A Comprehensive Guide on How to Restore iPad/iPhone from IPSW

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Daisy Raines

Feb 21, 2025 • Filed to: Backup & Restore Data • Proven solutions

restore ipad from ipsw

iPads and iPhones play crucial roles in our personal and professional lives. They are connected to our bodies day and night; something might seem missing when we don’t have them. In other situations, they could be someone’s office and source of income. However, one frustrating moment that could happen to any of us is when our devices wouldn’t work as usual. This problem can sometimes be due to its failing operating system. Sometimes, it can manifest as failed updates, buggy apps, or frozen screens, disrupting our daily routines and productivity.

Luckily, the IPSW (iPhone Software) file offers a solution beyond basic troubleshooting. IPSW allows you to restore your device to a previous state, effectively resolving these issues and restoring full functionality. This guide aims to simplify the process of using IPSW. We’ll help you understand its significance and provide step-by-step instructions to restore your iPad/iPhone from IPSW. With this knowledge, you'll be able to quickly overcome software glitches and get back to using your device smoothly and confidently. Read on to learn more.

Why Restore iPad/iPhone from ISPW?
How to Restore iPad/iPhone from IPSW?
Restore iPad/iPhone from IPSW with Dr.Fone.

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Why Restore iPad/iPhone from ISPW?

An IPSW file is like a big package that contains all the important stuff your iPhone or iPad needs to work properly. This includes the main software you see and use (like the apps and settings) and the core software that manages how everything works together (like the memory and hardware).

When you restore your iPhone or iPad from IPSW, you're giving it a fresh start by replacing the old software with new. It operates as clean, new software from the IPSW file. This can help fix problems with your device if something isn't working right.

Understanding IPSW files can be helpful if you ever need to fix issues with your iPhone or iPad. For example, if your device isn't connecting to the internet, checking the network-related parts in the IPSW file can help you figure out what's wrong.

Why use IPSW for Restoring iPad/iPhone?

As mentioned, the IPSW contains the necessary files to restore your iPad/iPhone. To answer the question as to why you restore iPad/iPhone from IPSW, here are some of its benefits:

IPSW allows you to restore your device without relying on an internet connection.
It can also help you restore your device to a specific iOS version, which can be useful for downgrading or troubleshooting compatibility issues.
It can be faster and more reliable than using iTunes or Finder for restoring your device.

How to Restore iPad/iPhone from IPSW?

Restoring your iPad or iPhone from an IPSW file can be helpful. It can fix any problems with the software or update your device to a specific version of iOS. After knowing why IPSW is the best solution for restoring your devices, you may proceed with the restoration process. Depending on whether you use a Mac or a Windows computer, you can restore your iPad using an IPSW file in two different ways.

Method 1: via iTunes

If you use a Windows computer, you'll need to use iTunes. iTunes is an Apple program that helps you manage your iPhone or iPad with your Windows or Mac computer. Here are some steps to restore your iPad/iPhone from IPSW via iTunes.

Step 1: Download the IPSW file for your iPad/iPhone model from a trusted source.

Step 2: Connect your device to your computer and open iTunes.

Step 3: Select your device in iTunes and go to the Summary tab.

Step 4: Hold the Option key (Mac) or Shift key (Windows) and click "Update or Restore."

Step 5: Browse your files and look for the downloaded IPSW file for your device. After clicking your IPSW file, your device will update accordingly.

browse and select ipsw

Method 2: via Finder (for macOS Catalina and later)

If you use a Mac, you can do it using a Finder program. Finder is a tool that helps you manage files on your Mac. You can use Finder to restore your device if you have macOS Catalina or a newer version.

Step 1: Before proceeding, remember that this process will erase all data on your device. Ensure that you have backed up your iPhone or iPad.

Step 2: Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac using a USB cable. If your device won't boot, put it in DFU (recovery) mode before starting the process.

Step 3: Launch the Finder app on your Mac. In the Finder sidebar, locate and select your iPhone or iPad. Press and hold the Option key on your keyboard. While holding the Option key, click the "Restore iPhone" or "Restore iPad" button in Finder.

click restore iphone

Step 4: Choose the IPSW file you downloaded earlier and click "Open."

choose ipsw file

Step 5: If prompted to install a device update, click "Install."

Step 6: Allow your phone or tablet to download and install the update. This process may take some time. When prompted, click "Restore" to confirm that you want to restore your iPhone or iPad. If the pop-up doesn't appear after the device update, start the restore process again.

Step 7: Your Mac will begin restoring, which can take a while. Ensure your iPhone or iPad remains connected to your Mac during this time. Your device may boot to the Apple logo multiple times. When the process completes, a pop-up indicates that your device has been restored. Click "OK."

Step 8: Your iPhone or iPad will restart. Once it restarts, you'll see it in the Finder sidebar again. You can now restore your data from an iCloud backup or set up your device as new.

Step 9: If you have a backup on your Mac, select it from the Finder sidebar. Click "Continue" to start the restoration process. After the process, your iPhone or iPad will be restored to its previous state but will now be functional.

Restore iPad/iPhone from IPSW with Dr.Fone.

Aside from the methods mentioned above, you still have another solution if you face issues with your iPad/iPhone. If you want to restore your iPad/iPhone from IPSW without losing any data, you can try Wondershare Dr.Fone. Wondershare Dr.Fone has a feature called iOS Standard Repair that enables you to repair the system problems within your device while retaining all your data. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to use it:

Step 1: Launch Dr.Fone on your computer after downloading and installing it. Go to the Toolbox section located on the top-left section of the application. Select “System Repair” from the list of options.

launch drfone application

Step 2: Connect your iPad or iPhone to your computer with a cable connection. You will be directed to a new window where you need to identify the type of device you are using. Since you are performing an iOS system repair, choose "iOS" from the options provided.

Step 3: To continue the system repair process, select “iOS Repair” from the new set of options on the screen.

choose ios repair

Select 4: Choose the “Standard Repair” from the two options to retain your data during the repair process.

choose standard repair

Step 5: Follow the instructions on your screen to put your iOS device into Recovery Mode. Once you've done this, click “Enter Recovery Mode” to proceed. If your device is unresponsive or behaving abnormally, click the “Guide” button for instructions on putting it into Recovery Mode.

click enter recovery mode

Step 6: Once in Recovery Mode, the application will detect the appropriate iOS firmware that could be installed on your device. Click “Download” next to the firmware version you wish to install.

click download button

Step 7: Wait for the firmware to download. Once downloaded, click “Repair Now” to install it on your iOS device. Wait patiently until the process is complete, and keep your device connected to your computer.

click repair now button

Step 8: After completing the installation, click “Done” to end the process. Your iOS is now fixed and will perform normally again.

Note: If the Standard Repair option doesn't fix your iOS device, Dr.Fone—System Repair (iOS) has an Advanced Repair feature. This mode checks your device more thoroughly for serious issues but will erase all data. It's a good idea to back up your data before using Advanced Repair.

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Conclusion

Restoring your iPad or iPhone from IPSW can be a valuable solution for fixing software issues or updating your device to a specific iOS version. Whether you choose to use iTunes, Finder, or Dr.Fone, following the guides provided in this comprehensive guide can help you restore your device successfully. If you want to restore your iPad/iPhone from IPSW without losing data, use Wondershare Dr.Fone. This tool can be very helpful for those who are new to troubleshooting. With just a few steps, you can effortlessly restore your iPad or iPhone from IPSW.

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