If this is your first time encountering a problem with the firmware of your device, do not panic. Users of iPhone, iPad, iPod touch have the opportunity to restore or update the firmware themselves. This can be done in several ways: both through the settings of the device itself, and using a computer and a USB cable. Let's look at these methods in more detail.

Features of iPhone, iPad and iPod touch firmware

Device firmware is the operating system with which a phone or tablet performs all its standard functions. In other words, firmware is the basis, the software content that makes the device work.

Firmware update

iPad, iPhone, iPod touch devices run on iOS firmware. From time to time, Apple releases a new version of firmware for its devices - without errors and shortcomings made earlier. Also, new useful functions and programs appear in the latest versions. In order for the device to work as correctly as possible and have all the currently available additions, it is necessary to update its firmware to the latest version.

Firmware recovery

The firmware can also be restored. The need for this arises if the device stops working due to an unknown error.

There are two recovery options:

  • simple recovery, in which all settings, installed programs and downloaded contents of the device will be reset to factory settings (that is, only the standard set of programs will remain on the device, everything else will be deleted);
  • restoring from a backup, which will roll back the firmware to the point when the backup was last created or updated (in this case, all personal data, installed applications and user-downloaded content will remain on the device).

Is it possible to restore and update firmware hacked using Jailbreak?

If your device has been jailbroken, you will most likely encounter problems updating or restoring its firmware. For example, the device may freeze or the process may be interrupted before completion. It is strongly recommended that before starting a restore or update, you delete all applications downloaded from the Cydia store or installed through other unofficial means.

When restoring through iTunes, you will receive a notification that the program will not be able to transfer purchased applications. That is, only those applications that were purchased through the App Store will be restored.

Possible problems when updating your device

If you try to update the firmware of your iPhone 4 or 4S to iOS 8 or later, you will most likely receive one of the possible errors. They arise due to the fact that the device’s hardware is already outdated and cannot support functions that appeared in the latest firmware versions. If you do manage to update the firmware, the device may freeze a lot because the load will be too great.

How to restore device firmware

The firmware can be restored via iTunes in three ways: through the application itself on the computer, using Recovery Mode or DFU Mode. You can also restore the firmware through the device settings, without resorting to a computer or iTunes.

Recovery Mode is a recovery mode that is available on all iOS devices. Used if the device does not turn on or cannot be restored through the iTunes application settings for other reasons. When you put the device into this mode, you issue an emergency command to iTunes, which will inform it that it needs to be restored.

DFU Mode is a bootloader mode that is used to completely reinstall the device software. When using this mode, all components necessary for the operation of the operating system are created anew.

Restore via device settings and Wi-Fi

To restore, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the “Reset” subsection.
  2. Select the "Reset content and settings" option.
  3. Confirm the action.
  4. If you have backed up the firmware via iTunes or iCloud, then select the option to restore from the iTunes or iCloud copy, respectively.
  5. If there is no backup or you do not want to use it, then select the “Set up as a new device” option.

Recovery via iTunes

For this method, you will need the iTunes application installed on your computer. You can download it from the official Apple website for Windows and Mac OS.

Once the application is installed on your PC, do the following:

  1. Launch iTunes.
  2. Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable.
  3. Wait for authorization to complete and click on the icon of your device.
  4. Go to the "Overview" section.
  5. Select the "Restore" option to begin the process of restoring the firmware without a backup.
  6. Select the "Restore from copy" option to select one of the backups and begin the recovery process.
  7. Confirm the action in the window that opens.

Recovery via Recovery Mode

This method also requires iTunes installed on your computer and a USB cable.

Follow the instructions:

Video: how to restore firmware on iPhone 6 yourself

Recovery via DFU Mode

This method is similar to the previous one, but putting the device into bootloader mode is a little more complicated:

How to update device firmware

You can update the firmware version in two ways: through settings and Wi-Fi or using iTunes and a USB cable.

Update via Settings and Wi-Fi

Follow these steps:

  1. Connect your device to any stable Wi-Fi network.
  2. Open Settings and go to General.

    Go to the “Basic” section in the phone settings

  3. Go to the “Software Update” subsection.
  4. Wait while your device automatically checks for available updates and prompts you to download them.
  5. Click "Download and Install".
  6. Confirm the action.
  7. Wait until the update installation process completes. It may take from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the firmware size and device model.

