Simple Mac Restore

Simple Mac Restore fixes a broken Apple Silicon Mac (M1, M2, M3, etc.) using a Linux computer. It downloads the required system file (IPSW) and communicates with your Mac in DFU mode to revive or fully restore it.

You do not need a second Mac, just a Linux machine, a reliable USB cable, and an internet connection.

---

What It Does

• Download IPSW: Grabs the official Apple firmware for your specific Mac model.
• Revive: Reflashes the firmware without erasing your data. Useful for system corruption.
• Restore: Erases everything on the Mac for a completely fresh install. All data is lost.
• Custom Tools: Allows non-Fedora users to use manually compiled restore tools (idevicerestore, usbmuxd).

---

Important Warnings

1. Data Loss: "Restore" wipes the machine completely. "Revive" attempts to save data but isn't guaranteed. Back up if possible.
2. Linux Support: The automated setup script is designed for Fedora. On Ubuntu, Debian, or Arch, you must use a Fedora Live USB, Docker, or manually build the required dependencies.
3. Hardware: Use a high-quality USB cable connected directly to your computer's port (avoid hubs).
4. Root Access: Running USB tools requires sudo privileges.

---

Requirements & Dependencies

• OS: Linux (Fedora recommended).
• Software: Python 3 (with tkinter for file dialogs).
• Dependencies (Auto-installed on Fedora via setup script): libimobiledevice, idevicerestore, usbmuxd, simple-term-menu, requests, tqdm, pyusb.

---

Quick Start

1. Download the repo

Open a terminal and run:

git clone https://github.com/mrrabyss/SimpleMacRestore

2. Run Setup (Fedora)

Open a terminal in the project folder and run:

chmod +x setup.sh SimpleMacRestore.sh
./setup.sh

(If you are not on Fedora, follow the warnings printed by the script to handle dependencies).

3. Enter DFU Mode

Connect your Mac to the Linux PC via USB. Follow Apple’s official instructions for your specific Mac model to enter DFU mode.

4. Start the App

./SimpleMacRestore.sh

(Alternatively, activate the .venv and run python3 main.py).

5. Follow the Menu

Use your arrow keys and Enter to:

1. Download IPSW for your Mac model.
2. Choose Revive (keep data) or Restore (wipe data).

---

File Locations & Troubleshooting

• Downloads: IPSW files are saved in the main project folder.
• Logs: Saved in the logs/ folder (enable this in the app Settings).
• If it fails: * Verify the Mac is in DFU mode (run lsusb to look for an Apple DFU device).
  • Try a different cable or USB port.
  • Ensure the downloaded IPSW perfectly matches your Mac model.
  • Non-Fedora users: ensure your idevicerestore and usbmuxd binaries are up to date and configured via Settings → Custom binary dir.

Disclaimer: Firmware restoration is a serious operation. Interrupted restores, incorrect files, or hardware issues can leave a device in an unusable state. You use this tool at your own risk.

License

Licensed under MIT.