iPhone - the most popular device from Apple, loved by millions of users around the world. First of all, this smartphone is famous for its stability, which is still very far from other manufacturers. But in rare situations, the system can malfunction, which can be easily fixed if you restore the iPhone through iTunes.
Restoring an iPhone is about returning a device to its factory settings. After the recovery procedure, there will be no photos, contacts, notes and other personal files and settings on your device. IPhone recovery is carried out both to prepare the smartphone for sale and to eliminate various problems associated with long-term use of the device.
To restore an iPhone, you will need, of course, the iPhone itself and a computer with iTunes preinstalled. You can download iTunes for free at the link at the end of the article. If you already have iTunes installed on your computer, check it for updates and update if necessary.
However, if you want to restore the device without updating the firmware, then in addition to the computer you need to download the current version of the firmware that you are using on your iPhone. You can find out the version of iOs as follows: "Settings" - "General" - "About device". 
Next, you need to disable the "Find iPhone" mode on your device. this mode protects against deleting information from the smartphone. To do this, go to the "Settings" - "iCloud" menu and put the switch in the inactive state next to the "Find iPhone" item. 
Now you can go directly to the recovery process. To do this, connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable and wait for iTunes to launch automatically.
Open your iPhone menu in iTunes in the upper right corner of the program and back up your device data. If you previously downloaded the firmware for your device, hold down the Shift key on your keyboard and click the "Restore" button. An explorer will open, in which you need to specify the path to the firmware. 
iTunes will ask you to confirm your intention to restore the iPhone and begin the restore process. This process is automatic and no further action is required from you.
Important! During the recovery process, never disconnect the device from the computer.
After the restoration is complete, you will see a familiar greeting on your apple that you have already met after purchasing the device. If you do not sell your device, then all you have to do is restore all data from a backup. Done!
Many iPad and iPhone owners have faced a situation when, after an unsuccessful update of the operating system or obtaining superuser rights (jailbreak), the device began to slow down, reboot, freeze, or completely stop turning on. There are several ways to solve this problem, which were provided by the iOS manufacturer. Let's consider how to restore normal operation of the gadget after an unsuccessful update using the iPad Air tablet as an example.
Ways to resuscitate iPad
Apple has equipped its products with several powerful tools to restore normal iPad operation even when it won't turn on. These tools include:
- iCloud cloud drive;
- iTunes application.
You can perform resuscitation both to the factory settings and using a backup copy, that is, to the state when the backup was made.
Using cloud storage
First, let's consider the simplest situation: after an unsuccessful update or an attempt to obtain the rights of the main administrator, the iPad Air “lags” a lot, but still turns on, that is, it lets you into its menu. In this case, you can rollback the system through iCloud virtual storage. This rollback method is possible only when the procedure for creating a system backup via iCloud is activated on the tablet.
To enable reservation, you must:
After that, the backups will be written to the iCloud virtual disk every day, of course, if Internet access via Wi-fi is enabled on the tablet.
To restore your iPad to work using an iCloud backup, you need to do the following:
IPad Recovery via iTunes
If your iPad Air is not backed up or does not turn on after an unsuccessful update, iCloud will be useless. In this case, the iTunes utility comes to the rescue, through which you can restore the gadget both with a backup and to the factory state.
First, let's look at the first option, that is, we will try to reanimate the iPad Air using a previously created system backup that is stored on the computer's hard drive:
If, after completing these steps, the iPad does not work or you do not have a copy saved in iTunes, then we proceed to roll back the system to factory settings.
There are two modes for a full OS reset through iTunes:
- Recovery Mode;
The first method is softer. It allows you to restore the operation of the iPad through iTunes using its operating system... DFU mode is loaded bypassing iOS (at the device's hardware level) and is used in cases where the damage is of a deeper nature (for example, if a system update led to the Recovery Mode environment not loading).
