How to Install an IPSW File on Windows and Mac (Finder and Apple Devices App)

An IPSW file is the complete iOS installation package Apple uses to update and restore iPhones. Installing it manually from a computer is useful when an over-the-air update fails, when you want a clean installation, or when you need to update several iPhones with one download.

Before you start

• Back up your iPhone. Restore erases everything; even Update can fail halfway.
• Download the right file. IPSW files are specific to each model identifier. A file for iPhone 15 will not install on an iPhone 15 Pro.
• Check the signing status. Only versions Apple still signs can be installed. See the Signing Status tool.
• Use an original or certified cable plugged directly into the computer, not into a hub.

Download your IPSW

• iPhone 18 Pro · iPhone 18 Pro Max
• iPhone 17 · iPhone 17 Pro · iPhone 17 Pro Max · iPhone Air · iPhone 17e
• iPhone 16 · iPhone 16 Plus · iPhone 16 Pro · iPhone 16 Pro Max · iPhone 16e
• iPhone 15 · iPhone 15 Plus · iPhone 15 Pro · iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 14 · iPhone 14 Plus · iPhone 14 Pro · iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 mini · iPhone 13 · iPhone 13 Pro · iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12 mini · iPhone 12 · iPhone 12 Pro · iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11 · iPhone 11 Pro · iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2nd gen) · iPhone SE (3rd gen)

Another model? Browse all iPhone firmware or use the Identifier Lookup tool.

To find your exact model, open Settings > General > About and tap Model Number once to reveal the A-number (for example A3090). Enter that A-number in our Identifier Lookup tool. Our guide how to find your iPhone model identifier explains each method.

Update or Restore?

• Update installs the new version and keeps your data. Use it when the iPhone works normally.
• Restore erases the iPhone and installs a clean copy of iOS. Use it for serious software problems, before selling the iPhone, or when Update fails.

Install on a Mac (Finder)

1. Connect the iPhone. Unlock it and tap Trust This Computer if asked.
2. Open Finder and click your iPhone in the sidebar.
3. In the General tab, hold Option (⌥) and click Check for Update (to update) or Restore iPhone (to restore).
4. Choose the IPSW file and confirm.

On macOS Mojave or earlier, use iTunes with the same Option-click method.

Install on Windows (Apple Devices app)

1. Install Apple Devices from the Microsoft Store (Windows 10 or 11). If iTunes is also installed, the Apple Devices app takes over device management.
2. Connect and unlock the iPhone, then tap Trust.
3. Click your iPhone in the sidebar, then the General section.
4. Hold Shift and click Check for Update or Restore iPhone.
5. Select the IPSW file and wait. Do not disconnect the cable until the iPhone shows the Hello screen or the Lock Screen.

If the iPhone does not turn on or is not detected

Put it in recovery mode, then restore from the computer:

• iPhone 8 and later (including iPhone SE 2nd/3rd generation): press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button. Keep holding when the Apple logo appears and release only when you see the computer-and-cable recovery screen.
• iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: press and hold the Side (or Top) button and Volume Down together until the recovery screen appears.
• iPhone 6s and earlier, iPhone SE (1st generation): press and hold the Home button and the Side (or Top) button together until the recovery screen appears.

Common errors

• "The iPhone could not be updated. The firmware file is not compatible": wrong file for your model. Check the identifier.
• "This device isn't eligible for the requested build": the version is no longer signed.
• Error 4013, 4014 or 9: usually a connection problem. See how to fix error 4013 and 4014.

More fixes are in Why your IPSW restore failed.