Why revert from iOS 15 to an earlier version?
Apple is known for its incredible features, consistent user interface, and regular updates. However, the latest version iOS 15, which was released recently, is causing a plethora of issues for some users. With some complaining about problems with the call app, FaceTime, notifications and battery, etc., it is understandable that some want an escape route to an earlier version. Do you want to return to iOS 14 from iOS 15? Whatever the reason behind your decision, you can still achieve that with the help of few simple steps.
If you, too, are affected by the issues and want to revert from iOS 15 to an earlier version, this article has got you covered.
In this article, we will help you understand how to revert to an earlier version of iOS 15. Let’s dive in.
Before we go into the details of how to revert from iOS 15, it’s important to understand why it’s essential to do so.
3 reasons why you should revert from iOS 15 to an earlier version:
Although everyone has their reasons, here are some of the most common reasons why you might want to roll back to an earlier version of iOS 15:
Battery issues:
The battery is a crucial aspect of any smartphone. If your iPhone is consuming more battery than usual after upgrading to iOS 15, it would be best to go back to an earlier version.
iOS 15 introduced new features like the Live Text feature, FaceTime enhancements, and spatial audio; it may lead to a higher battery drain. Therefore, if your iPhone is not giving you the battery life you need, it’s reasonable to revert.
Compatibility issues:
If your iPhone isn’t compatible with a newer version of iOS, you should return to an earlier version.
An example is the iPhone 6s and other devices with 1GB RAM, running iOS 15. Many users have reported inconsistent performance using this operating system. If this is the case with your device, it is recommended to go back to an earlier version.
App problems:
Sometimes, an iOS upgrade may not be compatible with some of the Apps you need, leading to issues, including app crashes, that you can’t ignore.
For example, if an app used within a company does not work with an iOS upgrade, it can be devastating for the business. So, if you are facing app compatibility issues after updating to iOS 15, it’s time to revert.
Now that we have covered some of the popular reasons why you might want to revert to an earlier iOS version, let’s dive into how you can do so.
Checking device compatibility for iOS downgrade
Are you eager to revert to iOS 15 on your iPhone or iPad? Before we jump into the steps to downgrade to iOS 15, it’s essential to check whether your device is compatible with the version you want to install. You need to understand that not all devices can support iOS 15, especially the ones released earlier.
Apple has a compatible devices list for each iOS version on their website, so the first thing you should do is go to Apple’s website and review whether your device supports iOS 15 or not. To access the list, simply:
- Visit the Apple website
- Click on the Support tab
- Select your device
- Click on the “Specifications” option
- Review the list to ensure that your device is compatible with iOS 15
If your device is not compatible with iOS 15, it’s not possible to proceed with the downgrade process. However, if your device is eligible for iOS 15, you can move on to the next step.
Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure that you have a stable internet connection to download the iOS 15 IPSW file. A slow connection can lead to errors during the download and the installation process. It’s advisable to use a stable internet connection, preferably Wi-Fi, to ensure the best possible outcome.
Another thing to take note of is that downgrading to an earlier iOS version means that you’ll lose all data saved on your device after installing the newer software version. Therefore, it’s essential to back up your data before beginning the downgrade process to avoid any data loss.
In conclusion, checking your device’s compatibility with iOS 15 is the first and most critical step when attempting to revert to the earlier version of iOS. Failure to confirm your device’s compatibility may lead to errors or even brick your device, making it impossible to use. Always make sure your device is compatible before proceeding with the downgrade process.
Creating a backup of data before downgrading
Before you start downgrading your iOS device to iOS 15, you should make sure that you have a backup of all your important data. This ensures that nothing important is lost during the process of downgrading.
When you downgrade to an older version of iOS, all your data will be erased. This includes all the data stored on your device, such as photos, messages, contacts, and apps. Therefore, it is important to make a backup of all this data so that you can restore it back to your device after the downgrade is complete.
To create a backup of your data, you can use either iTunes or iCloud. To use iTunes, simply connect your iOS device to your computer, and open iTunes. Then, select your device, and click on the “Back Up Now” button. This will create a complete backup of all your data.
If you prefer to use iCloud, you will need to make sure that you have enough space to create a backup. To check this, go to Settings, then click on your Apple ID, and then select iCloud. Here, you will see how much space is available for backups. If you need more space, you can upgrade your iCloud storage plan.
To create a backup using iCloud, simply go to Settings, then click on your Apple ID, and then select iCloud. Here, you will see a list of apps that can be backed up to iCloud. Make sure that all the apps that you want to back up are toggled on. Then, click on “Back Up Now” to start the backup process.
It is important to remember that creating a backup can take some time, depending on the amount of data that you have on your device. Therefore, make sure that you have enough time to complete the backup process before you start downgrading your device.
Once you have created a backup of your data, you can proceed to the next step of downgrading your device to iOS 15.
