How To Downgrade Ios

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by

Vector Linux
in

Today, I want to share my personal experience and provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to downgrade iOS. As an avid iPhone user, I understand how frustrating it can be when a new iOS update causes issues or compatibility problems with your favorite apps. Fortunately, Apple allows users to revert to a previous version of iOS if needed. So, let’s dive into the process and explore the steps to successfully downgrade iOS.

Before You Begin

Before you start downgrading your iOS, there are a few important things to consider:

  1. Make sure to back up your device – Downgrading iOS will erase all data on your device, so it’s crucial to have a backup of your important files, photos, and settings.
  2. Check the compatibility – Not all iOS versions are available for downgrade on all devices, so make sure to check if the version you want to downgrade to is compatible with your iPhone or iPad model.
  3. Battery level – Ensure that your device has sufficient battery life or plug it in before starting the downgrade process. A sudden power loss during the installation can cause serious issues.

Step 1: Download the IPSW Firmware File

The first step is to download the IPSW firmware file for the iOS version you want to downgrade to. You can find IPSW files on various websites or use the official Apple Developer website if you have an active developer account. Make sure to download the correct IPSW file for your device model.

Step 2: Put Your Device in Recovery Mode

Next, you’ll need to put your device into recovery mode. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer using a USB cable.
  2. Launch iTunes (or Finder if you’re using macOS Catalina or later).
  3. Force restart your device:
    1. For iPhone X, iPhone 8, or iPhone 8 Plus: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Finally, press and hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears.
    2. For iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold the Side and Volume Down buttons simultaneously until the recovery mode screen appears.
    3. For iPad or iPhone 6s and earlier, and iPod touch: Press and hold the Home and Top (or Side) buttons simultaneously until the recovery mode screen appears.
  4. You should see a prompt in iTunes/Finder saying that your device is in recovery mode. Click “OK” to continue.

Step 3: Restore Your Device Using the IPSW File

Now that your device is in recovery mode, it’s time to restore it using the IPSW file you downloaded earlier:

  1. In iTunes/Finder, locate your device and click on it.
  2. Hold down the Option/Alt key (Shift key for Windows) on your keyboard and click the “Restore iPhone” (or “Restore iPad”) button.
  3. A file browser window will appear. Navigate to the location where you saved the IPSW file, select it, and click “Open”.
  4. Confirm your selection and wait for the restore process to complete. Your device will restart multiple times during this process, so be patient.

Step 4: Set Up Your Device

Once the restore process is complete, your device will restart and you’ll be greeted with the “Hello” screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your device as a new iPhone or restore from a backup. If you have a backup, now is the time to restore it to get your apps, data, and settings back.

Conclusion

Downgrading iOS can be a daunting task, but by following these steps, you can safely revert to a previous version and avoid any compatibility issues. Remember to always back up your device before attempting any updates or downgrades. While downgrading iOS may not be recommended for everyone, it can be a lifesaver for those experiencing issues with the latest update. I hope this guide has been helpful, and may you have a smooth downgrade process!