Downgrading your iPhone’s iOS can be a useful solution if you’re experiencing issues with a new update or simply prefer the functionality of an older version. While Apple doesn’t officially support downgrading, there are methods to revert to a previous iOS version. This comprehensive guide provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to safely and effectively downgrade your iPhone’s operating system.
**Important Considerations Before You Begin**
Before diving into the downgrade process, it’s crucial to understand the risks and limitations involved:
* **Apple’s Stance:** Apple generally discourages downgrading and may stop signing older iOS versions, making it impossible to revert. An iOS version is ‘signed’ if Apple is still allowing it to be installed on devices. Once Apple stops signing a version, you can no longer downgrade to it.
* **Data Loss:** The downgrade process typically involves wiping your device, so backing up your data is essential. Without a backup, you will lose all your photos, videos, contacts, and other personal information.
* **Potential for Errors:** Downgrading can be complex, and errors can lead to data loss or a non-functional device. Follow the instructions carefully and proceed at your own risk.
* **Jailbreaking (Not Recommended):** Some older methods involved jailbreaking, which voids your warranty and can make your device vulnerable to security threats. This guide focuses on methods that do *not* require jailbreaking when possible and safest.
* **App Compatibility:** Apps may not be fully compatible with older iOS versions, so you might encounter some functionality issues.
* **Signed IPSW:** Crucially, Apple must still be *signing* the version of iOS you want to downgrade to. You can check this status on websites that track signed IPSW files (more on this later).
**Prerequisites**
Before you start, ensure you have the following:
* **A Computer:** You’ll need a computer (Windows or macOS) to perform the downgrade process. We strongly suggest using a computer that you know very well, and are very familiar with.
* **A Stable Internet Connection:** A reliable internet connection is required to download the necessary files.
* **A Lightning Cable:** Use a genuine Apple Lightning cable or a certified MFi (Made for iPhone/iPad/iPod) cable to connect your iPhone to your computer.
* **Sufficient Battery:** Make sure your iPhone has at least 50% battery charge to avoid interruptions during the process. Ideally, charge it to 100%.
* **iCloud/iTunes Backup:** Back up your iPhone using either iCloud or iTunes (Finder in newer macOS versions) to preserve your data. You will need this backup to restore your data after the downgrade.
* **Find My iPhone Disabled:** Disable ‘Find My iPhone’ in your iPhone’s settings. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone, and toggle it off. You’ll need your Apple ID password to do this. This is an *extremely* important step.
* **Downloaded IPSW File:** Download the correct IPSW file (the iOS firmware file) for the iOS version you want to downgrade to *and* for your specific iPhone model. Make sure you download it from a reputable source to avoid malware. A listing of trusted websites will be supplied further on in this document. This is the heart of the downgrading procedure.
**Step-by-Step Guide to Downgrading iOS**
The following instructions outline the most common and safest method for downgrading iOS using iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later). Remember to proceed with caution and double-check each step before execution.
**Step 1: Back Up Your iPhone**
This is the most critical step. If anything goes wrong during the downgrade process, you can restore your data from the backup.
* **iCloud Backup:**
1. Connect your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network.
2. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
3. Tap ‘Back Up Now’.
4. Ensure ‘iCloud Backup’ is enabled for future automatic backups.
* **iTunes/Finder Backup:**
1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a Lightning cable.
2. If using iTunes, open iTunes. If using macOS Catalina or later, open Finder.
3. In iTunes, click the iPhone icon when it appears. In Finder, select your iPhone from the sidebar.
4. If prompted, trust the computer on your iPhone.
5. Under the ‘Backups’ section, select ‘This computer’.
6. Check the box ‘Encrypt local backup’ and create a password. Store this password in a safe place, as you’ll need it to restore your backup.
7. Click ‘Back Up Now’.
8. Wait for the backup process to complete.
**Step 2: Disable Find My iPhone**
Disabling ‘Find My iPhone’ is essential to proceed with the downgrade process. If you don’t disable it, you won’t be able to restore your iPhone.
1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap on your name at the top.
3. Tap on ‘Find My’.
4. Tap on ‘Find My iPhone’.
5. Toggle the ‘Find My iPhone’ switch to the ‘Off’ position.
6. Enter your Apple ID password to confirm.
**Step 3: Download the Correct IPSW File**
An IPSW file is the firmware file for your iPhone. It contains the operating system and all the necessary files to install or restore iOS.
1. **Identify Your iPhone Model:** Go to Settings > General > About. Note the ‘Model Name’ and ‘Model Number’. This information is crucial for downloading the correct IPSW file.
