An iOS offline installer comes useful when the OTA based software update fails on an Apple device. The incremental iOS updates cease installing when there is a storage or network connectivity issue. It results in iPhone showing errors like “unable to check/verify update.” Thankfully, it is possible to download iOS 13 and older versions like iOS 12 directly from Apple as a full installer. One may use then use the downloaded file (iOS IPSW) to update multiple devices offline or fix issues with installation.
Download iOS 13/12 offline installer for iPhone
Recently I had to download iOS 13.4 IPSW for resetting my iPhone and test an issue with my contact photos. Of course, you can do it from the iPhone’s settings, but “factory reset” is a safer option when you want to sell your device. Also, an offline software update is the best way to recover an iPhone if it’s boot loader is corrupt, the screen is stuck, or it is not getting detected on a desktop system.
Downloading iOS offline installer helps you fix the software update issues like,
- Unable to verify update- iOS 13.4 failed verification because you are no longer connected to the internet.
- Unable to check for update- an error occurred while checking for a software update.
Some of the jailbreaking tools for the iPhone also needs iOS IPSW for offline update requiring through a desktop computer.
Apple does not provide a direct link for the iOS installer on their website or other public platforms. So one has to search the internet to find the iOS IPSW links every time if he wishes to do an offline restore. The disadvantage here is the size of the iOS offline installer, which is above 3 GB when you download the full file.
Direct link for downloading iOS 13.4/12.4.5 IPSW (iPhone software)
Sometimes, the older iPhone might not get a direct update to iOS 13.0. You may need to download the next major/final release and then update it to iOS 13.4. But if your device supports, It is always good to download the latest version iOS in the offline mode and get the future updates through iPhone’s built-in system. Those who want to know, here is the changelog for iOS 13.4 for iPhone.
Visit the official website for the changes in older versions of iOS.
Download iOS 13.4 IPSW for iPhone 11 Pro/11 Pro Max, iPhone XS/ XS Max (Click here)
Download iOS 13.4 IPSW for iPhone 11 and iPhone XR (Click here), iPhone X (Click here)
Download iOS 13.4 IPSW for iPhone 7 Plus and 8 Plus (Click here), iPhone 7 & 8 (Click here).
Download iOS 13.4 IPSW for iPhone 6S Plus (Click here), iPhone 6S (Click here), iPhone SE (Click here)
As you might know, iOS 13 is not compatible with iPhone 6 and iPhone 5S, which many are still using. People who own these old devices may get iOS 12.4.5 offline installer from the link given below.
Download iOS 12.4.5 IPSW for iPhone 6 (Click here), iPhone 5S (Click here).
Prefer downloading the iOS IPSW using the web browser if you have a stable internet connection. Using third-party software like IDM may speed up the download, but it might save the downloaded iOS installer as a ZIP file. However, it is easy to convert back; change the extension of the file to .IPSW before restoring it through iTunes.
Steps to update iPhone software with iOS 13.4 full offline installer
Remember to take a local backup of your iPhone before proceeding with the iOS 13.4 or iOS 12.4.5 offline update. It helps you quickly setup your new iPhone or re-install the data on the same device after a factory reset. We use iTunes for offline installation of iOS on iPhone in Windows and macOS versions up-to Mojave. Those who are upgraded to macOS Catalina may just use the Finder to complete the update process.
- Connect the iPhone to a Mac or PC.
- Using an old version of macOS, or Windows? Download and install the latest version of iTunes for Mac (click here), or Windows 32-bit or 64-bit.
- Now open iTunes or a new Finder window and wait for the system to detect your iPhone.
- Once the iPhone shows up, take a local backup if your device is in working condition.
- When you are ready, click on the “Restore iPhone” button, and at the same time, press the Option/Alt key (Mac) or Shift key (Windows).
- Then select the downloaded iOS 13.4 IPSW files, and wait for the system to complete the offline software update.
You might need to put your iPhone in DFU mode if it is not appearing on Finder or the iTunes app for some reason. Have a look at this guide on Apple.com for more details on this process.
Location of iOS IPSW installer saved on a Mac or Windows PC
If you update iPhone software directly on iTunes, the app saves a copy of the IPSW file on one of the system folders. It is the same offline installer we download through the direct links we have on this page. If you want, you can copy and save this full iOS installer from the directory shown in the screenshot.
And yes, I’m able to find iOS IPSW from the above location in macOS Catalina, although iTunes is not there in the new OS.
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