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Updating the operating system on iPhone. How to update iOS or restore iPhone and iPad “like new”

Apple regularly pleases its users with the release of new firmware versions, so every owner of an Apple smartphone wonders whether it is worth updating the software on their smartphone. In this publication we will talk about how to update iOS to version 8 on the 4th iPhone, and whether it is worth doing.

iOS update options

When the company introduced the brand new iOS 8 to its users, it immediately became clear that the iPhone 4 would not be able to function normally with this version of the firmware. The fact is that this operating system is designed for mobile devices with a 2-core processor, while the 4th iPhone is equipped with only one. However, you can still install the new iOS 8 system on the Iphone 4. There are two update options for this:

  • using iTunes via a computer;
  • via the network.

It should be noted that after the update, only the user bears full responsibility for the functioning of his gadget.

Using iTunes on a computer

So, how to update iPhone 4 using a computer?

First, you need to download the update using the special iTunes application (if you have a lot of free space) or from the manufacturer’s official website. Before you connect your device, you should make sure you're using the latest version of iTunes, then click Help in the menu bar and turn on Update. After this you need to do the following:


When downloading firmware using Safari, you must disable automatic unpacking. You can also use Firefox or Chrome for this.

Update via Wi-Fi

In fact, updating software on a smartphone using Wi-Fi is an easier method than the previous one, but there is no complete guarantee that the update will be successful. First of all, it is worth noting that even with a high connection speed it is quite difficult to download a firmware file weighing 1 GB. In addition, do not forget about the device’s battery - the minimum charge to download a file should be at least half. If after downloading the update process begins and the device sits down and turns off, then you will have to connect the device to the computer and continue the process in iTunes.

If you plan to use this option, you must do the following:

  • Check your wireless connection and browser access.
  • Enable “Settings”, go to the “General” section, select “Software Update” and click “Download and Install”. The download process starts automatically and the software update process occurs in the background. You cannot run the process on a smartphone without jailbreak
  • After downloading the file, click the “Install” button and accept the corresponding user agreement.

After the update process is completed, you need to make some adjustments and return all saved content from the created iPad or iTunes backup.

Every owner of an iOS device, whether a novice user or a geek, should know what an iPhone restoration is and how it differs from an update. Moreover, all this is quite simple, to say the least - elementary.

For those who are not “in the know,” as part of today’s instructions, we will get acquainted with what flashing an iPhone is, what options and methods for flashing there are, how restoring an iOS device differs from updating it, and how to flash an iPhone.

Why do we say that every device owner should have the skills to flash an iPhone or iPad? It is not appropriate for the owner of such an expensive and exclusive device to run to the service center every time there are difficulties in the operation of the iOS device at the software level or Apple has presented a new version of the iOS mobile operating system. Moreover, the process itself takes no more than 10 minutes and, in most cases, requires minimal effort from the user.

We will look at the subject of today's instructions using the iPhone as an example, so it will be easier for both us and you, dear readers.

What is iPhone firmware?

If we talk about the firmware of an iOS device as a software component, the iPhone firmware is its software or operating system. At Apple, the software for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad is called iOS for short, which means iPhone Operation System.

If we talk about flashing an iOS device as a process, flashing an iPhone is the process of restoring or updating the device’s software. The most commonly used term is “flashing”.

iPhone flashing options

There are 2 processes involved in flashing an iOS device:

  • recovery;
  • update.

At their core, the processes are identical: in the first and second cases, as a result of flashing the iPhone, a new iOS will be installed. Moreover, the concept of “new” in the case of restoring an iPhone does not refer to the version of the operating system, but to its state, in other words, “clean”.

iPhone flashing methods

You can reflash your iPhone in 2 ways, one of them is universal, i.e. used for both recovery and update, the second is only for update:

  1. iPhone firmware via iTunes;

In the first case, the software is downloaded to the computer and, using the iTunes media combiner, it is downloaded directly to the iOS device. Valid for iOS 4.3.5 inclusive. For iOS 5 and higher, the second method is possible, which involves updating iOS directly from the device via the Internet via a wireless network (Wi-Fi).

What is the difference between restoring an iPhone and updating it?

As we have already said, restoring or updating an iPhone refers specifically to the software component of the device.

Restoring an iPhone is the process of restoring the device to its original settings. When restoring, all content (photos, videos, music) and personal data (phone book, calendar information) will be deleted from the iPhone, and the device settings will be reset to factory settings.

In a nutshell, restoring an iPhone means resetting the device to its factory state and installing a “clean” iOS version of the latest version.

Updating an iPhone refers to the process of moving from an older version of iOS to a newer one. As a result of the update, all content, personal data and settings will remain intact and iOS will be updated to the new version.