2. **Find a Reputable IPSW Download Source:** Download the IPSW file from a reputable source to avoid malware. Some trusted websites include:
* ipsw.me
* iDownloadBlog
* Redmond Pie
* 9to5Mac
3. **Verify the IPSW is Signed:** **Crucially, ensure that Apple is still *signing* the IPSW file for the iOS version you want to downgrade to.** These websites usually indicate which iOS versions are currently being signed. The website ipsw.me is particularly useful, as it clearly shows which versions are signed in green.
4. **Download the Correct IPSW:** On the chosen website, select your iPhone model and the desired iOS version. Download the corresponding IPSW file. Make sure it exactly matches your iPhone model. Save the file to an easily accessible location on your computer (e.g., your desktop).
**Step 4: Put Your iPhone into Recovery Mode (or DFU Mode if Necessary)**
Recovery Mode and DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode are diagnostic modes that allow you to restore your iPhone’s operating system. Recovery Mode is generally preferred, but DFU mode might be necessary if your iPhone is not recognized in Recovery Mode.
* **Entering Recovery Mode:**
The steps to enter Recovery Mode vary depending on your iPhone model:
* **iPhone 8 and later (including iPhone SE 2nd generation and later):**
1. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
2. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
3. Press and hold the Side (Power) button until you see the Recovery Mode screen (a cable pointing to a computer).
* **iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus:**
1. Press and hold the Side (Power) button and the Volume Down button simultaneously.
2. Continue holding both buttons until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
* **iPhone 6s and earlier, iPhone SE (1st generation):**
1. Press and hold the Home button and the Side (Power) button simultaneously.
2. Continue holding both buttons until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
* **Entering DFU Mode (If Recovery Mode Fails):**
DFU mode is a deeper restore mode. Only use this if Recovery Mode is not working.
* **iPhone 8 and later (including iPhone SE 2nd generation and later):**
1. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
2. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
3. Press and hold the Side (Power) button for 10 seconds.
4. While still holding the Side button, press and hold the Volume Down button for 5 seconds.
5. Release the Side button but continue holding the Volume Down button for another 10 seconds.
6. If the screen remains black, you’ve successfully entered DFU mode. If you see the Apple logo or the Recovery Mode screen, repeat the steps.
* **iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus:**
1. Press and hold the Side (Power) button and the Volume Down button simultaneously for 10 seconds.
2. Release the Side button but continue holding the Volume Down button for another 5 seconds.
3. If the screen remains black, you’ve successfully entered DFU mode. If you see the Apple logo or the Recovery Mode screen, repeat the steps.
* **iPhone 6s and earlier, iPhone SE (1st generation):**
1. Press and hold the Home button and the Side (Power) button simultaneously for 10 seconds.
2. Release the Side button but continue holding the Home button for another 5 seconds.
3. If the screen remains black, you’ve successfully entered DFU mode. If you see the Apple logo or the Recovery Mode screen, repeat the steps.
**Step 5: Restore Your iPhone with the IPSW File Using iTunes/Finder**
1. **Connect Your iPhone:** Connect your iPhone to your computer using a Lightning cable. iTunes (or Finder) should automatically detect your iPhone in Recovery Mode (or DFU Mode).
2. **Restore iPhone:**
* **iTunes (Windows or older macOS):** iTunes will display a message saying it has detected an iPhone in Recovery Mode. Click ‘OK’. Then, hold down the Shift key (Windows) or Option key (macOS) and click the ‘Restore iPhone…’ button.
* **Finder (macOS Catalina and later):** Finder will display a message saying it has detected an iPhone in Recovery Mode. Click ‘Restore iPhone…’. Then, hold down the Option key and click the ‘Restore iPhone…’ button.
3. **Select the IPSW File:** A file browser window will appear. Navigate to the location where you saved the downloaded IPSW file and select it. Click ‘Open’.
4. **Confirm Restoration:** iTunes/Finder will ask you to confirm that you want to restore your iPhone to the selected iOS version. Click ‘Restore’.
5. **Wait for the Restoration Process:** The restoration process will begin. iTunes/Finder will extract the software, prepare your iPhone for restoration, and then install the older iOS version. This process can take some time (15-30 minutes or longer), so be patient and do not disconnect your iPhone during this process. The progress bar in iTunes/Finder will show the status of the restoration.
6. **iPhone Restart:** Your iPhone will restart several times during the restoration process. This is normal. Do not interrupt the process.
**Step 6: Activate Your iPhone**
After the restoration is complete, your iPhone will restart and display the activation screen. You’ll need to activate your iPhone using your Apple ID and password. Connect to a Wi-Fi network and follow the on-screen instructions to activate your device.
**Step 7: Restore Your Data from Backup**
Once your iPhone is activated, you can restore your data from the iCloud or iTunes/Finder backup you created earlier.