With the release of each new version of the operating system, all product owners Apple a natural question arises: how can they update iOS on his own iPad(or another gadget). And do they need it at all? We will try to describe in detail: why this is needed and how to do it in the best way.

Why do you need to update?

For all users who want to get the most out of their tablet, updating the software is vital. This is primarily due to the fact that most utilities for Apple devices are developed specifically for the latest versions of the OS. These programs may simply not run on an iPad with old firmware. As a result, the user of such a device cannot fully (as efficiently as possible) use his property.

To install updated software, you can contact specially trained people working in service centers. True, this service is paid and quite expensive. Or you can try to figure out this issue yourself. Moreover, this does not require any specific knowledge and skills. Any modern person, if he finds a little free time, will be able to cope with this operation on his own and without much difficulty.

Currently the latest software version for Apple devices is iOS 11.3. It introduced new augmented reality features, making it the world's largest AR platform. A few days ago, Apple released an update 11.3.1(15E302), where I fixed the problem with the touchscreen not working on non-original displays.

How to update iOS on iPad: preliminary preparation

Experienced people recommend performing a clean installation of iOS. It consists of first deleting all data previously recorded on the device. This significantly improves the further operation of the tablet (or smartphone). But first, the user needs to take a number of actions that will protect him from possible problems, namely:

  • backup data (make a backup);
  • copy the old version of the OS (in case you suddenly want to return to it in the future);
  • prepare enough free space in memory (the update is large, several GB);
  • make sure that the device is connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi (you will have to download a lot).

It is strongly recommended that you connect the tablet to a power source (or the battery must be fully charged). The operation is very energy-intensive, and if the battery dies during the installation process, everything will have to start over.

In order to install the new version, you need to download the firmware file using the wireless update mechanism (Firmware Over The Air). The operation is performed in the Settings application (“ Settings» >> « Basics» >> « Software Update"). You can also use iTunes and your computer (laptop) to install updated software.

How to update iOS on iPad via PC

This method is the only one possible for Apple devices older than version 5. Over-the-air updates have become available for all newer smartphones and tablets.

First you need to make sure that you have iTunes latest version (if not, then you need to update it). During the iTunes installation process, you will also need to install iCloud(to be able to use the storage). After installing these programs, connect your tablet to your PC and begin installing the update.

If the system has already been updated before, the software update on your iPad will occur automatically.

  1. Launch iTunes, and when the update request appears, click “Cancel.”
  2. Then you need to connect the device and wait a while for automatic synchronization to begin. If this does not happen, you need to select the “File” section in the menu and click “Synchronize”.
  3. Select the connected iPad in the “Devices” section.
  4. On the screen of your tablet, click “Update”.

The process has begun. The update will take some time, during which the device will reboot several times. This is a normal process and there should be no cause for concern.

How to update iOS on iPad wirelessly

This feature is available to all Apple devices from version 5 and higher. The method is simpler and faster than using a computer. But you need to take care of having stable access to a Wi-Fi point. In the absence of such a connection, the iPad will download gigabytes through a 3G/4G connection, which will ultimately eat up most of your monthly Internet traffic. You will have to buy and pay for additional traffic.

The operating system update is installed in the following sequence:

  1. go to the section " Settings»;
  2. find the subsection " Basic"(in the column on the left);
  3. select the item “ Software Update»;
  4. launch the operation " Download and install».

The process starts automatically. It usually doesn’t last long (the duration depends on the Wi-Fi speed). Once the OS update is complete, the iPad will reboot and the user will immediately be able to use the newly acquired software features. And there are enough of them in the new version.

How to update iOS on iPad: major changes in the OS

Each new firmware contains new functions that were previously unavailable to the user. In version iOS 11.3, the main changes concern expanding the possibilities for using augmented reality. Updated platform ARKit 1.5 allows you to create and place virtual objects not only on horizontal surfaces, but also on vertical ones. This gives great opportunities when choosing design options for an apartment or office. You can not only (as in previous versions) arrange virtual wardrobes and chests of drawers, but also experiment with different types of wallpaper, wall lamps, shelves, etc.

