Firmware for ipad mini without itunes. How to reflash iPad, iPod touch: detailed instructions

Constantly improving operating system iOS. Bugs are eliminated, new features and capabilities appear. For the device to function properly, it is necessary to periodically install new software. This will allow your gadget to use updated or new functions. Users often have difficulties with the iPad 2 firmware procedure. But if you become thoroughly familiar with this procedure, difficulties will be kept to a minimum. Let's look at the intricacies of this issue.

You might think that it could be easier than restoring the tablet through iTunes. If you look at the general algorithm, there is nothing complicated, everything is clear. But, nevertheless, this causes difficulties for many. Separately, we can highlight the difficulty of transferring the gadget to DFU mode. In addition, it does not yet have a graphical display on the display when activated. At the same time, it is important and necessary to understand the difference between the processes of updating the OS and restoring it. These concepts can also cause confusion among the user.

Update

During the update, the iOS firmware version increases, while the owner's data and all applications installed by him are saved. It is not necessary to make a backup before performing the update, but it is advisable. After all, failures may occur during work. Sometimes software failures can only be resolved through disaster recovery.

The easiest way to update is to download necessary files straight to the tablet itself. This can be done if you have good signal Wi-Fi connections. To install, you need to go to the settings and go to the “basic” section. Here you will have access to the “software updates” item. Open this item and follow the instructions provided.

Click the “install” button. Next, you will be asked to read the terms and conditions. Do not neglect to familiarize yourself with these documents. By clicking “accept” you agree to them. After will happen automatic installation updates. This method has its advantages, because it does not require the use of a computer and iTunes. The update files typically range in size from 50 to 150 MB. And you won’t have to do any extra steps.

The update method via iTunes is almost completely identical to the recovery process. In order to implement it you need to download iTunes program from the official website, install it. Further using USB cord connect your tablet to your PC. Use only original components, this will allow the device to transfer data faster and work longer. Open the program. IN top corner an iPad icon will appear on the left. You need to click on it.

A window will open where you will be prompted to update or restore the firmware. To start the update, you need to click the button of the same name. Upon completion of this procedure, all your personal information will be stored. The process itself will start and end automatically. At the end of the procedure, disconnect the tablet from the PC.

Recovery

Increases the OS version and deletes all personal information of the owner, since all settings are reset to factory settings. This procedure is usually done if there are any software glitches, in order to install the latest current iOS firmware in order to get a clean system and start all over again " clean slate" This procedure is performed when you want to transfer your iPad 2 to another user or intend to jailbreak the gadget.

A common question when changing firmware: is it possible to downgrade iOS version? The answer is no. Apple officially allows the installation of only the latest released version. However, there is a short period of time (about two weeks) called the “time window”. It's exit period new version firmware, when you can still install the previous version.

It is also possible to return to the latest official iOS from a beta version of the OS. In addition to these features, hackers often release software that allows you to downgrade the iOS version. For example, RedSn0w or TinyUmbrella. But, most often, such a rollback can only be done on older versions of iPad and iPhone.

If your iPad Mini 2 has been jailbroken, do not use recovery. You now have a Cydia icon on your desktop. Restoration will initiate the "eternal apple" or "eternal restoration loop" process. This means that any device will not be able to boot normally.

If for some reason you still started the recovery, then you can bring the tablet back to life using recovery through the iTunes program. Before performing a restore, make a backup copy of your personal data, because... Once the process is complete, the data will be deleted.

Flash iPad using iTunes

Flashing is carried out in two ways: through normal mode and through low-level DFU mode. In order to carry out this process using normal mode, you need to download and install the latest version of iTunes. You can find it on the official Apple website.

On the official website you can find the latest official version of iOS for your tablet. Now you need to click on the settings icon and go to the “iCloud” section. Here you need to disable the device search function. It is not necessary to do this if you are going to flash the iPad 2 yourself. If you give the gadget to a repair service, then in order not to transfer your personal data (login and Apple password ID) disable this feature in advance.

