Question iPhone 4S A1387 – Baseband error

EnzoEast

Junior Member
Jan 22, 2026
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When I received the iPhone 4S A1387 from a friend, it frequently required entering a 4-digit unlock passcode. After a few seconds of inactivity, the screen would turn off, and when I turned it back on, I had to enter the passcode again. In the settings, there was no option to disable the passcode, so I decided to reset the device. After the reset, during the setup wizard, the phone could not be activated, even though it was connected to the internet via Wi-Fi. When I connected it to a computer, iTunes automatically started updating the software to the latest available version, iOS 9.3.6. However, near the end of the firmware installation process, the following errors appeared:
ERROR: device didn't accept BasebandData
ERROR: Unable to successfully restore device
Failed to restore device (-1)
ERROR: Unable to restore iDevice (-1)

The same issue occurred when using 3uTools and several other programs found on Google. I also tried restoring the device using various iOS versions, from the oldest available up to the latest one for this phone (iOS 9.3.6), but without success. I am aware that this is an obsolete device and that internet connectivity, calls, and SMS may not work on it, but I still want it to boot up and function. Even if it only worked as an MP3 player, that would be sufficient for me. Is it possible to download a modified .IPSW firmware image from the internet that installs iOS without flashing the Baseband? Would it be possible to install Android or any other operating system on this phone? Could heating the Baseband chip with a soldering iron help in any way?