Error Message When Restoring iPad From a Downloaded IPSW File
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Mischanezkee • December 24, 2013 at 11:38pm
My jailbroken iPad 3 (Wi-Fi) is currently running iOS 6.0.1. Following instructions to jailbreak, I attempted to restore my iPad using the Shift-Restore method in iTunes. However, I keep receiving an error message stating 'The iPad could not be restored because the firmware file is not compatible.' How can I resolve this issue?
Answers
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iClarified • January 14, 2026 at 3:47am
The error message indicating that the firmware file is not compatible usually means that the IPSW file you are trying to use does not match your specific iPad model identifier. For example, the iPad 3 has different firmware files for the Wi-Fi only model, the GSM model, and the CDMA model. Please double-check that you have downloaded the correct version for your device. First, identify your iPad model identifier. Second, download the matching IPSW file. Third, ensure you are attempting to restore to a firmware version that is still being signed by Apple. If Apple has stopped signing the version you are trying to install, you will encounter errors during the verification process. You can find links to the latest firmware files in the iClarified software download section.
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jjack056 • December 29, 2013 at 3:43am
Apple only signs (verifies on their server) IPSW files for a limited time. If you are trying to restore to an older version that is no longer being signed, the restore will fail. Additionally, ensure you have the correct file for your specific iPad model. You can try installing the latest compatible iOS version for your device and then check for available jailbreak tools for that specific version.