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How to Upgrade from the iOS 7 Beta to iOS 7 Public Release

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If you are one of the many users who installed the iOS 7 beta or iOS 7 GM to try out the new iOS 7 features before the public release today, you cannot simply check for an iOS 7 update and get off of the beta or off the iOS 7 GM.

Thankfully, upgrading from the iOS 7 beta to the iOS 7 public release is straightforward and you can even avoid the long process of a restore.

The process may take a little longer than the average iOS 7 update time, but it will be much faster than performing a full restore. Upgrading from an iOS 7 beta to the public release is necessary for users who are not on the iOS 7 GM, as earlier betas expire. The iOS 7 GM does not expire, but users may want to upgrade anyway to get on the official release, especially if they are not an actual developer.

If you are a regular user, follow this iOS 7 Upgrade guide for an easier experience.

Read: iOS 7 Release Time: When to Expect the iOS 7 Download

How to Upgrade from the iOS 7 Beta to iOS 7 Final

The first thing you will need to do is find the official iOS 7 download for your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. If you are an official iOS Developer, go to the iOS Developer Center where Apple publishes the iOS 7 download links and start downloading.

If you installed the GM for free or paid $7 or $8 to try the iOS 7 beta through a site like IMZDL or others, you will need to find the iOS 7 download link on your own. It is typically easier to get the final iOS 7 release download link than that of a beta, so expect a plethora of iOS 7 download options late today or tomorrow.

1. Download the iOS 7 official release .ipsw.

2. Plug your iPhone or iPad into a computer and open iTunes.

3. Perform a backup to the computer just to be safe.

4. In iTunes click on the iPhone option in the upper right and when you see the Restore and Upgrade options you are on the right screen.

This step will upgrade you to the official iOS 7 release version.

This step will upgrade you to the official iOS 7 release version.

5. Now special click on Check for Update. To do this,

  • Hold alt/option on Mac when you click Check for Update.
  • On Windows, hold Shift when you click Check for Update.

6. Browse to the iOS 7 download you just finished and click on the .ipsw file.

7. Let the iOS 7 upgrade complete and you should be on the official iOS 7 version without the need for a lengthy restore.

101 Comments

101 Comments

  1. kdsfjskaj

    09/18/2013 at 10:10 am

    And where is this public IPSW?

    • tanyuang

      09/18/2013 at 10:23 am

      same question here. …

    • Edwin barron

      09/18/2013 at 3:25 pm

      you can find it on evad3rs.

    • Karkar

      09/19/2013 at 1:09 am

      On windows press restore and itunes wll download the new io7 and restore ur iphone

  2. Fluffy

    09/18/2013 at 10:25 am

    The IPSW files are not public. You can get them if you belong to the iOS developers program.

  3. will

    09/18/2013 at 10:29 am

    there not even out yet
    i know i got developers program

  4. Jason

    09/18/2013 at 10:33 am

    You should ALWAYS back up your phone first.. close out all apps and do a hard reset first. You should also update your iTunes to 11.1. There have been some cases where the synch does not work when you are done updating your phone or ipad.

  5. Daniel

    09/18/2013 at 10:39 am

    can’t find the public file and tried downloading the GM seed but says accessed denied

  6. Jon

    09/18/2013 at 10:44 am

  7. Rohan Gupta

    09/18/2013 at 10:50 am

    I have 2 questions.
    1. My iPad 3 is currently running iOS 7 Beta 6 (I am NOT a developer, and I installed it for free) will I be able to upgrade to the public release using the steps mentioned above?

    2. Can someone confirm if this works or not?

    • Cameron Fergus

      09/18/2013 at 10:59 am

      No you can not update using the OTA method, you will need to wait until a link to the official IPSW is provided..

  8. nathan

    09/18/2013 at 10:57 am

    can someone PLEASE say where to get this mysterious ipsw file since whoever wrote this article didn’t deem that piece of information to be of any importance! not a bootleg one, a way to get the OFFICIAL apple release???????????

    • Rohan Gupta

      09/18/2013 at 11:00 am

      https://www.redsn0w.us/2013/09/download-ios-7-final-ipsw-for-iphone-5.html
      They say servers are down due to traffic. DO you possibly know the answer to my questions? at least the first one?

      • nathan

        09/18/2013 at 11:12 am

        thanks for that, i wish i could help you the same way but in all honesty i am not too sure. If i was in your position i would follow the steps in the same way as updating an iphone on a non official ios 7 beta

    • Melanie

      09/18/2013 at 12:26 pm

      Google it. There are already dozens of sites that offer the .ipsw files for free. And none of them are “bootleg” versions. They are all “OFFICIAL” Apple releases.

