Is it possible to return the previous version of iOS. How to downgrade iOS version on iPhone, iPad
Despite the fact that operating system updates for iPad 1,2,3 or another model in 90% of cases are associated with a transition to a new version, some users want to roll back. In other words, downgrade the firmware. The reason may be dissatisfaction with the operation of the system or the complete inoperability of the tablet.
The possibility of a rollback really exists. We will explain in detail how to perform this operation on any iPad model (2,3.4, iPad mini) in this article.
Since 2009, the Apple company began to carefully monitor which iOS variations can be returned to a specific device. Therefore, before starting the firmware, you now need to check whether a rollback from your gadget is possible in principle. And if so, which versions?
For this purpose, it is recommended to use various services, of which there are many on the Internet (like Appstudio.org). There the user will be able to see a list of available versions to which they can switch. After selecting a specific type of firmware, you will need to download it to your PC/laptop.
The download process consists of selecting the type of device, its generation and firmware version. Then the download process will begin automatically. Then you will need to select a location on your PC to save the file so that you can use it for rollback in the future.
Making a backup
In the situation with Apple, very few non-standard situations happen, but creating a backup would not be a bad idea. Remember this rule: first create a copy, and then install the firmware, but not vice versa.
This operation is performed via iTunes or the cloud. It would also be a good idea to have a copy of photographs, videos and audio clips for future uploading to your tablet. Files of this type will not be 100% included in the backup.
It should be noted here that when saving a copy in iTunes, it will only be available for the ninth operating system. Therefore, if the user does not have a copy for the eighth variation of iOS, if the rollback is successful, he will have to configure the phone as a new one. If an operation in progress is interrupted for some reason (for example, due to an error), you can always return to nine.
In a cloud situation, all backup data will be restored regardless of the installed iOS version. Therefore, we put the “cloud” as a priority. And if this step is not available, you will have to save it in iTunes.
Disable the device search function
If this option is active on your device, you should disable it before the rollback procedure. Otherwise, the utility will generate an error. And this will happen at the very start of the procedure.
You can deactivate the function in one of 3 ways:
- Through the device settings in the “cloud” menu.
- In the iOS program of the same name (you can download it completely free).
- On a PC/laptop with any operating system.
But it is important that the tablet from which the work will be done is connected to the network.
Rollback method to the previous operating system
There are 2 ways to perform this procedure:
- using RecoveryMode4
- using DFU.
The first mode is emergency. It is intended to restore the normal functioning of the gadget after it has stopped working as usual.
DFU is essentially the same thing. The only difference is that the operation is performed bypassing the operating system and is done directly through the firmware. This method is recommended if it is impossible to use the first method.
iPad 2 firmware rollback: Recovery Mode
First, initiate a shutdown of the tablet and wait for the display to fade. Connect your device to your PC/laptop. The device recognizes the gadget in the mode we need. Then follow this algorithm:
- Launch iTunes and wait for the program to find your iPad. There are 2 possible scenarios for the development of events here. The first is a pop-up window offering to restore the gadget. If this is exactly what you need, then you just need to click on the consent button. Secondly, if the utility does not respond in any way, then you need to click on the tablet icon and find the recovery option. Then you will need to select it while holding down Shift or Alt (depending on the PC operating system).
- The file manager will pop up, where you will need to select a specific firmware variation. You will need to find the pre-downloaded file.
- Select the firmware and click on the opening element.
- Selecting the .ipsw file.
- Waiting for the process to complete. The program will do everything itself, fully automatically.
- Disconnecting iPad from PC/Laptop.
- Turn off the tablet by pressing Power.
- Turn on the device with a quick click on the same button.
When performing the procedure via iTunes:
That's all - the tablet is ready for further work, we have successfully rolled back the firmware.
Reflash iPad using DFU Mode
Before the operation, the tablet version two or three (or any other) must be switched to the named mode. To do this, you need to connect the device to the PC and turn off the mobile gadget. Then press the Home and Power buttons at the same time for 8-12 seconds. After this period, you should continue to hold the first button and release the second. And so on until the program recognizes the tablet in DFU mode.
- Select your gadget in iTunes.
- We are looking for a recovery point.
- Select it by holding the Shift or Alt element (depending on the operating system).
- In the pop-up window, indicate the firmware (or rather, the path to it) and click on the open element.
- We are waiting for the completion of the operation, which the program will perform automatically.
- We turn on the tablet and use it for its intended purpose.
This method should be chosen by those whose firmware update via Recovery Mode did not work for some reason.
