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Before we talk about how to Use IPSW files on an iPhone with or without iTunes, we need to know what an IPSW file is. An IPSW file is a file that many Apple products use to update their software. It is used on the iPhone, the iPad, the iPod touch, and even the Apple TV. An IPSW file is like the software for your device. This firmware tells your device how to start up and how to work.
When you do an update through the Finder, iTunes, or Software Update on your Apple device, it automatically downloads IPSW files. These OS images are important for updating the software, putting your iPhone back to factory settings, etc. You can use third-party tools to manage, look at, and install IPSW files by hand. Follow our tutorial to learn how IPSW files work, where to get them, and how to use them to update or downgrade the software that runs your Apple devices’ operating systems.
How to Use IPSW files in iPhone
With iTunes
- Launch iTunes and connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer using the original USB cable.
- Select your device in iTunes and go to the “Summary” tab.
- On the right-hand side pane, hold down the Shift key and click on the “Restore iPhone” button.
- Select an IPSW file you want, and wait for iTunes to get it installed on your device.
Without iTunes
Install System Recovery Program and Connect iPhone
First, you need to download and install the software, FoneDog iOS System Recovery, on your computer. The software will be extracted and installed shortly through a walk-through process.
Download Firmware
On this next screen, you will be prompted to view and download the most compatible firmware version that you can use on your iPhone. You can use the given firmware on the list or you can import a new one. If you want to import, you first need to download an IPSW file.
Anticipate
FoneDog iOS System Recovery will extract the IPWS file to restore the iOS firmware on your device. This process may take a while so it’s better to not use or disconnect your phone while the process is still ongoing. You will also be notified of the status of the restoration.
Use IPSW File on Android
- In the Android apps list on your Android device find “My Files” or “File manager” app and tap to start it.
- Tap on “Downloads” folder inside the app.
- You should see your downloaded IPSW file in that folder.
- Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
- If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the “IPSW“.
- If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for “IPSW viewer”, “IPSW file reader” online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
- It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.
Used IPSW File on Windows
- Find a IPSW file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
- If a IPSW file is not opened in an application and you instead get a “Windows can’t open a file” error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
- If you know the application which can open IPSW file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
- If you don’t know the application which function as IPSW file opener then try to search online for “IPSW viewer“, “application to open IPSW file” or “open IPSW file” queries in the search engine you like.
- Install the application you found and check if it can open IPSW file
Are IPSW Files Safe to Delete?
IPSW downloads that are several gigabytes can take up a lot of space. If you don’t want to run out of disk space before you can update your device, throw away the IPSWs after you’re done. If an update fails because of a broken installer, you can force iTunes or Finder to redownload the correct version the next time you try to update by deleting the IPSWs from the above folders.
In macOS Ventura, choose System Settings from the Apple menu, click General in the sidebar, and then click Storage on the right. This will show you how much space IPSWs take up on your Mac. In older versions of macOS, you could go to the Apple menu and choose About This Mac, then click on the Storage tab.
Next to iOS Files, the amount of storage space taken up by IPSW downloads is shown. Click the “Info” button to see a list of the IPSW files that are taking up space. Then, choose the ones you want to get rid of and click “Delete.”
What is an IPSW File
An IPSW file is an Apple Device Software Update file that is released by Apple. It is meant to add new features and fix security holes in compatible devices. An IPSW file can be used to restore an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, or Apple TV to its factory default settings or update an Apple device.
It’s an archive file format that Apple iTunes uses to store firmware that decides the version of iOS on your iPhone. This archive format can store PLISTs, BBFWs, IM4Ps, and even DMG files that are encrypted. Apple always puts out the latest IPSW files through iTunes, but you can also download current and older firmware versions from sites like IPSW Downloads.