Legacy iOS Kit – An all-in-one tool to restore/downgrade, save SHSH blobs, jailbreak legacy iOS devices, and more.
A multifunctional software application designed for specific tasks related to iOS devices, particularly older models.
Detailed Explanation and Analysis:
- All-in-One Tool:
- The phrase “all-in-one tool” suggests that the software consolidates multiple functions into a single application, making it a convenient solution for users who need various iOS-related capabilities without having to use several different programs.
- Restore/Downgrade:
- “Restore” refers to the ability to reset an iOS device to factory settings or a previous state, often helpful in troubleshooting or preparing a device for sale.
- “Downgrade” explicitly indicates the capability to revert an iOS device from a newer software version to an older one. This is particularly relevant for users who might want to escape bugs or unwanted features present in the latest update.
- Save SHSH Blobs:
- SHSH blobs are unique digital signatures used by Apple to verify software versions for iOS devices. Saving SHSH blobs is crucial for users who want to downgrade their devices, as it allows them to maintain a record of their previous software version, which can be used for future restores or downgrades.
- Jailbreak Legacy iOS Devices:
- Jailbreaking refers to the process of removing software restrictions imposed by Apple on iOS devices, which allows users to gain root access to the operating system. This enables the installation of apps and tweaks that are not available through Apple’s App Store. The term “legacy iOS devices” suggests that this tool is particularly aimed at older iPhones or iPads, which might have a community of enthusiasts wanting to customize their devices beyond Apple’s limitations.
- And More:
- The phrase “and more” implies that the tool includes additional functionalities beyond the ones explicitly listed. This could refer to features like device backup and restore, system tweaking, or troubleshooting capabilities.
Legacy iOS Kit
Download Legacy iOS Kit
git-hash_2025-08-17-f81cac4.zip
Legacy-iOS-Kit_complete_v25.08.15.zip
Legacy-iOS-Kit_linux_arm64_v25.08.15.zip
Legacy-iOS-Kit_linux_x86_64_v25.08.15.zip
Legacy-iOS-Kit_macos_v25.08.15.zip
- (formerly iOS-OTA-Downgrader)
- An all-in-one tool to restore/downgrade, save SHSH blobs, jailbreak legacy iOS devices, and more
- Supported on Linux and macOS
- Read the “How to Use” wiki page for instructions
- Read the “Troubleshooting” wiki page for tips, frequent questions, and troubleshooting.
- The procedure will depend on your usage, operating system, and iOS device. Make sure that the script supports your setup. See the README for details before continuing.
- I (LukeZGD) will not be held responsible for any consequences or damages that may happen to your devices. Proceed at your own risk.
Initial Setup
Legacy iOS Kit needs initial setup before usage. Please select your operating system.Linux/macOS
- Download Legacy iOS Kit here and extract the zip archive.
- You may also clone the repo:
git clone --filter=blob:none https://github.com/LukeZGD/Legacy-iOS-Kit - For git clone, shallow clones (like
--depth 1) are not supported. Do a blobless clone instead, as shown above.
- You may also clone the repo:
- Open a Terminal window.
- (macOS only) Install Xcode Command Line Tools by running this command:
xcode-select --install - Start the script: Go to where the extracted files are located, drag
restore.shto the Terminal window, and press Enter/Return.
- On its first run, it will download and install dependencies. This will take some time, depending on your Internet connection. When it’s done, proceed to the next section.
Windows
- There is no Windows version of Legacy iOS Kit. It will never be supported.
- Windows users should use Legacy iOS Kit on Linux or macOS instead.
- You can easily create an Ubuntu live USB with tools like Rufus. Make sure to enable Persistent Storage, or use another USB drive to store the Legacy iOS Kit and its files.
- Tutorial: https://ubuntu.com/tutorials/create-a-usb-stick-on-windows
- Make sure to set the Persistent partition size to enable Persistent Storage. You may set this to the maximum.
- For older systems, it is recommended to use a lightweight variant of Ubuntu, like Linux Mint XFCE, Xubuntu, or Lubuntu.
