Here’s a detailed step-by-step tutorial on how to clean install iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 beta 1 on a compatible iPhone or iPad.
Enjoy iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Beta 1 at its Finest with a Clean Install on iPhone and iPad
A clean installation is always the best one since it gives you the maximum performance benefit along with a ‘new device’ feel. However, do keep in mind that it is not something that everyone should attempt.
But, if you want to clean install iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 beta 1 anyway, then here’s what you need to do.
Note: This tutorial assumes that you have an active Apple Developer Program membership. It’s necessary in order to access the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 IPSW files. You can sign up for it here.
Check if Your iPhone and iPad is Compatible
There’s no point in going forward if your iPhone or iPad is not in the list. You can check out the full list by going to this link. Once you’ve confirmed your device is in there, then move on to the next step.
Backup Everything Right Away
A clean installation will delete everything off your iPhone and iPad. Once you lose your data, you can’t recover it at all, unless you take a backup right now.
Backup everything either using Finder or iCloud. You’ll find the tutorial for it posted here.
Disable Find My on iPhone and iPad
This is a necessary step and can’t be avoided. You need to turn off Find My on your iPhone and iPad before going forward. If you don’t, then you can’t clean install iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 beta 1.
You’ll find all the details posted here.
Download the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Beta 1 IPSW Files
Step 1. Go to the Apple Developer Program website and sign in by clicking on the ‘Account’ button on the top right.
Step 2. Click on the Develop button at the top once signed in.
Step 3. You’ll now see a row of options at the top. Find Downloads and click on it to open.
Step 4. Scroll down a little and you’ll see all the necessary iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 IPSW files. Download the one which you want to restore on to your iPhone and iPad.
It’s best that you go ahead and save the IPSW files to your desktop.
Clean Install iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Beta 1
Step 1. Plug your iPhone or iPad to your Mac using a USB-C cable.
Step 2. Launch Finder from the Dock.
Step 3. Once your device is detected, it will show up in the list on the left. Click on it to open.
Step 4. You’ll either see a Restore iPhone or Restore iPad button on the right. Hold down the left Option key on your keyboard and click on the Restore iPhone/iPad button.
Step 5. A new window will open up. Find the IPSW file you saved to your desktop and open it.
Step 6. Finder will immediately start to restore your iPhone or iPad. Once everything is complete, your device will boot right into iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 beta 1.
Like I said, this isn’t for everyone, and it takes a lot of time.
