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Home / Devices / iPad Air 4 (WiFi) / 20G81

About This Firmware

iPadOS 16.6.1 (build 20G81) is an official Apple IPSW for the iPad Air 4 (WiFi), released on 2023-09-07. The download is 5.68 GB and is served directly from Apple's CDN. This firmware is no longer signed by Apple. Standard downgrades are not possible, but the file remains available for reference and advanced use.

Verify the download using the checksums below.

Filename

iPad_Fall_2020_16.6.1_20G81_Restore.ipsw

Checksums

SHA-256 271c79c899ccb964e73b4061d23e87e1ed71936f84da50fc7df9cc42055fedcf
SHA-1 594b4e3b6dee2cf10a3a7bc3e544b021a1fd503c
MD5 6518b8b1771a4fa6b228d1d949d98f80

Direct URL

https://updates.cdn-apple.com/2023SummerFCS/fullrestores/042-44527/AE4D1B09-960F-4A30-A56F-CB0A7D1E2276/iPad_Fall_2020_16.6.1_20G81_Restore.ipsw
Download IPSW

Other Devices

iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Cellular) (5th generation)
iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Cellular) (5th generation)
iPad13,11
 iPad 2 (WiFi)
iPad 2 (WiFi)
iPad2,1
 iPad 4 (GSM)
iPad 4 (GSM)
iPad3,5
 iPad Pro (11-inch, WiFi) (3rd generation)
iPad Pro (11-inch, WiFi) (3rd generation)
iPad13,4
 iPad Pro 9.7-inch (Cellular)
iPad Pro 9.7-inch (Cellular)
iPad6,4
 iPad (Cellular, 9th generation)
iPad (Cellular, 9th generation)
iPad12,2

How to Restore with This IPSW

iTunes / Finder

macOS & Windows
  1. Download the .ipsw file to your computer.
  2. Connect your iPad Air 4 (WiFi) via USB.
  3. Open iTunes (Windows / macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina+) and select your device.
  4. Update (keep data): hold Option (Mac) or Shift (Windows) and click Update, then pick the .ipsw file.
  5. Restore (erase & install): hold Option / Shift and click Restore iPhone…, then pick the .ipsw file.
  6. Wait for the process to finish - do not disconnect.
Restoring will erase all data on the device. Back up first.

3uTools

Windows
  1. Download and install 3uTools from 3u.com.
  2. Connect your iPad Air 4 (WiFi) via USB and trust the computer on the device.
  3. Go to Flash & JB > Easy Flash.
  4. Click Import and select the downloaded .ipsw file.
  5. Choose Flash mode: Update keeps data, Restore wipes the device.
  6. Click Flash and wait for the progress bar to complete - do not disconnect.
Only flash firmware that matches your exact device model.

DFU Mode

Recovery tip

If your device is stuck in a boot loop or iTunes/Finder does not recognise it, enter DFU mode first, then select the .ipsw file as normal.

iPhone 8 / X and later

  1. Quickly press & release Volume Up
  2. Quickly press & release Volume Down
  3. Hold Side button until screen goes black
  4. Hold Side + Volume Down for 5 s
  5. Release Side, hold Volume Down 5 more s
  6. Black screen = DFU active

iPhone 7 / 7 Plus

  1. Hold Sleep/Wake + Volume Down for 8 s
  2. Release Sleep/Wake, keep holding Volume Down for 5 s
  3. Black screen = DFU active

iPhone 6s and earlier

  1. Hold Sleep/Wake + Home for 8 s
  2. Release Sleep/Wake, keep holding Home for 5 s
  3. Black screen = DFU active
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