How to Downgrade iOS to Previous Version (iOS 26/18)

While the latest iOS systems like iOS 26 offer enhanced features such as three-dimensional live wallpapers and chat polls in Messages, not everyone finds them satisfactory. New iOS versions often introduce unexpected bugs, update failures, or compatibility issues with certain iPhone models.

The good news: you can downgrade iOS. This guide covers how to downgrade to previous iOS versions with and without iTunes.

How to Downgrade iOS to Previous Version Safely without iTunes

Next, we will provide some methods to help you perform how to go back to previous iOS version. You can choose according to your needs.

Also Read: How to Remove iOS 18 Beta from iPhone without Losing Data

Will Downgrading iOS Cause Data Loss?

Yes, downgrading may cause data loss since different iOS versions support different features. Some data created on newer iOS versions may not be compatible with older systems.

Protection Strategy:Always backup your device before downgrading. FoneTool provides fast, flexible backup options without iTunes' limitations or iCloud's storage restrictions.

Option 1. How to Revert to the Previous iOS with FoneTool Repair

FoneTool Repair is one of the best iOS system repair software, which can help you downgrade iOS version with one click. With its powerful functions, you can quickly upgrade or downgrade the iOS system in just a few easy steps. You can successfully go from iOS 26/18 back to 17 without losing data.

Step 1. Connect iPhone to computer > Open FoneTool Repair > Select iOS Upgrade/Downgrade.

Step 2. Go to the Downgreade section > Click Start.

Step 3. Select desired firmware version > Set storage path > Click Download.

Step 4. After download completes > Click Start Downgrade.

Option 2. Get Previous iOS Back via Finder on Mac

Mac users can downgrade iOS using Finder with manually downloaded IPSW files.

Step 1. Visit https://ipsw.me/> Select your iPhone model > Download desired iOS version.

Step 2. Connect iPhone to Mac > Open Finder > Select your device.

Step 3. Hold Option key > Click Restore iPhone > Select downloaded IPSW file.

Step 4. Click Restore to confirm.

Option 3. Downgrade iOS on iPhone Directly

This unofficial method involves direct iPhone downgrades using IPSW files, but carries higher risks and isn't Apple-approved.

Step 1. Using Safari, visit the IPSW website and download the desired iOS version.

Step 2. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Find and Remove Profile.

Step 3. Restart iPhone > Open Files app > Locate downloaded IPSW file.

Step 4. Tap to install > Follow on-screen instructions.

How to Go Back to a Previous iOS Version with iTunes

iTunes provides traditional iOS downgrade capability, but only works with Apple-signed firmware versions.

You can follow the steps below to learn how to downgrade iOS to previous version via iTunes.

Step 1. Visit IPSW Downloads website > Select iPhone model > Download desired iOS version

Step 2. Connect iPhone to PC > Open iTunes > Click device icon.

Step 3. Hold Shift key (Windows) > Click Restore iPhone > Select IPSW file.

Step 4. Click Restore to confirm.

Conclusion

That’s all about how to downgrade iOS to previous version. The article not only provides different ways to downgrade iOS, but is also suitable for Windows and Mac users. If you choose to downgrade iOS, please make sure to back up iPhone data beforehand to prevent accidental data loss, such as software incompatibility caused by downgrading.

Frequently Asked Questions