How to Restore Your iPhone iOS Using an IPSW File
Tutorial

How to Restore Your iPhone iOS Using an IPSW File

✍️ AdminΒ· 3/2/2026 Β·πŸ‘ 404 views

In this article, we gonna help you to Restore your iPhone or iPad using an IPSW file that helps you to fix iOS issues, reinstall iOS, Upgrade iOS, remove passcode, or perform a clean restore. So, If your device is stuck in recovery mode or you want to install firmware using iTunes or finder, then this guide explains everything clearly.

What is an IPSW File?

An IPSW file is a firmware package Apple releases for all its iPhone, iPads, & other iOS devices. It contains the iOS operating system to flash or install by iTunes or Finder & fix any iOS related issues easily.

Before You Begin

  • Make sure the firmware is signed by Apple - shown with a green Signed badge on this site.
  • Back up your iPhone via iCloud or Finder/iTunes.
  • Download the correct IPSW for your iPhone model.
iOS restore using ipsw file

How to Put iPhone Into Recovery Mode (If Needed)

If your iPhone is not detected:

  • Connect your iOS device to your computer.
  • Quickly press and release Volume Up.
  • Quickly press and release Volume Down.
  • Press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen.

Finder or iTunes will prompt you to restore.

Restore iOS on Mac using Finder & iPSW

iOS restore using ipsw file
  • Download the IPSW file using the Download button on the firmware page.
  • Open Finder and connect your iPhone with a cable.
  • Click your iPhone in the sidebar, then click General.
  • Hold Option and click Restore iPhone…
  • Select the downloaded IPSW file and click Open.
  • The IPSW file is verified by Apple.
  • iOS firmware is reinstalled.
  • The device is erased.
  • The iPhone restarts as new.

Restore on Windows (iTunes)

iOS restore using ipsw file
  • Open iTunes and connect your iPhone.
  • Click the iPhone icon near the top-left.
  • Hold Shift and click Restore iPhone…
  • Select the downloaded IPSW file and confirm.
  • The IPSW file is verified by Apple.
  • iOS firmware is reinstalled.
  • The device is erased.
  • The iPhone restarts as new.
iOS restore using ipsw file

After completion, you can:

iOS restore using ipsw file
  • Restore from iCloud backup.
  • Restore from computer backup.
  • Set up as a new iPhone.

⚠️ Restoring will erases all data on your device. Always back up first.

Troubleshooting

If you see error 3194that means the firmware is unsigned. Apple's signing servers rejected it. You have to use only signed firmware to restore via iTunes or Finder.

Device Not Recognized

  • Try a different USB cable.
  • Update iTunes to the latest version.
  • Restart your computer.

Stuck in Recovery Loop

  • Force restart your iPhone.
  • Try a DFU mode restore.

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