Apple Silicon M1/M2/M3/M4 macOS IPSW Firmware Restore Files Database

67 thoughts on “Apple Silicon M1/M2/M3/M4 macOS IPSW Firmware Restore Files Database”

1. I am going to attempt to restore (for purposes of sale) my Mac mini (8GB) to Big Sur, recovery partition and elsewhere. I have a 16GB mini on the way, as of yet I have found no instructional on how to use one M1 mini to restore another, so when it comes time to plug the old mini in, is it simply a case of press/hold the power button while inserting the power cable until my iPad* says DFU, then drag/drop the IPSW into that square?

   *I’ll be using my iPad as a sidecar to the new mini on my TV’s HDMI-1, the old mini HDMI-2. I set the iPad up to mirror the TV so I can still see what’s going on while I switch over with my remote to HDMI-2, and it works with my Windows install that’s plugged in there now.

   1. Yup, that’s about it.

      Boot 8GB into DFU mode.
      Start AC2 on 16GB and Download IPSW (wr just let apple configurator 2 download it)
      Click the Restore Button. This will erase the drive and reinstall macOS Big Sur. Leave it at the setup assistant for the new user.

2. Love what you do man. We’re a business and using your IPSW files, we can restore and reinstall M1 model very fast and conveniently. Saving us tons of time.

   Keep it up!

   1. Thank you very much!

3. Is the single .IPSW file compatible across all M1 Macs?

   1. Correct, each IPSW for big sur is compatible for all Macs in most situation. Over time you will find that certain old versions will not work. For example the new 2021 iMac came with 11.3. You will not be able to use the 11.2.3 and lower IPSW to restore.

      1. Thanks sir

4. Hi,
   thank you for all the informations. I just need to downgrade from BigSur to HighSierra and I ended up with this Problem of restore/reviving the mac mini. Do you have IPSW files for HighSierra or does that make any sense?
   Thank you

   1. Hello Jan, the IPSW files are only for M1 Devices and macOS Monterey and Big Sur.

   2. What’s the year of the mac mini?
      No IPSW file for HighSierra

      1. Correct IPSW files are only available for M1 Macs and macOS Big Sur and Monterey.

5. So will the IPSW just update (restore) my MacOS, retaining existing installed applications, etc, or will it completely erase and set up as a new machine again if I run it? Confused, was expecting an M1 beta update, not an IPSW.

   1. Restore = Complete erase + Reinstall of macOS and Recovery
      Revive = Retain Data + Only Reinstall macOS Recovery

6. Hi Mr Macintosh, so just to be cleared this is only for m1 devices not intel based ones?

   1. Correct only for M1. Intel T2 Macs have BridgeOS that runs the T2 Security chip that can be restored this way but not the full OS.

      1. TY! doing the lord’s work lad.

      2. Hi Mr Macintosh, Failed to unzip the restore bundle [com.apple.MobileDevice.MobileRestore – 0xFB5 (4021)], the message I had when I try to restore MBP.

         1. Hello Vladimir, are you trying to restore big sur or monterey?

            1. big sur, but the system that was on it was monterey beta.

            2. I used a 2013 macbook pro

               1. Oh ok are you on Catalina 10.15.6 or newer plus the latest version of AC2 ?

                  1. the mac i want to restore is an M1 MBP, i try to do it via a 2013 MBP and give me the message i sent you. I have used a USB-A to USB-C.

                     1. Did you resolve this issue. I’m having same issues trying to dfu Restore Big Sur over Monterey beta.

7. Hi Mr Macintosh, thanks for your video. i encountered an error of the ipsw file can’t be read.. when i tried to drag and drop it on the apple configurator 2.. i downloaded the macos 11.5.1 ipsw file.. how do i solve this issue.

   the exact error message is “”there was a problem reading the UniversalMac_11.5.1_20G80_Restore.ipsw. the operation couldn’t be completed. operation timed out”.

   1. Hello Arinze, a few questions. are you using the latest version of AC2 and the white USB-C charge cable?

      1. Yes I am.

         Well I figured out the issue. I redownloaded the ipsw file, and tried again. it worked this time but failed to revive my m1 MacBook Pro. …
         Error message: The System cannot be restored on this device. The operation couldn’t be completed. (AMRestoreErrorDomain error 26 – Failed to handle message type StatusMsg) [AMRestoreErrorDomain – 0x1A (26)]

         I then went ahead to try restoring the MacBook via the same process and it worked. but I lost all user data on the MacBook

8. Hi

   can we do an update ? not a restore with Apple Configurator 2 and file IPSW
   thank you in advance

   1. Francky, do you want to do a revive and only install macOS recovery?

      1. I did a clean installation with the 11.5 RC 20G70 IPSW on my Mac mini , I would like to install over the 11.5 RC 20G71 in update with configurator 2 without erasing my data
         it’s possible ?
         Thank