- For older versions of Rufus (3.22), do not use the latest Ubuntu, since persistent storage will be broken. Use 22.04 (or Mint 21) instead.
Usage
Please select your usage.
- Restore/Downgrade a 32-bit device to iOS 8.4.1/6.1.3.
- Restore/Downgrade (and hacktivate) an iPhone 2G/3G/3GS/4, iPod touch 1/2/3, iPad 1.
- Restore/Downgrade an A7 device to iOS 10.3.3.
- Restore/Downgrade a 32-bit device to an iOS version I have SHSH blobs for.
- Restore/Downgrade a 32-bit device to other iOS versions using iOS 7 blobs. (powdersn0w)
- Restore/Downgrade a 64-bit device to an iOS version I have SHSH blobs for. (futurerestore)
- Jailbreak a 32-bit device on its current iOS version.
- Save onboard SHSH blobs of my current iOS version.
- Save SHSH blobs from Cydia servers. (32-bit devices only)
- Sideload apps to iOS device on Linux
- Activate iOS device
- Hacktivate old iPhone (activate without valid SIM card)
- Boot an SSH Ramdisk (32-bit and 64-bit devices)
- Install IPA files to jailbroken iOS device
Features
- Legacy iOS Kit supports all 32-bit iOS devices, and some 64-bit (A7/A8/A9/A10/A11) devices.
- Devices that received iOS 16 and newer will only have limited functionality (e.g., sideloading), and some features, like SSH ramdisk, are not supported.
- Legacy iOS Kit defines legacy devices as all iOS devices that are vulnerable to checkm8 and older
- Restore to signed OTA versions (iOS 8.4.1 and/or 6.1.3) on A5/A6 devices
- Restore to iOS 10.3.3 (signed OTA version) on supported A7 devices
- Restore supported devices to unsigned versions with SHSH blobs
- Restore to unsigned iOS versions with iOS 7 blobs (powdersn0w)
- Restore supported 32-bit devices to unsigned iOS versions “without” blobs
- Includes downgrading iPhone 2G, 3G, 3GS, iPhone 4 GSM and CDMA, iPod touch 1, 2, 3, iPad 1
- “without” is in quotes because powdersn0w uses iOS 5/7 blobs for touch 3 and A4 devices, but it is signed for everyone to use
- Other devices, however, are true blobless
- Tethered downgrades/restores to supported iOS versions for A5(X)/A6(X) and some other 32-bit devices
- Jailbreak all 32-bit iOS devices on nearly any iOS version
- Available on iOS versions 3.0 to 9.3.4, with some small exceptions
- Hacktivation for iPhone 2G, 3G, 3GS, 4 GSM (activate without valid SIM card)
- FourThree Utility – Dualboot iOS 4.3.x for the iPad 2
- Boot the SSH Ramdisk for supported 32-bit and 64-bit devices
- Save Onboard SHSH blobs for supported 32-bit and 64-bit devices
- Sideload IPA files for supported devices on Linux (and macOS)
- Save SHSH blobs from Cydia servers for 32-bit devices
- Enter pwned iBSS/kDFU mode for supported 32-bit devices
- Save onboard SHSH blobs for jailbroken 64-bit devices (deverser)
- This also saves onboard Cryptex APTicket and seed for iOS 16+ (x8A4)
- Install TrollStore using SSH Ramdisk for supported 64-bit devices on iOS 14/15
- Clear NVRAM for 32-bit devices
- Device activation using ideviceactivation (especially useful for iOS 4 and lower)
- The latest baseband will be flashed for certain A5/A6 devices (for iPhone 4S, 5, 5C, iPad 4, mini 1)
- For more info on baseband, go to the Baseband Update wiki page
- Dumping and stitching baseband to IPSW (requires
--disable-bbupdate) - Dumping and stitching activation records to IPSW (requires
--activation-records) - App Management – Install IPA (AppSync), dump apps as IPA, list installed apps
