Apple regularly updates the iOS operating system to provide users with new features. But not everyone likes these updates - some iPhone and iPad owners prefer to use older versions. How to roll back iOS if the latest update turned out to be inconvenient? To do this, there are two simple tools available even to novice users.
Updates and precautions
The appearance of new versions of iOS does not mean that older versions stop working. Only the oldest versions that are no longer signed by the developer do not work. If you install such an operating system on your device, it will not be possible to activate it. This limitation can be bypassed using the iOS Downgrade Tool, but this is only possible if the device is jailbroken.
It is possible to roll back iOS. And Apple specialists made sure that this procedure was as safe as possible. If flashing Android devices can still lead to loss of functionality, then in the case of iPhone and iPad the situation is simpler - failures are practically excluded here. But that doesn't mean we won't need backups. What is recommended to do before rolling back iOS?
- Make a complete backup of your device;
- Save all necessary files in a safe place;
- Check if data has been synchronized with iCloud.
If all conditions are met, you can safely proceed to return to previous version iOS. Where can I get previous firmware for Apple devices? There is a website for this called getios.com. By visiting this resource, you will find simple form, in which you will need to select your device, model and requested version.
It should be noted that the resource contains all versions of the iOS operating system for all Apple devices, starting from the iPhone and ending with Apple TV set-top boxes.
How to return the old version of iOS
To perform this operation, we need a firmware file with a previous version of iOS, a computer with the iTunes application installed, a smartphone/tablet and a cable. We connect the device to the computer, launch iTunes and wait for the connection to be established.
As soon as the device is detected, we can begin rolling back the firmware. To do this, go to the “Overview” tab and click on the “Update” button while simultaneously holding down the Shift key (Alt on Apple computers). We indicate the location of the previously downloaded file and wait patiently.
As soon as the rollback of the iOS operating system is completed, we activate the device and begin using it. If for some reason the rollback fails, you can return to the working version - you saved it earlier as a backup copy, right? If there is a copy, select it and perform a return. Now you can try the rollback again.
Please note that if you are using a version of the operating system that is not signed by Apple, the activation process will not be possible.
As we can see, cancel iOS update and returning to the previous version of the operating system is relatively easy. Any failures here are practically excluded, but you cannot neglect a full backup - you should always be able to return to working firmware.
Before returning to the old version of iOS, you need to take care to disable the Find My iPhone function - this is done in the iCloud settings. This function is disabled in iPad tablets in a similar way.
iOS Downgrade Tool
We have already said that the oldest versions of the iOS operating system are not signed by Apple. Therefore, you won't be able to install them. And why are they needed? Old versions are outdated, they have a lot of bugs, and they consume too much battery power. After all, new versions are not being developed so that users continue to use old firmware.
However, sometimes it is necessary to install old version still appears. In order to install an old version of the iOS operating system, you need to jailbreak and use the iOS Downgrade Tool. It is easy to use and does not cause any particular difficulties.
The first step is to install the SSH package on the device - this is done through the Cydia program, created specifically for installing software that is not available in the official AppStore application store. Next, we need to connect the computer and iOS device to the same wireless Wi-Fi networks and find out what IP address is assigned to the connected device. To do this, you should look into the connection settings or visit the administrative panel of the router.
Next, launch the iOS Downgrade Tool utility, enter the device’s IP address, select the iOS version from the drop-down list, click on the “Downgrade” button - the firmware update procedure for the selected version will start. The utility may freeze a little, but this is its normal behavior.
A sign that the downgrade was successful will be the restart of the device and its subsequent loading in working mode - now you can enjoy the old version of iOS. Before performing the procedure, do not forget to make a backup copy of all your data, since flashing involves their complete deletion.
You can find information on how to jailbreak a particular Apple device on the pages of our website or on specialized resources.
Yesterday we talked about how iPhone and iPad can install outdated versions of applications using the Charlie program. From the comments to that article, it turned out that there is an easier way that does not involve the use of third-party tools. This method only works if the new version of the application is not supported by your device due to system requirements.