Now you can connect your tablet via USB cable to your computer and open iTunes. The program will automatically recognize the gadget and an icon in the form of a tablet will appear in the top left corner. Click on this icon and a work area will open in front of you. If you are using Windows then hold down Shift key and click on the “restore” button. If you are using a Mac, press and hold Alt key and the “restore” button.

A window will open in front of you in which you need to find the downloaded firmware file. Select it and click the “open” button located at the bottom right of the window. This will start the device recovery process. After you click on “restore” all your personal data will be deleted.

Firmware for iPad via DFU mode is also not a complicated procedure. To work, you will also need the latest version of iTunes. You can download it on the official website, it is available for free. Also download the latest current firmware for iPad 2.

Next, click on the settings icon and go to the “iCloud” section. Here you need to deactivate the function iPad search. This is not necessary. If you are doing the restore yourself, you will enter your Apple ID when prompted. If you are restoring your tablet at a repair service, disable this function so as not to transfer your personal data to others.

Now you need to put the tablet into DFU mode. Connect the tablet to the computer using the original USB cable. There are two ways to activate DFU Mode:

• Simultaneously hold down two keys “Home” and “Power”. Hold them for about ten seconds. You can count to ten in your head. As soon as ten seconds have passed, press the “Power” key while continuing to press the “Home” button for about another twelve seconds.

• The second method is considered more correct. For inexperienced user it may turn out to be more difficult. Disconnect the gadget completely and wait a couple of minutes for all processes to complete. Now hold down the “Power” button and count to three. Then press and hold the “Home” key. Keep them pressed for ten seconds. You can time or count to 10 in your head. Then press “Power” and hold the “Home” key pressed for a couple more seconds.

Nothing should be displayed on the tablet screen. If a logo or “string” appears, it means that the mode has not been activated. You need to try again. Don’t get upset or panic, few people succeed the first time. When activated this mode iTunes will automatically notify you that your device is connected in " disaster recovery" An iPad icon will appear in the top left corner.

Next, if you are using Windows, then hold down Shift button on the keyboard and press the “restore” key. If you are using a Mac, press the Alt key and at the same time click on the “recovery” button. A window will open in which you need to find the downloaded firmware file. Specify it and click on the “open” button. It's in the lower right corner. A tab will appear on which you need to click “restore”. The process will start automatically and eventually all user data will be deleted.

Before using DFU mode, try updating the firmware to a higher soft mode Recovery mode. It allows you to do full reset and reflash the device. This mode works at the operating system level. To activate it, you will need to connect the USB cable to the tablet, but do not connect it to the Computer yet. Now turn off the gadget and wait a couple of minutes for all processes to complete.

Next, you need to press the “Home” key and, without releasing it, connect the cord to the PC. After some time, the display will show the connection cord and a logo in the form of a melody. After this you can release the key. Next, you need to open iTunes on your PC and flash the firmware.

Restoring a jailbroken iPad

Tablets that have been jailbroken cannot be restored using conventional methods. This will result in what is called the "eternal apple" or, essentially, endless renewal from which it is impossible to escape. In order to restore jailbroken devices, a utility called Semi-Restore was invented. It is distributed free of charge.

This program is able to reset the settings to factory settings without changing the firmware version and without removing the Cydia application. The application is easy to use. You need to download it, open it and connect your gadget. After that, click on the “SemiRestore” button on the screen. This program is supported by Windows and OS X.

It is not always worth resorting to this application to troubleshoot system problems. For example, if it often occurs Safe Mode, then you can fix this problem by reinstalling the Mobile Substrate package in Cydia . After using the utility, there will be nothing left on your tablet, be it repositories or personal data, so before the procedure it is better to make a copy of your personal data via iTunes.

If you are using this utility, be sure to close Xcode and iTunes. The utility also supports iOS from 5.0 to 6.1.2. While using this program, the tablet will reboot several times, so don't worry, this is normal.