9. Hello guys!

   I follow all the instructions not only here but also with apple and still having the same problem when try to restore my Macbook Pro

   The OS cannot be restored on this device.
   Failed to restore device in recovery mode, libusbrestore error:21 [com.apple.MobileDevice.MobileRestore – 0x15 (21)]

   Any Idea how I can fix this would be very helpfull

   1. Marco, are you using the monterey IPSW?

10. When I try to restore with the 12.0 21A5268h ipsw, it’ll take about a minute then Configurator 2 will error out: “The operation couldn’t be completed. (AMRestoreErrorDomain error 10 – Failed to handle message type StatusMsg (Protocol error)) [AMRestoreErrorDomain – 0xA (10)]”

    1. James, you need to have a macOS Monterey Host Mac to do this or Big Sur with xcode beta 13.

       1. ah thank you. i must have missed this pre-requisite. do you have a feeling this requirement is going to apply to the release ipsw?

11. How can I download the os ? I click on it and it doesn’t do anything

    1. Hank, you might need to right click and open link in a new tab or copy and paste the link.

12. Anyone else having issues with 11.4 link not working?

13. Do you have an official Apple source for these installers rather than downloading them every time you restore a computer?

    1. Hello Mark, the links that I provide are directly from Apple’s severs. If you want, you could let Apple Configurator 2 download the latest version every time. Once a new update like 11.5 goes live AC2 would download that version and replace 11.4 that is stored on the host Mac.

14. Do these ipsw files include restoration of all Apple Apps that came in the original build of the computer such as iMovie, Pages, Keynote, & Numbers? If not, is there a way to get a restoration installer that does truly return the computer to it’s original factory included software state?

    1. Mark, that would be great but the IPSW only has the base native apps like safari. It does not include iMovie, Pages etc.

15. Is there any chance of getting a working link to UniversalMac_11.0_20A2411_Restore.ipsw? I’d like to install it for software testing.

    Thanks.

16. 11.3 version working perfectly outstanding using the DFU mode on 28.04.2021. I have downloaded the IPSW format MacOS installation file from here and put over the DFU window, It runs immediately. Few minutes later on My M1 Macbook Pro completes its installation process and boot as normally with the latest OS. This method helps me well to overcome from the M1 macbook pro’s restore Bricked issue. Thank you Mrmacintosh.

17. 11.2.3 not working…Could you please check your link ?

    Also, this ipsw can be used on mac mini M1 or macbook pro (or air) M1. There is no specific version for macmini or macbook right ?

    i asked because on some websites, they make a difference

    1. Dan, thanks for letting me know! FIXED ?

18. Pingback: Michael Tsai - Blog - macOS 11.2

19. HI!
    I am trying to revive a bricked T2 Chip on a A2141 model. It is recognized by Configurator 2 in recovery mode, but it won’t start or show any sign of life. I am able to put it into DFU using the key-combo, but it won’t let me install/revive/repair the T2 Chip. It will always stop @ step 4 – installation – bar fully loaded, quoting: “Failed to handle message type StatusMsg” – “AmRestoreErrorDomain – 0x23 (35)”.

    Do you have any idea, how to solve that? I already tried it with 2nd Mac with Catalina, did not work, then upgrading to Big Sur, did not work either. Mac still won’t start or show any sign of life. 🙁

    Thank you!!

    1. Hi, were you able to figure this out? I am having the same issue.

    2. Can you start in the recovery mode? Press and hold the power button on your Mac until you see the startup option page and then select Options.
       There you should format the whole ssd and disable secure Boot:
       https://eshop.macsales.com/blog/46677-all-about-the-apple-t2-security-chip-and-startup-security-utility/

       After that put it as shown by MrM in DFU-mode and install the correct ipsw. Hope it helps

20. I downloaded ipsw file from the Configurator 2, in the last step installing the system, I saw a loading bar on my mac and after that Configurator 2 show an error, and my MacBook pro restarted and the alert shows again.
    I can’t understand how my MacBook comes to this situation, I just go out and leave my MacBook on the desk, when I came back I realized that it’s turned off and the alert logo shows on the screen.

21. Hello Mr. Macintosh,
    I have bought MacBook Pro M1 and after migrating everything from my previous MacBook Pro (2015), it created 2 user profiles. I checked online and it was advised just to remove the other profile so I did that. Recently the new Big Sur 11.1 firmware update was released and my MacBook is unable to install it after downloading, which I tried several times. Then I thought of installing through startup menu using a USB drive but I ended up having a screen showing my a circle with “!” and below a web url to restore. Now I am following your guide to revive the firmware using the Apple Configurator 2 on my old MacBook, USB-A to C cable and MacOS 11.1 IPSW file that you so kindly provided here on the page. But I get this error message(below) once I start to revive my Mac in DFU mode, which isn’t listed anywhere on the internet. Could you please help me with understanding how I can fix this. I feel upset that the new MacBook Pro already has some issue from the 2nd day 🙁
    Best wishes!
    Kanwal

    Error message: The System cannot be restored on this device. The operation couldn’t be completed. (AMRestoreErrorDomain error 26 – Failed to handle message type StatusMsg) [AMRestoreErrorDomain – 0x1A (26)]

    Old MacBook Pro (2015) is running latest 11.1 firmware and New MacBook Pro M1 is running one previous version.

