Users often encounter situations where the system notifies them of the availability of a new operating system version, but the device is running low on space and there's no stable internet connection. In such cases, the standard over-the-air update method becomes impossible, causing panic among inexperienced device owners. However, Apple engineers have provided alternative methods that allow the procedure to be performed via a personal computer.
Using a wired connection not only bypasses internal storage limitations but also ensures a more stable data transfer process. This is especially important for owners of older iPhone models, which may not support fast downloads of large data packets over a cellular network. Furthermore, this method is often the only solution if the current version of iOS is unstable.
In this article, we'll cover all the preparation steps, the required software, and the step-by-step instructions for successfully installing the new firmware. You'll learn how to properly configure your computer, which cables to use, and what to do if the process is interrupted. The key is to follow the steps precisely to avoid software failures.
Preparing the device and backing up
Before attempting any manipulation of system files, it's critical to secure your personal data. Reinstalling the operating system, especially in recovery mode, can completely erase your data. Backup This is a step that only those who skip it regret. Even if you're just planning to update, keeping your photos and contacts safe should be a priority.
You can create a backup via iCloud if you have at least some internet access, or locally on your computer. A local backup is preferable in this situation, as it doesn't rely on internet speed or cloud storage. To do this, connect your device to your PC and select the appropriate option in the management program interface.
Make sure the battery is charged to at least 50-60%. Although the device will be connected to a power source during the process, power surges or accidental cable disconnection can be fatal to the process of writing system partitions. Also, check the integrity of the Lightning or USB-C cable: frayed or kinked cables can lead to connection interruptions at the most crucial moment.
It's important to free up space on your computer. Temporary files created by the firmware download intermediary can take up 5 to 10 GB of disk space. If your system drive is full, the process may fail long before the actual installation begins.
☑️ Preparing for the update
Using iTunes for Windows and older macOS
For Windows users and owners of computers running macOS Mojave and later, iTunes remains the primary tool. It's the official and most reliable way to interact with the file system of iOS devices. Before you begin, make sure you have the latest version of this software installed, as older versions may not recognize new phone models or lack the latest drivers.
After connecting your device to your computer via cable, launch iTunes and wait for the phone icon to appear in the upper left corner of the window. Click it to access the device management menu. In the "Overview" section, you'll see the "Update" button. It's important not to confuse this with the "Restore" button, which completely erases your data.
⚠️ Attention: If iTunes requires you to unlock your device's screen to verify trust, be sure to do so. Without verifying your trusted computer, further actions will be impossible.
When you click the "Update" button, the program will prompt you to download the latest available version of iOS. Unlike updating over Wi-Fi, the firmware file is downloaded to your computer's hard drive and then transferred to your phone. This allows you to interrupt the download and resume it later if your internet connection is unstable. The download process occurs in the background, but the device's screen will be blocked with the Apple logo and progress bar.
If the standard update fails and the program returns an error, you can try downloading the firmware file (IPSW) manually from the official Apple website (or trusted resources) and install it by holding down the key Shift (on Windows) or Option (on Mac) by clicking the "Update" button. This will allow you to select a specific file to install.
Using Finder on macOS Catalina and later
Starting with macOS Catalina, Apple retired iTunes, dividing its functionality across multiple apps. Smartphones and tablets are now managed directly through Finder. This simplifies the process, making the interface more modern and faster. Connect your device to your Mac using the original cable or a certified replacement.
Open Finder and locate your device in the left sidebar, under "Locations." When you first connect, the system may request permission to access data. After authorization, you'll see the main window with information about the model, capacity, and iOS version. The "General" tab contains all the necessary tools for system management.
The process is similar to iTunes: click "Check for Updates," then "Download and Update." The system will automatically download the required package and begin installation. The advantage of working through Finder in macOS is better driver optimization, which reduces the likelihood of communication errors during large data transfers.
During the update process, your computer may prompt you to enter your device password or Apple ID several times. This is a security mechanism to prevent unauthorized software changes. Don't ignore these prompts, or the process may freeze. Also, make sure your Mac has disabled any power-saving modes that could put USB ports to sleep.
