Redsn0w “Unable to recognize specified IPSW” Error in 0.9.5 with iOS 4

While trying to jailbreak (before unlocking) your iPhone 3G / iPhone 3Gs on iOS 4.0 using Redsn0w 0.9.5 you may have received an error saying:

Unable to recognize specified IPSW

So how to fix this unable to recognize specified ipsw error in redsn0w while jailbreaking your iPhone?

Well to be honest this is not a technical error with redsn0w unable to recognize specified IPSW (4.0 iOS firmware)while jailbreaking your iPhone. It just takes abit of common sense to avoid and / or fix this error because redsn0w is simply not able to recognize the ipsw file that you specified, means either redsn0w have some problem or the ipsw file that you are using.

How to solve Redsn0w “Unable to recognize specified IPSW” Error in 0.9.5 with iOS 4

If this error that “Unable to recognize specified IPSW” keeps bugging you by popping up whenever you try to select the downloaded iOS 4.0 firmware file by browsing for it in Redsn0w 0.9.5 while trying to Jailbreak (before unlock probably) your Apple iPhone 3G / iPhone 3Gs, you can fix it simply by making sure of these 2 things:

  1. Make sure that the right version and the latest build of Redsn0w is being used. To jailbreak iOS 4.0 on iPhone 3G / iPhone 3Gs you need Redsn0w 0.9.5 beta 5 build 3 ( download it from here for: Windows (old link not working: http://sites.google.com/a/iphone-dev.com/files/home/redsn0w_win_0.9.5b5-3.zip )  | Mac (old link not working: http://sites.google.com/a/iphone-dev.com/files/home/redsn0w_mac_0.9.5b5-3.zip ) ) Maybe because your redsn0w version is not compatible with the ipsw or iPhone that you are trying to unlock, that’s why it’s giving error that it isn’t able to recognize the specified ipsw file.
  2. Make sure that you are using the right build of iOS 4.0 firmware specific for your Apple iPhone (3G or 3Gs). There may be confusion as  the GoldMaster release and final release use the same build number and file name for both builds is same. But you have to use the official iOS 4.0 for this purpose. You can see the list of the official download link for iOS 4.0 here.
  3. Make sure that the file that you downloaded is having extension .ipsw (and not .zip) if it is .zip, then rename it to .ipsw
  4. Change the folder for your redsn0w and ipsw file. If they are on desktop right now, make a new folder on desktop and move them inside that folder and launch again.
  5. Make sure that iTunes is updated to latest version.

Hopefully this will solve your “Unable to recognize specified IPSW” error in redsn0w 0.9.5 and your jailbreak procedure goes smooth.

112 comments on “Redsn0w “Unable to recognize specified IPSW” Error in 0.9.5 with iOS 4

  1. RedSn0w 0.9.5 b5-2 is available for download now. Dev-team has updated RedSn0w 0.9.5 beta once again to jailbreak iOS 4.0 on iPhone 3G and iPod Touch 2G (non MC

  2. i followed through these steps thoroughly and it is still unable to recognize the specified IPSW. Any more suggestions?

  3. Hi, I am getting same error message “Unable to recognize specified ipsw” with my IpodTouch 3g

    – redSn0w 0.9.5b5-3
    -firmware IOS4 “iPod3,1_4.0_8A293_Restore”

    thank for help me :)

  4. I have restored my phone to firmware iPhone1,2_4.0.1_8A306_Restore.ipsw
    and am still getting the same message. I tried redsn0w 0.9.5b5-5 and also 0.9.3
    with no success. Can someone tell me what I’m doing wrong?

