If you download an IPSW file and find its extension has changed to .RAR upon completion, don’t panic or feel the need to download it again.
The downloaded file is still the original IPSW file in its correct format (.ipsw). However, sometimes the browser or the download manager might automatically change the file extension without your consent. This can occur because IPSW files are essentially compressed archives, similar in nature to RAR and ZIP files. In short, because the file was detected as an archive during the download process, your browser assumed it was a RAR file.
The solution is straightforward: simply rename the file, changing its extension back to .ipsw. This assumes, of course, that the file downloaded completely and without errors.
Once the file has been renamed to its original format, it can be used for restoring your device as usual, whether in normal mode or DFU/Recovery mode.
How to Change the .RAR Extension back to .IPSW
First, locate the downloaded IPSW file. You need to ensure that Windows Explorer (press Win+E) is set to display file extensions. If they are hidden, you’ll need to change the setting. Here’s how for Windows 10/11:
- In the Explorer window, click the ‘View‘ tab, then click ‘Options‘.
- In the ‘Folder Options‘ window that opens, go to the ‘View‘ tab.
- Look for the option labeled ‘Hide extensions for known file types‘.
- If this option is checked, uncheck it to make file extensions visible.
- Click ‘Apply‘, then ‘OK’ to save the changes.
Once file extensions are visible, find the downloaded file and check if its name now ends with .rar. Simply rename the file (right-click on it and select ‘Rename’), change the .rar extension to .ipsw, and press Enter to confirm.