← All Posts May 16, 2026

Why Your IPSW Restore Failed: Common Errors and How to Fix Them

Learn why an IPSW restore fails on iPhone, including unsigned firmware, wrong device model, Finder and Apple Devices errors, Apple server problems, and how to fix them safely.

An IPSW restore can fail for only a handful of reasons: the firmware, the connection, the computer, Apple's servers, or the iPhone's hardware. The error message usually tells you which one. Find yours below.

1. "This device isn't eligible for the requested build" (or error 3194)

Cause: the iOS version is no longer signed by Apple.

Fix: download the newest signed build for your model. Check our Signing Status tool. There is no way around this; see Signed vs Unsigned IPSW.

2. "The firmware file is not compatible"

Cause: the IPSW belongs to another model. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, for example, use different files.

Fix: confirm your identifier, then download again from the right page.

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.

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.

3. Errors 4013, 4014 and 9

Cause: the iPhone disconnected or stopped responding during installation. Usually a cable, port or software issue, sometimes hardware.

Fix: update the computer, use an original cable directly in the computer, try recovery mode and another computer. Full steps: how to fix errors 4013 and 4014.

4. The iPhone is not detected

Unlock the iPhone and tap Trust This Computer.
On Windows, install or update the Apple Devices app; it includes the driver Windows needs.
If the iPhone does not start, put it in recovery mode while connected:

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.

5. "There was a problem downloading the software" or the restore stops at the start

Cause: the computer cannot reach Apple's servers, or the download was interrupted.

Fix: disable VPNs and proxies, check the computer's date and time, and use an IPSW downloaded in advance (Option-click or Shift-click Restore). If the download was interrupted, delete the file and download it again.

6. Not enough space on the computer

The restore tool unpacks the IPSW temporarily. Keep 15 to 20 GB free on the computer's main disk.

7. The restore finishes, but the iPhone asks for an Apple Account

This is Activation Lock, not an error. The iPhone is protected by Find My and needs the Apple Account that was signed in before. If it is your iPhone, enter your Apple Account email and password. If you bought it second-hand, contact the seller. Read how to remove Activation Lock legitimately.

8. The restore fails every time

If the same error appears on several computers and cables, even in DFU mode, the iPhone probably has a hardware fault (storage, board or a part replaced during a repair). Contact Apple Support or an authorized repair center.