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Core57
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: How do I restore an iPhone 4.

I have an old iPhone 4 that I would like to give to my son to use for music only.   The IOS is corrupt and I need to reinstall IOS.   The normal upgrade process hangs and does not complete.   I am assuming it is because IOS9 does NOT support the iPhone 4.    Any guidance on restoring my iPhone 4 would be appreciated.


Thanks

iPhone 4, iOS 9.2.1, null

Posted on Feb 28, 2016 8:57 AM

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Core57

Q: How do I restore an iPhone 4.

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  • Helpful answers

  • by modular747,

    modular747 modular747 Feb 28, 2016 8:59 AM in response to Core57
    Level 6 (19,343 points)
    iPad
    Feb 28, 2016 8:59 AM in response to Core57

    This has nothing to do with iOS 9 - the restore process installs only the latest version for the hardware.

     

    Try restoring using recovery mode as described this article:  If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

     

    If that process hangs, there is hardware damage or the phone was previously jailbroken.

  • by JohnKeeper,

    JohnKeeper JohnKeeper Feb 28, 2016 9:05 AM in response to Core57
    Level 1 (25 points)
    Feb 28, 2016 9:05 AM in response to Core57

    Hi there,

     

    I'm sorry to bring you some bad news:

    The iPhone 4 doesn't support the latest firmware. Ever since Apple chose to sign each firmware, it is impossible to restore an iPhone to an iOS that is not signed anymore. You either live with the fact, that your iPhone 4 will be corrupted or choose to buy at least an iPhone 4s (iPhone 4s is the last model that accepts firmware above iOS 9.x)

     

    Hope this helps

     

    John

  • by Rudegar,

    Rudegar Rudegar Feb 28, 2016 9:46 AM in response to JohnKeeper
    Level 7 (28,992 points)
    Apple TV
    Feb 28, 2016 9:46 AM in response to JohnKeeper

    no, older devices which does not support latests ios version will always be able to restore the last ios version they support

  • by JohnKeeper,

    JohnKeeper JohnKeeper Feb 28, 2016 9:50 AM in response to Rudegar
    Level 1 (25 points)
    Feb 28, 2016 9:50 AM in response to Rudegar

    Well, I'm sorry for this mistake.

     

    My brother had an iPhone 4 and it was not able to reset to the last firmware it could support (Even though we had long conversations with the Apple Support). Though it might have been an exception. I have to correct my statement therefore.

     

    Thanks Rudegar

  • by Phil0124,

    Phil0124 Phil0124 Feb 28, 2016 9:53 AM in response to JohnKeeper
    Level 7 (27,937 points)
    iPhone
    Feb 28, 2016 9:53 AM in response to JohnKeeper

    JohnKeeper wrote:

     

    Hi there,

     

    I'm sorry to bring you some bad news:

    The iPhone 4 doesn't support the latest firmware. Ever since Apple chose to sign each firmware, it is impossible to restore an iPhone to an iOS that is not signed anymore. You either live with the fact, that your iPhone 4 will be corrupted or choose to buy at least an iPhone 4s

     

    Hope this helps

     

    John

    That is quite wrong.  

     

    While iOS 7 may not be signed for devices that support iOS versions greater than that, it is still perfectly signed for devices that only support it.

     

    Restoring the iPhone 4 through iTunes should in fact re-install iOS 7.1.2 as its the only one signed for an iPhone 4 at this time.

     

    If the restore process hangs, it has nothing to do with iOS 9, or what iOS versions are signed. its very likely a hardware issue in that case.