Apple TV 3
AppleTV3,1
About This Firmware
tvOS 5.1.1
(build 9B206f) is an official Apple IPSW
for the Apple TV 3.
The file is served directly from Apple's CDN.
This firmware is no longer signed by Apple. Standard downgrades are not possible, but the file remains available for reference and advanced use.
Verify the download using the SHA-256 or SHA-1 checksum listed in the Checksums section below.
Filename
AppleTV3,1_5.0_9B206f_Restore.ipsw
Checksums
SHA-256
043255d4d72d2ad7782a1867bfe640a62cefcebf0b92322392ff1b76dfffc15b
SHA-1
6565252c230893837c4e82a8d676ded2d702fa26
MD5
72e277b7ce2bec79c270caf11c4368eb
Direct URL
https://secure-appldnld.apple.com/AppleTV/041-4350.20120510.Tvfr4/AppleTV3,1_5.0_9B206f_Restore.ipsw
Other Devices
Apple TV 3 (2013)
AppleTV3,2
Apple TV 2G
AppleTV2,1
Apple TV 4K
AppleTV6,2
Apple TV 4 (2015)
AppleTV5,3
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