Did you ever find yourself upgrading your iPhone or iPad to a new version of iOS — only to regret it? Perhaps a recent update triggered undesired issues, altered performance, or removed functionality you used a lot. Historically, this meant you had to upgrade to the then-Beta version, which may cause all sorts of problems, but generally, you could also downgrade your iOS to the most recently stable version pre-12 — the one you just had before you got your Beta’d device. 3uTools does this as simply as it sounds. With a little preparation and the right process, however, you could restore your device to a place you know and love!
Why Consider an iOS Downgrade?
A new version of iOS always means plenty of new features and a thing or two to secure, but they may not be right for everyone, or every device. We can list some reasons that usually drive users to downgrade iOS.
- Performance Issues: At times, new iOS versions become resource-intensive, leading to performance lag, battery drain, or bigger crashes of apps on older devices.
- App Compatibility: Some very old/critically important apps won’t be updated for the new iOS, forcing you to downgrade to use them.
- Feature Preference: At times, Apple removes, downscale, or changes features that a user of the legacy version prefers.
- Bugs and Instability: Bugs are common while testing out new iOS versions, especially during beta. These bugs can make your device go haywire.
Essential Preparations Before You Begin
Downgrading iOS is a significant process that involves flashing new firmware onto your device. To ensure a smooth and successful experience, preparation is paramount. Skipping these steps can lead to data loss or other complications.
1. Backup Your Device – Your Digital Safety Net!
That means flashing an old version of the firmware to your device, which is no small task. Do a little bit of preparation to ensure a smooth and successful experience. But skipping these steps could result in you losing the data or otherwise.
- iCloud Backup: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap “Back Up Now.”
- iTunes/Finder Backup: Connect your device to the computer, open iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS), select your device, and click on Back Up to Computer. If you want to do the same with passwords and health data, then also encrypt that backup. Apart from that, 3uTools offered a company backup and restore functionality as well.
2. Understand Signed IPSW Files
Apple digitally signs specific iOS firmware builds (IPSW files) for them to be restored onto devices. As soon as Apple stops signing an older version of iOS, you will not be able to officially install or downgrade to it via normal iTunes or 3uTools methods.
- How to Check: 3uTools will typically show you which firmware versions are still “signed” and available for your device. Look for green checkmarks next to the firmware versions.
- Importance: Only signed IPSW files can be flashed successfully. Attempting to flash an unsigned IPSW will result in an error.
3. Disable “Find My iPhone”
Before initiating the downgrade, disable “Find My iPhone” (or “Find My iPad”). Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone and toggle it off. You’ll need to enter your Apple ID password.
4. Charge Your Device
Ensure your device has at least 50% battery life to prevent it from shutting down during the flashing process.
How to use 3uTools to Downgrade iOS
3uTools is a Windows desktop utility for free iOS device management capabilities, including flashing firmware and more.
- Download and Install 3uTools: Go to the official 3uTools website, download the latest version of 3uTools, and install it on your Windows computer. Other than this, simply install it like any other software.
- Install iTunes (if not already present): 3uTools requires iTunes drivers to connect to your iOS device, so you need to install iTunes if it has not been done already. Step 1. Download and install iTunes on your computer.
- Connect Your Device: Launch 3uTools and connect your iPhone or iPad to the same computer using a USB cable. When prompted, trust the computer that your device is using. 3uTools: Your device ot should be visible, and some specs might be displayed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Downgrading iOS with 3uTools
Once your preparations are complete, you’re ready to downgrade iOS!
- Navigate to “Flash & JB”: In 3uTools, click on the “Flash & JB” tab at the top, then select “Easy Flash” from the left-hand menu.
- Select Firmware: 3uTools will automatically display the available and signed firmware versions for your device.
- Choose the desired iOS version you wish to downgrade iOS to.
- If you don’t have the IPSW file downloaded, click the “Download” button next to it. 3uTools will download it at high speed.
- If you have already downloaded the IPSW file, click “Import” and select the file from your computer.
- Choose Flash Mode: This is an important decision:
- Quick Flash Mode (Recommended for a Clean Downgrade): This will erase the user data on the device and install a fresh copy of the selected version of iOS. And, on top of that, there is also an iOS downgrade tool. In such a case, you’d need to pull out data from a backup.
- Retain User’s Data (Use with Caution): This mode attempts to downgrade the iOS system but preserves the apps and user data. Great on the surface, but unlikely to be good for underlying software friction, and more likely to introduce conflict. There is a low chance that Flash is clean.
- Initiate Flash: After selecting your desired firmware and flash mode, click the “Flash” button.
- Confirm and Proceed: Warnings should be taken note of here. The top 3uTools then could request you to put it in the recovery mode in the enter recovery or DFU manner. Follow the on-screen instructions. To enter Recovery Mode: press Volume Up, then Volume Down, and then press and hold Power until it boots into recovery mode.
- Monitor Progress: The flashing process will begin. Do not disconnect your device or use your computer for other intensive tasks during this time. The process can take several minutes to complete.
- Device Restart: Your device will automatically restart once the flash is complete.
- Setup and Restore: After restarting, you’ll go through the initial iOS setup process. If you chose “Quick Flash Mode,” you can now restore your data from the backup you created earlier.
Troubleshooting Common Downgrade Issues
While 3uTools strives for a smooth process, you might encounter issues:
- Flash Failure (Error Codes): If you receive an error code, it often indicates an issue with the IPSW file (e.g., unsigned), a connection problem, or a software conflict.
- Solution: Ensure the IPSW is signed. Try a different USB cable, USB port, or even another computer. Check your internet connection.
- Device Stuck in Recovery/DFU Mode: If your device gets stuck, 3uTools usually has an option to “Exit Recovery Mode” in its toolbox.
Conclusion
If you gain an upgrade to iOS with 3uTools, it could be a good experience; you could return to this iOS version that brings about the improvement. Having the step-by-step process alongside the detailed backup at first hand, you will better prepare yourself to navigate through this process so that it flows as smoothly as butter! Enjoy the power of 3uTools, and you get a better iOS life!