How to identify the DFU port on Mac
Learn how to find the device firmware update port on your Mac.
Why identify the DFU port
For certain tasks, such as reviving or restoring firmware or installing macOS on an external storage device, you need to know the location of your computer's DFU (device firmware update) port. Only a Mac with Apple silicon or Mac with the Apple T2 Security Chip has this DFU port, which looks identical to other ports that accept a type USB-C connector.
DFU port locations
With some exceptions, the DFU port is the type USB-C port farthest to the left (leftmost) or farthest to the right (rightmost) when you’re facing the ports. Some examples are pictured below the table.
| Mac | DFU port location | |
|---|---|---|
| MacBook Pro | Models with Apple silicon | MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2024) with M4 chip: The rightmost USB-C port when you’re facing the left side of the MacMacBook Pro (14-inch, 2024) with M4 Pro or Max chip: The leftmost USB-C port when you’re facing the left side of the MacAll other models: The leftmost USB-C port when you’re facing the left side of the Mac |
| Models with T2 chip | The rightmost USB-C port when you’re facing the left side of the Mac | |
| MacBook Air | Models with Apple silicon | MacBook Air introduced in 2025: The rightmost USB-C port when you’re facing the left side of the MacAll other models: The leftmost USB-C port when you’re facing the left side of the Mac |
| Models with T2 chip | The rightmost USB-C port when you’re facing the left side of the Mac | |
| iMac | All models | The rightmost USB-C port when you’re facing the back of the Mac |
| Mac mini | Models with Apple silicon | Mac mini (2024): The middle USB-C port when you’re facing the back of the MacAll other models: The leftmost USB-C port when you’re facing the back of the Mac |
| Models with T2 chip | The rightmost USB-C port when you’re facing the back of the Mac | |
| Mac Studio | All models | The rightmost USB-C port when you’re facing the back of the Mac |
| Mac Pro | Models with tower enclosure | On the top of the Mac, the USB-C port farthest from the power button |
| Models with rack enclosure | On the front of the Mac, the USB-C port closest to the power button |
DFU port examples
These examples show the DFU port on several Mac models. The location on your Mac model might differ. Consult the table above for details.
The leftmost USB-C port on a model of MacBook Pro:
The rightmost USB-C port on a model of MacBook Air with T2 chip:
The rightmost USB-C port on a model of iMac:
The USB-C port farthest from the power button on a Mac Pro with tower enclosure:
Published Date: March 12, 2025