How To Install IPSW Files To Fix Your iPhone Problems - 2024

According to Wikipedia, IPSW, iPhone Software, is a file format used to install iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, HomePod, and most recently, macOS firmware for devices equipped with Apple silicon. All Apple devices share the same IPSW file format for iOS firmware and their derivatives, allowing users to flash their devices through Finder or iTunes on macOS or Windows, respectively. 

Photo: Apple Support

Where Can I Download IPSW Files:

When you connect and restore your iPhone to a Mac or Windows PC, iTunes will download and install the IPSW files. But if you want to download beta version or release candidate versions of iOS, you can download it from this website. It works and it's safe, so I download and use it. If you have registered for the Apple Developer program, you can access the download links from the Apple Developer site. The website I mentioned above also provides download links from there.

How To Install IPSW Files:

Preparation:

You need to download iTunes for Windows or if you have Mac you can use Finder. iPhone needs iPhone can be in DFU or Recovery mode for clean installation. Otherwise you will not lose data but I recommend you to backup iPhone before planning to install any IPSW file.

Tip: The version of iOS you will install must be signed.

Steps to Install While Preserving Data:

1. Connect the iPhone to Mac/Windows PC.
2. If you’re prompted for your device passcode or to "Trust This Computer", follow the onscreen steps.
3. Open iTunes on your Windows PC or Finder on Mac.
4. Select your device when it appears in the Finder sidebar or in the iTunes window.
5. Now, click "Check for Update" button while holding the Option key for Mac and Shift key for Windows.
6. Select the IPSW file you downloaded and click Open to start the installation.
7. After installing the beta, your device will reboot and will require a network connection to complete activation.

Steps to Perform a Clean Install With DFU or Recovery Mode:

1. Enter the iPhone into DFU or Recovery mode.
2. iTunes will dedect an iPhone in DFU or Recovery mode.
3. Now, click "Restore" button while holding the Option key for Mac and Shift key for Windows.
4. Select the IPSW file you downloaded and click Open to start the installation.
5. After the installation, follow the onscreen steps to setup iPhone.

Steps to Perform a Clean Install Without DFU or Recovery Mode:

1. Connect the iPhone to Mac/Windows PC.
2. If you’re prompted for your device passcode or to "Trust This Computer", follow the onscreen steps.
3. Open iTunes on your Windows PC or Finder on Mac.
4. Before restoring the iPhone, you will need to disable Find My from Settings > (your name) > Find My > Find My iPhone > Turn off Find My iPhone.
5. Select your device when it appears in the Finder sidebar or in the iTunes window.
6. Now, click "Restore" button while holding the Option key for Mac and Shift key for Windows.
7. Select the IPSW file you downloaded and click Open to start the installation.
8. After the installation, follow the onscreen steps to setup iPhone.

Source: IPSW Beta Downloads - IPSW- Wikipedia