You can perform a fresh and clean install of iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 final update on your iPhone and iPad for the ultimate experience, here's how.
Perform a Clean Install of iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 Final on iPhone and iPad, Experience Apple's Latest Software Update to its Full Potential
While the over the air method is great for most users out there, but if you want to experience the latest iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 update to its full potential, then a clean install is the way to go on iPhone and iPad.
Sure, it might not be everyone's cup of tea as it does take a while to go through. But, once you do it, you'll realize that your device zips through the latest update like it's brand new. Well, not exactly brand new, but close enough.
So, what do you need to do before you go ahead? Let's walk you through it all.
Check if Your Device is Compatible or Not
If your iPhone or iPad is not compatible with iOS 15 or iPadOS 15 then there's no point in reading forward. It is best to check device compatibility here, right now:
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XS
- iPhone 11, iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8, iPhone 7
- iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7 Plus
- 2020 iPhone SE 2
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone SE (1st-generation)
- iPod touch seventh-generation
- iPad Air 4
- 10.2-inch iPad 8
- 11-in. iPad Pro (1st and 2nd generations), 12.9-in. iPad Pro (3rd and 4th generations)
- 10.5-inch iPad Pro (1st generation), 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation)
- iPad (5th generation), iPad (6th generation)
- iPad mini (5th generation), iPad Air (3rd generation)
- 10.2-inch iPad (7th generation)
- 9.7-inch iPad Pro (1st generation)
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st generation)
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone SE (1st-generation)
- iPad Air 2
- iPad mini 4
If your device is on the list then keep on reading below.
Backup Everything to iCloud, Finder or iTunes
It is extremely vital that you backup your data right now as this process will delete everything that is on your iPhone and iPad. The only way you won't lose your precious data is by taking a backup.
In order to backup to iCloud, simply connect your iPhone or iPad to a power outlet, connect to Wi-Fi then navigate to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > iCloud Backup and then tap on Back Up Now.
If you do not have enough space on iCloud for a complete device backup then you can create a local backup onto your computer using Finder or iTunes. Simply connect your device using a Lightning or a USB-C cable to your computer, launch iTunes or Finder, select your device from the left hand corner, and then choose to backup everything ‘To This Computer’ in the backup section. You may choose to encrypt the backup if you like.
Turn Off Find My
Launch Settings on your iPhone or iPad, then tap on Apple ID at the top. Now tap on Find My, then tap on Find My iPhone and then turn off Find My iPhone. You will be required to enter your Apple ID password here.
Download the iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 IPSW Files
Download all the necessary iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 IPSW files from below and save them to your desktop:
- iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XS
- iPhone 11, iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8, iPhone 7
- iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone SE 3
- iPhone SE 2
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPod touch seventh-generation
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro (5th-gen, 4th-gen, 3rd-gen, 2nd-gen, 1st-gen)
- 11-inch iPad Pro (3rd-gen, 2nd-gen, 1st-gen)
- 10.5-inch iPad Pro
- 9.7-inch iPad Pro
- iPad (5th-gen, 6th-gen, 7th-gen, 8th-gen, 9th-gen)
- iPad Air (2nd-gen, 3rd-gen, 4th-gen, 5th-gen)
- iPad mini (4th-gen, 5th-gen, 6th-gen)
While the IPSW file is downloading, make sure you have a Lightning cable or USB-C cable with you. You are going to need this in order to connect your iPhone and iPad to your PC or Mac for clean install.
Clean Install Tutorial
Step 1. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your PC or Mac using a compatible Lightning or USB-C cable.
Step 2. Launch iTunes or Finder.
Step 3. Select your device when it shows up in iTunes or Finder.
Step 4. Click on the Restore iPhone button while holding down the left Option key (Mac) or the left Shift key (Windows). A new window will open.
Step 5. Select the iOS 15 or iPadOS 15 IPSW file you saved to your desktop.
Step 6. iTunes or Finder will now extract the contents of the IPSW file and restore it onto your device. This may take a while so have patience.
Step 7. Once the installation is complete you can start using your iPhone or iPad and set it up the way you want it. You can restore the backup you took prior to this tutorial.
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