Restoring iPhone 5S is actually a simple process that all modern iOS device owners should know about. After reading this article, you will learn about what the gadget firmware is, and also get the necessary information about the available flashing options. So how to reflash an iPhone yourself?
Features of the procedure
All owners of such devices must have the skills of flashing the gadget. Even if you become the owner of an expensive modern device, you do not have to contact the service center if there are certain difficulties in the operation of the device.
So what exactly is firmware? If this concept is considered as a software component, then the firmware of the iPhone 5S smartphone is work on replacing the OS or software. The Apple company simply calls the software for Apple gadgets iOS. If we consider the flashing of an iOS device as a process, then we can say that this is an update or restoration of the device's software.
There are two main flashing options:
- update;
- recovery.
They are almost the same, but as a result of the first operation, a new iOS is installed. When restoring an iPhone, “new” is not about the OS itself, but about its state. In other words, it becomes "clean".
Flashing methods
There are two ways to restore the smartphone's operating system, one of which is universal and can be simultaneously used for updating and restoring. The second option is only suitable for updating.
To carry out the operation, you need to choose what suits you best:
- update via Wi-Fi;
- firmware via iTunes.
The iPhone 5S supports the ability to update the OS using a wireless network. In the second case, the data is downloaded to a personal computer, and then a flashing is carried out using iTunes.
Differences between processes
Both processes have certain differences that must be taken into account when choosing one or another option. Updating or restoring a smartphone is a software component of a gadget. The process itself is the restoration of the original data.
During the recovery, all content, as well as personal data, is automatically deleted from the iPhone. All smartphone settings are returned to factory settings. Simply put, this process is to reset the gadget itself to factory settings and get a clean, latest version of the OS.
When updated, the data remains, but only the system is updated. In other words, updating a smartphone is installing the most recent (or any required) version of the operating system.
Gadgets for iOS can be in three modes provided by the manufacturer - update (DFU Mode), recovery (Recovery Mode) and normal. As a result, the flashing process, respectively, can also take place in three modes.
Flash using iTunes
The iPhone recovery process with this option involves a few simple steps:
In order to independently update a 5S series smartphone, you will need to do the following:
- Disable Find My iPhone on your smartphone.
- Connect your phone to a PC, launch iTunes manually if it is not set to launch automatically.
- Open synchronization by clicking on the icon with the device name.
- Press "Restore" (while holding the "Shift" button). If your computer is running a Mac operating system then Alt is pressed instead of Shift.
- After that, a window will open where you will need to select the location on the local disk where the firmware is located.
- The file must have the "ipsw" extension, click open on it and then confirm the request. iTunes will start the operation on its own.
Nothing more is required from the user, the program will automatically remove all unnecessary content and download the new firmware. The device will enter Recovery Mode and recovery will take place.
Flashing over Wi-Fi
In the iPhone 5S, the developers have implemented an update into the OS itself. In the gadget settings there is a "Software update" item, but this service functions only when Wi-Fi is connected (such a process will not work without a normal connection speed).
So how to reflash the 5th iPhone yourself?
- In the 5S model menu, select "Settings", go to the "General" section and then click "Software Update".
- The next step is to click the "Download and Install" button.
- After that, a new window will open where you must agree to the terms of the developer.
- Next, you just need to wait until the installation process is complete.
While using this method of system recovery, you don't have to worry about anything. In this case, you do not need to download the file yourself; it will be automatically installed on your phone.
It should be noted that the update does not delete data, but this option is dangerous for locked and jailbroken devices. This is because the firmware can deactivate the jailbreak.
Reset iOS settings
The update process on the iPhone locked under the operator leads to the following consequences:
- complete loss of jailbreak;
- the impossibility of connecting a smartphone to another operator;
- lock your phone.
There is a solution to this problem. You will need to factory reset and delete content without OS update process and loss of jailbreak. To do this, you can use a special program, for example, SemiRestore, which clears the contents of the phone and resets the settings without any loss.
From the foregoing, it becomes clear that the iPhone firmware is a fairly simple process that does not require special knowledge and skills. It is enough to have basic management skills. This allows you to save on visits to specialized service centers.
