Few hours ago, we informed you that Apple has released iOS 5 firmware to the public. New iOS 5 firmware is the most extended iOS software update to date which brings over 200 new features to your iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch.
We received some email from our readers asking to write tutorial on how to update iOS device to the new iOS 5 firmware. So here is a complete tutorial that will help you update your iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch to iOS 5 firmware.
Step 1: Preparing For iOS 5 Update
A: Download iTunes 10.5 final for Mac and Windows —it is recommended to download and install iTunes 10.5 because older versions of iTunes are not compatible with iOS 5 firmware.
B: Once you have successfully updated your iTunes to iTunes 10.5, then now it’s time to create a back up of your device —it is advisable to back up your device before updating it to iOS 5 firmware.
Step 2: Creating A Back up
Important: When you connect your device with your computer, iTunes will automatically prompt you about the availability of iOS 5 firmware for your device, do not download and install it until you have created a back up of your device.
- Connect your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch with your computer.
- Launch iTunes.
- Select your device from the ‘Devices’ tab on the left side.
- Right click on it, and then click on ‘Back up’.
Step 3: Downloading And Installing iOS 5 Firmware
You can update your device to iOS 5 firmware in two different ways, that is, automated method —for novice users; and manual method —for expert users. Depending on your preference, you can follow either method.
Automated Method: This is the most easiest and simplest method to download and install iOS 5 firmware on your device. To get started, connect your device with your computer, launch iTunes, then simply click on the Update button, and then follow the onscreen instructions in iTunes. Please note that downloading iOS 5 IPSW firmware file will take some time as the file size will be of more than 700 megabytes. Once IPSW file download is completed, then iTunes will automatically update your device to iOS 5 firmware. So just sit back and relax as iTunes download firmware and upgrade your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch to iOS 5.
Manual Method: To get started with manual installation of iOS 5 firmware on your device. First you need to download iOS 5 IPSW firmware file for your device from here. Once you have downloaded the IPSW firmware file, connect your device with your computer, launch iTunes, then press and hold the ‘shift’ key (or the ‘alt’ key if you are on Mac) and click on ‘Restore’ button. The moment you click on Restore button, a new window will pop-up from where you have to navigate and select the iOS 5 IPSW firmware file, and then click on ‘ok’. Now iTunes will start the restoration process of iOS 5 firmware on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch.