I told myself I’d wait until the official release of iOS 7, but while surfing earlier and reading that beta 6 has been released, and that this was the last beta version before the official one – I said, hey, I can’t wait anymore! Haha!

There are pros and cons to installing iOS 7 ahead. Biggest pro is that you enjoy all the new features before everyone else does. You can brag to your friends and they’ll all envy you. Haha. Cons would be: 1) Since this is still a beta version, it’s not bug-free, and 2) the new iOS 7 could drain your battery faster than usual. If you can live with these cons, you won’t regret the advanced upgrade.

This is a guide to installing iOS 7 beta 6 on your iPhone 5 even without a UDID/Developer’s account. There is a risk – I was fully aware of that before I decided to proceed. In fact, I almost bricked my phone by not following instructions! So, proceed at your own risk – but if you carefully follow instructions, I’m sure you’ll be able to install this successfully at the first try! 🙂

1. Download the IPSW here. I am recommending this file because this is the one I personally used. You need to have a torrent client installed (BitTorrent/uTorrent/etc).
2. Launch iTunes and connect your iPhone via USB. Create a back-up in case installation fails. Better be safe than sorry.
3. THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP: PRESS SHIFT (WINDOWS) / OPTION KEY (OS X) AND RIGHT CLICK ON CHECK FOR UPDATE BUTTON. My first installation failed because I clicked on the Restore button instead of the UPDATE button. Do not make this mistake to avoid all the hassle!

   

4. Manually locate the IPSW you downloaded from the link above and and click OK.
5. Wait for installation to finish.

If installation is successful, you can Restore Back-up (although iTunes should do this automatically). I am now enjoying iOS 7 on my phone. I love it – it feels like i have a new phone! 🙂

Just in case you clicked the Restore button instead of the Update button in step 3 above (because you were too excited like me), you’ll be stuck on the activation screen and can’t use your phone unless you get a developer account (and pay 99 USD for that). Lucky you, there is still a way to undo things…although it’s a little complicated.

1. Plug your phone to iTunes.
2. Put your phone to DFU mode by doing the following: Turn your phone off while it is plugged to your computer/iTunes. Once off, press the power button for 3 seconds, then press the home button without releasing the power button for around 10 seconds, then release the power button without releasing the home button until iTunes will prompt you that a phone in Recovery mode is connected. Note that although the dialog says this, as long as your phone screen is black, it’s actually on DFU mode. If there’s a logo of iTunes/Apple on the screen, then you’re in the wrong mode. Try and try until you succeed!
3. Click on Restore. iTunes will download the latest official iOS release (iOS 6.1.4) from Apple and will restore your phone.
4. If you want to try installing iOS 7 again, make sure you follow Step 3 of the installation process correctly! UPDATE button, not Restore button! 🙂

Enjoy mi amigos! Let me know via the comments button if you were able to install successfully!