- Data Management – Backup and restore, mount device, erase all content and settings
- Misc Utilities – Pair device, export data and battery info, shutdown/restart device, and more
Supported devices
- Identify your device here
- OTA downgrades do NOT support iPhone 5C and iPad mini 3 devices
- These devices still support restoring to other iOS versions with SHSH blobs, see below
- See the table below for OTA downgrading support:
| Target Version | Supported Devices |
|---|---|
| iOS 10.3.3 | A7 devices: |
| iPhone 5S | |
| iPad Air 1 | |
| iPad mini 2 (except iPad4,6) | |
| iOS 8.4.1 | 32-bit devices: |
| iPhone 4S | |
| iPhone 5 | |
| iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4 | |
| iPad mini 1 | |
| iPod touch 5 | |
| iOS 6.1.3 | iPhone 4S |
| iPad 2 (except iPad2,4) |
- Restoring with SHSH blobs, jailbreaking, and using SSH ramdisks are supported on the following devices:
- iPhone 2G, 3G, iPod touch 1
- iPhone 3GS, 4, 4S, 5, 5C
- iPad 1, 2, 3, 4, mini 1
- iPod touch 2, 3, 4, 5
- Restoring with SHSH blobs and using SSH Ramdisks are also supported on some 64-bit devices:
- iPhone 5S, 6, 6S, SE 2016, 7 (including Plus variants)
- iPad Air 1, 2
- iPad mini 2, 3, 4
- iPod touch 6, 7
- See SEP/BB Compatibility Chart for iOS versions that can be restored to
- Although SEP/BB compatibility mostly does not matter anymore for A9(X)/A10(X) devices thanks to turdus merula
- Restoring with iOS 14.3-15.x and 16.6+ SHSH blobs using futurerestore is also supported on these devices (SSH ramdisks not supported):
- iPhone 8, X
- iPad 5
- iPad Pro 9.7/12.9 1st gen
- Restoring with powdersn0w is supported on the following devices and target version range:
- iPhone 4 GSM – iOS 4.0 to 7.1.1
- iPhone 4 CDMA – iOS 5.0 to 7.1.1 (4.2.x has issues)
- iPhone 4S, 5, 5C, iPad 2 Rev A, iPod touch 5 – iOS 5.0 to 9.3.5
- iPad 1 – iOS 3.2 to 5.1
- iPod touch 3 – iOS 4.0 to 5.1 (3.1.x has issues)
- Using powdersn0w requires iOS 7.1.x blobs for your device
- No blob requirement for iPhone 4, iPad 1, iPod touch 3 (7.1.2 and 5.1.1 are signed)
- For iPhone 5 and 5C, both 7.0.x and 7.1.x blobs can be used
- Restoring tethered to any version is supported on the following devices:
- iPhone 4 (3,2 and 3,3), 4S, 5, 5C
- iPad 2, 3, 4, mini 1
- iPod touch 3, 4, 5
- Restoring to other unsigned versions without blobs is supported on the following devices and target version range:
- iPhone 2G, 3G, 3GS, iPod touch 1, touch 2 – All versions are supported
- Lowest downgradable version is 2.0. Going to 1.x does not work
- For jailbreaking support, see below
- Jailbreaking for 32-bit devices and versions support:
- iPhone 2G and touch 1 – 3.1.3 only
- iPhone 3G and touch 2 – 4.2.1, 4.1, and 3.1.3
- iPhone 3GS – All versions are supported (all release versions from 3.0 to 6.1.6)
- Other devices – All versions from 3.1.3 to 9.3.4 are supported, with some exceptions
- For more details, go to the “Jailbreaking” wiki page
Supported OS versions/distros
Supported architectures: x86_64, arm64
- macOS 10.11 and newer
- macOS 10.12 and newer is recommended for full support
- macOS 14.6 and newer recommended for Apple Silicon Macs
- Ubuntu 22.04 and newer, and Ubuntu-based distros like Linux Mint
- Fedora 40 and newer, Fedora Atomic (Silverblue, Kinoite, etc.), also supported
- Debian 12 Bookworm and newer, Sid, and Debian-based distros
- Arch Linux and Arch-based distros like EndeavourOS
- Less tested distros: openSUSE Tumbleweed, Gentoo, Void Linux
