libimobiledevice/idevicerestore
FreeRestore/upgrade firmware of iOS devices
FreeFree tier
About libimobiledevice/idevicerestore
idevicerestore is a command-line tool that reimplements the full process of restoring firmware files to iOS devices. It supports upgrades and downgrades, subject to Apple's SHSH blob signing, and can download the latest firmware, cache it locally, and restore from an IPSW archive or directory. Additional features include restoring custom firmware (with bootrom exploit), skipping NOR/baseband upgrades, fetching and saving TSS records as .shsh files, and putting limera1n devices into pwned DFU mode. It is cross-platform (tested on Linux, macOS, Windows, Android) and has been developed since 2010. The tool operates at a low level and can destroy user data irreversibly, so backups are essential.
Key Features
Restore firmware to iOS devices from IPSW archive or directory
Download and cache the latest available firmware for a device
Support for restore with custom firmware (requires bootrom exploit)
Option to skip NOR/baseband upgrade during restore
Fetch TSS records and save them as .shsh files
Put devices in pwned DFU mode (limera1n devices only)
Use custom AP ticket from a file
Cross-platform: Linux, macOS, Windows, Android
Active development since 2010
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open source with active community and long development history
- Cross-platform availability on Linux, macOS, Windows, and Android
- Granular control over restore steps (baseband, NOR, AP tickets)
- Supports custom firmware and pwned DFU for advanced users
- Can automatically download firmware and cache locally
Cons
- Irreversibly destroys user data if not careful (backup required)
- Downgrades only possible if Apple still signs the firmware (SHSH blobs)
- Pwned DFU mode limited to devices with limera1n bootrom exploit
- No official GUI – command-line only
- Building from source required on some platforms (advanced setup)
Best For
Restoring or upgrading iOS device firmware manuallyDowngrading iOS firmware when SHSH blobs are availableRestoring custom firmware for jailbroken devicesSaving SHSH blobs for future iOS versionsBypassing baseband or NOR updates during a restore
FAQ
Can idevicerestore destroy my data?
Yes, the tool warns that it can permanently erase user data. It is essential to back up your device before attempting a restore.
Do I need SHSH blobs to downgrade firmware?
Yes, downgrading requires SHSH blobs from Apple because the firmware must be signed. The tool can fetch and save these blobs, but availability depends on Apple's current signing window.