As you can see, the fundamental difference between restoring and updating an iPhone is only that as a result of the update, content and personal data are not deleted from the Phone.

The result is:

Restoring iPhone = Delete Content + Factory Reset + iOS Update

As you know, the iPhone, like any other iOS device, can be in several modes provided by the manufacturer: normal mode, (Recovery Mode) and (DFU Mode).

It is possible to restore or update an iPhone in the following modes:

  • in normal mode;
  • in Recovery Mode;
  • in DFU mode.

How to restore iPhone via iTunes?

In order to restore an iPhone via iTunes we will need:

  • latest version of iTunes (preferably). At the time of writing, iTunes 11.1.5.5 is current. ;

iTunes window saying no update required

  • a pre-downloaded file with the version currently installed on the iPhone (optional).

Warning in iTunes when flashing iOS

So, let's say you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer and you have downloaded the firmware file for your iPhone model to your hard drive.

1 If the “ ” function is enabled on your iPhone, disable it in the device settings;

iTunes warning to disable find iPhone

2 Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
If the iTunes settings are not set to automatically launch the program when you connect an iOS device, launch iTunes;

Selecting a device in iTunes

3 Go to the device synchronization settings page with iTunes by clicking on the button with the name of the device type in the upper right corner next to the “ iTunes Store";

Device Information in iTunes

4 While holding down the " Shift"On the keyboard in the pressed position, click on the button " Restore» (for Mac you need to press the button Alt+Restore). A window for selecting a firmware file from the local disk will appear;


5 Select the previously downloaded firmware file with the extension “. ipsw" and click on the button Open". Confirm the request to restore your iPhone. iTunes initiates the recovery process. No further action is required from you; iTunes will automatically delete all content and load the “fresh” firmware into the internal memory of the iPhone. In this case, the device will be transferred to and the device will be restored to its factory state.

Confirming the start of the firmware process in iTunes

iPhone is being flashed

Important to know

The iPhone recovery process can be completely entrusted to iTunes, without the need to download the firmware file to your hard drive, however, after such recovery, if a more recent version of iOS is available in iTunes, it will be installed on the iPhone. In fact, content will be deleted, settings will be reset, and the iPhone will be updated to the new iOS.

How to restore iPhone from Recovery Mode and DFU Mode?

Procedure to restore iPhone from recovery mode ( Recovery Mode) or firmware update mode ( DFU-mode) is completely identical, with only one exception; before restoring, you must enter the iPhone into Recovery Mode or DFU Mode, respectively.

2. Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable and launch iTunes. The program will detect the iPhone in recovery mode;

iTunes detects iPhone in recovery mode

3. While holding down the " Shift"on your keyboard, click on " Restore"(Mac users should press " Alt+Restore«);

iOS firmware file selection window

4. Open the previously downloaded firmware file with the extension “ .ipsw". iTunes will take over the rest of the work, wait for the process to complete.

Starting the iPhone firmware process in iTunes

Is it possible to reset an iPhone without updating iOS?

If we are talking about a “clean” iPhone restore via iTunes, the result will be the latest version of iOS installed on the device, i.e. in fact, the firmware will be updated, and this is not always necessary, especially for owners of jailbroken devices. Why? Because a jailbreak for the current iPhone firmware version appears, as a rule, very late, and as a result, updating the iPhone will entail the loss of the jailbreak.

Restoring/Updating a “locked” (locked to a specific cellular operator) iPhone with jailbreak entails:

  • blocking a “locked” iPhone - you will not be able to connect the device to the cellular network of another operator;
  • loss of jailbreak.

Fortunately, there is a way to remove all content from it without updating the iOS version and without losing the jailbreak. We have already talked about the SemiRestore utility, which allows you to clear the contents of an iOS device and reset its settings to factory settings without loss. Use it if you have a “locked” or “jaybroken” device.

iPhone update

We have already mentioned that there are 2 ways to update your iOS device to the latest version of iOS:

  1. With connection to a computer via iTunes;
  2. Directly from your iOS device via Wi-Fi.

The first method is practically no different from restoring an iPhone to the current firmware version. The second allows you to update your iPhone to the latest iOS without connecting to a computer via Wi-Fi.

Updating iPhone from computer via iTunes

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable and launch iTunes. Go to the “Devices” menu and select your device;

Selecting a device in iTunes

2. On the page for setting up synchronization and settings for connecting the device to iTunes, left-click on “ Update". Confirm that your iPhone is updated to the latest version of iOS.


3. You can save time and not wait for iOS to download to the iTunes service folder by first downloading the current iOS to your hard drive. Using the combination " Shift+Refresh» Initiate the firmware update from the hard drive.

