How to use 3uTools to Update iOS

By downloading updates to your iPhone, you can gain access to new features, secure your device, and keep it as good as new. There are methods to do this with iTunes/Finder and OTA by Apple, but a third-party tool like 3uTools has one more way with rich features. Here is a descriptive how-to article for the method of updating your iOS device through 3uTools, so that you can understand the complete process without any issues and learn how to use 3uTools to update iOS.

What is 3uTools?

3uTools is an all-in-one tool for flashing an iOS device to a PC for free. Instead, they are giving users the option to have a ton of extended tasks that Apple never offers, launching apps, photos, music ringtones, and other medium file management. Besides the basic data management, 3uTools also supports flashing (updating/restoring firmware) and jailbreaking. Coupled with a pretty intuitive and easy-to-use interface (though the fact handling may be rather complex), it makes it suitable even for the newbie.

Why Use 3uTools for iOS Updates?

Many users opt for 3uTools when updating their iOS devices due to several advantages:

  • Comprehensive Control: Gain much more control over the flashing process than from iTunes.
  • Flexibility: 3uTools allows you to update your iOS, maintaining user data or erasing all data and having a fresh, clean install.
  • Firmware Management: it allows auto-detecting the available iOS firmware versions for your device and recommends them to you;
  • Free to Use: Software is completely free of cost without paying even a single rupee, with a very large scope of service.

Prerequisites Before You Begin

Before starting the iOS update process with 3uTools, ensure you have the following:

  • A Windows PC: 3uTools is primarily developed for Windows operating systems. While some versions might exist for macOS, the most robust functionality is on Windows.
  • An iOS Device: Your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.
  • Genuine USB Cable: Using a cable with an Apple legacy USB is much better to stabilize the connection between the device and the computer.
  • Stable Internet Connection: In order to download the required iOS firmware, you should have a strong internet connection.
  • iTunes installed: 3uTools uses Apple drivers to identify your device correctly. Ensure that your PC has an updated version of iTunes.
  • Backup Your Device (Crucial!): This is the one step that you cannot skip. Before updating or restoring your iOS device, don’t forget to back up your data. You can use iCloud, iTunes, or 3uTools’ own backup functions to back up your photos, videos, contacts, and other files that you want. That way, in case there is any issue with the update, your data will be safe.

Step-by-Step Guide to Updating iOS using 3uTools

Follow these steps carefully to update your iOS device with 3uTools:

Step 1: Download and Install 3uTools

  1. Download 3uTools: Visit the official 3uTools website to download the latest version of the software for your Windows PC.
  2. Install: Now, open it by double-clicking the file and follow the installation steps to install 3uTools on your PC.

Step 2: Connect Your iOS Device

  1. Launch 3uTools: Open the 3uTools application on your PC.
  2. Connect Device: Connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to your computer using a USB cable.
  3. Trust Computer: If prompted on your iOS device, tap “Trust” and enter your passcode. 3uTools should then detect your device and display its information on the main interface.

Step 3: Navigate to the Flash & JB Section

  1. On the top menu bar of the 3uTools interface, click on the “Flash & JB” tab, or sometimes label as “Smart Flash“.

Step 4: Choose Firmware and Flash Method

  1. Automatic Firmware Detection: On the Easy Flash portion (default value during updates), 3uTools will automatically detect every available iOS firmware (released and signed) option for your iDevice.
  2. Download Firmware:
    • Select the version of iOS that you wish to install.
    • Click “Download” button next to the firmware. 3uTools will download the IPSW file to your computer.
    • Alternatively, if you have already downloaded the IPSW file from another source, you can “Import” and select the file from your computer.
  3. Select Flash Option: Before flashing, you need to choose how the update will be performed:
    • Retain User’s Data While Flashing: Flashes your iOS device to the selected firmware version, but does not affect any of your personal user data (apps, photos, settings.. Frequent updates are now known to be a good practice.
    • Quick Flash Mode (or Erase User Data): This goes with the clean install process, so it removes all user data and installs a fresh copy of iOS. That’s great for when you’re trying to get rid of a software bug that refuses to go away, or preparing a device to sell to somebody. If you choose this option, ensure that you have a complete backup.

Step 5: Initiate the Flash Process

  1. Click Flash: After selecting your preferred flash option, “Flash” button.
  2. Confirm: 3uTools will usually display a warning about data loss (especially if you chose Quick Flash Mode) and remind you to back up your device. Confirm to proceed.
  3. Wait for Completion: The flashing process will begin. Your device will enter recovery mode, and you will see some process both on 3uTools and your device screen. If you do not remove your device and stop the process. Depending upon device & PC specs, this update will take somewhere between 10–15 minutes.

Step 6: Device Activation

  1. Restart and Setup: When the flash is complete, your iOS device will automatically reboot. After that, you’ll have to go through all the initial setup screens, similar to a new device. If you have chosen “Retain User’s Data”, then you must still have your data.

Important Considerations and Troubleshooting Tips

  • Do Not Disconnect: During the flashing process, do not disconnect your iOS device from the computer. It can even brick-free your device.
  • Stable Power Supply: While keeping your computer plugged in, make sure your iOS device is fully charged to ensure no interruption in the method.
  • Driver Issues: If your device is not detected by 3uTools, please change the USB port or the USB cable. In addition, you can also remove driver issues with the “Repair Driver” feature found in 3uTools. Restart your device, along with your computer, too.
  • Find My iPhone/iPad: if you are doing a Clean Install (Quick Flash Mode) or Restore from Backup, it may need Find My(iPhone/iPad) disabled beforehand, OR you will need to enter your Apple ID after the fact.

Conclusion

The 3uTools is by far our best choice among all the 3rd party tools to manage & update your iOS devices & comes with an exciting & easy user interface for connecting & managing your iPhones/iPads. And you can use these steps to get the latest iOS version or choose the right firmware to manually update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, or restore. Always remember that preparation (particularly data backup) is your best bet for seamless and trouble-free updating through 3uTools.