The wait is finally over, and iOS 14 is here. With its plethora of exciting features, including a revamped home screen, improved multitasking, and enhanced security features, many iPhone users can’t wait to get their hands on it. While Apple usually pushes updates to devices automatically, some users may want to take matters into their own hands and install iOS 14 manually. If you’re one of them, this article is for you.
Why Manually Install iOS 14?
Before we dive into the installation process, it’s essential to understand why you might want to manually install iOS 14 in the first place. Here are a few scenarios:
- You’re eager to get the update ASAP: If you’re excited to try out the new features of iOS 14, you might not want to wait for Apple to push the update to your device automatically. By installing it manually, you can get the latest features sooner rather than later.
- You’re experiencing software issues: If your iPhone is experiencing software-related problems, such as slow performance or battery drain, installing iOS 14 manually may help resolve these issues.
- You want more control over the installation process: Some users may prefer to have more control over the installation process, ensuring that their device is updated exactly when they want it to be.
Pre-Installation Checklist
Before you start the manual installation process, make sure you’ve completed the following tasks:
Backup Your iPhone
Backing up your iPhone is essential before installing iOS 14. This ensures that your data, including contacts, photos, and apps, is safe in case anything goes wrong during the installation process. You can backup your iPhone using iCloud or iTunes. To backup using iCloud:
- Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup
- Toggle iCloud Backup to the “On” position
- Tap “Back Up Now” to start the backup process
To backup using iTunes:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable
- Open iTunes on your computer
- Select your iPhone in the top left corner of the iTunes window
- Click “Backup Now” to start the backup process
Ensure You Have Enough Storage Space
iOS 14 requires a minimum of 2.5GB of free storage space to install. Check your iPhone’s storage capacity by going to Settings > [your name] > Storage & iCloud Usage. If you don’t have enough space, delete unnecessary apps, photos, or files to make room for the update.
Charge Your iPhone
Make sure your iPhone is fully charged or has at least 50% battery life remaining. This ensures that your device doesn’t run out of power during the installation process.
Manually Installing iOS 14
Now that you’ve completed the pre-installation checklist, it’s time to manually install iOS 14 on your iPhone.
Download the iOS 14 IPSW File
An IPSW file is the installation package for iOS 14. You’ll need to download the correct IPSW file for your iPhone model. You can download the IPSW file from Apple’s website or from a trusted third-party source.
| iPhone Model | IPSW File URL |
|---|---|
| iPhone 12 | https://itunes.apple.com/%s/en/device/%s.ipsw |
| iPhone 11 | https://itunes.apple.com/%s/en/device/%s.ipsw |
| iPhone XR | https://itunes.apple.com/%s/en/device/%s.ipsw |
Replace “%s” with your iPhone’s model number (e.g., iPhone12,3 for an iPhone 12 Pro).
Connect Your iPhone to Your Computer
Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable. Trust the computer on your iPhone if prompted.
Put Your iPhone in Recovery Mode
To put your iPhone in recovery mode:
- Press and quickly release the Volume Down button
- Press and hold the Power button until the “Connect to iTunes” screen appears
Install iOS 14 Using iTunes
Open iTunes on your computer and select your iPhone in the top left corner of the iTunes window. Click “Update” to begin the installation process.
Important:** If you see an error message during the installation process, try restarting your iPhone and computer, and then try again.
Wait for the Installation to Complete
The installation process may take several minutes to complete. Your iPhone will automatically restart once the installation is finished.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any issues during the manual installation process, try the following troubleshooting steps:
Error 14 or iTunes Error 14
This error usually occurs due to a corrupted IPSW file or a problem with your iPhone’s USB connection. Try downloading the IPSW file again or restarting your iPhone and computer.
Error 1671 or iTunes Error 1671
This error typically occurs due to a problem with your iPhone’s recovery mode. Try restarting your iPhone and putting it back in recovery mode.
Conclusion
Manually installing iOS 14 on your iPhone can be a straightforward process if you follow the steps outlined in this article. Remember to backup your iPhone, ensure you have enough storage space, and charge your device before starting the installation process. If you encounter any issues, try the troubleshooting steps outlined above. With iOS 14 now installed on your iPhone, you can start exploring the exciting new features and improvements Apple has to offer.
What is the difference between installing iOS 14 through iTunes and installing it manually?