* **Restore from iCloud Backup:**
1. During the setup process, when prompted, select ‘Restore from iCloud Backup’.
2. Sign in with your Apple ID and password.
3. Choose the most recent backup you created before the downgrade.
4. Wait for the restoration process to complete. This can take some time depending on the size of your backup and the speed of your internet connection.
* **Restore from iTunes/Finder Backup:**
1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a Lightning cable.
2. Open iTunes (or Finder).
3. Select your iPhone when it appears.
4. Click ‘Restore Backup…’.
5. Select the most recent backup you created before the downgrade. If you encrypted your backup, enter the password.
6. Wait for the restoration process to complete. This can take some time.
**Troubleshooting Common Issues**
* **Error 3194 or Error 1671:** These errors typically indicate that Apple is no longer signing the iOS version you’re trying to downgrade to, or that there’s an issue with your computer’s connection to Apple’s servers. Double-check that the IPSW is signed and that your internet connection is stable. You can also try editing your computer’s hosts file to point to Apple’s servers, but this is an advanced step and should be done with caution. Instructions on how to do this can be found online.
* **iPhone Stuck in Recovery Mode:** If your iPhone is stuck in Recovery Mode, try force restarting it. If that doesn’t work, try entering DFU mode and restoring again.
* **iPhone Not Recognized by iTunes/Finder:** Make sure you’re using a genuine Apple Lightning cable or a certified MFi cable. Try a different USB port on your computer. Restart your computer and your iPhone. If the problem persists, update iTunes/Finder to the latest version.
* **Activation Errors:** Double-check that you’ve disabled ‘Find My iPhone’. Make sure your Apple ID and password are correct. Ensure your iPhone has a stable internet connection.
* **Backup Compatibility:** Backups made on newer iOS versions might not be fully compatible with older iOS versions. You might experience some data loss or app incompatibility issues. Unfortunately, there is no reliable way to convert a newer backup to an older version.
**Important Reminders and Best Practices**
* **Always Back Up Your Data:** Emphasize this point. Data loss is a real risk when downgrading.
* **Download IPSW Files from Reputable Sources:** Avoid downloading IPSW files from untrusted websites to prevent malware infections.
* **Ensure the IPSW is Signed:** Before starting the downgrade process, confirm that Apple is still signing the IPSW file for the iOS version you want to install.
* **Follow Instructions Carefully:** Read and understand each step before proceeding. If you’re unsure about something, search online for more information or ask for help in a relevant forum.
* **Be Patient:** The downgrade process can take time, so be patient and avoid interrupting it.
* **Understand the Risks:** Downgrading iOS involves risks, and there’s a chance that something could go wrong. Proceed at your own risk.
* **Consider Alternative Solutions:** Before downgrading, consider whether there are alternative solutions to your problem, such as resetting your iPhone’s settings or contacting Apple Support.
* **Clean Install:** When restoring, you will be given the option to ‘Set up as new iPhone’ or ‘Restore from backup’. It is always preferable to select ‘Set up as new iPhone’. Restore from backup *can* reintroduce problems that you are trying to fix by downgrading. Set up as new and then selectively restore data and apps from iCloud ensures you do not bring back unwanted configurations.
* **Limitations:** Understand that not all downgrades are possible. Apple regularly stops signing older iOS versions, making them unavailable for installation. You can’t downgrade to an unsigned version without specialized tools and techniques (like jailbreaking), which are not covered in this guide due to the increased risks involved.
**When is Downgrading a Good Idea?**
Downgrading iOS is generally recommended only in specific situations:
* **Performance Issues:** If a new iOS update significantly slows down your iPhone or causes other performance problems, downgrading to a previous version might improve the device’s responsiveness.
* **Battery Drain:** If you experience excessive battery drain after an update, downgrading could resolve the issue.
* **Buggy Software:** If the new iOS version has numerous bugs or glitches that affect your user experience, downgrading might provide a more stable environment.
* **App Compatibility:** In rare cases, a specific app you rely on might not be compatible with the latest iOS version. Downgrading to a version where the app works correctly could be a solution.
* **Personal Preference:** You might simply prefer the look and feel of an older iOS version. In this case, downgrading allows you to revert to your preferred operating system.
**Conclusion**
Downgrading iOS can be a useful way to resolve issues with a new update or revert to a preferred operating system. However, it’s a complex process with potential risks. By following these detailed instructions and taking the necessary precautions, you can safely and effectively downgrade your iPhone’s iOS version. Remember to always back up your data, download IPSW files from reputable sources, and ensure that Apple is still signing the desired iOS version. Good luck, and proceed with caution!