Recovering iPad using SHSH

This method is suitable for older versions of gadgets. Many tablets do not support this method(these are models 4, 3, 2 and those with an Apple A5 processor). To make the firmware you need to use the TinyUmbrella application. First, download and install the latest iTunes version programs. Now you need to find and download Java.

Find and download on the official website required version iOS OS. Now find and download a utility called TinyUmbrella . When you open the utility archive, you need to move its contents to a folder called “programs”. Now open the utility.

In the window that opens, find the section called “Advanced” and go to it. You need to check the following boxes: “Save All Avalable...”, “Request SHSH...”, “When connecting a device...”. In the remaining items, you need to uncheck the boxes if they are selected. Then there are differences for Mac and Windows users.

For Windows

If you have prepared in advance SHSH hashes, then use the “Explorer” to go to your home folder. In the line indicating the path, add “\.shsh”. Then press the Enter key. So you went to the folder where the hashes are located. Here you need to copy the hashes that you prepared in advance. If you haven't saved anything beforehand, do the following.

Connect the tablet to the PC and specify the TinyUmbrella utility in the sitebar. In the work area, find the “Log” section " and go into it. There will be a button “Save SHSH “, you need to press it. Next, you will be presented with information about the presence or absence of hashes in Cydia. If the “log” is marked in red, it means there is no firmware for it. The mark has green, which means there is firmware.

If required file available, click the “Start TSS Server” button. TinyUmbrella program should be open while the firmware process is in progress, so do not close it. Now you need to simultaneously press and hold the “Home” and “Power” keys for 12 seconds. You can count to twelve in your head.

Now press the “Power” button while holding down the “Home” key. Hold for eight seconds, when iTunes opens the window, release. The window will contain information about the tablet and offer to restore the firmware. You need to find and click the “check” button. Afterwards a message will appear asking for confirmation, confirm the request.

Now hold down the Shift key on your character bar if you're using Windows and click "restore." Here you will need to specify the path to operating system iOS that you previously saved. Next, you need to wait for all processes to complete and boot the gadget in normal operating mode. In TinyUmbrella Click on the “Stop TSS Server” button. Ready.

For Mac

If you have prepared hashes in advance, then you need to go to the Finder. Now press three keys at the same time: G, Shift and Cmd. A line will appear to go to the folder. You need to enter “~/.shsh " in an empty column. Click Enter and you will be taken to the folder with hashes. Here you need to paste a copy of the pre-prepared files. If you didn't prepare them in advance, move on to the next step.

Now you need to do all the steps described above for Windows users from the moment you connect the tablet to the PC until you press the “check” button. After agreeing, you need to hold Option key(Alt) press “recovery”. Now you need to wait for the process to complete, and then load the gadget into operating mode. In the TinyUmbrella program window, click on the “Stop TSS Server” button. That's it, the firmware is done.

Before performing a factory reset, create a backup copy of your personal data. This is necessary for their subsequent return to the tablet, since during the reset process all data that is installed by the user is deleted.

During flashing, errors may occur due to which the device may not work. In such situations, try repeating the flashing procedure. If repeated actions do not produce results, you better contact service center for diagnostics and repairs. Sometimes when installing a newer version of the OS, the device starts to slow down. This is due to the fact that a “good” system puts more stress on older models of gadgets after you have “lived” them.

In such a situation, optimizing your tablet settings can help. To begin with, you can change the parallax effect of the graphics. You can find the regulator in the settings universal access, which is located in the “main” section. Activate the toggle switch opposite “reduce motion”.

Turn off background updates for apps and automatic download content. This can be done in the section " iTunes Store And App Store", which is located in the settings. Background updates are disabled in the “main”, “content update” section. Shutdown unnecessary applications in the “SportLight” section will add speed to the gadget’s operation. Remove heavy apps that you don't use.

Hello everyone, dear iOS lovers gadgets. Today we will touch on the topic - like (4s, 5, 5s, 6) or iPad (2, 3, 4, Mini). To reflash means to update or reinstall the operating system on iOS device. Update process mobile iOS The gadget may be needed if various problems arise with the iPhone (4s, 5, 5s, 6) or iPad (2, 3, 4, Mini). Reflashing can solve some problems if your gadget is unstable.

