A clean installation of iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 can help eliminate bugs, improve performance, and provide a fresh start if your device feels sluggish or unstable after updating. Unlike a standard upgrade, a clean install wipes your device completely before reinstalling the latest software. This ensures that no lingering files, corrupted settings, or old beta data affect your experience.
Before you begin, remember that a clean install will erase all your data, including apps, photos, and settings. To avoid losing important files, you should back up your device. There are two reliable ways to do this: iCloud backup and computer backup using Finder or iTunes.
To back up with iCloud, connect your iPhone or iPad to Wi-Fi, open the Settings app, tap your name at the top, then select iCloud > iCloud Backup. Tap Back Up Now and wait for the process to complete. Ensure the backup is recent by checking the “Last successful backup” time under the same menu.
If you prefer a local backup, connect your device to a Mac or Windows PC. On macOS, open Finder. On Windows, open iTunes (latest version required). Select your device when it appears, then choose Back up all of the data on your iPhone/iPad to this Mac/PC. You can also check the option to encrypt your backup for added security, which includes saved passwords and health data. Click Back Up Now and wait until the process is finished before disconnecting your device.
Once your backup is ready, follow these steps to perform a clean install of iOS 26 or iPadOS 26:
- Download the latest IPSW firmware
Visit our iOS and iPadOS IPSW download page to get the correct signed file for your iPhone or iPad. Make sure you select the right version for your device, as using the wrong firmware will cause the installation to fail. - Use Finder or iTunes
On macOS, use Finder to restore your device. On Windows, make sure you have the most recent version of iTunes installed. - Connect your device to your computer
Use a Lightning or USB-C cable to connect your iPhone or iPad. If prompted, tap “Trust This Computer” and enter your passcode. - Put your device in recovery mode
- On supported iPhones with Face ID or modern button layouts: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button, and hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears.
- On iPad with Face ID: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then Volume Down, and hold the Top button until you see recovery mode.
- For other supported iPad models, use the button combination specific to your device to enter recovery mode.
- Restore your device with IPSW
- In Finder or iTunes, select your device.
- Hold the Option key (Mac) or Shift key (Windows) and click on “Restore iPhone” or “Restore iPad.”
- Choose the iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 IPSW file you downloaded.
- Confirm to begin the installation. Your device will erase and install a fresh copy of the software.
- Set up your device as new or restore from backup
After the installation finishes, your iPhone or iPad will restart with iOS 26 or iPadOS 26. You can either set it up as a new device for a completely fresh experience or restore your backup to bring back your apps, photos, and settings.
iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 compatibility
Here is the full list of devices that support iOS 26 and iPadOS 26:
iOS 26 supported devices
- iPhone 17 series
- iPhone 16 series
- iPhone 15 series
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone 13 series
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
iPadOS 26 supported devices
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
- iPad (7th generation and later)
- iPad mini (5th generation and later)
A clean install is particularly useful for users who upgraded through multiple betas or major versions and noticed lingering issues like battery drain, app crashes, or connectivity problems. It gives you the best chance at experiencing iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 as Apple intended, with a smooth and stable performance baseline.
If you’re exploring more of iOS 26, you may also want to check out how to fix common iOS 26 issues after upgrade or learn how to unenroll from the iOS 26 beta program. You should also tryout the new Bright Photographic Style available for iPhone 16 and later.