  5. 3gs old bootrom
    official 4.0 (8a293)
    windows 7 32 bit / itunes 9.2.1.4
    redsn0w 0.9.5 beta 5 (not recognising ipsw)

    I heard if you have t-mobile you can jailbreak and unlock iphones, my buddy gave me an extra iphone 3gs he had left over from when he dumped his old lady for suckin off the gardener, i know the information is not important here but hey, its true and friggin hilarious, the guys actually kind of a douche, but hey free iphone, sometime it pays to tolerate people. Anyway I hooked it up to my itunes all excited to upload my songs n what not, updated, set out to JB & unlock and as you all know turns out im a f**kin idiot, so whats a blobless guy without his SHitSHit suppossed to do? Is my phone jailbreakable? I’ve been at this like a deranged fool for the entire week ive had this thing, its consuming me, im otherwise stuck with this blackberry pearl, how can everyone just sit there?! Someone help please, god let the torture end!
    thx!
    tb

    1. lolx. liked your comment though

      anyway, as you said you’re on old bootrom, then it can be done without shsh too.

      let me know if it’s still locked

  6. Hey guys i found a solution to the “unable to recognize specidfied firmware”.

    If the firmware you download from apple is iPhone1,2_4.0.1_8A306_Restore.ipsw.

    Then download the firmware 2_4.0_8A293_Restore.ipsw.

    Redsn0w will detect the 2_4.0_8A293_Restore.ipsw as your iphone 3g firmware and it will work.

    Hope this works for u

  7. unable to recognize ipsw

    im getting this error can anyone help?

    im using redsn0w 0.9.5b-5 and iPhone3,1_4.0.1_8A306_Restore.ipsw

  8. hey, im having the same problem on my iTouch 2nd gen im using redsn0w 0.9.5b5-5 with “iPod2,1_4.0_8A293_Restore” anh hints on why this is happening? im using the MC model btw

  9. hey
    i accidently deleted 2,1_4.0_8A293_Restore on my computer..
    so i’ve downloaded iphone 2,1_4.0_8A293_Restore from the link..
    i dun get how to update da file after..

    Once you have successfully downloaded the firmware for your device, hit the update button while holding the Alt / Option key and browse the file you just downloaded to install it on your device.

    is this how u do it?
    but where is the Option key?
    can u explain better please..

  10. hi i want to downgrade my 3G from 4.0.1 to 3.1.3
    but then both the 0.94 and 0.95 redsn0w couldn’t recognize
    the iPhone1,2_3.1.3_7E18_Restore. and i got the info
    that i should download the 3.1.2 instead. my iphone is currently
    in an emergency mode. what should i do? thanks before

      1. Already tryed that fix, doesn’t work.
        3GS on 4.0.1, 5.13.04 base-band, doesn’t see the ipsw file, does not recognize it at all.

  11. Hi, i have been trying to complete this alllll night to no avail grrrrr.

    I have redsn0w_win_0.9.5b5-5 and have tried

    iPhone1,2_4.0_8A274b_Restore.ipsw,
    iPhone_1,2_3.0_7A341_Restore.ipsw

    but neither work, i have installed the Os4 legit through Itunes already onto my handset, its a 3g 8g but the newer ones – does this mean that i am not able to jailbreak it?

    Help :-( x

  12. Anyone know why mine’s not working? I have a 3GS and I’m trying to use iPhone2,1_4.0_8A293_Restore.ipsw with redsn0w_win_0.9.5b5-5 and I’m getting the same error.

    1. Same problem with me the exact same software and hardware you’re using..
      Sam: fresh copy didn’t work either..

      I updated to 4.0.2 (8A400) by Itunes, i assume that you all have the same update?

  13. I have the 4.0.2 (8A400) and I’m getting the “unable to recognize specified IPSW. This is my first unlock attempt so it’s been touch-and-go for me. I am guessing that there is no crack out yet for the 400 series? Thanks.

  14. I have a 3GS with 4.0.2 and I am using Windows Vista. I am using Redsn0w 0.9.5b5-5.

    I have tried following all of the steps including using the 4.0 ipsw file but I am still getting the same error message. Have you any suggestions?

