macOS Sonoma Simplifies Restoring a Mac in DFU Mode

With the macOS Sonoma update that's coming this fall, Apple is making it simpler to revive or restore a Mac that is stuck in DFU mode. With the new software, you can initiate a Mac-to-Mac restoration process right from the Finder app.

mac studio green
In macOS Ventura and earlier, reviving or restoring a Mac requires a second Mac that has the Apple Configurator app installed, but in macOS Sonoma, Apple Configurator is no longer required.


Restoring or reviving using Finder is basically the same process as restoring with Configurator, just without the need for additional software. The two Macs will still need to be connected to one another through a USB-C cable, and the same steps will likely apply. Both machines will need to have macOS Sonoma installed to use Finder for a restore.

DFU mode can occur when there is a power failure during a macOS update or upgrade, leading to a Mac that is unresponsive. In this situation, a second Mac is required to get the affected Mac back to a functional state.

macOS Sonoma is in beta testing at the current time, and is expected to see a launch in a month or two.

Related Forum: macOS Sonoma

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
iOS 18 on iPhone Arrow Down

Apple Preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 Release Date Nears

Sunday August 31, 2025 4:35 pm PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs. We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else. iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR,...
maxresdefault

The MacRumors Show: iPhone 17's 'Awe Dropping' Accessories

Friday August 29, 2025 8:12 am PDT by
Following the announcement of Apple's upcoming "Awe dropping" event, on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show we talk through all of the new accessories rumored to debut alongside the iPhone 17 lineup. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos We take a closer look at Apple's invite for "Awe dropping;" the design could hint at the iPhone 17's new thermal system with ...

Top Rated Comments

Darren.h Avatar
27 months ago
wow. you still need 2 Macs to rescue your Mac from death. why cant they make it like Intel Macs ? Boot with a USB drive or something and re install?

your already in trouble if the SSD on the SOC goes bad. data gone forever.

Long live the External Hard Drives!
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
HiVolt Avatar
27 months ago
You know what would be nice, that on the upcoming iPhones with USB-C, if they could have an app on the iPhones that could do that.

Perhaps they might at some point. and on the iPads that have had USB-C for quite some time.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheOldChevy Avatar
27 months ago
Why isn't there a ROM function for that purpose ? Security reason ?
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mxrider88 Avatar
27 months ago
It stands for Dont ****ing Update.

That’s because they crippled macOS so much that we should really stop updating to avoid issues.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
markfc Avatar
27 months ago
Wait! You cant just restore from USB? I need to buy two Macs now in case one messes up?
Jesus Christ. ?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
vegetassj4 Avatar
27 months ago
DFU mode.......what a crazy acronym:

P.G. Version: Did *Foul* Up?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)