  9. nathan

    09/18/2013 at 10:58 am

    thanks Jon! XD

  10. Benjamin

    09/18/2013 at 11:00 am

    So I can update from iOS 7 Beta to iOS 7 Offical without losing all my data ?

    • nathan

      09/18/2013 at 11:02 am

      back up first bro

  11. boykinson

    09/18/2013 at 11:07 am

    calm down. its not out yet. 11:05AM Pacific time. Not where I’m at, at least.

  12. Mayur

    09/18/2013 at 11:08 am

    Hey Thanks a lot for this procedure.
    I was going crazy over thinking how exactly should i upgrade

  13. steven patrick

    09/18/2013 at 11:09 am

    Mine says the firmware file is not compatible?

    • Jon

      09/18/2013 at 12:39 pm

      Mine says that too =/

    • RajeyK

      09/18/2013 at 1:54 pm

      I’m getting the same thing, firmware not compatible. Help, please!

      • Mahamood

        09/26/2013 at 6:56 am

        hey did u get any reply for the same above problem? please let me kow

      • Philippe

        10/06/2013 at 2:36 am

        same problem here. did u allready manage to fix it?

  14. Joe Bloggs

    09/18/2013 at 11:13 am

    7.8kb/s download speed.

    -.-

  15. Benjamin

    09/18/2013 at 11:15 am

    I have a question ,
    I have been told that if I don’t have an backup from iOS 6 I am f****d and I lost all my data… Is that true??
    Also , Can I update from iOS 7 GM To the Offical Build without losing all of my data following this guide up here?

    Thanks A lot,
    Benjamin

  16. Justin

    09/18/2013 at 11:18 am

    Just went to the Dev center. Only see the GM seed.

  17. Alex

    09/18/2013 at 11:20 am

    I only see the GM seed, too. Where is the ipsw?

  18. Alex

    09/18/2013 at 11:27 am

    Apple just updated the developer website to include the official iOS 7 release version instead of the GM Seed

    • Andrew

      09/18/2013 at 11:37 am

      Can you post the link download link?

  19. Kevin

    09/18/2013 at 11:34 am

    I have the beta 6 so can I downgrade to 6.1.3 and get the full iOS 7 through iTunes?

  20. Jason Cardoz

    09/18/2013 at 11:37 am

    i really need help i saw my brother’s iPad and it showed software update for ios 7 but i have the gm and it said ios 7.0 latest version i tried to connect to iTunes but it said cant sync need itunes 11.1 anyone know whats going on has my ipod updated by itself?!

  21. Jason Cardoz

    09/18/2013 at 11:40 am

    never mind i saw went to check for updates on my pc itunes and boom itunes 11.1 sorry for any inconvenience

  22. usk

    09/18/2013 at 11:42 am

    I have installed the GM, and once I tried to update to the official release I’m getting this message:
    “the iPhone could not be updated because the firmware is not compatible”
    What should I do?

    • Rygie

      09/18/2013 at 11:51 am

      Samthing here

  23. [email protected]

    09/18/2013 at 11:46 am

    mine sais the same ! if i resotre from the gm will i get the public release

  24. [email protected]

    09/18/2013 at 11:47 am

    if i do a full resore of ios 7 gm does it automaticly update to public ?

  25. wackojacko894

    09/18/2013 at 11:53 am

    Can you tell me if there is any difference between the GM version and the public release?

    • Jay

      09/18/2013 at 12:09 pm

      Backgrounds, 1 or 2 more apple apps, can’t recall which ones.

    • Melanie

      09/18/2013 at 12:29 pm

      There is literally no difference between the GM and the public release. They are the exact same thing.

      Source: I’m a developer.

      • lorenzo

        09/18/2013 at 12:47 pm

        so in the future the 7.1 will arrive OTA?

      • Alessandra

        09/18/2013 at 3:35 pm

        So how can I download the public release. Update it from beta version without messing up my phone (I’m not a developer)

  26. wackojacko894

    09/18/2013 at 12:11 pm

    will restoring. update me to the public release?

  27. wackojacko894

    09/18/2013 at 12:19 pm

    Just found out if you put your iPhone in recovery mode and press restore it downloads the public release!!

    • [email protected]

      09/18/2013 at 12:21 pm

      are you sure

    • Andrew

      09/18/2013 at 12:21 pm

      did you lose all of your data?