This concludes our manual. As you can see, there is nothing complicated in the rollback procedure. And there is no need to go to a repair shop and spend money. You can do everything yourself, because now you know how to install older firmware on an iPad. Even a beginner can handle it.
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 appropriate 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. Based on the experience of recent years, you only have a week after the original release date (not after the date you upgraded), after which downgrade will be impossible, 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.
After updating to a new version of iOS, you may notice that you do not like the firmware. In this case, there is a great way out - roll back the software to the optimal version, in your opinion. That is, if you updated to, for example, IOS 10, then you can easily install IOS 8 on your device using the instructions below.
When is it necessary to rollback iOS?
The reasons for installing an older version of the operating system may be the following circumstances:
- With new firmware versions, the design changes, and not all users may like the new design.
- The most common reason is the appearance of freezes and glitches. Such problems happen for two reasons: either a new version of the firmware has become available to users in a too crude form, with errors in the code and shortcomings, or the device that was updated has become outdated for the loads created by the new version of IOS.
Please note that it is not possible to roll back any device to any version; you can view detailed information about which device to which firmware version can be rolled back to on the following website - http://appstudio.org/shsh. All data is located in table format.
How to roll back iOS to a specific version on an Apple device
Before you begin the process, you need to prepare the following things:
- iTunes installed on your computer and updated to the latest version.
- The version of the software you selected, in IPSW format, is downloaded to an easily accessible folder. You can download it from trusted websites that distribute IOS firmware for free, for example, using the following link - http://appstudio.org/ios. Download the firmware strictly for your device model, otherwise problems will arise during installation.
- A USB adapter that will connect your device to your computer.
If you have met all the above conditions, then the next step is to prepare the device itself for the rollback process.
Saving important data
Please note that when you roll back your device, all data, applications and media files from it are permanently erased, so it’s worth taking care of them. There is an option that allows you to delete files from the device, it will be discussed later in the article, but it is no less stable. You can save everything you need using a backup copy created as follows:
Disable password
Another important point is to disable the password and Touch ID, if it is supported and enabled on your device.
Deactivating Find My iPhone
Before any actions with the device’s firmware, you must disable the “Find iPhone” function, since, otherwise, iTunes simply will not allow you to perform any actions:
Firmware rollback
If all previous preparatory work has been carried out, then you can begin the rollback itself. It doesn't matter which device you're downgrading from, or from which version of iOS you're downgrading to.
- Connect the device to the computer using a USB adapter.
- Log in to the system.
- Go to your device's settings by clicking on the icon that looks like a phone or tablet.
- Hold down the Shift button on your keyboard if you're using Windows, or the Option button if you're using Mac OS. Without releasing the key, click on the “Restore” button.
- A window with folders will open; you need to specify the path to the firmware that you downloaded earlier.
- Wait while iTunes extracts the software from the firmware and installs it. The process can last from five minutes to half an hour, do not disconnect the device from the computer or interrupt the process with any actions, otherwise the device may enter endless recovery mode.
Rollback without data loss
This rollback option also exists; it allows you to rollback without losing the data on the device. To do this, in point 4 of the “Rolling Back Firmware” section, you need to click on the “Restore” button and the “Update” button. All other steps are completely the same. The only thing worth considering is that performing a full recovery, that is, resetting the system and installing it from scratch, is safer, since the chance that any elements will remain from the previous version is much lower.
Video tutorial: How to downgrade iOS version
Third party rollback programs
If for some reason the iTunes method does not suit you, then you can use the third-party program RedSnow. It is distributed free of charge for both Windows and Mac OS on the official website of the developer - http://redsnow.ru.
- After downloading and opening the program, select the Extras section.
- Click on the Even More button.
- In the menu that opens, go to the Restore block.
- Click the IPSW button to specify the path to the previously downloaded firmware.
- The notification that appears will ask you whether to cancel the modem upgrade or not. Click on the “Yes” option.
- A window will open in which you will be warned that the device will now need to be put into recovery mode, close it.
- Connect the device to the computer using a USB adapter and enter it into DFU Mode. How to do this is described step by step in the program itself.
- If you have not performed such rollback operations with this program before, click on the Remote button so that it will automatically find the necessary hashes on its servers.
- Done, now all you have to do is wait for the process to finish. The device will automatically update to the version you downloaded and turn on, after which you will have to go through the initial setup process.
Is it possible to roll back individual applications?
