How to download and install iOS 7 on your iPhone or iPad

A step-by-step guide to installed iOS 7 on your iPhone or iPad

Apple's new iOS 7 software for iPhone, iPad and iPod devices hasn't officially been released yet, though it's expected to arrive sometime in September. If you can't wait until then, it's possible to install a beta version of iOS 7 on your device.

Keep in mind that beta software is one that has not been officially released yet and is still in a "testing" phase. Beta software is known to come with bugs that should be ironed out before the regular release. Developers use beta software to essentially test before a full release, so if you wish to use iOS 7 now, do note that it won't be a completely bug free experience.

We've written an easy, step-by-step guide that includes images to help you through the process. The installation should take you less than 15 minutes to complete overall.

Backup your data

IMPORTANT: Before you go ahead you should ensure you backup your iPhone/iPad/iPod. The easiest method is use iCloud. Navigate to Settings > iCloud > Storage & Backup. Ensure the iCloud Backup option is turned on. To be sure, press "Back Up Now before you install iOS 7 Beta.

Make sure you back up your iOS device before installed iOS 7.
Make sure you back up your iOS device before installed iOS 7.

WARNING: Good Gear Guide takes no responsibility for anything that might go wrong during this process. We are not liable for any faults or damages caused by any of the procedures in this guide. If followed correctly, these instructions should ensure a hassle free process but you are ultimately advised to attempt this at your own risk.

Do note that you need to register the UDID (Unique Device Identifier) of your Apple device as a developer. It costs $99 per year to join the iOS developer program. Alternatively, if you know a developer you could ask them to add your device's UDID to their account, allowing you to use iOS 7 Beta.

Download iOS 7 Beta

First, you'll need to download iOS 7 Beta for your device. A list of direct download links are available here.

Be sure to download the correct software for your device. For example, there are two versions of the software for seperate iPhone 5 models. If you're in Australia, your iPhone 5 is the A1429 model rather than the A1428 model sold in the US and Canada.

The file you download should be a .ipsw file, short for iPod Software or iPhone Software. It's a proprietary file that Apple uses to load its iOS software on iPad, iPhone and iPod devices. If you've downloaded iOS 7 for the iPhone 5 like we have, the filename should be: "iPhone5,2_7.0_11A4449a_Restore.ipsw".

Restore your device and install the beta

Once you've downloaded the correct .ipsw file, you'll need to open iTunes on your PC or Mac. Plug in your iPhone, iPad or iPod to your computer using a USB cable.

You'll need to restore your device with the new beta software. To do this on a Mac computer, hold down the alt/option key and click "Restore iPhone…" A pop-up box will open. Navigate to the .ipsw file you downloaded earlier and click open.

Another pop up message will appear, saying iTunes will erase and restore your iPhone to iOS 7.0 and will verify the restore with Apple.

Once the restore and installation is complete you have successfully installed iOS 7 on your device! Keep in mind that the process could take up to 30 minutes to complete, so be patient. We recommend plugging your device into a power outlet while it's restoring.

Have you installed iOS 7 Beta on your iOS device? What do you think of the new software? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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Tags iPadApplesoftwareapple iphoneapple ipadios 7

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Ross Catanzariti

Ross Catanzariti

Good Gear Guide
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