Also in the new version of the OS, the “Health” application has been further developed; information about the battery status will be displayed, Apple Music clips will appear. In general, the user will have something to understand by studying the changes that have occurred in his mobile device.

Update iOS to the latest version in two ways - using the progressive media player iTunes or directly from a smartphone, tablet or player via a wireless network. There are no functional differences between the methods - the difference is in the way the update files are downloaded. In the first case, Apple equipment will have to be connected to the PC via USB, in the second, you will have to download data using Wi-Fi (intermediate updates can take up from 100 megabytes to several gigabytes of free space; downloading such volumes using a mobile network is too long and also expensive ).

Preparing your gadget for an update

And one more thing - both methods of updating iOS must always start with the same procedure - the process of creating a backup copy of the entire system as a whole. And there are two options:

Updating iOS from a gadget

The software update procedure begins with a mandatory connection to a Wi-Fi network. The connection must be stable and fast enough to download the required set of files. All that remains is to proceed according to the instructions described below:

By the way, you can not update immediately, but at a certain time; you should choose not the “Download and install” option, which is described above, but click on the “Install later” item, after which you will be able to set a time period for the update. It is important to remember that the device must be charged, otherwise the system will not comply with the instructions.

And one more thing - the software installation will not begin until the user enters the lock password.

From computer

An alternative option to install the latest version of iOS is to download the media player, install (if an update is required, you must agree, otherwise access to the latest versions of the software may be blocked) and connect your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch to your computer using USB.


Possible errors during update

There may be several reasons why there are problems downloading updates:

  • Lack of free space. Even before the procedure starts, the iOS operating system will try to automatically free up some space on the internal memory - it will move application data to cloud storage, delete information about past updates, or try to compress photos. If there is still little space, then users will have to manually look into “Storage” in “Settings” and delete at least a few programs, songs or videos that have not been needed for a long time;
  • Resetting the update due to a long download. If the gadget cannot quickly save the necessary files from Wi-Fi, then the process is immediately reset. The problem can be solved either by updating via iTunes or by searching for a more stable wireless network for communication;
  • Error accessing servers. There is no specific way to avoid such notification. Therefore, you will have to try different methods, starting from a standard reboot of the mobile device and up to resetting all settings to the factory level;
  • If your smartphone stops turning on, go through the recovery procedure via iTunes. The firmware file must be downloaded from the website;
  • . If none of the above options helped solve the problem with installing new software, then all you have to do is go to “Settings”, then “General”, and then “iPhone Storage”. In the list of programs and applications already installed in the system, you need to find the “iOS update” item and click on the “Delete” button. Afterwards, all you have to do is restart the device and check for updates again. Most likely, this time everything will work as originally expected.

How to enable or disable auto-update?

The auto-update feature is still not available on all iOS operating systems below version 12. If the required version is already installed, then you can interact with the available settings in the “General”, “Software Update” menu. A kind of slider will appear there, which must be moved to the active position.

The function works as follows: a smartphone, tablet or player will determine the time when the user does not need equipment, and then in the background it will contact the server, download the necessary files and begin the update procedure. If there are too many files, then the device will definitely display a notification on the screen - they say, a lot of time is needed, is it possible to switch to operating mode for the benefit of the operating system?

Apple users can be sure that their gadgets will always receive the highest possible hardware updates. That is, if the iPad “pulls” the new iOS, then it will receive it. Unlike competitors who provide their operating system to manufacturers of final tablets, that is, create an extra link between themselves and the user, the Cupertino company performs all the stages itself. This allows her to interact directly with the buyer, which translates into relevant and timely device support. Closer to the topic of the article, this means for the end user that he is in the forefront of receiving new versions of system applications and the operating system without having to look for them himself. This concern for users is what sets Apple apart from other IT giants.

To ensure security, the system must be updated regularly

Like the vast majority of other actions affecting the system, this will be done through iTunes. If you left the iPad settings in the recommended state, that is, “Default,” then you already have automatic checking for updates turned on. Otherwise, you will have to look after it yourself. But if you have already made this choice, then you probably know what you are doing. So we leave it up to you.