Ways to factory reset and clear content
If necessary, you can reset the settings and clear the content in the iPhone using special procedures. It is worth doing this when the phone runs out of free space or it starts to work poorly.
To check the available memory, go to the "General" section in the phone settings, then click on "Statistics" and find the "Storage" section. This menu contains information about the memory of the device.
You can clean the Iphone 5S partially or completely in several ways through:
- iTunes;
- "Storage";
- desktop;
- iCloud;
- erase settings and content on your phone.
Certain methods completely "zero" the device and clean up iOS. As a result, it will be necessary to restore and configure the data from the backup. The phone firmware will be like new, without unnecessary data. In other cases, only individual data and applications can be deleted.
Removing settings and content
The process of removing settings and all content takes place in five steps:
- Go to the "Settings" section, then "General" and press "Reset";
- Select "Erase", enter the password, if it was set;
- Confirm the request by double-clicking "Erase iPhone";
- When the phone search function is on, you must enter the password;
- After disabling the phone search function, the screen turns off, the manufacturer's logo and the process bar appear.
To carry out the process, it is not always necessary to connect the phone to the charger, but the level of the battery reserve must be appropriate. Otherwise, you may lose all files important to you.
Erasing data with iCloud
Cleaning iPhone using iCloud is done remotely from a computer or other device. At the same time, it does not matter which operating system you use. The process only needs an internet connection. The procedure itself is carried out in several stages:
- Log in to icloud.com and start a phone search;
- Select "All devices", click on the icon of your device;
- A window will appear on the right in which you must confirm the deletion of data;
- Confirm the request "Erase";
- Activation Lock prevents data erasure until you enter your Apple ID password;
- Click "Next" and at the end "Finish";
- After that, the process of erasing data on the iPhone begins.
You can carry out the procedure even if the phone is not connected to the Internet. The request will be queued and executed when connected to the network. In other words, as soon as the phone goes online, the process will start automatically.
Removing the application and files
Check everything thoroughly before deleting any files. Important data for you, numbers, photos, videos should be transferred to another medium. You can remove any applications from the iPhone operating system in different ways: using settings, iTunes or the desktop. The easiest option is to hold the icon with your finger until a “cross” appears in the corner. By clicking on this "cross" you confirm the process, after which the data will be deleted.
Removal with the help of the "Storage" takes place in several stages. Like all of the listed procedures, such an operation does not take much time and effort. It is enough to memorize each step, and you will be able to cope with this task in a matter of minutes:
- You need to go to "Settings", go to the "General" section, select "Statistics" and then "Storage".
- Next, you need to select an application, after which a window will appear with the corresponding information about the size of the application.
- Select "Uninstall a program" and confirm the process, after which all selected files will be deleted.
Another option to delete data on your 5S phone is to use iTunes. There are also no difficulties here, just follow the steps listed and you can complete this task in a few minutes:
- Connect your smartphone to Wi-Fi or computer, launch iTunes;
- Choose your device;
- Select the "Programs" tab;
- Next to the file to be deleted, in the list of downloads, there will be a “Delete” button that must be clicked.
All apps marked for deletion on iPhone will be completely erased. Also, they can be installed again in the same way.
It should be noted that the free space of any phone, including the iPhone 5S, is occupied by other files, for example, notes, contacts, music, photos, and so on. However, there is another application that simply "eats up" memory - this is Safari. Therefore, if you use your iPhone to access the network, then be prepared for the fact that it will constantly take up a lot of space. You will need to periodically clear the cache.
Thanks to such simple knowledge, you will be able to repair not only your phone, but also help your relatives and friends. In addition, for some advanced owners of Apple products, such knowledge can make good money.
In conclusion, it should be said that flashing a smartphone and deleting files does not take much time, and the process itself is quite clear and simple. Everyone can easily cope with this issue, it is enough to have minimal skills in working with a phone and a computer. This is a good way to save money and time. In addition, if you try and get better acquainted with the capabilities of your phone, then additional options for controlling your phone will open before you.
Dear friends, the latest iOS firmware appears in the life of every iPhone, it is also called the final iOS for a specific one. The fact is that any model of an Apple-branded phone, be it an iPhone 2G, and all the others, sooner or later cease to be supported by the company, after which the "outdated" iPhone cannot be updated with a fresh version of iOS and its own personal latest version of the firmware is assigned to it, above which do not install.