After the update, you will receive an iPhone with the latest iOS on board; all user content and settings will be saved.

Update iPhone over Wi-Fi

With the advent of iOS 5.0, developers integrated the ability to update firmware directly into the mobile operating system. Starting from iOS 5.0 and higher, the “Software Update” menu item is available in the settings of iOS devices. The update is only available when connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi. The bandwidth of cellular internet connections does not allow updating iOS over a 2G or 3G connection.

1. On iPhone, go to Settings – Basic – Software update;

Go to software update in iPhone settings

2. Tap on " Download and install" and in the next window, accept the terms of use. Wait for the process to complete.

This is what updating an iPhone via WiFi looks like

Let us remind you once again that updating iOS does not entail the loss of user data and content and resetting settings, but it is dangerous for “jailbroken” and “locked” devices.

Video on how to update to iOS 11 via WiFi on iPhone 6s

Video instructions for restoring and updating iPhone

As you can see, there is nothing complicated about flashing an iPhone, which includes both updating and restoring. Learning basic skills in managing iOS devices is both useful and allows you to save on trips to service centers.

If you have any difficulties or errors appear when flashing iTunes, write to us in the comments, we will try to help you!

iPad users were very pleased with the release of the iOS 10 system update from Apple, with which your old iPhone or tablet will receive the latest innovations available on the latest generation devices.

In fact, iOS 10 is designed for the latest processors, so OS 10 doesn't always perform at its best on older iPads or iPhones, leaving device owners frustrated when choosing to upgrade. In this article we will look at the questions: what types of devices are compatible with iOS 10, how to update your iPad 3, iPad Mini and iPad Air to iOS 10, and what to do if your iPad does not want to update.

There is a list of devices that are compatible with the tenth version of the operating system, including iPad 4, iPad mini 2, 3 and 4 versions, as well as iPad Air and iPad Air 2, iPad Pro version 9.7 and version 12.9. Appl has published these versions of iPads as versions compatible with OS 10. In addition, version 10 behaves well with devices that support iOS 9, with the exception of iPad 2, iPad 3 and iPad mini, which should not be tested with the new version of iOS 10 .

How to update iPad Air and iPad Mini to iOS 10

System updates on your iPad can be downloaded directly from your tablet, using the iCloud cloud app or iTunes on your computer to temporarily copy and back up data from your device. What is this for? The fact is that while downloading the firmware, a failure may occur and a system error may occur, after which it will be very difficult or impossible to restore data (contacts, calendars, photos, movies, music, etc.) to the iPad.

Therefore, you must first copy the data from the tablet to iCloud or iTunes, whichever is more convenient for you, the main thing is that file data from the tablet is not lost, and the device, as they say, does not become an unnecessary “brick”.

If you are going to download software through iTunes, then make sure that the latest version of the iTunes program is installed on your computer by downloading it from the official source. Otherwise, the firmware will not install, but will only block the update and create problems.

To download the system update on your iPad, open the “Settings” menu and go to the “General” subsection, where select the “Software update” option weighing 1 Gigabyte and wait until the update is completely downloaded to your iPad. At the same time, make sure that the iPad is charging at this time or has a battery charge of at least 70%, since this process is quite energy-consuming.

At the same time, also ensure continuous high-speed Internet, since low Internet connection speed can slow down the download process, and any interruption in the stream will cause a download error, which will have unpleasant consequences for the tablet owner.

If you decide to download the updated version using three “G” connections, make sure that the paid gigabyte traffic does not end prematurely and the connection is not interrupted due to lack of payment.

When the process of downloading the iOS 10 operating system is ensured through a PC and iTunes, then in this case reliability increases and mobile traffic is not consumed. To do this, you need to connect your iPad to your computer via a USB cable and turn on iTunes. Once the tablet appears in the open program, select the firmware update command by clicking on the latest tenth version of iOS to download it. The system will start updating. If everything went well, then iOS 10 will delight you with new tools on your iPad.

How to fix an error when downloading an update on iOS 10

An error that occurs when installing an operating system occurs, as a rule, due to the uploading of corrupted update images of an unimproved operating system of the tenth version. Apple is constantly working on image corrections, offering the user more and more new iOS firmware.

What to do and why did the system freeze on the tablet during the next OS update? The device resembles a useless brick with which nothing can be done. Don't worry, we'll try to fix the situation.

Connect your iPad to your PC via a USB cable. On your computer, enable the latest version of the iTunes program (at least version 12.5.1) or download its update from the official website. Next, perform a hard reboot of the iPad by simultaneously holding down the “Home” key and the “Power” key for 20-30 seconds until the recovery screen lights up. The iPad connected to the PC will appear in iTunes, where you will have to select the “Update” or “Restore” action. You click the “Update” button to download the iOS 10 firmware to your iPad. This process will take some time, wait for it to finish. If the device freezes again, repeat the procedure again.