This is done very simply, all the work happens in three stages:

So, let's take a closer look at each of the above points..

Downloading the firmware file

First, let's move on to downloading the file with the firmware version you need. This is very easy to do, follow these steps::

• Go to www.getios.com. In the “Your device” field, select the name of your device.
• In the second step, you need to select the device model. To select, use the drop-down list called “The Model”.
• In the third step, you need to select the version of the iOS operating system that you want to install on your mobile gadget iPhone (4s, 5, 5s, 6) or iPad (2, 3, 4, Mini).
• Next, click the “Download” button. The file with the firmware will begin downloading; the file size, depending on the selected version of iOS, can take several gigabytes.

Save the downloaded file with the operating system to your desktop or to the folder in which it is convenient for you to save.

Setting up iTunes to work

Before you proceed to flashing your device, you need to download, install and configure iTunes:

• First of all, follow the link - apple.com/itunes/download and download the latest version of iTunes. Run the downloaded program file and install the program.
• Connect your gadget to personal computer With via USB cable. Launch iTunes.
• In the side menu (if side menu not visible, you need to press the key combination CTRL+S) in the “Devices” field, select your gadget, previously connected to a personal computer.

Before you start flashing your gadget, I recommend making a backup copy of your operating system settings. To do this you need to do a few simple steps:

• Connect the gadget to your personal computer using a USB cable.
• Launch iTunes (if the program does not start automatically after connecting) and in the side menu (if the side menu is not displayed, you simultaneously press the CTRL+S key combinations) select your iPhone (4s, 5, 5s, 6) or iPad (2, 3 , 4, Mini).
• Go to the “Browse” tab, find the “Create a copy now” button and left-click on it.

In the next step we will go to the lesson and try to reflash your gadget.

Flashing

Go to (4s, 5, 5s, 6) or iPad. To do this, follow these steps::

• Hold down the SHIFT key (if you have Windows) or ALT key (if you have a Mac) and left-click on the “Restore iPad” button.
• In order to reflash the device, in the window that opens, select the previously downloaded file with the firmware.

After the above steps, the update process will begin. software on your mobile gadget iPhone (4s, 5, 5s, 6) or iPad (2, 3, 4, Mini).

After a certain amount of time, the process of flashing your iPhone or iPad (2, 3, 4, Mini) will be completed.
That's all for today, I hope this small note helped you and you were able to reflash your mobile without any problems iPad gadget(2, 3, 4, Mini) or iPhone (4s, 5, 5s, 6). If you have any problems flashing your gadget, you can describe your problem in the comments to this post. In order to be able to leave comments you need to log in. social network VKontakte.

Smartphones and tablets Apple are famous for the coordinated work of software and hardware. Due to this, uninterrupted functioning of the devices is achieved, and the American corporation eliminates any problems with the firmware as soon as possible through updates. In this case, the user may need to reflash the iPhone or iPad. You can do this yourself, without involving service center specialists.

The concept of flashing a device means restoring it. This process should not be confused with updating, since it has one fundamental difference: by performing a recovery, all data from the iPhone or iPad is completely erased. After flashing, the device returns to factory settings, and data recovery will only be possible if there is a backup copy.

Why do you need to reflash your iPhone or iPad?

Nothing is immune from software glitches, including Apple devices. Despite the fact that one corporation is responsible for the development of hardware and firmware, and with iPhone operation or iPad may have problems. Software glitch can lead to failure of the iOS device, and it will be possible to return it to a working state only by flashing it.

Also, recovery may be necessary if the user has forgotten the code iPhone unlocking or iPad. Resetting the device to initial state, the password will be removed from it.

Another reason for flashing the iPhone may be the planned sale of the device. In order for the buyer to receive a new smartphone with factory settings and without the data of the former owner, it can be restored.

Important rules for restoring Apple devices

Process iPhone recovery and iPad can only be done using a computer using iTunes.