IPhone models stop supporting the new iOS firmware over time because the technical specifications of the outdated phones are not sufficient for the new iOS firmware to work. Therefore, new, more powerful iPhone models are being made for new versions of the iOS operating system. We considered the technical part, but there is also the marketing part - Apple needs money to develop new devices and technologies, so they want us to buy a new iPhone model every year, and they build their own Skynet. After all, without money anywhere.
The evolution of the Apple iPhone. The first six models of Apple phones
Let's go back to the topic of the latest iPhone firmware, we are a little distracted. Despite the fact that outdated models of iPhones are no longer supported, the "oldies" are still being passed around by users. The fact is that many, having fallen into Apple addiction, always want a new iPhone, but they get rid of the outdated model, i.e. give or sell to someone. Owners of outdated iPhone models very often do not understand all these matters described above, and when they hear in the news about the presentation of the new iOS firmware, they also want to update. 
But as a result, it does not work to update and they become interested in what maximum firmware their iPhone model will support. So, especially for you, old iPhone owners, we have made a list of the "latest firmware" for all iPhone models so that you know the maximum firmware for your phone:
IPhone Phones
- The latest iPhone firmware (in common people iPhone 2G) - iOS 3.1.3
- Latest iPhone 3G firmware - iOS 4.2.1
- Latest iPhone 3GS firmware - iOS 6.1.6
- Latest iPhone 4 firmware - iOS 7.1.2
- Latest iPhone 4S firmware - iOS 9.3.5
- Latest iPhone 5c firmware - iOS 10.3.3
- Latest iPhone 5 firmware - iOS 10.3.4
- Latest iPhone 5s, 6, 6 Plus firmware - iOS 12.4.5
- Latest firmware for iPhone 6S, 6S Plus, SE, 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, X, XR, XS, XS Max, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max - iOS 13.3
IPad tablets
If you already have an iPhone (or don't have one yet), but you don't know where to see the version of iOS currently installed on your phone, then read -. Using the list of maximum iOS tweaks, you will know if your iPhone is eligible or not. We hope that the list of the latest firmware for iPhone models will be updated over time, but if we forget, you can suggest in the comments and throw a tomato at us.
What is iPhone 6 firmware recovery or update? First, you need to understand the very concept of firmware. This term refers to the firmware of the device. In other words, firmware is an operating system. In the case of the iPhone 6 and other models of this phone, we are talking about iOS. In addition, this operating system is used in other Apple products. For example, iPod Touch players and iPad tablets also use iOS - iPhone Operation System.
The process of flashing a smartphone can consist of one of two operations: either restore or update iOS. For clarity, many users and specialists use the term flashing, which combines both procedures in its name.
Methods for flashing iPhone
At the moment, there are two options for flashing the iPhone 6. This is a firmware restoration or its update. Essentially, both of these procedures represent the same process with the same end result. In both recovery situations and iOS updates, the user gets a device with clean firmware on exit. True, here we are not talking about installing iOS necessarily the latest version, but rather about its state.
IPhone flashing options
IPhone 6 firmware can be flashed in two ways. Moreover, one first method is a universal option, which is suitable for both recovering and updating iOS. The second flashing option can be used only when updating the operating system. So, share the iPhone 6 firmware by iTunes utilities and update with Wi-Fi connections.
In the first option, you need to download the desired iOS edition on a personal computer or laptop, and then install the built-in software on the phone using the Apple iTunes branded application. This method is suitable for iOS up to and including version 4.3.5. For newer firmware, you can use the second method, which is updating iOS using internet and Wi-Fi.
Differences between iPhone recovery and updating?
Both restore and update iPhone 6 are operations with the built-in smartphone software. In the first option, all data will be deleted from the phone, including photos, videos, phone book contacts, audio files, calendar information, and the like. In addition, the device settings will be reset to the default factory settings. Roughly speaking, restoring the iPhone 6 is about bringing the phone to the state it was in after it was released from the assembly line. But, at the same time, after restoration, the device will have the latest clean version of iOS.
During the upgrade of the iPhone 6, the procedure for switching to a newer built-in software occurs. At the same time, the content of the phone, personal information and settings specified by the user will remain on the device, and iOS will be updated to the latest current edition.
