Posted by Aimee , Nov 04, 2019

'I downloaded the latest version of the iOS file on the Mac. However, I can't find where these files are? This is my first time updating my iOS system myself. I don't know how to solve this problem?
When we update or downgrade the iOS system, we all need to use the IPSW file. In many cases, after downloading the IPSW file, we don't know how to install the firmware. In this regard, we need to understand what is an IPSW file? The IPSW file is a format for installing iOS firmware to devices such as iPhone, iPad, and iPod. On Apple and Mac, all Apple devices use this format. The downloaded .ipsw file is a compressed archive file containing three Apple Disk Image files. You need iTunes to use the IPSW file. Therefore, please use iTunes to download and install the IPSW file.

Part 2:Install IPSW File on iPhone Without iTunes In addition to installing the IPSW firmware via iTunes, you can also install the IPSW file via RecoveryTool Fix Recovery. This recovery tool simplifies the process of updating or downgrading iOS systems. If you do happen to fall into the small group of users that have all of these pieces, consider yourself lucky, as you can use iFaith by iH8sn0w to stitch your SHSH blobs into the firmware to create a custom IPSW that you can use with iTunes after you put your device into Pwned DFU using iREB inside iFaith. Now follow the steps below and learn how to download and install custom IPSW without iTunes. IOS firmware without iTunes for your iOS 11.2.1/11.2/11 iPhone. Get Tenorshare ReiBoot downloaded and installed on your computer, then launch it. By connecting to TSS, you can openly use iTunes to restore to an iOS 4.X or below custom IPSW, and utilizing the bootrom level exploit on some devices, users are able to install custom firmware despite Apple’s block. Why this is only for iOS 4.X and below will be explained in the iOS 5 and 6 section below the Bootrom section.

Part 1:Install IPSW Firmware on iPhone With iTunes

Restore Ipsw Without Itunes

If you have already downloaded iOS Firmware IPSW files, you can install IPSW File via iTunes. The operation process is as follows:
1. After connecting the device to your computer, run iTunes.
2. On the left side of the iTunes software interface, select the target iOS device.
3. Windows hold down the SHIFT button (Mac holding down the ALT button). At the same time, click the 'Update' button on the iTunes interface.
4. Find the downloaded IPSW File and select it.
5. After clicking 'Update', iTunes enters the update process.
6. Once the update is complete, your iPhone will restart.
Note: This method will result in data loss, so choose carefully.

Part 2:Install IPSW File on iPhone Without iTunes

In addition to installing the IPSW firmware via iTunes, you can also install the IPSW file via RecoveryTool Fix Recovery. This recovery tool simplifies the process of updating or downgrading iOS systems. You don't need to download an additional IPSW File, and it won't cause data loss. You only need to use the 'iOS System Recovery' function on this auxiliary tool to complete the installation of IPSW File.
1. Download and install the IPSW file installation tool.
2. Connect your iPhone to your computer. Then select 'iOS System Recovery'.

3. Click the 'Start' button and the software will automatically detect the device information. After confirming that the device information is correct, click 'Repair'.
Note: If you want to install the specified IPSW File, click the 'Select' button to import the IPSW File into the tool. Then follow the software interface prompts to complete the installation.

4. After the repair is complete, your device will complete the installation of the IPSW firmware.

In this article, whether you use iTunes or not, we have provided you with a solution. And these methods are available on both iPad and iPod.

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IPSW file is a file format used in iTunes to install iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and HomePod firmware. The data in the IPSW files is encrypted and can be installed using the Apple iTunes software. When we encounter problems on iOS, one of the best ways to solve them is to restore IPSW on your iDevices.

However, under certain circumstances, restoring IPSW could be a problem for some users because they either don’t know how to do it or don’t have the right equipment. Well, you can stop looking for guides, as we are going to tell you how to restore IPSW with or without iTunes/Finder in this article.

