How to Downgrade Your iOS Version: A Step-by-Step Guide

Why Downgrade Your iOS Version?

As technology advances, new software updates for mobile devices are released. These updates come with new features, bug fixes, and security patches. However, some users may experience issues with the latest iOS version. Whether it’s due to poor performance, compatibility issues with devices or apps, or simply not liking the new interface, there are many reasons why someone may choose to downgrade their iOS version.

One major reason people may choose to downgrade their iOS version is due to poor performance. Newer iOS versions require more advanced hardware, which can be an issue for older devices. As a result, an updated operating system may not run as smoothly or quickly on an older device, causing frustration for users.

Another reason to downgrade is compatibility issues. Some users may rely on apps that are not compatible with the latest version of iOS. Developers may not have updated their apps for the latest operating system, or they may have ceased updates altogether. By downgrading to a previous version of iOS, users can continue to use these apps without issue.

On the other hand, some users simply don’t like the new interface on the latest iOS version. Changes to the interface may be jarring, and some may prefer the look and feel of a previous version.

Whatever the reason, downgrading your iOS version may be necessary. However, it’s important to note that downgrading should be done with caution. It may result in data loss or other issues, depending on how the backup or restore process is handled.

In conclusion, downgrading your iOS version may be necessary if you’re experiencing issues with your device’s performance, compatibility, or if you prefer a previous version’s interface. However, it’s essential to proceed with caution and make sure you have a backup of your data before downgrading. Always research thoroughly and understand the potential consequences before making any changes to your device’s operating system.

Check Compatibility Before Downgrading

Before you even think about downgrading your iOS version on your iPhone or iPad, it is essential to check if the downgrade is compatible with your device. The first thing you need to know is if Apple is still signing the version you want to downgrade to.

What does it mean to “sign” a version? Apple signs every iOS version, which allows the user’s device to verify the software update’s legitimacy. When Apple stops signing a specific version, it means that you can no longer downgrade to that version.

To check if Apple is still signing the version you want to downgrade to, visit the ipsw.me website. This website provides a comprehensive list of all the iOS firmware versions and their corresponding signing status. If the website shows that Apple is still signing the version you want to downgrade to, you can proceed with the process.

Another thing to consider before downgrading is the hardware compatibility of the iOS version. Some iOS versions require more advanced hardware than others, and installing an incompatible version can cause your device to crash or not work correctly. Generally, Apple releases new iOS versions every year, and the new versions are optimized for the latest hardware available.

For instance, iOS 14 was only available on iPhones ranging from the iPhone 6s and newer models. So if you have an iPhone older than the iPhone 6s, you cannot upgrade or downgrade to iOS 14.

In summary, it is imperative to check if the iOS version you want to downgrade to is compatible with your device to avoid bricking your device. Check if Apple is still signing the firmware version and if the hardware requirements match your device before starting the downgrade process.

Backup Your Data Before Starting

Downgrading your iOS version can be a risky process, especially if you have important data stored on your device. Before you start the downgrade process, it’s crucial that you back up your data. This way, if anything goes wrong during the downgrade, you won’t lose any of your important data.

Backing up your data is easy, and there are a few different methods you can use. The first and most straightforward method is to use iCloud. iCloud is Apple’s cloud storage service, and it gives you 5GB of free storage. You can back up your data to iCloud by going to Settings > iCloud > Backup, and then toggling on the iCloud Backup switch. Once you’ve turned on iCloud Backup, your device will automatically back up your data when it’s connected to Wi-Fi and plugged in.

If you don’t want to use iCloud, you can also back up your data to your computer using iTunes. To back up your data to iTunes, connect your device to your computer, open iTunes, and click on the device icon. From there, click on Summary, and then click on Back Up Now. iTunes will then create a backup of your data.

Finally, you can also back up your data to a third-party cloud storage service, such as Google Drive or Dropbox. These services offer anywhere from 2GB to 15GB of free storage, and you can easily back up your data by downloading the app, creating an account, and uploading your data to the cloud.

No matter which method you choose, it’s important to make sure that your data is backed up before you start the downgrade process. This way, even if something goes wrong during the downgrade, you can always restore your data to your device and pick up where you left off.

