How to use IPSW Files

IPSW stands rather simply for iOS Software, and IPSW files are basically just individual firmware downloads for specific iOS devices. These files can be used to update iOS devices manually with the help of iTunes. If you’ve recently downloaded an iOS IPSW file, you might be curious how to use it to update your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. Using IPSW is often considered advanced but it’s actually pretty easy, just follow along with these directions and you’ll be along your way.Before using a firmware file to update, you will want to backup the iOS device to be safe.

How to Use IPSW Files
You can use IPSW files on Mac or Windows, both require iTunes to work properly. To use the latest version of IPSW firmware files to update or restore an iOS device, you’ll want to be sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed as well.
1.Connect your iPhone or iOS device to your computer
2.Select the device in iTunes
3.On a Mac, hold down the “Option” key and then click on “Update”
4.On a Windows PC, hold down “SHIFT” key and then click on “Update”
5.Select the IPSW file you downloaded and click “Choose”
Let the iOS device update as usual

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.

You can also click on “Restore” and select an IPSW instead but you will lose the existing files and settings on your iOS device. If you go that route, do not forget to backup beforehand.