Apple TV 3
AppleTV3,1
About This Firmware
tvOS 8.4.2
(build 12H606) is an official Apple IPSW
for the Apple TV 3,
released on 2016-12-12.
The file is served directly from Apple's CDN.
This firmware is currently signed by Apple, so it can be used to restore or update your device via iTunes or Finder.
Verify the download using the SHA-256 or SHA-1 checksum listed in the Checksums section below.
Filename
AppleTV3,1_8.4.2_12H606_Restore.ipsw
Checksums
SHA-256
68192f1f556e7df88d668b822bb3600404bc47f91c29c5b966e7c715563e79e4
SHA-1
a4937b46e230e50210f9a82fac707dd1cadc44ce
MD5
1e1a9f9d0d2bdda75519ab12ba19314c
Direct URL
https://secure-appldnld.apple.com/tvOS7.2.1/031-84128-20161212-12309AA4-B59A-11E6-AD42-AA1AE37229E1/AppleTV3,1_8.4.2_12H606_Restore.ipsw
Other Devices
Apple TV 4 (2015)
AppleTV5,3
Apple TV 3 (2013)
AppleTV3,2
Apple TV 4K
AppleTV6,2
Apple TV 2G
AppleTV2,1
How to Restore with This IPSW
iTunes / Finder
macOS & Windows- Download the .ipsw file to your computer.
- Connect your Apple TV 3 via USB.
- Open iTunes (Windows / macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina+) and select your device.
- Update (keep data): hold Option (Mac) or Shift (Windows) and click Update, then pick the .ipsw file.
- Restore (erase & install): hold Option / Shift and click Restore iPhone…, then pick the .ipsw file.
- Wait for the process to finish - do not disconnect.
Restoring will erase all data on the device. Back up first.
3uTools
Windows- Download and install 3uTools from
3u.com. - Connect your Apple TV 3 via USB and trust the computer on the device.
- Go to Flash & JB → Easy Flash.
- Click Import and select the downloaded .ipsw file.
- Choose Flash mode: Update keeps data, Restore wipes the device.
- Click Flash and wait for the progress bar to complete - do not disconnect.
Only flash firmware that matches your exact device model.
DFU Mode
Recovery tipIf your device is stuck in a boot loop or iTunes/Finder does not recognise it, enter DFU mode first, then select the .ipsw file as normal.
iPhone 8 / X and later
- Quickly press & release Volume Up
- Quickly press & release Volume Down
- Hold Side button until screen goes black
- Hold Side + Volume Down for 5 s
- Release Side, hold Volume Down 5 more s
- Black screen = DFU active
iPhone 7 / 7 Plus
- Hold Sleep/Wake + Volume Down for 8 s
- Release Sleep/Wake, keep holding Volume Down for 5 s
- Black screen = DFU active
iPhone 6s and earlier
- Hold Sleep/Wake + Home for 8 s
- Release Sleep/Wake, keep holding Home for 5 s
- Black screen = DFU active