Apple does not allow you to install a version of iOS other than the one installed on your device. This rule has an exception, which is called “Time Window” among users. This concept defines a period of two weeks (in some situations it varies) after updating the firmware, during which the user can “roll back” the iOS version to the previous one.

Important: This rule does not apply to beta versions iOS firmware. If a test version of the software is installed, at any time the owner of the device has the right through iTunes to restore it to the latest official version firmware.

Preparing to flash your iPhone

Before you begin the process of restoring your device, you need to download correct version firmware for its subsequent installation. iOS software is distributed in .ipsw format. It varies depending on the model of smartphone or tablet, and you need to download the firmware for a specific device from the Internet for the installation to go smoothly.

To determine which firmware version is required for an iPhone or iPad, you'll need to look at back cover devices. There is always an indication on it specific model eg Model A1332.

Please note: Each Apple device (iPhone 5, 6, 6s and others) comes in several variations, that is, they differ in models. It is important to choose the firmware specifically for a specific model, since they differ from each other quite significantly, primarily in the supported networks.

Also before iPhone flashing or iPad needs to be disabled on the device. If this option is not disabled, the system will not allow you to restore your smartphone or tablet.

Installation of firmware on Apple devices is carried out only using iTunes. It can be downloaded from the official website of the American corporation.

Important: Before installing the firmware on your iPhone or iPad, update your iTunes version to the latest version to avoid failures during the recovery process.

How to reflash an iPhone or iPad

Apple has provided two recovery modes for its devices - standard and using DFU mode. The second option is useful if the first one does not work or errors occur when restoring a smartphone/tablet using it.

Flashing iPhone or iPad in normal mode

Restoring the device through normal mode proceeds as follows:

After this, the process of restoring the device will begin, which will be performed in a fully automatic mode.

It seems that what could be easier than restoring the operating system through iTunes? Advanced users have probably learned how to do this. However, this caused no fewer messages on the forums. Monthly for both experienced and new iPad owners They ask how this operation is done. In today's article we will talk in detail about how to reflash an Apple tablet via iTunes.

The main goal of restoring an iOS device is to return it to its original settings with the obligatory upgrade of the operating system version. This operation is usually performed for one of the following reasons:

• failures in the software;
• installing the latest version of the operating system;
• if the user has forgotten the display lock password (do not confuse it with the same activation procedure);
• For complete cleaning systems (for example, when selling a tablet to a new owner).

Is it possible to downgrade the firmware?

The answer to this question is unequivocal - no. This is the official decision of the manufacturer. The Apple company does not allow installing versions of the operating system that differ from the current one. And this rule applies to all types of devices - smartphones, tablets, players.

However, there is such a thing as a temporary window. This is the period when, within a few weeks after the release of the newest operating system, you can roll back to the previous version.

In addition, it is also possible to return to latest version from the beta version installed on the device. By the way, test options can be added even without an Apple account.

We are working with the beta version

Note that hackers often develop software that allows them to downgrade the operating system on any Apple device. Accordingly, for our purposes we will need to download a freely available one or buy one of these programs.

However, keep in mind that in the vast majority of cases, rolling back the operating system can only be done on older versions of tablets.

Updating and restoring – is there a difference?

When updating the operating system, all information on the iOS device is saved. During the restoration process, the gadget will return to its original settings and become completely clean. Of course, all user data will be permanently erased.

It is important to remember that you cannot update a jailbroken device. You can identify it by the Cydia symbol on the display.

Method for flashing a jailbroken device

If the user nevertheless decides to do this, in 99% of cases this leads to a loop or freezing of the apple. To successfully carry out the procedure on a jailbroken device, you must use the iTunes utility. Read on for more details.

Restoring iPad via iTunes

An operation performed using this method can be carried out in 2 ways. You can use normal mode, or you can use low-level mode, that is, DFU. The latter is usually resorted to when errors occur during normal operation.

