How to restore an iPhone, iPad or iPod with an IPSW file

Before you start

• Download the IPSW for your exact model. The model identifier (for example iPhone16,1) must match.
• Check that the version shows Signed. Unsigned versions are refused by Apple’s servers during the restore.
• Back up the device to iCloud or your computer. A restore erases everything.
• Know your Apple ID password. Activation Lock asks for it after the restore.
• Use a good cable and keep the computer awake.

Steps

1. Open Finder (macOS Catalina or newer), Apple Devices (Windows 11) or iTunes (older Windows/macOS).
2. Connect the device and tap Trust on it if asked.
3. Select the device in Finder’s sidebar, or click the device icon in iTunes / Apple Devices.
4. Hold Option (Mac) or Shift (Windows) and click Restore iPhone… (or Restore iPad…).
5. Choose the IPSW file you downloaded.
6. Confirm. The computer checks the file with Apple, erases the device and installs the firmware. Don’t unplug it until the Hello screen appears.

If the device won’t start (recovery mode)

1. Connect it to the computer.
2. iPhone 8 and newer, iPad without Home button: press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then hold the Side/Top button until the recovery screen (cable and computer) appears.
3. iPhone 7: hold Volume Down + Side until the recovery screen appears.
4. iPhone 6s and older, iPad with Home button: hold Home + Top/Side.
5. The computer offers Update or Restore. Hold Option/Shift and click Restore to pick your IPSW.

If something goes wrong

• “This device isn’t eligible for the requested build”: the version is no longer signed. Pick a version marked Signed.
• Error 4013, 4005 or similar: try another cable and USB port, update macOS/iTunes, then restore again in recovery mode.
• The download is slow or stops: IPSW files are large. Use a download manager and compare the SHA-1 checksum shown on the file page.