So, in order to keep your iPad up to date, iOS on it needs to be updated regularly. As you undoubtedly understand, we are talking not only about interface changes, but also about fixing security errors and incorrect operation of system components. The need to update your iPad does not appear out of thin air. As soon as a system becomes popular, the likelihood that attackers will pay attention to it increases significantly. Their calculation is simple: if people use it, it means they store their personal data there. And what is made by people, people can break. There are no absolutely secure systems; this is an illusion. Therefore, there is a constant arms race between software developers and reverse engineers. The task of an iPad user is simple - regularly update iOS on your device to fix all critical security errors.

But this is not the only reason. The human factor may well work with Apple's own programmers, and they may make a mistake that causes the tablet to not work properly. If you have found yourself in a situation where a system application suddenly crashes with an error or, in general, reboots your tablet, then you understand what we are talking about. So, it’s worth updating iOS on the iPad precisely because most of these critical errors are eliminated in this way. Sometimes even the “brakes” of the system were eventually removed by Apple with the help of an operating system update.

Update process using iTunes

As we have already said, it will require iTunes on a pre-selected trusted computer. To update, for example, iPad 1 to iOS 7, you just need to connect it to your PC. iTunes will see the connected tablet and display it in its left tab. Select the “Browse” item and click the “Update” button. Your tablet will be updated to the latest current version of the operating system, which iTunes will automatically download from Apple servers. In this case, he will perform all the required operations himself. So this is probably the easiest way to upgrade. However, the other method is also no more difficult.

Update without iTunes

More and more people are abandoning personal computers at home altogether. Mobile devices are pushing them out of our apartments, because they are more than enough for everyday tasks. In this situation, Apple did not support the dependence of its devices on personal computers, and new iPad models, like all other lines of devices, can be updated without iTunes and, accordingly, without connecting to a computer at all. To do this, you just need to have a sufficient battery level. If there is an outlet nearby, then it makes sense to connect the charger, because updating iOS on an iPad is, as you will see, quite an energy-consuming process. In addition, new firmware can really weigh a lot. Therefore, if possible, it is worth using a Wi-Fi network when you see an update message on the iPad screen. You can also check their availability yourself in the settings. After clicking the “Download and Install” button, the tablet will do almost everything itself. You don’t even have to worry about whether there is enough space to install the update, because if necessary, the tablet itself will upload the installed applications to the cloud, and then restore it to its original location. Of course, he will give you a notification with this question, and if you answer in the affirmative, then everything will happen. Sometimes it happens that downloading an update is convenient for you, but stopping the tablet from working is not very convenient. This is a normal situation, so iOS, after downloading the package, will ask whether to start the process right now. You can select the "Later" option, and there are "Tonight" and "Ask Later" options. If you chose the first, then do not forget to connect the charger before going to bed. If it’s convenient for you right now, then select the appropriate item, and all you have to do is wait for the process to complete. Your iPad is now fully updated and ready to use.

Ending the process

As you can see, you can update iOS on iPad either using a PC or without it, which frees up your hands. Under certain conditions (charger and unlimited Internet), you can generally update on the go! This freedom of action perfectly reflects the company's concern for users. If we talk about the frequency of updates and their quality, then Apple, as always, is at its best. All bugs, errors and vulnerabilities are closed and fixed in the shortest possible time, and released tablets receive updates even when the owner no longer particularly hopes for them. Keeping your tablet and operating system up to date will ensure you have comfortable and safe work on it, so don’t forget to keep an eye on this issue.

Apple users can be sure that their gadgets will always receive the highest possible hardware updates. That is, if the iPad “pulls” the new iOS, then it will receive it. Unlike competitors who provide their operating system to manufacturers of final tablets, that is, create an extra link between themselves and the user, the Cupertino company performs all the stages itself. This allows her to interact directly with the buyer, which translates into relevant and timely device support. Closer to the topic of the article, this means for the end user that he is in the forefront of receiving new versions of system applications and the operating system without having to look for them himself. This concern for users is what sets Apple apart from other IT giants.

To ensure security, the system must be updated regularly

Like the vast majority of other actions affecting the system, this will be done through iTunes. If you left the iPad settings in the recommended state, that is, “Default,” then you already have automatic checking for updates turned on. Otherwise, you will have to look after it yourself. But if you have already made this choice, then you probably know what you are doing. So we leave it up to you.