Summing up this part of the material, it can be highlighted that the fundamental difference between recovery and updating iOS is one - in the first case, all data from the phone is deleted, and in the second, it remains.
Apple users already know that the iPhone 6, like other iOS devices, can be in and function in several modes. These include Normal Mode, Recovery Mode or Recovery Mode, and Firmware Upgrade Mode or DFU Mode. To restore or update an iPhone, you can use any of the three named modes of operation.
How to restore iPhone via iTunes?
To restore iPhone 6 using iTunes, you need to download and install the latest version of the application on your PC or laptop, as well as download a file with the iOS operating system of the version used on your phone to your computer. The second condition is optional, but it will save time in the process of restoring iPhone 6. After installing the latest version of the iTunes application, you must turn off the "Find iPhone" option on your phone, if it is activated. After that, connect your phone to the computer using a USB cable and launch iTunes.
Now you need to click on the icon with the name of the iOS device in the upper right corner of the program window, which will allow you to be on the phone and iTunes sync tab. Then you need to click on the "Restore" inscription and specify the path to the firmware file in the window that appears. It will be by the way to emphasize that it is necessary to press "Restore" while holding the "Shift" key on the keyboard. This is true for Windows computers. Mac users need to press and hold the Alt key.
Now you need to select the iPhone 6 firmware file with the ".ipsw" extension located on your computer's hard drive. Then click "Open" and give an affirmative answer to the system's request to restore the iPhone. iTunes will begin the recovery process, erase all data from your phone memory, and download the new firmware to your device. In this case, the iPhone 6 will be forcibly transferred to the "Recovery Mode" mode, and the phone state will return to the factory settings.
By the way, it is not necessary to pre-download the file with the required iOS version to your computer. This process can be completely trusted to the iTunes application. However, in this case, the latest existing version of iOS will be installed on the phone, even if it does not match the one that was already on the iPhone 6. Otherwise, the procedure will have the same results as with the recovery method described above, that is, the device will be cleared from files and personal data of the user.
How to Recover iPhone from Recovery Mode and DFU Mode?
The process of flashing iPhone 6 from "Recovery Mode" or DFU-mode is absolutely the same, if you do not take into account the need to transfer the phone specifically to one of these two states.
After switching to the required mode, you need to connect the phone to the computer using a USB cable and open the iTunes utility. The app will detect the iPhone 6 in recovery mode. After that, click on the "Restore" inscription on the screen while holding down the "Shift" key on the keyboard (Mac users must press and hold the "Alt" key). Now all that remains is to set the path to the firmware file with the extension ".ipsw" on the local disk of the computer and click on "Open". ITunes will do the rest of the work itself, and the user will only have to wait for the procedure to complete.
Is it possible to reset iPhone settings without updating the operating system?
When it comes to restoring an iPhone 6 using iTunes, as a result of the procedure, the owner receives a phone with the latest version of iOS firmware. Thus, there is a complete update of the built-in software, which is not always necessary for device users. For example, flashing a phone previously locked for a specific mobile operator will lead to the loss of unlocking. The device will stop working with all SIM cards. An exception will be the cards of one single operator, under which the iPhone 6 was originally blocked. Use of the SemiRestore application can help to avoid such results, but this will be discussed in detail in another article.
IPhone update
As mentioned above, there are two ways to update the iPhone 6. The first of them is a procedure that is almost completely identical to the restoration of the phone. This process also uses the iTunes application. The second method is implemented through an Internet connection via Wi-Fi without using a personal computer or laptop.
Updating iPhone from computer via iTunes
To perform this operation, you need to connect your phone to a PC with a USB cable and open iTunes. Then select your own iPhone 6 in the "Devices" menu, and click on "Update" on the phone synchronization tab with the utility. Then you need to confirm the start of the operating system update procedure. In addition, to save time, you can download the file with the required iOS version to the local disk of your computer in advance, and then, when you click on Update, hold down the Shift key on your keyboard. For users of Mac operating systems, the "Alt + Refresh" combination will be relevant. After completing the procedure, the iOS version will be updated to the required one, and all files, personal user information and settings will remain unchanged on the internal memory of the phone.