22. Also just to let you know, (and it could be just my Mac) but I can’t even use DFU mode to reinstall 11.1 on this particular M1 MBA.

23. I’m really stuck, failing to go back from 11.1 (production) to 11.0.1 (production) and perhaps because I’m using Configurator Version 2.13.3 (5B55), not 2.12 ?

    The process fails after DFU mode, about 3 minutes pass and then I get a restarted Mac with a (!) in a circle. This has happened now twice.

    Do you have a .dmg of 2.12 I can try? Thank you so much, your help is incredibly valuable.
    Perhaps 11.1 is a truly massive firmware update that just can’t be reversed.

24. I am trying to revive a MacBook Air (M1) using Apple Configurator 2 on another MacBook Air (M1) but keep running into this : AMRestoreErrorDomain – 0x35 (53). Do you have any idea how to resolve this problem ( I have been in contact with Apple Support but they were unable to suggest any thing other than returning the machine to the shop).

25. Pingback: Michael Tsai - Blog - Reviving or Restoring a Mac With Apple Silicon

26. Hello!

    I own a Mac mini M1 baseline and installed 11.1 Beta then had a change of heart and wanted to go back to 11.0.1 and take things from there.

    I have tried everything to restore the original (I created a USB stick of 11.0.1 before applying the Beta) BUT the mini is coming back with an error stating “This OS is too old…” or something like that. I do not have access to a second Mac and have to rely on erasing etc – even with this method the downloaded Sur is the Beta!!

    Any thoughts? Many thanks!

    1. Roberto, your only option is to do a DFU restore with 11.0.1 or wait until 11.1 final is released.

       1. DFU is not always working for Mac Mini. I tried several times but I kept getting the same problem with “Create a computer account”. The best option is returning the Mac Mini since Apple has a special holiday return policy until January 8, and wait until the second generation of M1 version.

          1. Nad, I am doing research on this issue. Could you share the steps that you used to get into this situation?

27. i tried the restore using the methods, but landed with this error

    The operation couldn’t be completed. (AMRestoreErrorDomain error 53 – Failed to handle message type StatusMsg) [AMRestoreErrorDomain – 0x35 (53)]

28. Hi there,
    Thank you for sharing your insights on how to get around this issue!
    Can you please tell me how the IPSW downloadable files that you have listed here are safe, unaltered and free from any nasties?
    How can I know for sure that your Big Sur IPSW 11.0.1 20B29 restore file is legitimate and directly from Apple?
    Kind Regards,
    Ryan.

    1. Hello Ryan,

       No problem, the address that I’m providing is a direct link to Apple’s CDN server. All you need to do is right click on the link then “Copy Link Address”

       Paste the address somewhere to read it, and it will show

       http://updates-http.cdn-apple.com/2020FallFCS/fullrestores/001-79706/93A4C43C-2B45-47AF-84EA-794F8886B85C/UniversalMac_11.0.1_20B29_Restore.ipsw

       notice how this link is an Apple.com domain. If any other site offered the same download and it was not coming directly from Apple, I wouldn’t touch it.

       1. Thank you Mr. Macintosh for your expert advice!!

       2. im sorry to say, but u may be using a counterfeit malware ridden version of macos.
          That one is clearly not an apple domain,…. cdn-apple.com
          swcdn.apple.com its an Apple corp owned domain. I know cause myself are being part of a targeted attack for some time now.

          1. http://updates-http.cdn-apple.com is an official Apple domain.
             You can can look that up!

             1. I’m with Santiago. “cdn-apple.com” has a bit of a smell to it. Plus Apple NOT using https. Weird.

                I’m the first to admit I am NOT the person to even be chiming in here, but just EXACTLY how did you go about looking it up?

                I can do the following and the results *seem* reasonable.
                dig apple.com

                Same here.
                dig mrmacintosh.com

                But this? You do not even get an IP address
                dig cdn-apple.com

                Just saying, don’t like it.

                1. It’s true that cdn-apple.com doesn’t have an IP, but updates.cdn-apple.com does. You should run ‘whois cdn-apple.com’ and see who’s the entity that registered the domain 🙂 iOS updates have been on cdn-apple.com since at least 2018 (iOS 11.3.1).

                   Here’s the official XML used to get the latest ipsw, I think it’s fetched by Apple Configurator: https://mesu.apple.com/assets/macos/com_apple_macOSIPSW/com_apple_macOSIPSW.xml

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