To start Recovery Mode you need:
If you are flashing an iPhone, remember that upgrading the firmware will also upgrade the modem version. In most cases, this increase is irreversible! This is okay if you don't need an unlock, but if you have a locked iPhone, you can permanently or permanently lose the ability to call. To upgrade the firmware on locked iPhones, you need to use.
This instruction is valid only for current firmware that is signed by Apple servers.
You can find out which versions of iOS are current on the pages with information on the corresponding firmware, or in ours.
For outdated iOS versions, apply.
- Download the latest version of iTunes from ours and install it (if you haven't already).
- Download the firmware version you need from ours.
- Connect your gadget to your computer. Hold down the Power (on the top) and Home (on the front) buttons for exactly 10 seconds, then release Power, continuing to hold Home for about 8-10 seconds. ITunes will launch and display the following message:
- Click OK.
- If you sync your gadget with iTunes, do it before flashing by clicking the "Sync" button. If you are creating an iCloud backup, go to the "iCloud-Storage and Backups" menu in the device settings. Remember that when restoring, unlike updating, the device's memory is completely formatted, and you can restore content only if you have a backup copy!
- Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard, then click on the "Restore" button. Specify the path to the downloaded iOS file.
- Wait until the firmware is restored and the gadget is loaded in normal mode.
- Before flashing iTunes may give error 3194. There are several reasons for this error, but most often the line in the hosts file is to blame, which could remain after you ran utilities like TinyUmbrella. If you come across it, follow the steps below.
- Find the shortcut to Notepad (for example, in the Start menu), in its context menu, select Run as administrator.
- In the Notepad window, go to the "File-Open" menu.
- Go to the "C: \\ Windows \\ System32 \\ Drivers \\ etc" folder. At the bottom in the drop-down list, select "All files", then you will see the hosts file. Open the file.
- Scroll through the hosts file. If you see a line that contains "gs.apple.com", you need to delete it entirely.
- Close Notepad. Answer affirmatively to the offer to save the file. Then reboot ..
- Try flashing again, chances are good that error 3194 will not appear again.
- In addition, when downgrading the firmware on an iPhone or iPad with a cellular modem, iTunes will most likely give an error from the 1013-1015 range in the middle of the firmware. This is due to the inability to downgrade the modem. To boot the device normally after this error, follow the instructions below.
- Download the latest version of redsn0w for Windows.
- Unpack the archive, place redsn0w on your desktop.
- In the context menu of the redsn0w.exe file, select pu
How to fix error 3194 while flashing
How to fix errors 1013, 1014 or 1015 when flashing
What is iPhone recovery and how it differs from updating should be known to every owner of an iOS device, be it a novice user or a geek. Moreover, all this is quite simple, to say the least - elementary.
For those who are not "in the know", within the framework of today's instructions, we will get acquainted with what constitutes an iPhone flashing, what are the options and methods for flashing, how the restoration of an iOS device differs from updating and how to reflash an iPhone.
Why do we claim that every device owner should have the skills of flashing an iPhone or iPad? It is not good for the owner of such an expensive and exclusive device to run to the service center whenever difficulties arose in the operation of an iOS device at the software level or Apple presented a new version of the iOS mobile operating system. Moreover, the process itself takes no more than 10 minutes and the user, in most cases, requires a minimum of effort.
We will consider the subject of today's instructions using the iPhone as an example, it will be easier for us and for you, dear readers.
What is iPhone firmware?
If we talk about the firmware of an iOS device as a software component, the iPhone's firmware is its software or operating system. Apple calls software for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad shortly iOS, which means iPhone Operation System in English.
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
Re-flashing an iOS device includes 2 processes at once:
- recovery;
- update.
In essence, the processes are identical, in the first and in the second case, as a result of a flashing, a new iOS will be installed on the iPhone. Moreover, the concept of "new" in the case of iPhone recovery does not refer to the version of the operating system, but to its state, in other words - "clean".
