Best for: iPhone 5s – iPhone X (A7–A11)
Price: Free
How it works: Uses the checkm8 bootrom exploit to disable signature checks.
LeetDown is the most polished unsigned IPSW restore tool free available. It provides a graphical interface to downgrade to any unsigned iOS version that is still compatible with your device’s SEP (Secure Enclave Processor). Because SEP must also be compatible, you cannot go back to iOS 10 on an iPhone X – but you can downgrade to iOS 13 or 14.
Steps to use LeetDown:
Limitations: Only works on macOS. Requires A7–A11 devices. unsigned ipsw restore tool free
As of 2025, the golden era of unsigned restores is fading. The last great hardware exploit (checkm8) is nearly 7 years old. Only devices with A11 or older chips can be downgraded freely and reliably.
However, developers are working on two promising fronts:
Until then, save your SHSH blobs for every iOS version you might want in the future. Use TSS Saver or Blobsaver (both free). They are your only ticket to downgrade a modern iPhone. Best for: iPhone 5s – iPhone X (A7–A11)
Several free tools exist, but none can bypass Apple’s signature check on modern devices (A12+ or iPhone XS/XR and later) without vulnerabilities like SHSH blobs (saved cryptographic signatures when the IPSW was still signed).
Unauthorized modification of iOS is against Apple’s terms of service. Using these tools may void your warranty (though you can always restore to a signed version to re-validate). Additionally, downgrading can break Face ID, Touch ID, and Apple Pay if done incorrectly.
A: Limited. FutureRestore works on Windows but requires saved blobs. For checkm8-based restores, Windows support is poor – use a Linux live USB or macOS VM. Limitations: Only works on macOS
You will see websites charging $50–$100 for "unsigned restore tools." Be skeptical. In 99% of cases, they are repackaging FutureRestore or iRemovalPro (which are free) and adding a license check.
Legitimate paid services (like iMyFone Fixppo or ReiBoot) do not actually restore unsigned firmware. They fix recovery loops or downgrade only while the window is still open. Always read the fine print.
Our recommendation: Stick to the free, open-source tools listed above. If a tool asks for a credit card before downloading, it’s a scam.