How to Downgrade iOS Without Losing Data
Downgrading your iOS version can be necessary for various reasons, such as fixing bugs or compatibility issues. However, the official Apple method for downgrading involves restoring your device from a backup, which means losing all new data since that backup was created. In this blog post, we'll explore an alternative way to downgrade your iOS without losing any data using iTunes and a specific type of backup called a "Partial Backup."
Prerequisites
To follow these steps, ensure you have the following:
- A Mac or Windows computer with iTunes installed.
- The latest version of iTunes (12.8 or later).
- Your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch connected to your computer.
- Backup files created before upgrading to the current iOS version.
Steps to Downgrade without Losing Data
Follow these steps carefully:
Identify your firmware file: Find the specific firmware file for your device and iOS version you want to downgrade to. You can download it from IPSW.me or other trusted sources.
Create a Partial Backup: Launch iTunes on your computer and connect your device to it. Click on your device icon within iTunes, then go to the Summary tab. Check "Sync with this iPhone (or iPad/iPod touch)" for your media files if required. Next, click on "Back Up Now" to create a partial backup. This process only saves app data and settings, while not encrypting any other information on your device.
Put your device in Recovery Mode: Follow the instructions below to put your device in recovery mode:
- iPhone X and later, iPhone 8 and iPhone SE (2nd generation): Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quick release the Volume Down button. Next, press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen.
- iPhone 7/7 Plus, iPad (6th generation), iPod touch (7th generation): Press and hold the Sleep/Wake and Volume Down buttons at the same time. Keep holding both buttons until the recovery mode screen appears.
- All other devices: Press and hold the Home button and the Sleep/Wake button at the same time. Release both buttons when you see the recovery mode screen.
Downgrade using iTunes: Now that your device is in recovery mode, follow these steps to downgrade your iOS version:
- In iTunes, click on your device icon. If prompted to trust this computer, follow the instructions.
- Hold down the Option (Mac) or Shift (Windows) key while clicking "Restore iPhone" (or "Restore iPad," etc.).
- Navigate to the location of your downloaded firmware file and select it.
- iTunes will now install the downgraded iOS version on your device, preserving all app data and settings from your partial backup.
Verify Downgrade Success: After the installation is complete, your device should restart, showing the welcome screen. You can confirm the downgrade was successful by going to Settings > General > About > Version, where you'll find the new iOS version number.
By following these steps, you've successfully downgraded your iOS without losing data! Remember that not all apps support this method, and some data may not be recoverable in a partial backup. Always ensure you have essential data backed up using iCloud or other methods before attempting any iOS downgrade.