The algorithm of user actions in normal mode will be as follows:

• Download and install the “latest” version of iTunes.
• Download the latest firmware version for a specific tablet model.
• Open the settings item and go to the “cloud” section. Disable the device search option.
• Connecting the gadget to normal mode to the PC/laptop and launch the iTunes utility.
• Waiting for the connected tablet to be recognized. The corresponding icon will appear at the top left of the program.
• Hold down the Shift element and at the same time as this action, click on the restore button.
• In the pop-up window, select the IPSW file of the operating system downloaded in step 2 and click on the open element. The restore operation will start.

Now you know how to reflash iPad 2 via iTunes. As you can see, this operation is not difficult.

Using DFU to restore an iPad

To apply this method, follow these steps sequentially:

• Download and install the “latest” version of iTunes.
• Do the same with the desired firmware variation for your tablet model.
• Open the settings program and go to the “cloud”. Disable the device search option. This point can be omitted if you remember your ID number and password characters for it.
• Connect the device to your PC/laptop and enter it into DFU (how this is done was described in detail above).
• The utility recognizes the device. A corresponding window will pop up at the top left of the program.
• Hold Shift again and click the restore button.
• In the pop-up window, select the IPSW file downloaded in the second stage and open it. The restore operation will start.

Updating iPad: methods

The simplest and most common method of updating a tablet is when the firmware is downloaded over the air, that is, via Wi-Fi networks, without iTunes. To install it, you need to enter the settings and go to the main item. Next, select the software update item and follow the commands that will pop up on the display.

The operation of updating iOS devices in iTunes is exactly the same as in the normal mode, which was described in detail above. But there is one difference - in the program, at a certain step, the user will be required to click on the update element instead of restore.

In addition to everything mentioned, in the tenth version of the operating system one unpleasant moment was removed. Namely, the differences between variations of the same system for different versions devices. Of course, there is nothing supernatural about this, but it makes life much easier for tablet owners. And this is especially noticeable in the process of complete recovery.

How to choose firmware for iPad?

So, flashing a tablet won’t be difficult. Much more important question– choosing the right operating system option. How to choose it? Starting with the tenth version, there is a universal version, suitable for all models of Apple products. Let’s say that one iPSW file will correctly put a “ten” on mini, “air” and many other tablet models. Previously, each device had at least two firmware variations.

What is the benefit of all this? Of course, it’s easier to find required firmware for a tablet, and the operation itself is simplified for new owners of the device. Previously, everything was complicated by small nuances. In addition, some users (for example, those who repair tablets themselves) store firmware files on drives or in the “clouds”. And the described innovation will significantly save disk space.

From the article you learned how to flash an iPad. Moreover, you can use at least two different methods for this.

The apple company has long conquered the market with its innovative technologies who every year delight their fans with new products. Many owners of Apple products often face the problem of updating an old version of the OS, especially those users who do not receive the update via Wi-Fi. And today we’ll talk about how to flash an iPad without the help of specialists. Let's take a closer look at this issue: find out what is required for this process, and also choose the best way its implementation.

What you need to flash or update your iPad

The required devices, programs, etc. depend on which method you choose to flash an iPad 2, iPad 4, iPad mini, or any other model. For a regular update, the main thing is to have a stable Internet connection and a well-charged device. Well, if you use a computer, then the iTunes program, a USB cable and various modes of your device.

We recommend that before performing any manipulations, you make a backup copy of all files on the device that are important to you. Of course, this is not at all necessary, but it is possible to remove them if the procedure is not very successful. To make a backup, you need to connect the gadget to your PC, launch iTunes and activate the corresponding function. So in any case, for the firmware you will need original cable for USB connection.

Updating iPad firmware without a computer

There is no need to come up with complicated methods if you just need to update the firmware to the latest current version. Most likely, in this case you will only need your device and an Internet connection. It is recommended to change the firmware via Wi-Fi from high speed And stable connection, otherwise you will have to wait quite a long time, and it is best to carry out this procedure via computer.

Important! Don't confuse updating with recovery. When updating, all data such as contact photos and applications remain unchanged, and when restoring, everything is reset to factory settings.