Step-by-step guide to downgrading iOS from 15 to an earlier version
Have you recently updated your iPhone or iPad to iOS 15, but found that it’s not running as smoothly as you’d hoped? Perhaps you’re missing features that were present in an earlier version. Whatever the reason behind your decision, if you’re looking to downgrade from iOS 15, you’re not alone. This article will guide you through the process of downgrading from iOS 15 to an earlier version of iOS.
1. Check for compatibility
Before downgrading, it’s important to check that the version you plan to downgrade to is compatible with your device. Apple only signs off on certain iOS versions, so you’ll want to make sure that your device can run the version you want to install. Here are some of the compatible versions for several iOS devices:
- iPhone 12 series: iOS 14.4.2
- iPhone 11 series: iOS 14.4.2
- iPhone XS series: iOS 14.4.2
- iPhones older than XS: iOS 12.5.4
- iPad Pro 2021: iOS 14.5.1
- iPads older than Pro 2021: iOS 12.5.4
If the iOS version you want to downgrade to isn’t listed here, you can check the latest compatible version of iOS for your device on Apple’s website.
2. Back up your device
Before you begin the downgrade process, it’s important to back up your device. This ensures that all of your data, including contacts, notes, photos, and messages, won’t be lost during the downgrade process. You can back up your device on iCloud or your computer through iTunes.
3. Download the IPSW file
To downgrade your device, you’ll need to download the IPSW file for the iOS version you want to install. An IPSW file is a firmware update file that can be used to install the older version of iOS onto your device. You can find IPSW firmware files for all iOS devices on the internet, just make sure you download the correct version for your device. After downloading the IPSW file, save it to your computer.
4. Restore your device using the IPSW file
To restore your device using the IPSW file, follow these steps:
- Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable
- Open iTunes (or Finder on a Mac with macOS 10.15 Catalina or later)
- Select your device in iTunes
- In the summary section, hold down the Option key (Mac) or Shift key (Windows)
- Click the Restore iPhone/iPad button
- In the window that pops up, choose the IPSW file you downloaded
- Click Open to start the installation process
Once the installation process is complete, your device will restart and will be running the earlier version of iOS you selected. You can now use your previous backup to restore your contacts, notes, messages, and other data.
5. Disable automatic updates
To prevent your device from automatically updating to the latest version of iOS, you’ll need to disable the automatic updates feature. To do this, go to Settings > General > Software Update, and toggle off the Automatic Updates option. This will ensure that you don’t accidentally update your device to iOS 15 again.
There you have it, a step-by-step guide to downgrading your iPhone or iPad from iOS 15 to an earlier version. While downgrading can be a bit of a hassle, it’s worth it if you prefer the previous version of iOS, or if you’re experiencing issues with the latest update. Remember to always back up your device before making any changes to your operating system, and be sure to research any compatibility issues before downgrading.
Troubleshooting common issues during iOS downgrade process
Downgrading your iOS device to iOS 15 can be a simple process, but it can also come with some issues. Here are some of the common problems that you may encounter during the downgrade process and how to troubleshoot them.
1. Stuck on Apple Logo
Seeing the Apple logo on the screen for a long time is one of the most common problems that you can face while downgrading iOS 16 to iOS 15. The first thing you can try is to force restart your device by holding down the power button and the home button until the Apple logo disappears. If that doesn’t work, try connecting your device to a computer and restoring it via iTunes. Make sure that you have a backup of your important data beforehand.
2. Unable to Restore from Backup
Sometimes, downgrading iOS can result in an error message stating that the device is unable to restore from backup. In such cases, you can try updating your iTunes software to the latest version. If that does not work, try backing up your device again and then restoring from the backup. Another workaround can be attempting a clean install of iOS 15 and then restoring your data from backup.
3. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity Issues
After downgrading your iOS device, you may face issues with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Resetting your network settings is one way to fix these problems. You can also try disabling and then re-enabling your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality. If none of these methods work, a clean restore of iOS 15 may be the solution to your problem.
4. Battery Drain Problems
Some devices experience battery drain problems after downgrading to iOS 15. One of the main culprits can be the apps that you have installed on your device. Try uninstalling any newly installed apps and see if that helps. Switching off unnecessary features such as Location Services, Background App Refresh, and Automatic Downloads could also help extend battery life.
5. Error Messages During Downgrade Process
If you receive an error message while downgrading your iOS device to iOS 15, it can be quite frustrating. However, there are steps you can take to troubleshoot this issue. Firstly, make sure that your device has enough storage space available to download and install the iOS 15 operating system. Secondly, ensure that your internet connection is stable and strong, preferably a Wi-Fi connection rather than cellular data. Lastly, try restarting your device and attempting the downgrade process again.
If none of these methods work, a clean install of iOS 15 may be the only option. However, do not forget to back up all crucial data before performing a clean install.