If you are using an old Apple smartphone or tablet, or have not updated iOS to version 8 or 9, you will inevitably encounter limitations - App Store will prompt you to first or update your operating system. However, you can cheat and download not new version applications, and compatible with old technology or an outdated iOS build.
How to install an old version of the application on iOS?
1. Go to system iPhone settings or iPad and turn on iCloud synchronization.
2. Launch iTunes on your computer and download the application you need, even if it’s a new version.
3. Open the App Store on mobile device and find the application you downloaded through iTunes.
4. Near the name of the application, instead of the “download” button, a button with a cloud will appear, which shows that a “purchase” has already been registered in your account, and you can freely download this application to your device.
5. If your iPhone or iPad is incompatible with this application, the system will display an error and... offer to download the version that was once compatible with it.
6. Wait a while - the outdated version of the application will be downloaded to your device.
We emphasize once again that this installation method can only be used on older devices (iPhone 3, 4, etc.), and install outdated versions of applications on new Apple smartphones and tablets can be accessed using the Charlie application, which we recently wrote about. Charlie works as a proxy that downloads the version of the application you need from Apple servers - more stable than the new one or with features that were later removed by the developers. One of these applications is the official VKontakte client, which once had a full-fledged music section, but now only excerpts from songs are available, leading to the iTunes store.
The editors do not remain aloof from the New Year's excitement and preparation of surprises. Together with the Apple Jesus online store, we have prepared one of best gifts for any occasion - a brand new iPhone 6s in any color at your discretion. To participate in the drawing you only need to complete five simple tasks. Read, participate and good luck!
If you upgraded to iOS 10 but then changed your mind, there is an option to roll back to iOS 9.3.2. There are two main ways to do this. One of them requires a backup copy, and the second, fortunately, does not. Apple signs iOS 9.3.2 for now and no other previous versions. Therefore, iOS 9.3.2 is the oldest version that you can restore to your device.
Method 1: No backup
You will lose all your text messages, but all other settings and applications will remain after the rollback.
- Download the corresponding IPSW file for your iPhone or iPad.
- Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer. If not, download and install it.
- Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer and then click on the device icon that appears.
- In the Summary section, click the Check for Updates button while holding down the Shift key (Windows) or Option key (Mac).
- Now find and select the IPSW file you downloaded earlier.
- Your device will be updated to iOS 9.3.2.
Next time you're tempted to download the beta, either make a full backup first or resist the urge.
Method 2: Using a previously made backup
Apple doesn't approve of downgrading to previous versions of iOS, and for good reason. However, such a possibility exists. Currently, Apple's servers are still signing iOS 9.3.2. You cannot roll back beyond this version. Therefore, the problem may occur if your backup was made for an earlier iOS firmware. So, let's be clear: to roll back, you can only use the backup that was created when your device was running iOS 9.3.2.
The key is that you should always have a full, up-to-date backup. The best way to create a password-protected copy is through iTunes. You can also do this through iCloud to get another opportunity to restore your contacts, images and other things.
Step 1: Prepare IPSW
To reinstall iOS 9.3.2, you will need the appropriate ipsw file for your iPhone or iPad model. Outdated versions will not work because... they are not “signed”, i.e. not approved by Apple servers.
For Mac users who have the ipsw file stored on their hard drive, you need to go to the following path: youruserfolder/Library/iTunes/, and then find it in the iPhone Software Updates or iPad Software Updates folder.
If you don't have the latest version of the file, whether you're a PC or Mac user, you can easily find it by searching for "ipsw download". Next, you need to select and download the file corresponding to your device. A search will bring up a variety of sites, including https://ipsw.me/, which will tell you which versions are currently up to date.
Step 2. Rollback procedure
Keep in mind that if you are reading this article after the final version of iOS 10 has officially released, you have very little time to rollback. From experience recent years you only have a week after the original release date (not after the date you upgraded), after which downgrade will not be possible except for jailbroken smartphones.