If the purpose of your system rollback is to install older versions of applications, then you should not do it, since there is a better option - use the special App Admin program. You can download it directly from the App Store for free. Thanks to this application, you can view all available versions of applications installed on your phone and roll back to them. To use the program, just select the applications to roll back and enter the unique version number to which you want to roll back the selected application.
So, installing an older version of software is possible on all Apple devices, but you can not roll back to any version, but only to those that have the SHSH signature. The process can be performed either through the official iTunes application or through third-party programs. The main thing is to download the correct firmware version and not interrupt the update process until it is fully completed.
Well, you updated your favorite application to the latest current version, but the developers made a mistake and the program began to work worse, or completely cut down its functionality (for example, removing the Audio Recordings section from the VKontakte application). There is no need to be upset, there is a way to downgrade App Store applications.
How to install old version of App Store apps on iPhone and iPad without jailbreak
1 . Download the utility for Windows, OS X or Linux from the developer’s official website. The program is paid, but the first 30 days are provided without the need to make a payment.
2 . Close your browser window.
3 . Install and run.
4 . Grant privileges to the program by clicking the " Grant Priveleges" and then " Install».
5 . Open iTunes, find the application you are interested in and click on the download button.
6 . In the " Structure"in the left side menu of the Charles program, find the line " p…-buy.itunes.apple.com" and select it.
7 . Right-click on this line and select the menu item “ Enable SSL Proxying».
8 . Return to iTunes, stop downloading the application and delete it by pressing the key " Delete».
9 . In the iTunes search, once again enter the name of the application you are interested in, and by going to its page, you will thereby update the content.
10 . Press the button again Download».
11 . In the " Structure"in the left side menu of the Charles program, find the new line " p…-buy.itunes.apple.com" and expand its contents.
12 . Right-click on the file " buyProduct" and select " Export».
13 . Save the file in the "XML Summary file (.xml)" format.
14 . Right-click on the saved file in .xml format and select from the context menu Open in the program → TextEdit(any text editor will do for this procedure).
15
. Scroll down the code until you find the line
These are all possible versions of applications, starting from the oldest to the latest.
16 . Copy the version number.
17 . Go back to Charles and right-click on buyProduct and click " Edit».
18 . At the bottom, select view " Text" and at the top of the text find the following line:
19
. Underneath between the keys
20 . Click the button below Execute».
21 . Charles will create a new file in the branch " buyProduct" (at the very bottom of the "wa" folder).
22 . Go to the " Response", and select " XML Text».
23 . Find the line in the code with the name of the application and its version.
ATTENTION! If the application version does not suit you, then repeat steps 16-23 using brute force, substituting other values in the key
24 . Right-click on " buyProduct" and activate " Breakpoints».
25 . Switch to iTunes, refresh the application page and download it again.
26 . A new Charles window with Breakpoints will appear.
27 . Go to the tab " Edit Request" and click on " XML Text».
28
. In line
29 . Click the button below Execute».
30 . A new Charles window will open with Breakpoints in which click the “ button again Execute».
31 . Wait until the application download process finishes in iTunes.
32 . Go to the tab " My programs» and find the downloaded offer.
33 . Right-click on it and click " Intelligence».
34 . As you can see, in our case we downloaded SoundCloud version 3.9.1 while the current version is 3.15.0.
34 . Connect your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad to your Mac or PC.
35 . Synchronize the application or simply drag it onto the icon with your device.
How to install old version of App Store apps on jailbroken iPhone and iPad without a computer
1. Install the iFile file manager in Cydia, thanks to which you can access all directories of the drive.
2. Launch iFile and go to /private/var/mobile/Containers/Bundle/Application/. Here you will see a list of all installed applications on your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, but, unfortunately, with strange names. So you will have to search for the application at random, opening each folder and looking at the name “ХХХ.app”, where XXX is the name of the application.
By the way, so as not to go through this long path every time (/private/var/mobile/Containers/Bundle/Application/), add the folder to your bookmarks. To do this:
A) on the bottom panel, tap on the icon with shortcuts/bookmarks;
b) go to the tab " Bookmarks»;
V) click on the plus sign in the lower right corner of the display;
G) If necessary, change the name of the bookmark, for example “ All applications" and click " Create».
3. Find the required application whose version you want to roll back.
4. Open the file " iTunesMetadata.plist" and click " Text editor».
5. Scroll down the page until you see the format text:
The numbers refer to the program version. Copy any of the versions. They will also have to be sorted out at random in the future.
