File Extension Database

Open IPSW File

A file with the IPSW file extension is a software update file for Apple devices that is used with iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and Apple TV devices.

IPSW is a file format that stores encrypted DMG files and several others such as PLISTs, BBFWs and IM4Ps, therefore it should be considered as a multipurpose container.

IPSW files are released from Apple and are intended to add new features and fix security vulnerabilities on supported devices.

Given its characteristics, an IPSW file can also be used to restore an Apple device to its factory default settings.

Although Apple always releases new IPSW files through iTunes, current and outdated firmware versions can also be downloaded through websites such as IPSW Downloads.

Open an IPSW file

When an Apple compatible device connected to a computer requires an update, an IPSW file can be automatically downloaded through iTunes after accepting a request to update the device.

In this case, iTunes will apply the IPSW file to the device.

Software to open an IPSW file

iTunes

Typical IPSW application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\iTunes\iTunes.exe /open "%L"
"C:\Program Files (x86)\iTunes\iTunes.exe" /open "%L"

Typical IPSW mime types:

application/x-itunes-ipsw

Frequently used application names to open IPSW files:

iTunes

Frequently associated Windows objects:

iTunes.ipsw

How Can I Open IPSW File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open IPSW file is to find a IPSW file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a IPSW file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open IPSW file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as IPSW file opener then try to search online for "IPSW viewer", "application to open IPSW file" or "open IPSW file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open IPSW file

How Can I Open IPSW File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a IPSW file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a IPSW file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with IPSW file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as IPSW file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open IPSW file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open IPSW file then try to search for "IPSW viewer", "application to open IPSW file" or "read IPSW file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read IPSW file

How Can I Open IPSW File on Android

If you downloaded a IPSW file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded IPSW file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "IPSW".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "IPSW viewer", "IPSW file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open IPSW File on iPhone or iPad

To open IPSW File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the IPSW file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "IPSW". This way you can find apps which can open IPSW files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "IPSW viewer" or "IPSW file" online in your favorite search engine.

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