How do I update iPhone 3GS iOS 3.1.3 to 4.2.1?

Question

Level 1

8 points

How do I update iPhone 3GS iOS 3.1.3 to 4.2.1?

My MacBook Pro runs on Leopard 10.5; my iTunes is version 10.6. When I attempt to restore the update in iTunes I get, "The iPhone could not be restored. This device isn't eligible for the requested build". The impression I'm getting is that Apple has locked out the possibility of upgrading to anything but the latest version (iOS 5.0). Long story short, I can't do that to achieve connectivity with my new car's media center. I need 4.2.1 for my 3GS. Any thoughts?

iPhone 3GS, iOS 3.1.3

Posted on Mar 8, 2012 12:06 PM

Reply

Answer 1

varjak paw

Level 10

170,200 points

Mar 8, 2012 1:13 PM in response to Uncle Larry

Try the direct download from Apple here:

http://appldnld.apple.com/iPhone4/061-9895.20101122.Cdew2/iPhone2,1_4.2.1_8C148a _Restore.ipsw

Download the update and install it by Option-clicking the Update button (Shift-click in Windows) in iTunes and choosing the downloaded file.

You may need to put the iPhone into Restore or DFU mode to get the installation to work, but try it normally first.

Regards.

Reply

Answer 2

KiltedTim

Level 10

195,435 points

Mar 8, 2012 2:26 PM in response to Uncle Larry

If you actually have a 3Gs, you can NOT install 4.2.1 at this point. You can only update to the current version, 5.1.

If, on the other hand, you have a 3G, then 4.2.1 is the current version. In that case either the direct download should fix it or you can try deleting the existing ipsw file from your machine and try it again.

Reply

Answer 3

Uncle Larry Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 8, 2012 2:48 PM in response to varjak paw

Varjak, I tried to update normally; did not work. Then tried it in DFU mode; no good either. Same respose: "This device isn't eligible for the requested build". The folks at the Apple Store were trying to assist, but as Tim has noted, they are only able to update with the latest version (iOS 5.1). They informed me that Apple locks their iPhones from updating an earlier version (such as 4.2.1 in my case). I'm given the impression that the only way this can happen is if I unlock the phone. What do you think?

Reply

Answer 4

roaminggnome

Level 10

106,365 points

Mar 8, 2012 2:50 PM in response to Uncle Larry

There is no legit way at ll to upgrade to any other version but the latest available.

Reply

Answer 5

varjak paw

Level 10

170,200 points

Mar 8, 2012 2:55 PM in response to Uncle Larry

I haven't heard about Apple putting such a lock into iTunes, but I suppose it's possible. If you have access to a computer with an earlier version of iTunes, you might try doing the update there.

Regards.

Reply

Answer 6

KiltedTim

Level 10

195,435 points

Mar 8, 2012 2:57 PM in response to Uncle Larry

You can NOT legitimately do it. As you've been told. We can't help you to do it as it violates the Terms of Service here.

If you choose to "unlock" your phone as you put it, then don't come back here for help. That would be an unauthorized modification to the phone and you will forfeit any right to support here or from Apple.

Reply

Answer 7

Uncle Larry Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 8, 2012 3:04 PM in response to varjak paw

Varjak, thanks for the follow-up. The fact is, the folks at the Apple Store updated my software today at my request. I learned yesterday that 4.2.1 does not have connectivity with any iTunes version lower than 10.1. And that version was not compatible with my then Tiger OSX. So, today I had my OSX upgraded from 10.4.11 to 10.5, and iTunes upgraded from 9.2.1 to 10.6. Notwithstanding the Apple tech made it clear that the iPhone restore would likely not work (3.1.3 to 4.2.1) because, in his words, "the phone is locked out of earlier version". I tried it at the store, and obviously, no luck.

As Roaminggnome has pointed out, there is likely no "legit" way of proceeding. Yes, I have seen "custom" firmware upgrades on the internet; all requiring jailbreaking of some kind or another.

Reply