So let's get started. Disable the Find My iPhone/iPad feature on your device if it was enabled. You'll find it by going to Settings > iCloud. Then connect your iPhone or iPad to your PC or Mac. Launch iTunes. Click on the device icon in the iTunes interface and select Summary. Now, hold down the Alt/Option key on a Mac or Shift on a PC and click on the Restore iPhone button. Next, find and open the IPSW file, after which the computer will reinstall iOS 9.3.2 on your iPad or iPhone. Or should...
Go to Recovery mode
If iTunes reports that your device is already running the latest version of iOS, you may need to use Recovery mode. Turn off the device's power completely, connect one end of the sync cable to your computer, and then hold down the Home button on your iPhone/iPad while connecting the other end of the cable to it. When the Connect to iTunes screen appears, release the Home button.
iTunes will tell you that your device is now in Recovery mode. Next, hold down the Option key (Shift for PCs), click on Restore, find the iOS 9.3.2.ipsw file and install it on your device.
Restoring from a backup
If the above procedure is successful, you will get an almost clean iPhone with nothing on it. Now it's time to apply the backup you created earlier. In iTunes, click the Restore iPhone button and select the appropriate backup. The process may take about an hour, but your smartphone will return exactly to the state it was in when the copy was created.
If you don't have any copies, you'll have to sync your music, videos, and other content from iTunes or iCloud. You can then go to the App Store with your Apple ID and download everything you've previously purchased.
Hi all! In today's topic I would like to continue the conversation about the iPhone. In particular, in one of my previous articles I already told you, so today’s article will be a continuation...
When a smartphone starts to work incorrectly, the first thing you need to do is check the operating system. The most common cause of deterioration in quality iPhone work are glitches in iOS. Defects appear due to malware, system clogging with unnecessary software, or hardware conflict with a certain version of the operating system.
How to return to the previous version of iOS?
I have already told you how to update or restore a gadget; in both cases we used standard schemes. But sometimes the current version of the operating system turns out to be too “heavy” for the gadget, usually this happens with outdated iPhone models. The user updates the gadget and realizes that the new version of iOS overloads the gadget. Having gone into the settings, the owner of the smartphone discovers that there is no “Go back” button in the settings. Having studied this issue, I found a fairly simple way to return to the previous system, that is, install the iOS we need manually.
Difference from recovery
Surely you have already encountered gadget restoration. Very often, users mean by one concept “flashing” three actions at once. Let's briefly go through each option so as not to get confused in the future. We can perform the following manipulations with our smartphone:
Restoration - returning the gadget to its original settings, while all data and content from the device are deleted, the smartphone receives a clean operating system.
Update - Using iTunes or the built-in iPhone tool, you can update the operating system to the latest version, personal data and content are preserved.
Rollback means returning to an earlier version of the system; using special tools, the user can select any firmware for his gadget, including custom.
This material discusses rollback in detail. Follow my instructions and you will succeed. I recommend performing this manipulation only for those gadgets that began to slow down after updating to the latest version of the iOS operating system.
Preparatory stage
Before installing an alternative version of iOS, you will need to follow a few simple steps. Let's start with backup. No one is immune from a sudden error during a rollback, so you need to save all the data on your smartphone. You can create a backup using a standard tool in the iPhone. Go to “Settings”, in this section you will find the “Restore and Backup” menu. With simple manipulations you can protect all your data from loss.
The second step is to select the desired version of iOS. If you need a rollback, most likely you already have the operating system you need. If not, then on this resource http://appstudio.org/ios you will find the necessary firmware.
Download it and save it on your computer, since we will perform the rollback using a PC.
You can also download iOS from this site http://getios.com/ Go to the resource and find a field where you need to indicate the type of your gadget “YOUR DEVICE”. In the next window, you should enter the model, after which a window with iOS options that will work on your iOS will become available. All that remains is to download the desired version. The screenshot above shows the selection menu in detail.