Recovery Mode and DFU: When a Regular Update Fails
Sometimes the standard update procedure is blocked by software errors, and the device gets stuck in a reboot loop or simply refuses to respond to commands. In such cases, Recovery mode (Recovery Mode). This is a special diagnostic mode that allows you to restore software while ignoring the current system state.
To enter this mode, different models use different button combinations. On iPhone 8 and later, as well as iPads with Face ID, quickly press and release the volume up button, then the volume down button, then press and hold the side button until the device enters recovery mode (an image of a cable and computer appears). On older models with a Home button, you need to press and hold the Home button and the side button.
⚠️ Attention: Entering Recovery Mode may erase your data if you select the "Restore" option. Be careful when choosing this option in iTunes or Finder.
The computer will detect the device in recovery mode and offer the options "Update" or "Restore." Selecting "Update" will attempt to reinstall iOS without deleting your data, preserving your photos and apps. If this doesn't work, you'll need to use "Restore," which will restore the phone to factory settings. This is why the backup tip at the beginning of this article was so important.
For more in-depth diagnostics there is a mode DFU (Device Firmware Update). In this mode, the device's bootloader fails to load and the screen remains black, but the computer sees the device as ready for flashing. This is a "hardcore" method that helps fix bootloader errors, but requires precise button timing.
How to enter DFU mode on iPhone 8 and later
Connect your phone to the PC. Press and release "Volume Up." Press and release "Volume Down." Press and hold the Side button for 10 seconds. Without releasing the Side button, press and hold "Volume Down" for another 5 seconds. Release the Side button, continuing to hold "Volume Down" for another 10 seconds. The screen should remain black.
Comparison of update methods and possible errors
Understanding the differences between update methods helps you choose the right solution. OTA (Over-The-Air) is convenient, but depends on network and location. Updating via a computer is more stable, but requires a PC and cable. Below is a table comparing the key characteristics of these approaches.
| Characteristic | Over-the-air (OTA) update | Update via PC/Mac | DFU mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required space on the device | 5-10 GB | Minimum (file on PC) | Minimum |
| Internet addiction | High (stable Wi-Fi) | Low (download only) | Low (download only) |
| Risk of data loss | Short | Average (depending on actions) | High (often requires resetting) |
| Installation speed | Slower | Faster (via USB 3.0) | Faster |
One of the most common errors is code 4013 or 4005 in iTunes. These often indicate a hardware issue: a faulty cable, a bad USB port, or a problem with the phone's charging port itself. Before panicking, try replacing the cable with the original one and connecting it to a different port, preferably directly to the motherboard rather than through a USB hub.
Another common issue is lack of disk space on your computer. iTunes creates temporary firmware files, and if the disk is full, the download will be interrupted. Regularly empty your trash and temporary files. Antivirus software or a firewall can also block iTunes' connection to Apple servers, so it's best to temporarily disable them during the update.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to update iOS via mobile internet (3G/4G/5G)?
Technically, starting with iOS 13, Apple allowed updates over cellular data, but only if the update file is smaller than 200 MB. Full major updates (for example, from iOS 16 to iOS 17) are several gigabytes in size, so downloading them over cellular data using standard means is not possible. You'll need either Wi-Fi or a computer.
What to do if iTunes doesn't detect your iPhone?
Try replacing the USB cable with a known-good one. Check that the Apple Mobile Device Support driver is installed (on Windows). Also, try restarting your computer and phone. If the device hasn't connected to this PC before, you may see a "Trust this computer?" prompt on your phone screen.
How long does it take to update via cable?
The time depends on your internet speed (for downloading the file) and the speed of your USB port. The download can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour. The installation itself typically takes 10-15 minutes. In DFU mode, the process may be slightly faster since it doesn't waste time verifying user data.
Will jailbreak tweaks disappear after the update?
Yes, installing a new version of iOS will completely remove the jailbreak and all associated tweaks. Furthermore, Apple frequently patches jailbreak vulnerabilities, so after updating, your device may become unjailbreakable for an extended period of time. Be sure to make a full backup before updating.
Is it possible to roll back to an older version of iOS?
Apple only signs the most current versions of iOS. Once the company stops signing an older version (usually a few weeks after the release of a new one), it's officially impossible to downgrade to it. You can check the signing status of versions on specialized resources before updating.