If you’ve recently updated your iPhone or iPad to the latest iOS version but are not satisfied with the new features or experiencing performance issues, you might be wondering how to downgrade iOS software. While Apple releases new iOS versions to introduce better functionality and improved security, sometimes users encounter bugs, battery drain, or app incompatibility, which makes them wish to revert to a previous, more stable version. Luckily, downgrading is possible, but it requires following a precise process to avoid data loss and ensure a smooth transition.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain how to downgrade iOS software in 7 easy steps. Whether you’re doing this for troubleshooting, compatibility, or preference reasons, our step-by-step instructions will guide you through the process.
Why Would You Want to Downgrade iOS Software?
With every new iOS release, Apple introduces new features, enhanced security, and performance improvements. However, not every iOS update is perfect for every user. There could be several reasons why you might want to know how to downgrade iOS software:
- Performance Issues: The new version may slow down your older iPhone model.
- App Compatibility: Some of your favorite apps might not work correctly on the new iOS.
- Bugs and Glitches: Early releases of iOS updates often come with bugs that could make your device unstable.
- Battery Drain: A common complaint with new iOS versions is that they cause faster battery drain.
- Personal Preference: You might simply prefer the look, feel, or functionality of an older version.
Regardless of your reason, understanding how to downgrade iOS software can save you from frustration and allow you to revert to a more stable version. In this article, we’ll go through a safe, detailed process to help you downgrade your iOS device.
Preparing to Downgrade iOS Software
Before jumping into how to downgrade iOS software, there are a few important things you need to prepare for. Downgrading iOS isn’t as simple as clicking a button, so you’ll need to make sure you’re ready for the process:
Backup Your Data
Before attempting to downgrade your iOS, always backup your iPhone or iPad. This is critical because downgrading will wipe all the data on your device. You’ll want to have a fresh backup of all your photos, contacts, apps, and settings so you can restore them after the downgrade.
You can back up your data via iCloud or by connecting your device to a computer and using iTunes/Finder.
Via iCloud:
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
- Tap Back Up Now.
Via iTunes/Finder:
- Connect your device to your computer.
- Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina or later).
- Select your device and click Back Up Now.
Download the Correct IPSW File
To downgrade your iOS version, you’ll need to download the IPSW file of the previous iOS version. An IPSW file is a software update file that Apple provides for updating or restoring iOS devices.
Is Apple Still Signing the iOS Version?
Apple only allows downgrades to versions of iOS that are still being “signed.” You cannot downgrade to an unsigned iOS version, so it’s important to check the signing status of the iOS version you want to downgrade to. Websites like ipsw.me can help you find signed IPSW files.
Now that you have your backup and IPSW file, you’re ready to learn how to downgrade iOS software in a few simple steps.
How to Downgrade iOS Software: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Disable Find My iPhone
Before you begin the downgrade process, you need to disable Find My iPhone (or Find My iPad) on your device. Apple requires this step to ensure your device’s security.
To disable Find My iPhone:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap your name at the top and select Find My.
- Select Find My iPhone.
- Toggle it off and enter your Apple ID password when prompted.
Step 2: Connect Your Device to the Computer
The next step in how to downgrade iOS software is to connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer via a USB cable. This can be done using either a Mac or a Windows PC.
- On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open Finder.
- On a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier, or on a Windows PC, open iTunes.
Step 3: Enter DFU Mode
In order to install the older iOS version, you need to put your device into DFU Mode (Device Firmware Update mode). This mode allows your device to interact with iTunes/Finder without automatically installing the latest version of iOS.
How to enter DFU mode varies slightly depending on the iPhone or iPad model you’re using:
For iPhone 8 or later:
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button until the screen goes black, then press and hold the Volume Down button while still holding the Side button for 5 seconds.
- Release the Side button, but keep holding the Volume Down button for about 10 more seconds. The screen should stay black.
For iPhone 7/7 Plus:
- Press and hold both the Side and Volume Down buttons together for 10 seconds.
- Release the Side button but keep holding the Volume Down button for another 10 seconds.
For iPhone 6S or earlier:
- Press and hold both the Home and Power buttons together for 8 seconds.
- Release the Power button but continue holding the Home button for about 10 more seconds.
Once your device is in DFU mode, iTunes or Finder should prompt you that your iPhone or iPad is in recovery mode.
Step 4: Select the IPSW File
Now that your device is in DFU mode, you can proceed with the next step in how to downgrade iOS software by selecting the correct IPSW file.
- In iTunes or Finder, hold down the Option key (on Mac) or Shift key (on Windows), and click on the Restore iPhone (or iPad) button.
- A file explorer window will open. Navigate to where you downloaded the IPSW file and select it.
Step 5: Start the Downgrade Process
After selecting the IPSW file, iTunes or Finder will begin the downgrade process. It may take several minutes as your device installs the older iOS version. Make sure not to disconnect your device during this process.
Step 6: Restore from Backup
Once the downgrade is complete, your device will restart. At this point, you’ll have a freshly installed older version of iOS. However, all your data will have been erased, so you need to restore it from your backup.
To restore from a backup:
- When prompted, choose the option to Restore from iCloud Backup or Restore from iTunes Backup, depending on where you saved your backup.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to restore all your apps, settings, and data.
Step 7: Re-enable Find My iPhone
After your iOS downgrade and data restoration, don’t forget to re-enable Find My iPhone. This is an important security feature that helps you locate your device if it’s lost or stolen.
To re-enable Find My iPhone:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap your name at the top and select Find My.
- Turn Find My iPhone back on.
Troubleshooting Common Issues When Downgrading iOS Software
Even when you follow all the steps on how to downgrade iOS software perfectly, sometimes issues may arise. Here are some common problems and solutions:
Device Stuck in Recovery Mode
If your iPhone gets stuck in recovery mode after downgrading, try the following steps:
- Force restart your iPhone by pressing and holding the Power button and the Volume Down button (or the Home button, depending on your model) until you see the Apple logo.
- If this doesn’t work, reconnect to iTunes/Finder and choose the option to restore your iPhone again.
IPSW File Not Supported
If iTunes/Finder gives you an error that the IPSW file is not supported, make sure that:
- You’ve downloaded the correct IPSW file for your specific device model.
- The iOS version is still being signed by Apple. If Apple has stopped signing the version, you won’t be able to downgrade.
Conclusion: Is Downgrading iOS Software Right for You?
Now that you’ve learned how to downgrade iOS software, it’s essential to weigh whether it’s the right choice for your situation. While downgrading can help you escape performance issues, bugs, or battery drain caused by a new iOS version, it’s important to remember that downgrades are only temporary solutions. Apple frequently updates its software to fix bugs and improve overall performance, so it might be worth waiting for the next update.
Additionally, remember that downgrading can lead to compatibility issues with certain apps or features, as some may require the latest iOS version. Ultimately, if you’re experiencing significant problems with a new iOS version, downgrading can provide temporary relief, but always keep your device up to date with security patches.
So whether you’re downgrading for performance or preference, now you have the complete guide on how to downgrade iOS software. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be back on your preferred iOS version in no time.
