Have you ever found yourself wishing you could go back to a previous version of iOS on your iPhone or iPad? Maybe you upgraded to the latest version and experienced bugs or performance issues, or perhaps you miss a feature that was removed in the newest release. Well, you’re in luck! In this article, I’m going to walk you through the process of downgrading to an older version of iOS, step by step.
Before You Begin
Before we get started, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Make sure you have a recent backup of your device. Downgrading to an older version of iOS will erase all data on your device, so it’s crucial to have a backup to restore from.
- Check if Apple is still signing the older version of iOS you want to install. Apple stops signing older versions of iOS shortly after a new version is released, which means you won’t be able to downgrade if the signing window has closed.
- Prepare yourself for a potentially time-consuming and complex process. While downgrading your iOS may seem straightforward, it can be a bit involved and may require some technical know-how.
Step 1: Find the Correct IPSW File
The first step in downgrading to an older version of iOS is to find the correct IPSW (iPhone Software) file for your device and the version you want to install. There are several websites that host IPSW files, such as ipsw.me and iOS Ninja. Make sure to download the IPSW file that corresponds to your device model and the specific iOS version you want to downgrade to.
Step 2: Connect Your Device to Your Computer
Once you have downloaded the correct IPSW file, connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer using a USB cable. Launch iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later) and select your device.
Step 3: Put Your Device in DFU Mode
Entering Device Firmware Update (DFU) mode is necessary to initiate the downgrade process. The steps to put your device in DFU mode vary depending on the device model. You can find detailed instructions on how to enter DFU mode on Apple’s support website or through a quick internet search.
Step 4: Restore Your Device
Once your device is in DFU mode, it’s time to restore it to the older iOS version. In iTunes or Finder, hold down the Option/Alt key (Shift key on Windows) and click on the “Restore iPhone” (or “Restore iPad”) button. A file picker window will appear. Navigate to the location where you downloaded the IPSW file and select it. The restoration process will begin, and your device will be downgraded to the selected iOS version.
Step 5: Set Up Your Device
After the restore process is complete, your device will restart and prompt you to set it up. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure your device and restore your data from the backup you created earlier.
Conclusion
Downgrading to an older version of iOS can be a useful solution for those who are experiencing issues with the latest release or simply prefer the features of a previous version. However, it’s crucial to remember that downgrading is not officially supported by Apple, and there are risks involved. Proceed with caution, and always make sure to have a backup of your data.
I hope this guide has been helpful in showing you how to downgrade to an older version of iOS. Good luck, and enjoy your iOS experience!