    • Bert

      09/18/2013 at 12:29 pm

      Thanks! This worked for me!

  28. Scott

    09/18/2013 at 12:23 pm

    Anyone managed to find the ispw file on the dev centre or am i being dumb?

  29. wackojacko894

    09/18/2013 at 12:23 pm

    Yes but have just restored through backup so all intact

    • Andrew

      09/18/2013 at 12:23 pm

      so i can make a back up of the GM version and restore it to the public release?

  30. wackojacko894

    09/18/2013 at 12:26 pm

    its just going through icloud restore ill keep you posted

  31. [email protected]

    09/18/2013 at 12:27 pm

    ye it works just a piss take because download is like 20 hours haha

  32. Lad11

    09/18/2013 at 12:39 pm

    http://www.atfdl.com – hosted on own server so no timely download from apple servers. Even more welcome

  33. agv

    09/18/2013 at 12:39 pm

    I restored the backup from the ipsw for my iphone 4 gsm and I can’t activate it. I tried with iTunes and with the installation through the phone, any ideas? Thanks!

  34. Jess

    09/18/2013 at 1:25 pm

    Stuck on “Updating phone software” for 30 mins – same spot. Help!

  35. Stan

    09/18/2013 at 1:30 pm

    Just upgrade to iTunes 11 and you can download and install the new iOS from Apple.

  36. Marc

    09/18/2013 at 1:44 pm

    Just did this and now my Iphone will no longer activate. Any suggestions?

  37. Cory Jay

    09/18/2013 at 1:47 pm

    Guys, it’s more simple to update iTunes to 11.1.0, plug in your phone and click Update…
    It directly downloads and updates your phone.

  38. Mason M

    09/18/2013 at 2:02 pm

  39. Steven

    09/18/2013 at 2:08 pm

    just update itunes to 11.1.0 and your update will be available when you plug in your phone

    • jamie

      09/18/2013 at 6:10 pm

      will it work if non developer act?

      • rohang96

        09/18/2013 at 8:54 pm

        Yes, please tell if it will work on a non-developer account, I’m scared that I’ll end up locking out my device..

  40. Kaigan

    09/18/2013 at 2:14 pm

    How can I tell if my phone has iOS 6 or GM or the public iOS 7 installed?

    • Kaigan

      09/18/2013 at 2:16 pm

      I meant iOS 7 Beta 6 not iOS 6

  41. Patty

    09/18/2013 at 2:28 pm

    You can just plug you for phone on your computer, open iTunes, then Check Update. I’m using Beta and this is what I did. I’m now running the official update.

    • André

      09/18/2013 at 2:57 pm

      The update from iTunes 11.1 works if you were on one of the beta versions. If you were on GM then you will need the IPSW file to switch to the public release version.

      • jamie

        09/18/2013 at 4:33 pm

        will this work from a non developer beta version?

    • Alessandra

      09/18/2013 at 3:24 pm

      Are you a developer though?

  42. jamie

    09/18/2013 at 4:27 pm

    will it work if not a developer?

  43. Jack

    09/18/2013 at 4:29 pm

    Will it work for non-developers?

  44. Jack

    09/18/2013 at 4:30 pm

    Will it work for a non-developer?

  45. Ahmed

    09/18/2013 at 5:30 pm

    I have a PROBLEM!!! My IP5 is in ios 7 beta 6, when I try to update to the public virgin it stuck in recovery mode and itunes doesn’t recognize it !
    please HELP!!!!

  46. mtn_lion

    09/18/2013 at 6:24 pm

    2.2 KB/second. “Greater than 12 hours.” Wowee.

  47. MarkieB

    09/18/2013 at 6:30 pm

    If you have an iPhone 5 and you are getting the firmware not compatible error, it’s probably because the two firmware links for the iPhone 5 are the wrong way around. iPhone5,2_7 is for A1429 & iPhone5,1_7 is for A1428. Using the ‘right’ one (according to the link names), results in firmware not compatible. Using the ‘wrong’ one allows the update to go ahead.

    • Johnny

      09/18/2013 at 6:32 pm

      all the download links can be found here

  48. jamie

    09/18/2013 at 6:37 pm

    I would like to know if I can dl the new ios 7 from the beta (non developer) through I tunes and will still be able to activate it..