6. Install the free App Admin jailbreak tweak from the Cydia BigBoss repository.
7. Open the App Store and find the app you're interested in.
8. Regardless of whether it is installed or not, click the " Download / Open».
9. In the pop-up message, select " Downgrade».
10. Once in the section " Known Versions", you can select one of the old versions available in the list, and if there is no exact version, then click the plus sign in the upper right corner and paste the code copied in the seventh paragraph there.
11. Wait for the installation to finish (the app download may be very slow. Don't worry, this is normal).
As you can see, we installed an old version of the VKontakte application, which also had an Audio Recordings section.
In the App Store, next to the application, there will, of course, be the inscription “Update”, after clicking on which you will get the latest version.
Hello eagles and eagles! After the recent coolest and most unrivaled update of iOS to version 7, the number of requests for a rollback to the good old bulging version of iOS 6 exceeds all reasonable limits. Either something was overlooked by the corporation, or the flat interface offends our delicate aesthetic feelings too much. Be that as it may, here are instructions on how to switch “backwards” from iOS 7 to iOS 6.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW AND UNDERSTAND THE FOLLOWING:
Current software version for your device -
Processors: A4/A4X/A5/A5X - iOS 7.0 (except 3GS 6.1.3)
Processor: A6 - iOS 7.0
Processor: A6X - iOS 7.0
- Rollback from iOS 7.0 is NOT POSSIBLE for i-Devices with an A5 processor or higher!
- Update on L U B U U , in addition to the latest firmware on i-Devices with an A5 processor and higher, IMPOSSIBLE!
- For i-Devices with an A4 processor, rollback and update are possible only if you have verified SHSH certificates from the firmware to which the rollback or update is being made, except in cases of updating to the current version, then a certificate is not required! Required iTunes version below 11.1.X.X
Let's go!
First we need to select the firmware file to which we want to roll back. To do this, go to the website, where we select the model of your device and download the desired version of iOS. For iPhone 4 and 4S - the latest current firmware is 6.1.3, for iPhone 5 - 6.1.4.
Website
Then we launch iTunes, connect the iPhone to the computer and put it in DFU mode. To do this, hold down the lock button and the Home button, hold them for 10 seconds and then release the lock button while continuing to hold the Home button. After a few seconds, iTunes will announce that the program has detected the device in recovery mode. What you need is to release the Home button.
Recovery
After that, hold down the Alt key for Mac and Shift for Windows, click on the “Restore” button and select the recovery file that we downloaded from the very beginning.
Select a file
After this, you can sit back, go get a hot drink or make yourself a sandwich - the recovery process will take about 10-15 minutes, you can watch the progress in iTunes.
Recovery
In 10 minutes you will again have the old and very good, and most importantly, “convex” iOS 6!
Thanks for the instructions Dim565
Video instructions - how to return iOS 6 after installing iOS 7
UPD1. It looks like there are fewer and fewer ways to roll back. However, a friend writes:
“In general, these are the things, comrades, I report.
I installed 6.1 on iPhone 4! here either the problem was in the tuna, or in the signed firmware, because at first I downloaded the firmware via iFaith from their server, now I decided to download the independent one and sign it simply with iFaith. Also found in the Internet bins was tuna, version 11.0.1.12. With the help of these two manipulations the body is stitched. I am very glad, thank you all, especially Comrade. rexsniper) but the only problem is that for some reason the content doesn’t work through the latest version of iTools..
UPD the content problem was solved with the installation of iTools version: 2013 Build 0524, downloaded from 4PDA))" -
I found a solution to my rollback from 7york and tuna error No. 11. Your instructions say that the tuna should be lower than 11.1…. I had tuna 11.0.4.4. The problem turned out to be exactly that. After a lot of dancing with a tambourine, I installed the iTunes version as described above: 11.0.1.12 and everything immediately went as it should. Thanks everyone for your help!
Is there a clear answer to the question: “Is it possible to roll back from iOS 7 to iOS 6.1.3 on iPhone 4 if shsh is available?” if so, how?
I reflashed it as dima_1988 wrote
the same four, the same firmware 5,1,1
everything works“I managed to roll back my iPhone 4 from 7 to version 5 using iFaith-v1.5.9 I-REB tuna version 10.5.5
In iFaith-v1.5.9 I found a certificate from version 5.1.1 on the judge’s server, downloaded it then downloaded the same official request and using the same iFaith-v1.5.9 made a custom then installed tuna 10.5.5 put the phone into recovery mode closed the tuna opened I-REB chose iPhone 4 minimized I-REB deleted tuna installed Tuna 11.0.1 pressed shift selected custom and flashed it)))"