      1. I have already changed the file extension to .ipsw as it wasn’t showing up on Redsn0w.

        Any other suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

          1. Nabeel, thank you for your help so far.

            I have tried the additional suggestions (changed folder in which the .ipsw is located & ensured itunes is up to date) and still get the same error message.

  15. I have a ipod touch (Non MC) 2nd Gen

    IPSW file name :- iPod2,1_4.0_8A293_Restore.ipsw

    Redsn0w file name :- redsn0w_win_0.9.5b5-5.zip

    still has the same error “unable to recognize the specified IPSW”

    Please Help

    1. make sure that the file that you downloaded is having extension “ipsw” (check the downloaded file itself on your hard disk) and not “zip”

      If it is .zip, rename it to .ipsw

      there are 3 possible causes enumerated in the article.

  16. dude, your missing the point everybody keeps telling you that 4.0.1 and the late redsnow DON’T WORK and you keep giving the LINK for 4.0 already know that 4.0 and redsnow works, but I have 3G and 4.0.1and so far I have downloaded ALL redsnow vertions and NOTHING, the only thing that works is JAILBREAKME, but I rather do it.old fashion way. Hopefully somebody will come out with a sollution soon.

    1. make sure that the file that you downloaded is having extension “ipsw” (check the downloaded file itself on your hard disk) and not “zip”

      If it is .zip, rename it to .ipsw

      updated the article too

  17. i have an iPhone 3G
    itunes 9.2
    redsn0w_win_0.9.5b5-5.zip
    iOS 4.0
    and am still getting the same problem what do i do ?

    1. make sure that the file that you downloaded is having extension “ipsw” (check the downloaded file itself on your hard disk) and not “zip”

      and If it is .zip, rename it to .ipsw

  18. iPhone 3G running 4.0.2 updated via iTunes 9.2
    Tried both redsn0w_win_0.9.5b5-4 and redsn0w_win_0.9.5b5-5 but I keep getting the error

  19. Same problem i’ve been on my laptop for at least 4 hours now trying too jailbreak my iphone 3g version is 4.0.2 now.For some reason i cant get the firmware 4.0 i only got 4.0.2 firmware. When i doenload the firmwares online it wont even let me open it and yes i got windows 7 not mac so this is bullshit! I guess we could just wait till snowbreeze 1.16 or somethin comes out its a hole lot easier then this redsnow bullshit! Any suggestion!

    1. make sure that the file that you downloaded is having extension “ipsw” (check the downloaded file itself on your hard disk) and not “zip”

      If it is .zip, rename it to .ipsw

  20. Hi, same problem, Unable to recognize ipsw, using redsn0w 0.95 beta 5 and ipsw 4.0, Downloaded several time ipsw, restore it successfully but no luck inn jailbreaking.

  21. Sir, i already restored from the ipsw. I think i have correct ipsw, 4.0, 4.0.1. i dont know ehy its not working. If you say, ill download from your link.

  22. iPhone1_2_4.0_8A293_Restore.ipsw i have 4 files downloaded from different locations.
    i have iphone 3g 4.0.1 baseband 05.13.04 bootloader 06.04.

    1. Fahad, make sure that the file that you downloaded is having extension “ipsw” (check the downloaded file itself on your hard disk) and not “zip”

      If it is .zip, rename it to .ipsw

  23. i performed every thing yhat you indicated. but still fail to work.

    my iPhone software version is 4.0.2

    the redsnow program: redsn0w_win_0.9.5b5

  24. Hi Nabeel,
    Thanks for the comments below.
    “make sure that the file that you downloaded is having extension “ipsw” (check the downloaded file itself on your hard disk) and not “zip” ”

    I am using the files below and still doesn’t work.
    redsn0w0.9.5b5-3
    iPhone1_2_4.0_8A293_Restore.ispw

    My iPhone 3G version 4.0.2 (8A400)

    Can you please assist me again? thank you.

