About This Firmware
iOS 5.1
(build 9B176) is an official Apple IPSW
for the iPhone 3GS.
The download is 687.03 MB 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
iPhone2,1_5.1_9B176_Restore.ipsw
Checksums
SHA-1
4182c7ee075a5acbb2595b1cc27fe279e9c343ce
MD5
51e253431b1080cbbb5073efc87b1bb3
Direct URL
https://secure-appldnld.apple.com/iOS5/041-1535.20120307.Jer6N/iPhone2,1_5.1_9B176_Restore.ipsw
Other Devices
iPhone 5 (GSM)
iPhone5,1
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone14,3
iPhone 12
iPhone13,2
iPhone 18 Pro Max
iPhone19,7
iPhone 15
iPhone15,4
iPhone 16
iPhone17,3
How to Restore with This IPSW
iTunes / Finder
macOS & Windows- Download the .ipsw file to your computer.
- Connect your iPhone 3GS via USB.
- Open iTunes (Windows / macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina+) and select your device.
- Update (keep data): hold Option (Mac) or Shift (Windows) and click Update, then pick the .ipsw file.
- Restore (erase & install): hold Option / Shift and click Restore iPhone…, then pick the .ipsw file.
- Wait for the process to finish - do not disconnect.
Restoring will erase all data on the device. Back up first.
3uTools
Windows- Download and install 3uTools from 3u.com.
- Connect your iPhone 3GS via USB and trust the computer on the device.
- Go to Flash & JB > Easy Flash.
- Click Import and select the downloaded .ipsw file.
- Choose Flash mode: Update keeps data, Restore wipes the device.
- 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 tipIf 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
- Quickly press & release Volume Up
- Quickly press & release Volume Down
- Hold Side button until screen goes black
- Hold Side + Volume Down for 5 s
- Release Side, hold Volume Down 5 more s
- Black screen = DFU active
iPhone 7 / 7 Plus
- Hold Sleep/Wake + Volume Down for 8 s
- Release Sleep/Wake, keep holding Volume Down for 5 s
- Black screen = DFU active
iPhone 6s and earlier
- Hold Sleep/Wake + Home for 8 s
- Release Sleep/Wake, keep holding Home for 5 s
- Black screen = DFU active