IPhone Flashing Methods
You can reflash the iPhone in 2 ways, one of them is universal, i.e. is used for both recovery and update, the second is for update only:
- IPhone firmware via iTunes;
In the first case, the software is downloaded to the computer and, using the iTunes media combine, it is downloaded directly to the iOS device. Relevant 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 over a wireless network (Wi-Fi).
What's the difference between restoring iPhone and updating?
As we already said, restoring or updating an iPhone refers specifically to the software component of the device.
Restoring 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, the device settings will be reset to factory settings.
In a nutshell, restoring your iPhone is resetting your device to its factory state and installing a clean iOS version to the latest version.
IPhone update 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 the update does not remove content and personal data from the Phone.
The result is:
Restore iPhone \u003d 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 iPhone via iTunes, we need:
- the latest version of iTunes (preferred). At the time of this writing, iTunes 11.1.5.5 is relevant. ;
ITunes window stating that update is not required
- a pre-downloaded file with the version currently installed on the iPhone (optional).
ITunes warning on iOS
So, let's say you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer, and you've 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 the iOS device is connected, launch iTunes;
Selecting a device in iTunes
3 Go to the page for configuring device synchronization 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" Reestablish»(For Mac, click Alt + Restore). A window for selecting a firmware file from a local disk will appear;
5 Select the previously downloaded firmware file with the extension “. ipsw " and click on the " Open". Confirm the iPhone recovery request. iTunes will initiate the restore process. No more action is required from you, iTunes will automatically delete all content and download the "fresh" firmware to the internal memory of the iPhone. In this case, the device will be transferred to and the device will be restored to the factory state.
Confirmation of the start of the firmware process in iTunes
iPhone is stitched
It is important to know
The iPhone recovery process can be completely trusted by iTunes, without having to download the firmware file to your hard drive, but after such a recovery, if a more recent version of iOS is available in iTunes, it will be installed on the iPhone. In fact, it will delete content, reset the settings and update the iPhone to the new iOS.
How to Recover 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 one exception, before restoring, you must enter the iPhone in 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 detected iPhone in recovery mode
3. While holding down the " Shift"On the keyboard, click on" Reestablish"(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 further work, wait until the end of the process.
Start iPhone Flashing Process in iTunes
Is it possible to factory reset iPhone without updating iOS?
If we are talking about a "clean" iPhone restore via iTunes, as a result, the device will have the latest version of iOS installed, ie. in fact, the firmware will be updated, and this is not always necessary, especially for owners of jailbroken devices. Why? Because the jailbreak for the current version of the iPhone firmware appears, as a rule, with a great delay, and as a result, updating the iPhone will entail the loss of the jailbreak.
Restoring / Updating a "locked" (locked under a specific mobile operator) iPhone with a jailbreak entails:
- blocking a "locked" iPhone - you cannot connect the device to a 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 "jailbroken" device in your hands.
IPhone update
We already mentioned that there are 2 ways to update an iOS device to the latest version of iOS:
- Connected to a computer via iTunes;
- Directly from an 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 current iOS without connecting to a computer via Wi-Fi.
Updating iPhone from Computer via iTunes
1. Connect iPhone to computer with USB cable and launch iTunes. Go to the "Devices" menu and select your device;
Selecting a device in iTunes
2. On the page for configuring synchronization and settings for connecting the device to iTunes, left-click on " Refresh". Confirm the iPhone update to the latest iOS version.
3. You can save time and not wait for iOS to download to the iTunes service folder by downloading the latest iOS to your hard drive. Using the combination " Shift + Refresh»Initiate a firmware update from the hard drive.
After the update, you will receive an iPhone with the current iOS "on board", all user content and settings will be saved.
Updating iPhone over Wi-Fi
With the advent of iOS 5.0, developers have integrated the ability to update firmware directly into the mobile operating system. Starting with iOS 5.0 and higher, the "Software Update" menu item is available in the iOS device settings. The update is available only when connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi. Cellular internet connection bandwidth does not allow iOS upgrades over a 2G or 3G connection.