Installing iOS 14 through iTunes is a straightforward process that involves plugging your iPhone into your computer, opening iTunes, and clicking on the “Update” button. On the other hand, manually installing iOS 14 involves downloading the iOS 14 IPSW file and then using iTunes to install it on your device. The main difference between the two methods is the level of control you have over the installation process. When you install iOS 14 through iTunes, you have limited control over the installation process and may not be able to customize certain aspects of the installation.
By manually installing iOS 14, you have more control over the installation process and can customize certain aspects of the installation to suit your needs. For example, you can choose to preserve your iPhone’s data and settings during the installation process, or you can choose to erase all data and start from scratch. Additionally, manual installation allows you to install iOS 14 on a jailbroken device or on a device that is not compatible with the latest version of iOS.
Is it safe to manually install iOS 14 on my iPhone?
Manually installing iOS 14 on your iPhone is generally safe as long as you follow the correct procedures and take certain precautions. Before installing iOS 14, make sure to back up your iPhone’s data and settings to iCloud or iTunes to prevent any data loss. Additionally, make sure to download the iOS 14 IPSW file from a trusted source, such as Apple’s website, to avoid any malware or viruses.
However, it’s worth noting that manually installing iOS 14 can be more risky than installing it through iTunes. If you don’t follow the correct procedures, you may end up bricking your iPhone or causing other problems. Therefore, it’s essential to follow the instructions carefully and take your time when manually installing iOS 14.
What are the requirements for manually installing iOS 14 on my iPhone?
To manually install iOS 14 on your iPhone, you’ll need a few things. First, you’ll need a compatible iPhone model, such as an iPhone 8 or later. You’ll also need a computer with iTunes installed, as well as a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer. Additionally, you’ll need to download the correct iOS 14 IPSW file for your iPhone model from Apple’s website.
Make sure to check the compatibility of your iPhone model with iOS 14 before attempting to install it manually. You can check the compatibility on Apple’s website or on the iPhone’s settings page. Additionally, make sure to disable any firewall or antivirus software on your computer that may interfere with the installation process.
Will manually installing iOS 14 erase all data on my iPhone?
Manually installing iOS 14 on your iPhone doesn’t necessarily mean that all your data will be erased. When you install iOS 14, you’ll be given the option to preserve your iPhone’s data and settings or to erase all data and start from scratch. If you choose to preserve your data and settings, your iPhone will retain all your contacts, photos, apps, and other data.
However, it’s always a good idea to back up your iPhone’s data and settings to iCloud or iTunes before installing iOS 14, regardless of whether you choose to preserve your data or not. This is because anything can go wrong during the installation process, and you may end up losing your data. By backing up your data, you can restore it later in case anything goes wrong.
Can I manually install iOS 14 on a jailbroken iPhone?
Yes, you can manually install iOS 14 on a jailbroken iPhone, but you need to be careful. Jailbreaking your iPhone can make it more vulnerable to security risks, and installing iOS 14 manually can potentially remove the jailbreak. Before installing iOS 14, make sure to remove the jailbreak and restore your iPhone to its original state.
Additionally, you may need to use specialized software or tools to install iOS 14 on a jailbroken iPhone. These tools can help you preserve your jailbreak while still installing the latest version of iOS. However, be careful when using these tools, as they can potentially cause problems with your iPhone.
How long does it take to manually install iOS 14 on my iPhone?
The time it takes to manually install iOS 14 on your iPhone can vary depending on several factors, such as the speed of your internet connection, the speed of your computer, and the size of the iOS 14 IPSW file. On average, the installation process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.
The installation process involves several steps, including downloading the iOS 14 IPSW file, connecting your iPhone to your computer, and using iTunes to install the new operating system. Additionally, the installation process may involve backup and restore processes, which can take some time. Be patient and make sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid any errors or problems.
What if I encounter problems during the manual installation process?
If you encounter problems during the manual installation process, don’t panic. There are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the issue. First, try restarting your iPhone and your computer, and then try the installation process again. If the problem persists, try using a different USB port or a different USB cable.
If the problem still persists, you may need to restore your iPhone to its original state using iTunes. This will erase all your data, so make sure to back up your data regularly to avoid any data loss. Additionally, you can seek help from Apple’s support website or from online forums dedicated to iOS installation.