Rarely, firmware files are required to restore a malfunctioning iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch that is basically bricked, but still functional. Also, for users with many of the same iOS devices, having a single IPSW downloads let’s you conserve bandwidth by applying a single update to many devices. Typically you would then copy that IPSW file to a USB key or DVD to bring it home to manually update a device. A significant advantage to using firmware files can be found for users with limited access to broadband internet, where downloading a software update on a remote faster connection makes more sense.

Though the average user is better off going the easy routes of updating iOS with iTunes, Finder, or OTA via the Settings app on their device, IPSW can have very practical uses as well. If you go that route, do not forget to backup beforehand. You can also click on “Restore” and select an IPSW instead but you will lose the existing files and settings on your iOS device. Going the IPSW route can take longer to update than using the newer OTA ( over the air) method, the reason being that OTA uses smaller delta updates than the larger IPSW files, which are the full sized downloads and are often literally 10x the download size.

Select the IPSW file you downloaded and click “Choose”.

On a Windows PC, hold down “SHIFT” key and then click on “Update”.

On a Mac, hold down the “Option” key and then click on “Update”.

Connect your iPhone or iOS device to your computer.

To use the latest version of IPSW firmware files to update or restore an iOS or iPadOS device, you’ll want to be sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed as well. You can use IPSW files on Mac or Windows, both require iTunes or Finder on modern MacOS to work properly.

How to Use IPSW Files to Update iOS or iPadOS Before using a firmware file to update, you will want to backup the iOS or iPadOS device to be safe.

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