How to use IPSW files
You can use IPSW files on Mac or Windows, both require iTunes.
* Connect your iPhone or iOS device to your computer
* Select the device in iTunes
* On a Mac, hold down the “Option” key and then click on “Update”
* On a Windows PC, hold down “SHIFT” key and then click on “Update”
* Select the IPSW file you downloaded and click “Choose”
* Let the iOS device update as usual
You can also click on “Restore” and select an IPSW instead but you will lose the existing files and settings on your iOS device. Use “Restore” if you want to restore to a custom IPSW file, such as something created with PwnageTool or sn0wbreeze. This is usually only relevant to those who jailbreak and unlock their hardware.
Where do you get IPSW files?
We have several comprehensive lists of iOS IPSW files hosted from Apple’s servers, you can download iPhone ISPW, iPod touch IPSW, and iPad IPSW of all iOS versions after 3.0.