If I restore my iPhone via iTunes, does it erase the firmware too? Will my current firmware version(v5.1.1) remain untouched if I choose to restore my iPhone using iTunes?

Question

If I restore my iPhone via iTunes, does it erase the firmware too? Will my current firmware version(v5.1.1) remain untouched if I choose to restore my iPhone using iTunes?

As stated above, I simply want to know if using the 'restore' function via iTunes on my iPhone will kill off the current firmware version I have. That or whether it will force me to take the latest update, which would be a royal pain given my connection.

And in case anyone is wondering, the iPhone is still mine, I don't intend to sell it or anything so the "erase and reset" feature is not what I need. I simply want to erase all data on my iPhone, while conserving its firmware - are there any alternatives for this?

Posted on Dec 11, 2012 10:12 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

AnaMusic

Level 9

57,562 points

Dec 11, 2012 10:13 PM in response to Onz Appleseed

A Restore will Install the Latest Version of iOS for your Device.

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Answer 2

John Galt

Level 10

140,780 points

Dec 11, 2012 10:21 PM in response to Onz Appleseed

A Restore will install whatever the latest iOS version is available for your iPhone, but I am confused... if you do not want to "erase all content and settings" then why do you want to restore?

... the "erase and reset" feature is not what I need. I simply want to erase all data on my iPhone, while conserving its firmware

"Erase all content and settings" erases securely but leaves iOS firmware intact. It seems that doing so accomplishes this goal. Am I missing something?

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Answer 3

Dec 12, 2012 9:08 AM in response to John Galt

OK, chances are I got a few things mixed up - I thought "erase and reset" restored the phone to factory settings, restoring firmware to its original version as well, but I confused a few things. My mistake.

But from what I've gathered, "erase and reset" wipes out data such as contacts and settings but leaves installed apps intact along with firmware. I want a complete wipe of all data, including apps and mods, leaving only the firmware intact. But perhaps I should give it a shot anyway, since the potential loss of data isn't an issue for me.

Actually the main reason I don't want to use a restore is that my connection would make downloading that huge update problematic...

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Answer 4

wjosten

Level 10

95,321 points

Dec 12, 2012 9:12 AM in response to Onz Appleseed

If you: Settings>General>Reset>Erase All Content & Settings, your phone will look just like it did when first taken out of the box...all of your data will be erased.

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Answer 5

Dec 12, 2012 9:16 AM in response to wjosten

Thanks, I needed confirmation on that, especially with a few conflicting statements I found on the web.

Also, by any chance, do any of you know in which directory the iPhone stores a firmware update after it's done wirelessly downloading it?

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Answer 6

wjosten

Level 10

95,321 points

Dec 12, 2012 9:20 AM in response to Onz Appleseed

On Windows XP :
Documents and Settings\<User>\Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPhone SoftwareUpdates

On Windows Vista/Windows 7:
Users\<User>\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPhone Software Updates

On Mac:
~/Library/iTunes/iPhone Software Updates

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Answer 7

John Galt

Level 10

140,780 points

Dec 12, 2012 9:55 AM in response to Onz Appleseed

Onz Appleseed wrote:

... But from what I've gathered, "erase and reset" wipes out data such as contacts and settings but leaves installed apps intact along with firmware.

The KB article explaining that is easily misunderstood. The "installed apps" that will remain are those that were included with the iPhone and cannot be erased anyway. The apps you installed via App Store will be erased.

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Answer 8

Andrey

Level 2

336 points

Dec 12, 2012 9:58 AM in response to Onz Appleseed

"I want a complete wipe of all data, including apps and mods"

If you have a jailbroken device with Cydia you won't want to use "Erase and Reset" - it will leave your phone at a spinning wheel and force you to restore.

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