Restoring iPhone, iPod touch or iPad firmware in Windows. How to restore an iPhone via iTunes: step-by-step instructions Recovering without a computer

Today we have to figure out how to restore an iPhone using iTunes. This kind of task is not that difficult. Especially if you carry out the process correctly. Each owner of an Apple device will be able to return certain data to their mobile device in a few minutes. This is quite normal.

Recovery methods

When thinking about restoring an iPhone, the user should take into account that there are several options for the development of events. And first you will have to make a backup copy of the information. Without this, it will not be possible to bring the idea to life.

In general, among the recovery methods via iTunes there are:

  • return to factory settings;
  • recovery of user data.

In fact, everything is simpler than it seems. But if a person created a copy of his data using iCloud, then iTunes will not help restore it. This is a completely normal phenomenon that is important to take into account before taking action.

About iTunes

Let's start by creating an iOS recovery document. Without it, as already mentioned, it will not be possible to achieve the task.

First of all, a person must install iTunes on his computer. It is advisable that the application version be the latest. Older builds of the program are no longer supported. Accordingly, the owner of the device will not be able to implement the task.

You can only restore licensed iOS. And the absence of a 100% backup copy of user data leads to a factory reset. And since then there is no way to get the information back. Only if there is a copy in iCloud.

Making a copy

How to restore an iPhone using iTunes? The first step, as already mentioned, is to make a copy of the data for recovery. It is worth considering that all information will be saved on the PC in the BackUp folder. And the operation is only possible if there is a connection to a computer.

To create a recovery copy, you must:

  1. Download the latest version of iTunes onto your computer and install it.
  2. Connect your Apple device via USB to your PC or laptop.
  3. Launch the application you are studying.
  4. Wait while the devices synchronize.
  5. Authenticate with AppleID. Typically, the corresponding requirement is made immediately after starting iTunes.
  6. Open the "General" tab in the left menu of the program.
  7. On the right side of the window, click on the “Create a copy” button.
  8. Wait a few minutes.

As soon as the user completes all of the above steps, a copy with the iPhone data will appear on the computer. And now you can start restoring the OS.

To factory settings

But first, a little about that. Sometimes this operation is vital for the normal operation of an Apple smartphone. Under such circumstances, a complete data reset to factory settings occurs. No user settings are saved.

The iTunes application really allows you to return your device to its original settings. And it's not that difficult to do. Easier than restoring user information.

The guide will look something like this:

  1. Turn on your computer and launch iTunes.
  2. Connect an Apple device to the PC. It is important that the connection is made using a USB cable.
  3. Run the program.
  4. Wait for the computer to synchronize with your mobile phone.
  5. Go to the "General" tab.
  6. On the right side of the window, select the “Restore iPhone” button and click on it.
  7. If the system prompts, log in using AppleID.
  8. Carefully study the consequences of the actions and agree with the operation.

After the above steps, the iOS rollback process will begin. It usually takes from 5 to 30 minutes. Once the operation is completed, the device will reboot and recover. All data will be erased and the settings will be returned to factory settings.

Recovering data

Once iTunes has been installed and a backup has been created using it, you can restore iOS. This is a fairly simple operation that will only take a few minutes.

How to restore an iPhone using iTunes? The following instructions will help:

  1. Enable iTunes.
  2. Connect your smartphone via a USB cable to your computer.
  3. Launch the application mentioned earlier.
  4. Select the connected device in the "Devices" menu. To do this, click on the name of the device.
  5. Go to the menu item "File" - "Devices".
  6. Select "Restore from backup...".
  7. In the field that appears, mark the line with the desired copy of the data. There may be several of them. All copies are signed with the date of their creation.
  8. Confirm the operation and wait a little.

The operating system recovery process will begin. After some time, iOS will be restored and the device will reboot. You cannot turn off your smartphone or work with it. Otherwise, the data will not be recovered.

Results

From now on, it’s clear how to restore an iPhone using iTunes. All of the above methods work on all Apple devices. Therefore, operations can also be carried out on tablets. There is nothing difficult or incomprehensible about this. All actions will be the same.

iTunes is a free service that every iPhone owner should be able to use. It helps not only create backup copies of data, but also restores device settings. In addition, this program can be useful when downloading music and photos to iPhone.

Sometimes the iMazing application is used to recover information on mobile devices. This is a free program that is somewhat reminiscent of iTunes. With its help, you can create a backup copy of data that is recognized by the application you are studying. But such a technique is used extremely rarely in practice. Therefore, to restore information on your phone, it is better to follow one of the instructions previously presented to your attention. How to restore an iPhone using iTunes? The task will no longer be a hassle!

iPhone restoration is a standard operation to return an Apple smartphone to a working state after various failures. Unsuccessful firmware, incorrectly executed jailbreak, incorrect iOS update - if you know how to restore an iPhone, you can fix almost any problems that arise during the operation of this device.

Recovery procedure

To restore your iPhone, you need to enter Recovery Mode. It's easy to do:

When the iPhone is ready for the rollback and error correction procedure, click the “Restore” button.

iTunes will independently find the current firmware version and install it on the smartphone, returning it to the state in which it was immediately after purchase.

