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How to install IPSW on iPhone

IPSW is Apple's official firmware file for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and other devices. It lets you manually restore or update a device when a normal over-the-air update is unavailable or has failed. IPSW files are signed by Apple, and you can only install a version that Apple is still signing.

Restoring with IPSW erases data. Updating the same way (Option/Shift + Update) keeps your data.

What you need

  • A computer with Finder (macOS Catalina or newer) or iTunes (Windows, older macOS).
  • An original Lightning or USB-C cable.
  • An IPSW file for your exact model — an iPhone 14 file will not work on an iPhone 14 Pro.

How to identify your model

The exact device identifier (e.g. iPhone15,2) matters more than the marketing name. In the Apple catalog on ZFirm.me you can pick a category (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Watch, etc.), find your model and download the original IPSW straight from Apple servers. Only download a version that is still being signed, otherwise the install will fail.

Update without data loss

  1. Connect your iPhone to the computer.
  2. Open Finder (or iTunes) and select the device.
  3. Hold Option (macOS) or Shift (Windows) and click Update.
  4. Choose the downloaded IPSW file and confirm.

This reinstalls iOS on top while keeping your data and apps. Ideal when the system misbehaves but you don't want to lose content.

Full restore

If the phone is frozen, bootlooping, or you want a clean system, use Restore instead of Update (also with Option/Shift held). The device is wiped and reflashed. Afterwards you can restore from an iCloud or computer backup.

Recovery mode and DFU

If the iPhone won't boot normally, put it in Recovery mode. The combination depends on the model: on modern iPhones, quickly press Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the recovery screen appears. Finder will offer Update or Restore. The deeper DFU mode is for harder cases.

Never install an IPSW from another model — it will error out and can complicate recovery.

Common errors

Error 3194 or "firmware not signed"

Apple stopped signing that iOS version. Download the current signed version.

Error 4013 / 4014

A cable or port problem. Switch to the original cable, plug directly into the computer (no hubs), and retry in DFU mode if needed.

Conclusion

IPSW files give you full control over your iPhone firmware: update without data loss or perform a clean restore. The key is using a file for your exact model and only a signed version. Original IPSW files with direct links to Apple servers are available in the ZFirm.me catalog.

Ready to download firmware?
Go to catalog