Using iTunes to Downgrade Your iOS Version

If you want to downgrade your iOS version, using iTunes is a reliable method. Before starting, back up all your data and disable the Find My iPhone feature. These steps will ensure that you can recover your data if the process fails or your device turns off during the downgrade process.

Step 1: Download the iOS firmware file – to downgrade your iPhone, you need the firmware file of the iOS version you want to install. You can easily download the firmware by searching on Google. Sites like ipsw.me list all versions of the software that you can download for free.

Step 2: Connect the iPhone to your computer – after downloading the firmware file, open iTunes and connect the iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.

Step 3: Disable Find My iPhone – it is essential to turn off “Find My iPhone” as it can interfere with the downgrade process. Go to Settings > iCloud > Find My iPhone and switch it off. After disabling Find My iPhone, enter your Apple ID and password.

Step 4: Enter DFU mode – DFU mode is critical for a downgrade, and this is how to enter DFU mode:

1. Hold down the power button
2. Hold down the home button
3. Release the power button but continue holding the home button
4. Your device should now be in DFU mode

Step 5: Restore – with DFU mode activated, click on “Restore iPhone” on the iTunes application window while holding the “Shift” key for Windows or the “Option” key for Mac. Select the firmware file that you downloaded earlier and wait for iTunes to install it.

Step 6: Wait for the process to complete – the downgrade process can take some time, especially if you have a slow internet connection. Ensure that you do not disconnect your iPhone from the computer during the process, or it could corrupt your device.

Step 7: Complete the Setup – when the process completes, disconnect your iPhone and set it up as new or restore from your backup. Once your device has restarted, you can check its software version by going to Settings > General > About. If everything went well, you should now have downgraded the iOS version on your iPhone.

Using iTunes is a reliable method for downgrading your iOS version. However, it is essential to follow the steps carefully and not disconnect the device until the process is complete. Remember always to back up all your data before starting the process.

Troubleshooting Common Issues During Downgrade

Downgrading iOS may sometimes be problematic, and users may encounter some issues while doing so. The following subtopics discuss the common issues people might face and how to solve them.

1. Error: The device can’t be downgraded because the firmware file is not compatible

This error is one of the most common issues people encounter when trying to downgrade their iOS version. It occurs when the firmware file downloaded doesn’t match the device being downgraded. The best solution for this is to ensure that the firmware file is compatible with the device, and it can be done by confirming the device model and checking the firmware version for the model.

2. Error: The device cannot be downgraded because the iTunes version is not up-to-date

If you encounter this error, it means that the version of iTunes on your device is old and needs to be updated. To update iTunes, follow the guidelines below.

• Connect your device to a computer with iTunes installed.
• Launch iTunes, and find the device in the app.
• Click on Check for Update.
• If an update is available, click on Download and Update.
• Follow the prompts to complete the update.

3. Error: The device cannot be verified

To solve this problem, you need to check if the device is being recognized by iTunes. If iTunes doesn’t recognize the device, then restoring it to a previous version is impossible. You could also disable your firewall and antivirus programs temporarily.

4. Device permission error

This error usually occurs when there is a permission issue with iTunes and the administrator account. To solve this, ensure that you are logged in to iTunes with the Administrator account. Grant this account full access to iTunes by opening the application as an administrator.

5. Bricked device

In rare cases, the device might become unusable or “bricked” during a downgrade. In such a situation, the best solution is to put the device in recovery mode, then restore it back to the latest iOS version. To achieve this, follow the steps below:

• Connect the device to a PC with iTunes.
• Press and hold the Sleep/Wake (Side) button and Home button.
• When the Apple logo appears, release the Sleep/Wake (Side) button but continue holding the Home button.
• Keep holding the Home button until you see the connect to iTunes message on the screen of your device.
• Release the Home button.
• Launch the iTunes app and select your device from the app.
• Select Restore from the screen.
• Follow the prompts to complete the restore process.

After the restore process, the device will be updated to the latest version of iOS.

In conclusion, downgrading iOS isn’t as easy as upgrading to the latest version. However, with these troubleshooting tips, users can save time and frustration when it comes to downgrading their iOS version.