When you update your iPhone or iPad using Finder or iTunes, the software downloads a massive IPSW file (often 5GB to 8GB) to your computer's hard drive. Once the update is finished, these files are sometimes left behind, eating up valuable storage space.
If you want to manually delete these files to free up space, or if you want to copy an IPSW file to another computer, here is exactly where to find them.
Where are IPSW Files Stored on a Mac?
If you are using macOS, whether you use Finder (macOS Catalina and later) or iTunes (macOS Mojave and earlier), the location is the same. Open the Finder, click on the "Go" menu, select "Go to Folder...", and paste the following path depending on your device:
- iPhone:
~/Library/iTunes/iPhone Software Updates - iPad:
~/Library/iTunes/iPad Software Updates - iPod touch:
~/Library/iTunes/iPod Software Updates
Where are IPSW Files Stored on Windows?
On a Windows PC, the location depends on how you installed iTunes or the Apple Devices app.
If you downloaded iTunes from the Microsoft Store:
C:Users[YourUsername]AppDataLocalPackagesAppleInc.iTunes_nzyj5cx40ttqaLocalCacheRoamingApple ComputeriTunesiPhone Software Updates
If you downloaded iTunes directly from Apple's website:
C:Users[YourUsername]AppDataRoamingApple ComputeriTunesiPhone Software Updates
Note: The "AppData" folder is hidden by default in Windows. You will need to enable "Hidden items" in the View tab of File Explorer to see it.
Return to our Ultimate Guide to IPSW Downloads for more tips.