Fresh install from ipsw by clueless noob

[Mangelwurzel]

I'd like to do a fresh install of 16.3, from the ipsw, on my 12PM. I've only done over-the air updates since I bought it.

I'm terrible at tech. If something can be messed up, I'm the guy that will bork it. So I'm asking if I understand the steps right (I'd like to bring back all my apps and settings from a backup):

1. Backup my phone locally in iTunes. It currently has 16.3, the same version I would reinstall
2. Have the current 16.3 ipsw from ipsw.me on the computer
3. Connect phone in iTunes, start the restore ("Restore iphone"). Navigate to the ipsw.
4. Let it restore and then set it up again using "restore from backup".

Do I have that right? Would my settings and accounts be OK? Before starting do I have to log out of everything on the phone like iCloud and Find My, or other accounts?

Thanks

(Edit: clarifying step 3)

 

[Mlrollin91]

Your steps are correct, but restoring from a backup is not a "fresh install."

Do not log out of iCloud before creating your backup, otherwise certain things won't back up. Also make sure its an encrypted backup.

 

[Mangelwurzel]

Your steps are correct, but restoring from a backup is not a "fresh install."

Do not log out of iCloud before creating your backup, otherwise certain things won't back up. Also make sure its an encrypted backup.

So for a minty fresh installation, should I set it up as new after restoring? I.e., forget the old backup, download my apps again and re-enter my settings?

 

[Isamilis]

I'd like to do a fresh install of 16.3, from the ipsw, on my 12PM. I've only done over-the air updates since I bought it.

I'm terrible at tech. If something can be messed up, I'm the guy that will bork it. So I'm asking if I understand the steps right (I'd like to bring back all my apps and settings from a backup):

1. Backup my phone locally in iTunes. It currently has 16.3, the same version I would reinstall
2. Have the current 16.3 ipsw from ipsw.me on the computer
3. Connect phone in iTunes, start the restore ("Restore iphone"). Navigate to the ipsw.
4. Let it restore and then set it up again using "restore from backup".

Do I have that right? Would my settings and accounts be OK? Before starting do I have to log out of everything on the phone like iCloud and Find My, or other accounts?

Thanks

(Edit: clarifying step 3)

You may want to add step 2.5, backup phone to iTunes (local PC). Restore from local backup in step 4 will be faster.

 

[Isamilis]

So for a minty fresh installation, should I set it up as new after restoring? I.e., forget the old backup, download my apps again and re-enter my settings?

Yes, but it’s hassle work. I suggest try restore from backup first (it actually will reinstall every app anyway). If issues still persist, you can try fresh install.

 

[Paddle1]

Is there any particular reason you are restoring?

 

[Mangelwurzel]

Is there any particular reason you are restoring?

Lags, multiple apps crashing, network connectivity issues.

I may do a DFU if I'm going to be reinstalling everything and re-entering my settings anyway. Either that or an exorcism.

 

[contacos]

I do a complete wipe every few months and set up my iPhone as "new" (I just like doing it lol). I usually take screen shots of my home screen to make sure I get the arrangement right again and start over from scratch. Everything of importance is in iCloud, iCloud Photo Library or iCloud Documents (photos, messages, contacts, certain app data, health data, documents etc) anyway and returns once I sign into my AppleID. Of course it depends on your set up but it always blows my mind how much storage you gain with all the cache crap etc removed

 

[Mangelwurzel]

I just wish there was a way to get a clean install of iOS and then restore just the iOS settings from a backup. I'd be happy to reinstall the third party apps.