1. On iPhone, go to Settings – The main – 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 finish.
It looks like updating iPhone over WiFi
Let us remind you once again that an iOS update does not entail the loss of user data and content and a factory reset, but it is dangerous for "jailbroken" and "locked" devices.
Video how to upgrade to iOS 11 over WiFi on iPhone 6s
Video tutorial to restore and update iPhone
As you can see, there is nothing complicated about flashing the iPhone, which includes updating and restoring. Learning basic skills in operating iOS devices is both useful and saves 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!
One of the key features of iOS is its stability, but there are times when users run into some software problems. However, as practice shows, in most cases it is not at all necessary to carry an apple gadget service. More often than not, problems can be fixed simply by restoring iOS.
Immediately, we note that this material will be primarily useful to those who are just starting to get acquainted with apple products. Therefore, in addition to recovery, we will also mention one more process associated with flashing the device - update.
First, you need to understand how recovery differs from updating.
- When restoring, users will receive a "clean" device with the latest version of iOS. In the process of restoring from the memory of the gadget, photos, videos, music and personal data will be given, and the device settings will be reset to factory settings.
- When updating, the latest version of iOS is installed on the device, and all data remains intact.
IOS Recovery:
1) Recovery via iTunes
To do this, you will need:
1. the latest version of the iTunes app and install it.
2. file with the latest version of the iOS system (at the moment it is 8.1.3).
3. Disable Find My iPhone on your mobile device.
4. Launch iTunes and connect iPhone to computer with cable.
5. In iTunes, go to the mobile sync tab.
6. Hold down the Shift key (for Mac - Alt) and click the Restore button.
7. In the window that appears, find and open the file with the iOS system.
8. After confirming the restoration, the application itself will do all the necessary actions.
As mentioned above, when restoring from the iPhone, all data, applications and other information will be erased, only a "clean" system will remain.
It is possible to restore without downloading a file with the system. In this case, you just need to click on the "Restore" button in iTunes. The only difference is that Apple's media combine will download the firmware file on its own.
IPhone Recovery Video Tutorial:
IOS Recovery from DFU Mode and Recovery Mode
In addition to the normal mode, the apple gadget can be in DFU Mode or Recovery Mode. The procedure for restoring iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch from Recovery Mode or Firmware Update Mode (DFU Mode) is almost the same as described above. The only thing users need to do before restoring is to switch the gadget to Recovery Mode or DFU Mode.
To switch to Recovery Mode you need:
1. Completely disable the gadget in any way possible.
2. Press and hold the Home button.
3. Connect iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. While holding down the Home button, connect your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch to your computer using a USB cable.
4. Wait until the image with the iTunes icon and USB cable appears on the screen.
After that, the gadget will be transferred to Recovery Mode.
To switch to DFU mode, you need:
1. Connect your device to your computer.
2. Turn off your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.
3. On the switched off device, simultaneously press the buttons "Home" and "Power".
4. Keep both buttons pressed for 10 seconds.
5. After 10 seconds, release the "Power" button, while continuing to hold the "Home" button pressed.
6. Hold the Home button until the computer recognizes the iPhone in DFU mode.
IOS update
There are currently two main ways to update the firmware:
- Using iTunes.
- Update over the air directly from the device.
Updating with iTunes
1. Launch the latest version of iTunes and connect your device to your computer.
2. In iTunes, go to the sync tab with a mobile device and click on the "Update" button.
3. Confirm the update process.
If you downloaded the update file in advance, you can specify the path to it using the previously suggested method (Hold the Shift key (for Mac - Alt)) and save time on downloading the update.
IOS update over Wi-Fi
You can also update your mobile device wirelessly, without using iTunes or connecting your iPhone to your computer. This feature is available for all devices with iOS 5.0 and higher.
The procedure in this case is as follows:
1. In iOS Settings, go to Basic.
2. In this tab select Software update.
3. Click on the Install button.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the installation to complete.
Both methods of updating are equivalent and do not differ in the final result. No settings, data, apps, or other options will be affected or removed.