If the firmware is still not installed, install the old version of iOS 9 on your tablet and return the previously saved backup copy of the data from your iPad.

In addition, it is useful to remember that by downloading the latest version of the tenth firmware, you can get to the test firmware, which will turn your tablet into a “brick” after its expiration date, so update and download the OS version iOS 10 GM correctly.

What does iOS firmware installed on iPad 10 provide?

Firstly, owners of this version of the system firmware are fortunate to see an updated screen on the iPad in lock mode, various animations, and also have the ability to send handwritten messengers, stickers, chat and the advantages of other tools. In addition, some Apple applications have also been updated, in particular Siri and Apple Music.

Apple is one of the most progressive companies and is constantly working to make it as convenient as possible for customers to use its products. An important point of this policy is keeping the iOS and Mac operating systems up to date. Updates typically optimize the device's performance, but may also include new features or, for example, extend the device's battery life.

In order to update the firmware (iOS) of your iPhone to the latest version, you will need a computer with access to the Internet and installed iTunes, a USB cable and, of course, an iPhone.

PC connection

We connect the device to the computer using a cable and check the stability of the Internet. If the network is unstable, it is better to postpone the procedure, since network failures may not allow you to update the firmware or even lead to data loss. It is worth noting that the iPhone must be officially unlocked, otherwise, after updating iOS via iTunes, it will stop receiving a cellular network signal and, in fact, will turn into an iPod.

Compatibility check

If the above conditions are met, we continue. On your computer, open iTunes and go to the “Browse” tab. The latest version of iTunes does not have such a tab, so in the upper left corner of the screen you need to select the phone icon and click on it. After a second, an information window will appear.

Checking the available software version

At the top of the screen you will see the capacity of the memory card, the iPhone serial number and the current iOS version number. The same window contains information about the need to update the iPhone.

  • If the message looks like “iPhone software is up to date, iTunes will check for updates...”, then the firmware version on the iPhone is up to date and an update is not needed.
  • And if the message says “A newer version of iPhone software is available,” then you can safely update, although before starting the update via iTunes, we recommend making a backup copy of your data so that in case of unforeseen situations, you do not lose it (in the same window, click on "Create a copy now" button.

Update process

So, after you deal with the archived copy, you can directly begin the update process. Under the message about the iOS version, click the “Update” button, and then the “Download and Update” button. Messages may appear indicating that there are purchased items on the iPhone that have not been transferred to the media library.

It is up to you to decide whether to transfer them or not. After this, the “iPhone Software Update” window will appear on the screen, in which you will see a description of the latest firmware version, and you can also check the compatibility of your iPhone with it. After compatibility has been checked, click the “Next” button and wait for the new firmware to download. Downloading via iTunes occurs automatically and even with high Internet speed, it will take some time.

When the download is complete, iTunes will automatically begin updating. We strongly recommend that you do not disconnect your iPhone from your PC during this time. Your iPhone will reboot a few times during the process, but this is normal. After the process is completed, the message “iPhone software is updated, iTunes will check for updates...” will appear on the PC screen. The operation was successful, your iPhone firmware has been updated to the latest version!

iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch (fourth generation), iPad 2, new iPad (iPad 3).

1. Charge your iPad. The installation process can take a lot of time, and it would be a shame to waste it because the tablet suddenly turned off.

2. Update iTunes to the latest official version. This step, by the way, is mandatory; without it, the update may fail.

3. Before updating your operating system, Apple strongly recommends that you back up all your device files. Most often, users do not encounter any problems, but in order to avoid loss of personal data, backup files must be made. Fortunately, this process will not take much of your time.

The easiest way to back up your data is using iTunes. To do this, just connect your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch to your computer and wait for the automatic synchronization and file copying process to complete. If synchronization does not start automatically, right-click on the name of your device and select “Back up”.

Over-the-air update

To update you do not need to connect the device to the computer, just follow these steps step by step

1. Open the application Settings.

2. Go to the tab General.

3. Touch the item Software Update.

4. If a firmware update is not available for your device, you will be notified accordingly. Otherwise, detailed information about the update will appear on the screen.

5. Click the button Download and Install.

6. Next, the license agreement will open in front of you iOS. Read and agree. The firmware download will begin. Depending on the speed of your Internet connection and network stability, this step may take a while. Once the firmware file is fully downloaded, you will need to reboot your device to install the update. Using the “Later” button you can postpone this process for some time.

Ready! After restarting, your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch will be running the new iOS operating system.