    • Ahmed

      09/18/2013 at 7:25 pm

      I have the right firmware, however when I try to either update or restore itunes says that its preparing IP. the iphone goes in recovery mood and it stuck. after a while it says error 1645 the i need redsn0w to exit recovery mood

  49. Sachin

    09/18/2013 at 8:29 pm

    U don’t need to do all this. Just plug your phone to the latest iTunes 11.1, and hit restore. If it says there is not software update, put your phone in the DFU mode andlet iTunes to the work for you. Remember to take a backup, if you want to restore the phone later

    • Ahmed

      09/18/2013 at 8:33 pm

      I’ve allredy done this
      When I restore the phone goes in recovery mood and it says error

  50. rohang96

    09/18/2013 at 9:37 pm

    I am running iOS 7 beta 6 on my iPad 3 and I’m not a developer.
    I downloaded iTunes 11.1 and pluggled in my iPad and clicked check for update.
    It says an update is available. Should I follow the update procedure or should I still try clicking on restore?
    And I’m scared that I’ll end up locking out my device for installing beta on a non-dev account.
    Can anyone help me. I just bought this iPad and I’m scared that I’ll brick it.
    Please help..

  51. biser borisov (@biskata_borisov)

    09/19/2013 at 5:23 am

    I have iOS beta 6 and iTunes 11.1 – Both my iPhone and Ipad when connected dusplay a pop-up (on the device itself) “Trust this computer?” – I click “Yes” and in 2 seconds it pops up again. I that is an inifinite loop; reapectively the iTunes does not see any device connected. What do I do?

  52. Waleed AwesomeWorld

    09/19/2013 at 5:42 am

    Here is The perfect method to Get updated tolatest offficial iOS 7 public release!
    Download Official iOS 7 IPSW Firmware on this website
    https://www.iclarified.com/entry/index.php?enid=750
    Connect iPhone , open itunes. Press Shift + Right click on Restore In iTunes, Now select the downloaded Firmware from the site, wait for process to complete.! IT REALLY WORKS! ;)
    ENJOY

    • rohang96

      09/19/2013 at 5:52 am

      Someone please confirm if these steps work..

  53. 1111

    09/19/2013 at 6:14 am

    Josh, you are full of shit

  54. Jack

    09/19/2013 at 7:47 am

    This works for me. Im running a ios 7 beta 6 non-developer on a iphone 5. Get the latest Itunes. Download the public IPSW file from the links given in previous comments or just google them, Connect your iphone, do a back up, Hold Shift and click Update, search for the downloaded IPSW file and you’re done!

  55. Michael

    09/19/2013 at 7:47 am

    All I had to do was update iTunes to 11.1 and then I plugged in my phone with beta 6 or 7 (I cannot remember) and iTunes said there was an update for my phone. I updated no problem.

  56. Barry2010

    09/19/2013 at 12:01 pm

    Do i do the same steps above if im on ios 7 gm & trying to get the official release or is it any difference?

    • iOSDev5298

      09/20/2013 at 8:16 pm

      There is absolutely no difference, you will be able to get further updates just like other via OTA. :)

    • Manny2010

      09/20/2013 at 10:18 pm

      To end the hesitation for people who are running iOS7 beta 6 or the GM, who do not have a developer account, and who wish to upgrade to the official/public release of iOS 7, below are the steps that you need to do so may be able to update your iDevice(s). Please follow the steps in the order enumerated below:

      (1) Make sure to download the latest version of iTunes, this should be 11.1. After downloading, install it and make sure there is no error in the installation, otherwise you may need to re-install;

      (2) Download the CORRECT IPSW file for your iDevice. You should be able to download from https://www.redmondpie.com/download-ios-7-final-ipsw-for-iphone-5-4s-4-ipad-and-ipod-touch-direct-links/

      This eats up a lot of time so i suggest you do this first before proceeding to the next steps. Assuming that your download for the correct ipsw file for you iDevice has completed, save the file in your desktop.

      (3) Close ALL running applications in your iDevice. After doing this, and assuming that you were able to SUCCESSFULLY install iTunes, launch iTunes and plug your iDevice to the PC/Mac via USB cable. By default, once plugging your iDevice via USB to the PC/Mac, iTunes should initiate sync immediately. Otherwise, sync it manually.

      IMPORTANT NOTE: if upon plugging your iDevice via USB to the PC/Mac, iTunes gives you a dialogue box informing you that a new update is available for your iDevice and asks you if you wish to download it, please close the dialogue box and do the next step. If you click otherwise, it will proceed with the download and eventually will start updating your phone but an error will appear since you are not a developer.