Rollback process: instructions
We take a charged smartphone and connect it to the computer using a cord. Launch iTunes. IMPORTANT! The program must be the latest version, to update, go to the “Help” - “Update” tab. The application will download itself latest version and restart.
Now you need to wait until the program sees your device, it usually takes a few seconds, so you won’t have to wait long. You will also need to select the type of gadget you have; to do this, select the appropriate section in the settings or simply press the “Ctrl + S” combination on your keyboard.
In the window that appears, click the “Browse” button, and then click the “Update” button. If you are working on a computer with an operating system Windows system, then you need to hold down the “Shift” key and at the same time click on the “Update” button. As for Mac users, you need to hold down the “Alt” key and click on “Update”.
After this, a form will appear where you need to select a new version to update. We will trick the system and click on the pre-downloaded firmware, which may be several levels lower. Thus, we will start the rollback process to the previous version. If you cannot return the old firmware using the standard method, try using a special program.
Rollback using RedSnow
Download RedSnow from the developer's official website and install it on your computer. The creators have taken care of a version for computers on Windows and Mac. Be sure to follow the preparatory steps described above to avoid losing important data and content. I’ll say right away that this method takes more time than working in iTunes, but in some cases it’s impossible to do without RedSnow.
To roll back using this program, you will need to log into DFU mode on iPhone. To do this, you need to connect the gadget to the PC, turn off the device, and after the work is complete, you should simultaneously hold down the “Power” and “Home” buttons for about 10 seconds. After this, release the power button, while the “Home” button should remain pressed. Wait until the program, in our case RedSnow, detects the device in recovery mode.
The rollback is performed according to the following scheme:
— Launch the application on the computer and select the “Extras” section in the main menu and go to the “Even more” menu.
— Now press the “Restore” button. Here you will need to specify the path to the firmware file using the IPSW key.
— As soon as the question window appears, you should quickly click on the “YES” button.
— Now switch the device to DFU mode according to the instructions.
— When the program detects the device, you will need to specify the path to the certificates, usually they come along with the firmware file.
“We just have to wait for the process to complete.” The “Restore Successful” message will let you know that you did everything right.
As you can see, returning to the previous version is not difficult. It is important to determine whether you need it or not. If necessary, you can always upgrade to a newer iOS; the rollback operation does not affect this in any way.
And install iOS 12. The system works very quickly even on the old iPhone 5s and iPhone 6! But this is the first beta and it does not work stably everywhere. In some places the camera lags, in others some important applications just don’t launch, or notifications come in completely empty. In such cases, you have one option: rollback to iOS 11.4.
It's not that hard to roll back. The main thing is to download the file with the firmware.
Remember that if you roll back without a backup, you will lose all your data. Therefore, if you do not have a backup made before installing iOS 12, but you need the data, you will have to wait for official updates.
If you made a backup on iOS 12, then you will not be able to use it if you roll back to iOS 11.4.
So, let's start rolling back:
- Select the firmware file you need and download it to your computer.
- iPhone 6s, iPhone 6
- iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone SE, iPhone 5s GSM, iPhone 5s CDMA
- iPad Pro (12.9-inch) (First generation | Second generation)
- iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4, iPad mini 3
- iPad Air 1, iPad mini 2
2. Disable the “Find iPhone” function on your gadget in the iCloud settings menu:
This must be done! Without this, iTunes will not allow you to return to the old version of the system.
3. After that, connect your gadget to your computer and launch iTunes:
Select the device, hold down the Option key on your keyboard if you have a Mac, or Shift if you have Windows, and click the “Update” button. In the window that appears, select the firmware file you downloaded. After that, agree to everything iTunes suggests you do. Go! This process will take 15 - 20 minutes.
After the rollback, iTunes will offer to restore the backup. You can refuse and set up your device as new.
Your device is now running iOS 11.4 again! As you can see, rollback is not a complicated process at all. Enjoy using it 😁