1. Why You Need to Restore IPSW

Although iOS is an excellent operating system, problems do strike sometimes, such as iPhone won’t update, error 4013/4014, iPhone stuck on the update screen, etc. Upon running into such problems, one of the most effective ways is to restore IPSW. In a word, restoring IPSW firmware will get your Apple devices back on running.

Itunes Ipsw Location

But many users may find it difficult to restore it. Why? Reasons for that vary. Some may not know how to use the encrypted IPSW. Some don’t have the right version of the IPSW, which offers different versions to iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Apple TV. Other users may be suffering from their iTunes not working, and usually, you have to use iTunes/Finder to restore IPSW. To help users in different situations, we are going to tell you how to restore IPSW firmware with or without iTunes.

2. How to Restore IPSW

In the first part, we will talk about 3 different methods to restore iPhone firmware. Don't hesitate to check them one by one.

Method 1: How to Restore IPSW Without iTunes

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

Although with such all-round features, TunesKit iOS System Recovery remains to be user-friendly. To restore IPSW, all you need to do is to click several buttons and the work will be finished in several minutes. Even users who have never gotten in touch with similar tools can complete the restoring process easily without iTunes.

In the next part, you simply need to follow the step-to-step guide to complete the restoring process.

Step 1: Download and install TunesKit iOS System Recovery and launch it. Then, connect your Apple device with your computer. It is recommended to put your iDevice into the recovery mode with one-click, because the IPSW can only be restored in the recovery mode. Simply press the 'Enter Recovery Mode' button. And when your device has entered the recovery mode, press the 'Start' button.

Step 2: In this window, two modes will be presented for you to choose from. Choose the 'Standard Mode' box so that your iPhone restore IPSW won’t cause any data loss (The 'Advanced Mode' will tackle complex issues by erasing all the data). Then press the 'Next' button to continue.

Step 3: The program will scan your device and display some device model of it on the screen. You should make sure that all is right and correct the wrong options. Press the “Download” button to start downloading the IPSW firmware that matches your device model.

Step 4: Once the IPSW firmware is downloaded, push the 'Repair' button to unzip the file and restore it on your iPhone. By the time the restoring process completes a few minutes later, disconnect the device and see if the IPSW has been restored successfully.

Method 2: Finder/iTunes Restore IPSW Tutorial

Usually, iPhone users need to use iTunes on PC or Finder on Mac to restore IPSW. If your iTunes or Finder can work properly, you might as well resort to them. Plus, please make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed. Next, you just need to follow the guide below.

Step 1. Connect your Apple device to the computer and select it.

Step 2. On Mac, hold the “Option” key and then press the “Update” button.
On Windows PC, hold down the “SHIFT” key and press the “Update” button.

Step 3. Select the IPSW file you downloaded on your computer and press the “Choose” button. The restoring process will begin and you should wait until it finishes, which would take longer than updating iOS on your phone.

3. FAQ

1. Where can I download IPSW?

IPSW files for different Apple devices can be downloaded from websites like IPSW.me or OSXDaily.

Install Iphone Firmware Without Itunes

2. Why should I choose IPSW?

Compared with the common updates over the air, IPSW consists of the complete update files, usually 10 times as large as OTA files, and therefore guarantees a better success rate.
In some rare cases, users want to use IPSW because it is necessary to create custom configured firmware for future restores. The customized IPSW is often created by third-party applications like PwnageTool or sn0wbreeze. This is almost exclusive to those who jailbreak or unlock the iPhone, and normal IPSW by Apple should be enough for common users.

4. Conclusion

This article has provided the best methods to restore IPSW as well as answers to the most frequently asked questions. There is a tutorial for users who can properly use iTunes or Finder. And a more user-friendly method is provided that doesn’t require those two tools and can fix most iOS problems. We sincerely hope that our guide will help you restore the IPSW and have a better understanding of it.

Manually Install Ipsw Without Itunes

Brian Davis has covered tech and entertainment for over 10 years. He loves technology in all its forms.