer.

Then what is DFU mode on iPhone 17? DFU (Device Firmware Update) Mode is a deeper restore state that bypasses the iOS bootloader, serving as a deeper-level repair mode. Used for more severe problems that Recovery Mode can’t resolve (e.g., iPhone 17 corrupted firmware, iPhone 17 failed jailbreak errors).

How to Enter Recovery Mode on iPhone 17?

If your iPhone 17 screen is frozen on the Apple logo, or your computer doesn’t recognize your iPhone when you connect it. You need to open Recovery Mode to fix it.

Here are the steps for entering iPhone 17 recovery mode :

Step 1. Connect your iPhone 17 to your Mac or Windows PC using a USB-C cable.

Step 2. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, and then press and release the Volume Down button.

Step 3. Press and hold the Side button (the power button) until you see the recovery mode screen with the “Connect to iTunes” screen, then release it.

Note: Recovery Mode should be your first go-to solution when your iPhone faces common software glitches or remains partially functional. Unlike DFU Mode, Recovery Mode does not allow deep firmware modifications, and by default, it won’t erase your data. Instead, it provides a safe way to troubleshoot and restore your device. Keep in mind, though, that if you proceed with options such as a factory reset, all data on the device will be erased.

How to Exit Recovery Mode on iPhone 17?

There are 2 ways to exit iPhone 17 Recovery Mode.

Way 1. Official Exit Recovery Mode iPhone 17

Press and hold the iPhone 17’s Side button until the “Connect to Computer” screen disappears. Your device will then restart and return to the Lock Screen

Way 2. Click Tenorshare ReiBoot “ 1 click exit Recovery Mode”

Sometimes, your iPhone 17 is stuck in Recovery Mode and you can’t exit it manually; the easiest solution is to use a professional iOS repair tool. iPhone 17 is stuck in recovery mode due to update failures, file corruption, process errors, or hardware defects. Don’t be worried. We recommend Tenorshare ReiBoot 1-click exit Recovery Mode.

With just one click, ReiBoot lets you enter or exit Recovery Mode safely without causing data loss. It’s much faster and safer for most iPhone 17 users.

How to Put iPhone 17 into DFU Mode?

To put an iPhone 17 into DFU mode, you need to follow the steps :

Step 1. Connect your iPhone 17 to your Mac or PC via USB-C or Lightning cable.

Step 2. Quickly release Volume Up, quickly release Volume Down, then long-press the Side button for 10 seconds until the screen goes black.

Step 3. Release the Side button, and press and hold Volume Down for 5 seconds. It will enter DFU mode when you see the Apple logo show up.

How to Exit DFU Mode on iPhone 17?

If your iPhone 17 is in DFU mode and you want to get out:

Way 1. Force Restart.

Press Volume Up (quick), Volume Down (quick), then hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.

Way 2. Use Tenorshare ReiBoot.

You can exit iPhone 17 DFU mode by clicking ReiBoot’s “1-click Exit Recovery/DFU Mode” that can often bring your iPhone back to normal without erasing data. Tenorshare ReiBoot helps iPhone users simplify their restore steps.

Steps to exit DFU Mode on iPhone 17 with Tenorshare ReiBoot:

Step 1. Download Tenorshare ReiBoot on your PC and connect your iPhone 17 to PC.

Step 2.Open the ReiBoot main menu and click “Exit Recovery/DFU Mode”.

Step 3. Just 1 Click your iPhone 17 to get out of recovery mode without risk.

Way 3. Restore or Update via iTunes/Finder.

You can exit iPhone 17 DFU mode via iTunes or Finder on your PC. Connect your iPhone to a computer, let iTunes/Finder detect DFU mode, and choose Update or Restore. It’s noted that the Restore erases all data.

How to Fix an iPhone 17 Stuck in DFU Mode？

When you see searches like iPhone 17 stuck in DFU mode, it usually means standard exit methods failed. Here are layered solutions:

Way 1. Force restart your iPhone 17.

You can fix an iPhone 17 stuck in Recovery Mode via a Force restart. It will not lose data and is simple to operate, even if you are a new technologist.If a force restart doesn’t work, try reconnecting with a different USB port or using an Apple-certified cable.

Step 1. Short-press Volume Up and Short-press Volume Down.

Step 2. Then, long-press and hold the Side button until the screen goes black and the Apple logo reappears.

Step 3. Your iPhone 17 will boot back to the Lock screen.

Way 2. Try Tenorshare ReiBoot 1-click to exit DFU Mode

If Force Restart fails, looking for a quick way to enter or exit DFU Mode? Use Tenorshare ReiBoot Standard Repair to exit DFU without data loss.

Step 1. Download and install ReiBoot and Connect Your iPhone 16.

Step 2. On the main screen, select Exit Recovery/DFU Mode.ReiBoot will send the correct command to your iPhone.

Step 3. Once the process is complete， click “Done.” Your iPhone 16 should exit DFU mode successfully.

Way 3. Use a Computer to Restore iOS

Step 1. Connect your iPhone 16 to a Mac or PC with a USB-C cable.

Step 2. Open Finder (on macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (on Windows or older macOS). Your computer should detect an iPhone in recovery/DFU mode.

Step 3. Select Restore iPhone to reinstall iOS.

Note: This will erase all data. If possible, restore from a recent backup afterward. If iTunes/Finder doesn’t detect the device, update iTunes or macOS, or try another computer.

Tips for iPhone 17 Recovery&DFU Mode.

Precision timing matters: Entering DFU mode requires exact button timing; practice may be needed.
Use original cables: Third-party or faulty cables often prevent proper detection.
Update your computer software: Outdated iTunes or macOS can block DFU detection.
Backup data before restore: Exiting DFU with Restore erases your iPhone.
Third-party tools like Tenorshare ReiBoot: Pros – easy, user-friendly, often no data loss. Cons – some features require payment, compatibility depends on iOS version.

FAQ

Q1. What is DFU mode vs Recovery mode?
DFU is deeper than Recovery. DFU keeps the screen black and lets you reinstall firmware at the lowest level. Recovery shows a computer/USB icon and is less powerful.

Q2. iPhone 17 stuck in DFU mode or Recovery mode—will I lose data?
Not always. Force restart or Standard Repair in ReiBoot may preserve data, but Restore or Deep Repair usually erases it.

Q3. Does Tenorshare ReiBoot work with iOS 26 beta and iPhone 17?
Yes. ReiBoot supports the latest iOS versions (including betas) and iPhone 17, with dedicated “exit DFU mode” and system repair features.

Final Thoughts

Normally, using Recovery Mode can solve most iPhone 17 problems. If you want to enter Recovery Mode more easily, you can use Tenorshare ReiBoot 1-click to enter Recovery Mode. Consider DFU mode carefully. Please back up your phone before using any mode. This will allow you to protect your important device data more safely.