      (4) While your iDevice has completed syncing, do this in iTunes: perform a full backup of your iDevice. Note that the backup only saves the usual stuff from your iDevice such as applications, messages, phone book entries, images, videos and music, NOT the iOS itself. So don’t worry restoring the back up after updating your iDevice. Please take note of the time of the completed backup as this will be your indicator once you select the correct back up file when you eventually restore after you are done with updating.

      IMPORTANT NOTE: Before performing the back up, make sure to authorize your PC/Mac in iTunes. To do this, in iTunes, got to Store Menu>Authorize this Computer, it should ask you for your apple ID and password, input these.

      (5) After the complete and successful back up, turn off your idevice (hit the sleep/power button then slide to power off). Once the phone is completely shutoff, hit the power/sleep button and the home button SIMULTANEOUSLY for EXACTLY ten (10) seconds, afterwhich release the sleep/power button ONLY while continue pressing down on the home button until a message in iTunes appears which says: “iTunes has detected an iPhone(or whatever iDevice you are using) in recovery mode. You must restore this iPhone before it can be used with iTunes”. When you are able to see that message, this means that you were able to successfully enter Device Firmware Update (DFU) mode, click on “OK”. If you havent seen that message though, repeat the procedure because you are not in DFU mode.

      NOTE: in DFU mode, you should only see a BLANK SCREEN. No apple logo, no battery charging indicator, etc. If you see any of these, you are not in DFU mode.

      (6) After clicking OK in DFU mode, hit SHIFT KEY (for windows) and ALT Option (for Mac) and click the RESTORE (not update. this isnt an available option in DFU anyway) then navigate to the ipsw file which you already have downloaded. In these instructions, the ipsw is saved on the desktop. Once the ipsw is located, hit OK.

      From this point, iTunes will do the rest, do not do anything unless iTunes asks you to do so. After the has completed, iTunes will detect your iDevice, it will then ask you if you wish to “Set up as nee iDevice” or to “Restore from back up” then choose the back up file you earlier performed that is why taking note of the time is important. Then iTunes will load up everyting, apps, images, music, videos, etc. After completion of backup, iTunes will once again detect your iDevice and it will start syncing. All you have to do is wait and relax for it to complete, and you are done!!!

      NOTE: To check whether you are on the official/public release of iOS 7, go to your iDevice’s Settings>Genera>About, you should be able to see Version 7.0 (11A465). Also, after being successful with the foregoing procedures, you should be able to upgrade to future iOS 7 updates over the air (OTA).

      The foregoing procedure worked for me who is a non-developer with iOS 7 beta 6 running on my iPhone 4S. If you follow the procedure, it will work like a charm.

      I hope this helps everyone out who are beta users without a developer account.

      • Alessandra

        09/23/2013 at 6:25 pm

        OMG thank you!! everyone was just ignoring us and not replying. This does work guys

      • Nitin Vegi

        10/02/2013 at 2:15 am

        Hi,
        I have an iPod Touch 5th generation which is currently running on iOS 7 Beta 5. I never got an OTA update for the Beta 6 version. Can i update my iPod directly from the Beta 5 to iOS 7 official release version ? Will my iPod get updated by following the above steps.
        Please reply asap.
        I have downloaded the iTunes 11.1.
        Again my iPod is on iOS 7 “Beta 5” not “Beta 6” (without a developers account).
        Please let me know if i can update my iPod.

        • Manny2010

          10/02/2013 at 2:17 am

          Yes you may.

  57. chezkacarandang

    09/20/2013 at 11:22 pm

    How to update your iOS 7 Beta to iOS 7 Public Release without RESTORING: https://accountsccarandang.wordpress.com/2013/09/

  58. Nitin Vegi

    10/02/2013 at 1:50 am

    Hi,
    I have an iPod Touch 5th generation which is currently running on iOS 7 Beta 5. I never got an OTA update for the Beta 6 version. Can i update my iPod directly from the Beta 5 to iOS 7 official release version ? Will my iPod get updated by following the above steps.
    Please reply asap.
    I have downloaded the iTunes 11.1.

    • Manny 2010

      10/02/2013 at 1:57 am

      Yes. Make sure to download the correct firmware for your iDevice.

  59. iOS 7 download links

    10/08/2013 at 2:11 am

    With iOS 7 betas goes expire yesterday, many users found out their devices in bricked status. Users can still download iOS 7 full version from – https://www.geeksays.com/ios-7-download-links/

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