How to Install an IPSW File Using Mac or PC

July 3, 20266 min read

Installing an IPSW file manually gives you ultimate control over your device's software. Whether you're upgrading to a beta firmware, performing a clean wipe to resolve battery issues, or rolling back a buggy update, knowing how to flash an IPSW file is a critical skill for any power user.

Why Install Manually?

Unlike Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, a manual IPSW restore completely wipes the system partition and lays down a fresh copy of iOS or iPadOS. This is often necessary when OTA updates fail or when you need to downgrade from a beta.

Prerequisites

A genuine Apple USB-C or Lightning cable.
A Mac running macOS Catalina or newer (using Finder) OR a Windows PC (using iTunes or Apple Devices app).
Your device's specific IPSW file downloaded to your computer.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter an error during the process, it's usually related to your computer's connection to Apple's signing servers. The most common error is iTunes Error 3194. If this happens, you can read our guide on how to fix iTunes Error 3194.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Download the Correct IPSW

Navigate to our homepage, find your specific device model, and download the signed IPSW file to your Mac or PC.

2. Connect Your Device

Plug your iPhone or iPad into your computer using a reliable USB cable. Open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) and select your device.

3. Trust the Computer

If prompted, tap 'Trust This Computer' on your device screen and enter your passcode.

4. Hold Option/Shift and Click Restore

On a Mac, hold the Option (⌥) key and click 'Restore iPhone'. On a Windows PC, hold the Shift key and click 'Restore iPhone'.

5. Select the IPSW File

A file browser window will appear. Locate the downloaded .ipsw file on your computer, select it, and click Open.

6. Wait for the Restore to Complete

Your computer will extract the software and verify it with Apple. Your device will reboot with an Apple logo and a progress bar. Do not disconnect the cable until you see the Hello screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will installing an IPSW file delete my data?

Yes, clicking 'Restore iPhone' will completely erase all data on the device. However, if you hold Option/Shift and click 'Check for Update' instead, it will attempt to keep your data, though a clean restore is recommended for betas.

Can I install an unsigned IPSW?

No, iTunes and Finder require an active internet connection to verify the firmware signature with Apple. If the firmware is no longer signed, the installation will fail.

Why is iTunes stuck on 'Extracting Software'?

Extracting a 6GB+ firmware file takes time depending on your computer's CPU and storage speed. Give it up to 15 minutes. If it stays completely frozen, ensure you have at least 15GB of free space on your hard drive.

Do I need to put my iPhone in DFU mode to install an IPSW?

Standard recovery mode or simply having the phone unlocked and trusted is usually sufficient. DFU mode is only strictly required if the device is completely bricked or stuck in a severe bootloop.

Can I unplug the cable during the restore?

Absolutely not. Unplugging the USB cable while the Apple logo and progress bar are on your iPhone's screen can permanently corrupt the system partition, requiring a full wipe via DFU mode to fix.

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