Working in DFU mode

If iPhone recovery does not work in Recovery Mode, then you need to enter the device into DFU mode. This mode is used when there are software errors - for example, when the iPhone does not turn on. DFU mode works at the hardware level, so it helps to reset all settings even in the most difficult cases. To enter DFU mode:

  1. Connect your device to your computer.
  2. Press and hold Power and Home for 10 seconds.
  3. After counting to 10, release Power while continuing to hold the Home button.

It's difficult to enter DFU mode the first time because nothing changes on the screen. If the recovery mode detects itself as an iTunes icon, then the phone does not seem to turn on in DFU. Therefore, you need to look at the computer screen where iTunes is running. As soon as the iPhone enters DFU mode, a notification will appear in iTunes informing you that the program has detected the device in recovery mode, and you need to reset all settings and content to continue working with your smartphone.

If you need to install another firmware, hold down Shift and click “Restore”. An explorer will appear through which you need to specify the path to the previously downloaded firmware.

Recovery without a computer

If the computer is not at hand, it does not turn on, or you cannot connect your iPhone to it, then try resetting all settings through the device settings. As a result of this operation, you will receive a clean smartphone without settings and user information, so be sure to make a backup before resetting. If the smartphone turns on normally:

It is not necessary to delete user files. If the iPhone turns on, then you can eliminate problems with its operation by simply resetting the settings. In this case, the user’s personal data will remain intact.

Recovery after reset

If you need to restore your iPhone after resetting all settings and deleting content, you won’t be able to do this without a backup copy. The presence of a backup file with information stored in the device’s memory is the main point that needs to be checked before performing a reset. After restoring the iPhone to its factory state, all personal data of the user is erased from it.

Creating a backup before resetting:


After the reset, the iPhone will be like new: no content or settings will remain on it. To get all the information back, you need to connect the device to your computer and restore from the backup via iTunes. Choose the most recent backup, as it stores the most current information.

You can also restore all settings after a reset via iCloud, provided that you stored backups on the cloud. In this case, when setting up your iPhone, you need to select the “Restore a copy from iCloud” option and specify a suitable backup.

Problems during recovery

If after a normal recovery the phone does not turn on, then it makes sense to put it in DFU mode and try restoring it through iTunes again. This time you should not trust iTunes: download the official firmware and select it in the Explorer window by holding Shift and clicking on the “Restore” button .

Sometimes the TinyUmbrella utility helps solve the problem that the smartphone does not turn on after resetting the settings via iTunes. This program has an “Exit Recovery” button. If the iPhone does not turn on after recovery, you need to select it in the TinyUmbrella window and click “Exit Recovery”.

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

It is 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 a 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!

Restoring iPhone 3G and 3GS is carried out on the same principle as restoring later models of Apple smartphones to factory condition. However, sometimes a simple procedure ends with unsuccessful firmware or the appearance of various errors - 21, 29, 1604,1015 and others. Let's see how to return your iPhone to a working state after discovering a problem during recovery.

How to restore iPhone 3G

First, let's look at the general procedure for restoring an iPhone. It's simple here:

If you need to restore an iPhone after an unsuccessful firmware update, the procedure will change slightly:


After the firmware is completed, iTunes will offer to restore the data from the backup. Select the "Like New" setting option. The smartphone will ask for activation - insert the SIM card into it. After successful activation, return the necessary information from the backup.

Error 29

Failure number 29 after restoring an iPhone is mechanical in nature, so no software methods can fix it. Error 29 appears in the following cases:

  • Using a non-original iPhone battery.
  • Damage to the charging cable.
  • SMP controller burnout.

Often error 29 appears on unofficial devices when trying to update or restore. Failure 29 is eliminated by replacing components with original ones. However, success is not guaranteed even in this case: error 29 sometimes appears after several replacements of the battery and charging cable.

If replacing iPhone components does not help, and error 29 remains, then it makes sense to check the SMARTi Power Management IC smp3i power controller.

In severe cases, failure 29 appears when the controller burns out. The problem is eliminated by replacing the damaged part with a working controller taken from the original donor. Other ways to solve error 29 do not allow you to achieve a positive result.

Error 21

Failure number 21 occurs because when restoring an iPhone 3G, the system security software prevents the device from connecting to the Apple update server. To clear error 21:


If failure number 21 occurs, recovery should be carried out in DFU mode, selecting the firmware file manually. How it's done:

  1. Enter iPhone into DFU. Connect your device to your computer.
  2. Launch iTunes and go to the device page. Hold Shift and click on the “Restore” button.
  3. Select the firmware file and start the recovery procedure.

In rare cases, error 21, like 29, is associated with the use of a non-original battery. If the iPhone does not recover after attempts to fix the problem software, then try replacing the battery, error 21 will disappear. If error number 21 continues to appear, contact the service center.

Error 1604

Error number 1604 appears due to an interruption in the connection between the iPhone and the computer. To resolve the error:

  • Replace the USB cable (use the original cable).
  • Try connecting your smartphone to a different port or to a different computer.

If the USB cable and ports on the computer are in order, then try the software method for fixing error 1604. Failures with numbers 16** can be resolved using the iReb r7 utility.


Since iPhone 3G and 3GS are supported by iReb r7, this method should help resolve the issue. If the described method does not help, try fixing the error using TinyUmbrella and Redsn0w:


Restoring your iPhone after following the steps above should proceed without any errors.

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