How to identify the DFU port on Mac

Find out 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 furthest to the left or furthest to the right 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-hand side of the Mac All other models: the leftmost USB-C port when you’re facing the left-hand side of the Mac
MacBook Pro	Models with T2 chip	The USB-C port on the far right when you’re facing the left side of the Mac
MacBook Air	Models with Apple silicon	The USB-C port on the far left when you’re facing the left side of the Mac
MacBook Air	Models with T2 chip	The USB-C port on the far right when you’re facing the left side of the Mac
iMac	All models	The USB-C port on the far right 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 Mac All other models: the leftmost USB-C port when you’re facing the back of the Mac
Mac mini	Models with T2 chip	The USB-C port on the far right when you’re facing the back of the Mac
Mac Studio	All models	The USB-C port on the far right 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 furthest from the power button
Mac Pro	Models with rack enclosure	On the front of the Mac, the USB-C port closest to the power button