    Karen

      1. Hi Nabeel,

        Thank you for your help on this so far. I still get the same error on redsn0w “unable to recognize specified IPSW.” I followed step 4 (created a holder on the desktop) and 5 (version 9 iTune). I have the following items;

        iPhone1_2_4.0_8A293_Restore.ispw
        redsn0w0.9.5b5-3
        3GS 4.0.2 (8A400)

        Can you please help me on performing jailbreak?
        THANK YOU!

        Karen

  25. Nabeel, i have the same issue. DO NOT SAY the same things you have been saying to everyone else as i can read and i know that i have tried each of them and they DO NOT WORK. Please do you have any other suggestions.

    ipod touch 3g on 4.0.2
    dl’d the 4.0 final firmware from link you gave above
    using redsnow 0.9.5b5-5

    “Unable to recognize specified IPSW”

    Is there no fixe for 4.0.2 to jailbreak?

    1. Added 4 and 5 to the probable fixes to the article, please check and tell me if they work for you (they are not the same ones! don’t kill me! I am just trying to help people here)

  26. Hi I followed all of your steps.

    I am trying to use the ipod touch 3g firmware final version from the link you provided someone else above, and have downloaded it from other sites as well (I tried both the 4.0 and the 4.0.2)

    I downloaded the newest itunes, changed folders, made sure it was .ipsw, i’ve also used 3 versions of redsn0w,the 9 version beta 3,4 and 5. I’ve also tried it on two different computers.

    nothing I do seems to work I get the same error every time

  27. Hi .
    I have:
    iPod 3g 64
    OS : 4.0.2
    iTunes : 10.0.1
    redsn0w : redsn0w_mac_0.9.5b5-5
    I have same prb , and tried all of this points , But no succeed yet !
    what to do ?
    THX

  28. I really lol’d about Nabeel’s “all-the-same”-Answers…

    but yes, I’ve got still the same problem, tried every cause in the article (including the renaming wit .ipsw ;) ),… I’m trying to jailbreak my 3g since 3 days with all possible Firmware- and Jailbreaking-Tools, but I still have no luck… I’ll try a last shot now, if that doesn’t work either, I guess I need a dummy-guide… +.+
    Actually I’ve got the 4.0.2-Firmware (8a400), last try was the 0.9.5b5-5-Redsnow with that. Hasn’t worked.
    Now I’m downloading the 8a293 as a last try…

    Has anyone Popcorn for me? It’s getting thrilling now… ;)

  29. ok have a 2g not mc ipodtouch, have the the redsnow program: redsn0w_win_0.9.5b5 and trying to install 4.0.2 as have loaded and jailbroken to 4.0 but now Safari will not work or touch will not turn off?
    So trying to rebreak but with no avail, have done all as above also, and help would be fantastic

  30. I am having the same problem – I have downloaded the *correct* ipsw file several times (and on satellite speed that is miserable!)

    I have moved both redsn0w and the ipsw to c:\1
    I have iPhone 3gs 32gb
    I am on iOS 4.0.2
    firmware 05.13.04

    Has anyone found a true solution?

  31. Hi,
    Can someone help me on this?
    I still get the same error on redsn0w “unable to recognize specified IPSW.” I followed step 4 (created a holder on the desktop) and 5 (version 9 iTune). I have the following items;

    iPhone1_2_4.0_8A293_Restore.ispw
    redsn0w0.9.5b5-3
    3GS 4.0.2 (8A400)

    Can you please help me on performing jailbreak?
    THANK YOU!

    Karen

  32. hi, sorry but i haven´t been able to jailbreak my ipod touch… same as everyone else redsn0w keeps rejecting avery ispw… what can i do??? and i´ve already done all th steps

  33. I guess posts on this board are not displayed immediately? I posted something around 4:00pm yesterday, and it only appears as though it appeared on the site at 1:35 am

    I only saw it appear once I posted another comment, which is not up yet either.

    Are posts moderated or something? If not, something is awry.

    1. I just found your this comment in spam filter too!

      can you please tell me which browser or operating system are you using so that i can have a look at this?

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