Updating iPhone using Wi-Fi
Starting with iOS 5.0, the creators of Apple products have provided the ability to update the iPhone 6 operating system using an Internet connection via Wi-Fi without using a computer and iTunes. In phones with such built-in software, an additional option "Software Update" appeared in the settings. At the same time, firmware in this way is possible only if you have access to the Internet via Wi-Fi. So, in order to use this update option, you need to go to the phone settings. Then select the "Basic" section, and there "Software update".
After that, you should click on "Download and install", and in the next window that appears, agree to the terms of use. The iOS update process will start. After completing the procedure, all files, personal user data and phone settings will remain on the iPhone 6. True, such an operation can damage those devices that were previously locked under one mobile operator, and then unlocked.
In conclusion, it is worth emphasizing that using the methods described above for flashing the iPhone 6 operating system will make it possible to save a significant amount of time and money, saving Apple phone owners from the need to constantly visit service centers to repair their devices.
With the release of updates to the mobile operating system iOS, Apple is much more organized than its competing product from Google. And although the number of smartphone models supporting iOS hardly reaches two dozen, the company periodically restricts access to the current firmware version on devices that it considers "morally obsolete."
This is due to both hardware incompatibility and device performance (for example, it is extremely difficult to imagine the iPhone 3GS to work on iOS 10), and to the marketing decision. After all, Apple stops signing past firmware and restricts access to new ones. It is not possible to install unsigned firmware (firmware with expired digital certificate).
Which iOS and on which iPhone you can install - you will find out in this material.
iPhone 2G
Minimum iOS version: iPhone OS 1.0 (1A543a)
IOS maximum version: iOS 3.1.3 (7E18)
Average update size: 91 - 245 MB
The original iPhone is the only device that you can install the first version of the operating system on. Then they were also called like iPhone OS... The latest firmware available for installation on the original iPhone is iOS 3.1.3. Downgrade is available.
iPhone 3G
Minimum iOS version: iOS 2.0 (5A347)
IOS maximum version: iOS 4.2.1 (8C148)
Average update size: 225 - 322 MB
The updated iPhone 3G shipped out of the box with iOS 2.0. The firmware is supported to this day. It is not possible to update above iOS 4.2.1. Please note that Apple does not sign iOS 4.0, 4.0.1 or 4.0.2.
iPhone 3GS
Minimum iOS version: iOS 4.1 (8B117)
IOS maximum version: iOS 6.1.6 (10B500)
Average update size: 382 - 784 MB
With the "high-speed" version of the iPhone 3GS, Apple has done quite generously. The latest firmware version is iOS 6.1.6. But with the version of iOS 5, a strange situation turned out. She no longer subscribes and cannot be installed. At the same time, the lowest possible iOS that will work on a smartphone is iOS 4.1.
iPhone 4 (GSM / CDMA)
Minimum iOS version
IOS maximum version: iOS 7.1.2 (build depends on model)
Average update size: 1.12 GB
The only firmware that can be installed on the iPhone 4 is iOS 7.1.2. Since the iPhone 4, Apple has shut down any options. A complete rejection of skeuomorphism on the part of the company was met by a forced transition to "flat" iOS 7. Be careful when installing, since the iPhone 4 is presented in three versions: GSM, CDMA and GSM (rev. A) 2012. Each must have its own firmware.
iPhone 4s
Minimum iOS version: iOS 9.3.5 (13G36)
IOS maximum version: iOS 9.3.5 (13G36)
Average update size: 1.5 GB
Until September 2016, the iPhone 4s supported the current iOS 9. With the release of iOS 10, Apple limited the installation of new items for a smartphone released 4 years ago.
iPhone 5 and all subsequent models released after 2012
Minimum iOS version: iOS 10.0.2 (14A456)
IOS maximum version: updates are current
The first smartphone to which Apple opened access to the latest iOS 10. Together with the iPhone 5, the current version of iOS 10 can be installed on:
- iPhone 5s, 5c
- iPhone 6, 6 Plus
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 6s, 6s Plus
- iPhone 7, 7 Plus.
At the time of this publication, the current version of iOS 10 remains iOS 10.1. The iOS 10.0.1 firmware version cannot be installed because Apple has stopped signing it.