So, in order to keep your iPad up to date, iOS on it needs to be updated regularly. As you undoubtedly understand, we are talking not only about interface changes, but also about fixing security errors and incorrect operation of system components. The need to update your iPad does not appear out of thin air. As soon as a system becomes popular, the likelihood that attackers will pay attention to it increases significantly. Their calculation is simple: if people use it, it means they store their personal data there. And what is made by people, people can break. There are no absolutely secure systems; this is an illusion. Therefore, there is a constant arms race between software developers and reverse engineers. The task of an iPad user is simple - regularly update iOS on your device to fix all critical security errors.

But this is not the only reason. The human factor may well work with Apple's own programmers, and they may make a mistake that causes the tablet to not work properly. If you have found yourself in a situation where a system application suddenly crashes with an error or, in general, reboots your tablet, then you understand what we are talking about. So, it’s worth updating iOS on the iPad precisely because most of these critical errors are eliminated in this way. Sometimes even the “brakes” of the system were eventually removed by Apple with the help of an operating system update.

Update process using iTunes

As we have already said, it will require iTunes on a pre-selected trusted computer. To update, for example, iPad 1 to iOS 7, you just need to connect it to your PC. iTunes will see the connected tablet and display it in its left tab. Select the “Browse” item and click the “Update” button. Your tablet will be updated to the latest current version of the operating system, which iTunes will automatically download from Apple servers. In this case, he will perform all the required operations himself. So this is probably the easiest way to upgrade. However, the other method is also no more difficult.

Update without iTunes

More and more people are abandoning personal computers at home altogether. Mobile devices are pushing them out of our apartments, because they are more than enough for everyday tasks. In this situation, Apple did not support the dependence of its devices on personal computers, and new iPad models, like all other lines of devices, can be updated without iTunes and, accordingly, without connecting to a computer at all. To do this, you just need to have a sufficient battery level. If there is an outlet nearby, then it makes sense to connect the charger, because updating iOS on an iPad is quite an energy-intensive process, as you will see. In addition, it can really “weigh” a lot. Therefore, if possible, it is worth using a Wi-Fi network when you see an update message on the iPad screen. You can also check their availability yourself in the settings. After clicking the “Download and Install” button, the tablet will do almost everything itself. You don’t even have to worry about whether there is enough space to install the update, because if necessary, the tablet itself will upload the installed applications to the cloud, and then restore it to its original location. Of course, he will give you a notification with this question, and if you answer in the affirmative, then everything will happen. Sometimes it happens that downloading an update is convenient for you, but stopping the tablet from working is not very convenient. This is a normal situation, so iOS, after downloading the package, will ask whether to start the process right now. You can select the "Later" option, and there are "Tonight" and "Ask Later" options. If you chose the first, then do not forget to connect the charger before going to bed. If it’s convenient for you right now, then select the appropriate item, and all you have to do is wait for the process to complete. Your iPad is now fully updated and ready to use.

Last night, after two months of preliminary testing, Apple released new firmware to owners of all compatible iPhone, iPad and iPod touch models. Even after the release of the very first beta version of iOS 10.3, it became known that along with the update to iOS 10.3 firmware, Apple is transferring all its mobile devices from HFS+ to APFS (Apple File System), which was announced in June last year at WWDC 2017.

As Apple notes, with the transition to a new generation file system, the performance of mobile devices will significantly increase, and copying files or directories will be carried out almost instantly. While the transition to APFS should not affect the data and information stored on your device, we still strongly recommend that you create a backup before you update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to iOS 10.3.

How to properly update your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch to iOS 10.3

Backup using iTunes

1. Simply connect your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch to your computer and launch iTunes if it doesn't launch automatically when it detects a connected device.

2. Select your device. If you want to create an encrypted backup, check the box next to Encrypt Backup. Now click the “Back Up Now” button to start backing up your device data to your computer.

Backup using iCloud

1. Make sure your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch is connected to Wi-Fi and at least 50% charged, and only then go to Settings -> iCloud -> Backup.

2. Activate the iCloud Backup feature and then click on Back Up to start backing up your device data to iCloud.