How to Restore IPSW on iPhone/iPad [2026]

If you are dealing with a completely frozen iPhone or an update loop that simply will not resolve, you know exactly how frustrating iOS failures can be. An IPSW file is essentially the raw firmware package that contains the entire operating system for your Apple device. While most users rely on standard over-the-air (OTA) updates, manually flashing this firmware is sometimes the only way to revive a bricked device or downgrade to a previous, more stable iOS version. This method completely replaces the system software, offering a clean slate when standard troubleshooting fails.

Wondering how to restore IPSW on your iPhone or iPad? In today's guide, you can learn 3 different ways to do IPSW restore on your Windows or Mac computer.

Crucial Prerequisites: Protect Your Data

Before attempting to alter your operating system, you must secure your existing data. A manual firmware flash will wipe your device completely clean. Creating a safety net takes only a few minutes but prevents permanent data loss.

• Create a comprehensive backup using iCloud or a local computer drive.
• Download the correct, officially signed firmware from a trusted directory like ipsw.me.
• Prepare a certified USB cable to maintain a highly stable connection.

How to Restore IPSW Using Finder on Mac

Apple has integrated device management directly into the macOS file system. You no longer need separate software to flash your phone or tablet on modern Mac computers. The native Finder application handles the entire process seamlessly.

• Step 1. Connect the iPhone or iPad to your Mac with a certified cable and open a new Finder window.
• Step 2. Select your device from the left sidebar under the "Locations" category.
• Step 3. Hold down the Option key on your keyboard while clicking the "Restore iPhone" button on the screen.
• Step 4. Choose your downloaded firmware file from the prompt and confirm the installation. Never disconnect your cable while the loading bar is active.

How to Restore IPSW Using iTunes on Windows

If you're PC users, you can use the Apple Devices app or the traditional iTunes software. Maintaining a secure physical connection is especially critical on Windows environments. Avoid using unpowered USB hubs that might drop the data transfer mid-update.

• Step 1. Open iTunes or the Apple Devices app on your PC and plug in your Apple device.
• Step 2. Click the small device icon near the top left corner to view your summary screen.
• Step 3. Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard and click the "Restore iPhone" button.
• 
• Step 4. Navigate to the folder containing your downloaded firmware, select the file, and click Open to begin the process.
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How to Restore IPSW Without iTunes/Finder on Mac/Windows

Sometimes, native Apple applications throw persistent errors that prevent a successful installation. If Finder or iTunes absolutely refuses to cooperate, third-party system recovery tools can bypass those restrictions. TunesKit iOS System Recovery is a dedicated program designed to flash firmware without utilizing Apple's default applications.

This is a powerful system repair tool available on both Windows and macOS. It will restore the IPSW firmware on almost all models of Apple portable devices. Aside from helping you restore IPSW without iTunes, it can also solve almost all the system problems in your iOS without hurting the data. Even dead or disabled Apple devices can be rescued by this program.

Next, you can follow the step-to-step guide here and learn how to use IPSW to restore iPhone easily.

Step 1 Connect iPhone to PC

Download and install TunesKit iOS System Recovery and launch it. Then, connect your Apple device with your computer. Choose the "iOS System Repair" option, and then press the "Start" button.

Step 2 Select Repair Mode

In this window, two modes will be presented for you to choose from. Choose the "Standard Repair" box so that your iPhone restore IPSW won't cause any data loss (The "Deep Repair" will tackle complex issues by erasing all the data). Then press the "Next" button to continue.

Step 3 Download Firmware Package

Follow the onscreen instructions to put your iPhone into DFU mode. Then the program will scan your device and display your device info. Confirm and correct it if there are something wrong. Press the "Download" button to start downloading the IPSW firmware that matches your device model.

Step 4 Restore IPSW on Your iPhone

Once the IPSW firmware is downloaded, click the "Repair" button to unzip the file and restore it on your iPhone. When the restoring process completes a few minutes later, disconnect the device and see if the IPSW has been restored.

Video Tutorial: How to Restore IPSW on iPhone With/Without iTunes

Now, watch the following video guide and learn how to restore IPSW on iPhone with or without iTunes step by step.

Fix Common Installation Errors

System flashes do not always complete smoothly on the first attempt. You might encounter specific error codes that halt the progress entirely. Fortunately, these roadblocks usually require only minor physical adjustments or file swaps to fix.

Error 4013 or 4014

This usually indicates a hardware disconnection issue. You can quickly resolve this by swapping your USB cable, gently cleaning the charging port on your device, or trying a different USB port directly on the computer's motherboard.

Unsigned Firmware Error:

Apple operates on a strict signing window to ensure device security, meaning you cannot downgrade to very old iOS versions. If you receive this error, the IPSW file you downloaded is no longer authorized by Apple's servers, and you will need to find a newer, signed version.

FAQ About IPSW

Conclusion

Restoring an IPSW file is a powerful way to troubleshoot an unresponsive Apple device or safely downgrade your iOS. While it may seem technical at first, following the correct Mac or Windows steps in this guide allows you to easily perform a clean installation at home.

Always remember to back up your data to defend against permanent data loss. For those facing persistent errors, the TunesKit iOS System Recovery tool offers a streamlined way to fix 150+ iOS issues without losing your important data.