You can download the latest iOS versions for a specific device on the IPSW.me website. There you can also find out the status of the system's subscription from Apple.
iOS is the simplest operating system in terms of interaction with an inexperienced user, and this is one of the main reasons for the popularity of the iPhone and iPad among absolutely all categories of the population. Almost any user can solve problems that have arisen in the iOS software environment and even make them on their own.
What is iOS and what types of updates are there
So, iOS is a software shell that controls the hardware modules of the iPhone or iPad. The main advantage of this operating system is that it is produced by the manufacturer of mobile gadgets - Apple. In addition, developers of third-party applications also focus on a rather narrow range of devices, which means that there are almost no problems with compatibility, choice of software version and installation.
Another important caveat is that Apple distributes its operating systems for free, without any hidden conditions (required subscriptions for products or services, the presence of paid previous versions, etc.). That is, you can download the current firmware version for your device from the official website, without the risk of installing a pirated copy with malware.
Apple releases 3 types of iOS updates:
1. Official (final).
2. Beta versions for registered developers.
3. Beta versions for regular users registered in.
We talked in more detail about all types of iOS updates.
How to find out which version of iOS is currently installed on your iPhone or iPad
To find out which system controls the device at the moment, you need to go to the menu " Settings → The main → About this device " and pay attention to the line “ Version".
To check for iOS updates for this device, return to the previous menu " Settings → Basic " , select the item " Software Update" and wait for the data to load.
The reasons why updates may not appear on an iOS device are described.
How to install the new (latest) iOS on your iPhone or iPad
The easiest way is to reflash the iPhone “over the air”. To do this, just go to the above-mentioned section “ Settings → The main → Software Update", press the button " Download and install "... This will save all available data on the device. It is important to remember that iOS over-the-air installation should never be done if the device is jailbroken.
To completely reinstall iOS via iTunes, you will need to perform a slightly more complex algorithm of actions, which is described in detail in the material. In this case, you will need an up-to-date version of iOS for a specific iPhone or iPad.
Where to download the latest iOS IPSW files for any iPhone or iPad
Apple does not allow installing outdated versions of the operating system on its mobile devices (i.e. rolling back or downgrading the iOS version), so only the latest firmware released for it will be available for each gadget.
- For iPhone 2G, the latest possible firmware to install is iOS 3.1.3;
- iPhone 3G - iOS 4.2.1;
- iPhone 3Gs - iOS 6.1.6;
- iPhone 4 - iOS 7.1.2;
- iPhone 4s - iOS 9.3.5;
- iPhone 5, iPhone 5c - iOS 10.3.3;
- iPhone 5s - iOS 12.2;
- iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus - iOS 12.2;
- iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus - iOS 12.2;
- iPhone SE - iOS 12.2;
- iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus - iOS 12.2;
- iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus - iOS 12.2;
- iPhone X - iOS 12.2;
- iPhone XR - iOS 12.2 ;
- iPhone XS - iOS 12.2 ;
- iPhone XS Max - iOS 12.2 ;
- iPod Touch 2G - iOS 4.2.1;
- iPod Touch 3G - iOS 5.1.1;
- iPod Touch 4G - iOS 6.1.6;
- iPod Touch 5G - iOS 9.3.5;
- iPod Touch 6G - iOS 12.2;
- iPad 1 - iOS 5.1.1;
- iPad 2 - iOS 9.3.5;
- iPad 3 - iOS 9.3.5;
- iPad 4 - iOS 10.3.3;
- iPad mini 1 - iOS 9.3.5;
- iPad mini 2 - iOS 12.2;
- iPad mini 3 - iOS 12.2;
- iPad mini 4 - iOS 12.2;
- iPad Air 1 - iOS 12.2;
- iPad Air 2 - iOS 12.2;
- iPad Air 2 - iOS 12.2 ;
- 9.7-inch iPad Pro - iOS 12.2 ;
- 10.5-inch iPad Pro - iOS 12.2;
- 11-inch iPad Pro - iOS 12.2 ;
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro - iOS 12.2;
- iPad 2017 - iOS 12.2;
- iPad 2017 - iOS 12.2 .
All the necessary IPSW files for installing iOS can be downloaded from the official Apple website using the links posted
