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Home / Devices / iPad Air 5 (Cellular) / 23C71

About This Firmware

iPadOS 26.2.1 (build 23C71) is an official Apple IPSW for the iPad Air 5 (Cellular), released on 2026-01-26. The download is 9.46 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_Spring_2022_26.2.1_23C71_Restore.ipsw

Checksums

SHA-256 472204dc8d6e3082348fdb2556c928d35fb5902f1de09e36c23843a8b8031bab
SHA-1 64d63be76a8fccec6f677bf112a7b32a282ab6ca
MD5 90c261f484c165a0ada40b0af4e477d6

Direct URL

https://updates.cdn-apple.com/2025FallFCS/fullrestores/047-18589/52CF91FF-5023-4101-84FE-B9F7C35CF4C4/iPad_Spring_2022_26.2.1_23C71_Restore.ipsw
Download IPSW

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iPad13,8

How to Restore with This IPSW

iTunes / Finder

macOS & Windows
  1. Download the .ipsw file to your computer.
  2. Connect your iPad Air 5 (Cellular) 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 5 (Cellular) 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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