Here’s a detailed tutorial on how to clean install the latest iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 final updates on your iPhone and iPad.

Get the Brand-New iPhone and iPad Feeling by Clean Installing iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Updates

Everyone is excited about installing iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. Sure, you can perform an over-the-air installation and be done with it, but in order to get the maximum performance advantage out of the operating system, clean installation is the way to go.

Using this method, you get the brand-new device feeling, like you just unboxed it inside an Apple Store.

However, it’s not something everyone should do, since it will erase your data, and you will be required to connect your iPhone and iPad to your Mac in order to install the firmware from scratch.

But don’t worry, I will try to make the entire process as easy as possible for you, ensuring your data remains safe and sound, and you end up with a device that runs the latest operating system from Apple, Liquid Glass and all.

Check Device Compatibility with iOS 26 and iPadOS 26

Make sure your iPhone and iPad is compatible with iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. Given Apple’s phenomenal software support, I’ll be more surprised if your device isn’t in the list.

Backup All the Things

It’s important that you backup your files and settings using iCloud or Finder. You will lose all your files and settings once you perform a clean restore. If you miss this step, everything will be gone with no chance of recovering anything.

You will find all the details posted here.

Turn Off Find My

If you do not turn off Find My, you cannot restore the firmware file on your iPhone or iPad. You’ll find all the details on how to disable Find My here.

Download the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 IPSW File

You will find all the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 IPSW firmware files below. Put it on download, and save it to your desktop for easy access in a bit.

You’re almost there!

Clean Installation Tutorial

Step 1. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac using a USB-C cable.

Step 2. Launch Finder.

Step 3. After a few seconds, you’ll see your device listed on the left. Click on it to reveal more details.

Step 4. You’ll see the Restore iPhone or Restore iPad button, depending on which device you have connected to your Mac. Hold down the left Option key on the keyboard and click on that button.

Step 5. A pop-up window will now appear. Select the iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 IPSW file you saved to your desktop.

Step 6. Finder will immediately start to restore your iPhone or iPad. You’ll see the Apple logo on your device’s display, and after a few minutes, you will see the Welcome screen on it.

Restore the backup you created before starting this tutorial in order to get your files and settings back.

Install the update using the OTA method if you do not want to complicate things.

Categorized in:

Apple, iPad, iPhone, Tips & Tricks,

Last Update: September 15, 2025