iPhone 7 refusing to leave DFU mode

My iPhone 7 is having an issue where it refuses to leave DFU mode. When attempting to force restart it, by holding down the power button and and volume down button for 20+ seconds, it won't react at all. No apple logo. No screen lighting up. Just a black screen.

I can confirm it's in DFU mode since I used iTunes and 3uTools in order to see it's status, and both report the iPhone is in DFU mode. When trying to restore the iPhone, both software programs report an error of 4 when attempting to restore the iPhone. I have a cable capable of transmitting data, my Windows is up to date, and I'm using Windows Defender. Windows shouldn't be interfering with anything as it doesn't flare up whenever doing anything related to the iPhone. It's fully charged.

I understand that my chances of finding an answer here is low, as this a very old iPhone model, and if you don't know what to do like me, I at least thank you for taking the time out of your day to read my issue at the very least.

Please aid me if you can 🙏


Earlier iPhone models

Posted on Aug 16, 2025 6:34 PM

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3 replies

Aug 16, 2025 11:31 PM in response to SB-Salvo

  1. Make sure you have the latest updates installed.
    1. Update Over-the-Air (OTA) —> Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support (IN)
    2. Update using iTunes/Finder —> Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support (IN)
  2. Follow the Apple article to resolve the issue --> If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch won't turn on or is frozen ...
  3. If not resolved; please follow the steps in the following link for support with this issue: If your iOS device restarts or displays the Apple logo or a spinning gear unexpectedly
  4. You still see a black screen after charging, force restarting, following the steps in this article.
    1. You see a black screen, but you can hear alerts, sounds, and vibrations.
    2. The screen remains black, but the device chirps when you unmute it and connect it to power.
    3. Your screen is on, but it doesn't respond when you tap, slide, or try other gestures. 
    4. You can't force your device to restart because a button is broken or stuck.
    5. Your device is stuck on the Apple logo, displays a solid color, or isn't recognized in iTunes.
    6. Contact Apple Support to set up service if you have any of the above issues:
  5. Please follow the steps in the following Apple Video for support with this issue:


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iPhone 7 refusing to leave DFU mode

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