To use this method, open the main settings section mobile device and select the section called "Software Update". The system will immediately notify you about the availability of a new version of the operating system that is compatible with the version of the gadget. There is a single button that starts the update procedure, so it is impossible to get confused - all processes occur automatically.

Firmware via Recovery Mode

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to update the firmware standard methods. Although very rare, it still happens that the program crashes and an error message appears on the screen. You can try to restore the gadget by returning it to its factory settings in Recovery mode Mode. First you need to activate it:

1. Turn off the tablet, press Home button.
2. After 5-10 seconds, connect to the device USB cable– the iTunes logo, an image of an arrow and a plug should appear on the display. This means you did everything right.
3. Open iTunes on your PC, agree to transfer the gadget to Recovery Mode, click on the “Restore” button.
4. The system defaults back to the latest available. If desired, you can select a different version by holding Shift or Alt.
5. After this operation, the firmware will be replaced and in this case a backup copy is required, since all data is deleted.
   It is also recommended to use this method recovery if you forgot your device password.

Not everyone knows that you cannot roll back a device to old version iOS. Only if you are using the beta version, then you only have the opportunity to return to the old firmware within 2 weeks.

Updating using iTunes

If it is not possible to update the operating system using wireless technologies, we recommend flashing the iPad via a computer. This is also one of the most accessible and simplest ways:

1. Launch iTunes on your computer.
2. Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable.
3. In the program, open the main section to find the name of the current operating system. At the same time, it is indicated just below next version, which can be installed on your device.
4. The “Update” button is also located here; after clicking on it, you just have to wait for the procedure to complete.

We recommend that you carefully ensure that the iPad is placed on a flat surface to avoid spontaneous shutdown. If such a situation occurs during the update process, serious errors in the system and further problems may occur.

But what to do if the proposed OS version does not suit you - how to change the iOS version manually using iTunes? To do this, follow all the steps in the step-by-step instructions:

1. Carefully examine the back cover of the tablet - you need to find the exact digital model number.
2. Download according to the number the required version operating system. There are dozens of file hosting services and other resources for this (download files only from reliable sources).
3. Have you downloaded the firmware, but its name contains the extension “.zip”? Be sure to rename the file, changing the extension to ".ipsw".
4. Launch iTunes on your PC.
5. Depending on the operating system installed on your computer, press the Shift (for Win) or Alt (for MAC) button. As a result, a new window should open asking you to download and install the required file. iPad firmware on one's own.
6. The system will check the version and request the user's consent to install it through iTunes.
   It is recommended to use the same method if you want to test the beta version on your device new firmware(that is, not yet officially presented). Forgot your ID account– iTunes has a feature that allows you to reset it.

Update in DFU mode

There are more the hard way flash an iPad 3 or another model of gadget, which is abbreviated as DFU (firmware update). This method should not be used if you just want to update the tablet's operating system, for example, to iOS10. DFU mode is recommended to be used to restore the tablet if it does not turn on due to an incorrect update procedure, freezes occur when Jailbreak is installed, or errors occur directly during the recovery process. If you have no idea how to reflash an iPad in DFU mode, it is worth saying that this method is quite complicated; to successfully complete the procedure, follow the detailed instructions:

1. Connect your device to your PC
2. Launch iTunes
3. Hold down the power button and turn off the device
4. Press and hold the Power and Home buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds
5. Release the Power key but continue to hold Home for about 20 seconds. If a message appears on the computer about connecting a new device, everything worked out
6. The iPad display should remain black all the time - this is what happens in DFU mode
7. Further actions are no different from flashing the firmware in Recovery Mode. here you can also select the required firmware version or install the latest available one. When using this method, keep in mind that data loss is inevitable - that’s why creating backup copies is of great importance.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to flash an iPad yourself, you don’t have to take your device to a service center, since such a procedure can be completely done on our own. There can be many reasons for flashing: updating the operating system, eliminating errors, restoring the tablet, etc. By carefully following the instructions, any user can complete the procedure quickly and free of charge.