How to Downgrade iOS

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Go to the iPhone Software site.

   An iPhone Software (IPSW) file requires authorization by Apple to implement; Apple will typically continue providing this authorization for a week after a new software update is released.
   
   If you're attempting to downgrade from a future iOS version to iOS
   10.3, for example, you'll be able to do so within a week of that software's update.
2. 2

   Step 2: Click your device type.

   You'll click iPhone, iPad, or iPod on this page., For example, you would click the iPhone 7 (Global) for a Verizon iPhone
   7., You'll typically see two links here: the current iOS (for example, iOS
   10.3) and one iOS update back (e.g., iOS
   10.2.1).
   
   You'll need to click the iOS version to which you wish to downgrade.
   
   Any red links are IPSW files that are no longer being signed by Apple.
   
   These files won't work on your iDevice.
   
   If you're already running the older version of the two IPSW files listed here, you can't downgrade. , It will usually be below the top link., It's near the bottom of the page.
   
   Doing so will prompt your IPSW file to begin downloading.
   
   Depending on your browser, you may first need to select a save location (e.g., your computer's desktop).
   
   Your IPSW file will likely take around half an hour to download. , It's a white app with a multicolored musical note on it.
   
   You may be prompted to click Download iTunes if there is an update available.
   
   If so, update iTunes and restart your computer before continuing. , Do so by plugging the large end of your iPhone's charger into your computer's USB port and the small end of your iPhone's charger cord into your iPhone., It's the iPhone-shaped icon above the sidebar on the left side of the iTunes window., Doing so will bring up a search window wherein you can select your IPSW file.
   
   You must first disable the "Find My iPhone" feature if prompted to do so. , It will be in your computer's default "Downloads" location, and the file itself will have the iTunes logo on it., It's at the bottom of the window.
   
   Doing so will open your IPSW file in iTunes and prompt a pop-up window., This will cause iTunes to erase completely your iPhone and reinstall the previous rendition of iOS on it.Once the process is complete, you can restore a previous backup to get your contacts, photos, messages, and so on back.
   
   This backup cannot be from the subsequent iOS version, or your downgrade will be lost.
3. 3

   Step 3: Click your device model.

4. 4

   Step 4: Review the green links at the top of the page.

5. 5

   Step 5: Click the older update.

6. 6

   Step 6: Click Download.

7. 7

   Step 7: Open iTunes.

8. 8

   Step 8: Attach your iPhone to your computer.

9. 9

   Step 9: Click the "Device" icon.

10. 10

    Step 10: Hold down ⇧ Shift (PC) or ⌥ Option (Mac) and click Restore iPhone.

11. 11

    Step 11: Click your IPSW file.

12. 12

    Step 12: Click Open.

13. 13

    Step 13: Click Restore when prompted.

Detailed Guide

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