Remove IOS 26: A Simple Guide To Downgrading

by ADMIN 45 views
>

So, you've bravely installed the latest iOS 26, only to find it's not quite the smooth experience you hoped for? Maybe your battery is draining faster than ever, or your favorite apps are acting up. Whatever the reason, downgrading back to a more stable iOS version might be the answer. While Apple doesn't officially support downgrading, it's not impossible. This guide will walk you through the steps to remove iOS 26 and revert to a previous version.

Disclaimer: Downgrading iOS can be risky and may lead to data loss if not done correctly. Proceed with caution and ensure you have a recent backup of your device before starting.

Preparing for the Downgrade

Before you dive in, there are a few crucial steps to take:

  • Backup Your iPhone: This is non-negotiable. Use iCloud or iTunes (Finder on macOS Catalina or later) to back up all your data. This ensures you can restore your device if anything goes wrong.
  • Find the Correct IPSW File: You'll need the IPSW file for the iOS version you want to revert to. These files are specific to your iPhone model. You can find them on websites like IPSW.me. Make sure you download the correct file for your specific iPhone model.
  • Disable 'Find My iPhone': Go to Settings > Your Name > Find My > Find My iPhone and toggle it off. You'll need your Apple ID password to do this.

Downgrading Using iTunes (or Finder)

Now that you're prepared, follow these steps to remove iOS 26:

  1. Connect Your iPhone to Your Computer: Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer.
  2. Put Your iPhone into DFU Mode: This is the trickiest part. The steps vary slightly depending on your iPhone model:
    • iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Side button until the screen goes black. Then, press and hold the Volume Down button while still holding the Side button. After 5 seconds, release the Side button but continue holding the Volume Down button until iTunes (or Finder) detects your iPhone in recovery mode.
    • iPhone 7 or 7 Plus: Press and hold both the Side (or Top) button and the Volume Down button at the same time. Keep holding them until you see the Apple logo. Continue holding until the recovery mode screen appears.
    • iPhone 6s or earlier: Press and hold both the Home button and the Side (or Top) button at the same time. Keep holding them until you see the Apple logo. Continue holding until the recovery mode screen appears.
  3. Restore Your iPhone: In iTunes (or Finder), you'll see a message saying your iPhone is in recovery mode. Click "Restore iPhone..." (or just "Restore").
  4. Select the IPSW File: iTunes/Finder will prompt you to choose a software file. Hold down the Option key (Mac) or Shift key (Windows) and click "Restore." Then, navigate to the IPSW file you downloaded earlier and select it.
  5. Wait for the Process to Complete: iTunes/Finder will now erase your iPhone and install the older iOS version. This process can take some time, so be patient and do not disconnect your iPhone.

After the Downgrade

Once the downgrade is complete, your iPhone will restart. You can then restore your data from the backup you created earlier. Keep in mind that if you backed up your iPhone while it was running iOS 26, you might not be able to restore everything. Some data might be incompatible with the older iOS version.

Important Considerations

  • Apple Stops Signing Older iOS Versions: Apple typically stops signing older iOS versions shortly after releasing a new one. This means that you can only downgrade to versions that Apple is still signing. IPSW.me will indicate which versions are currently signed.
  • Potential for Errors: Downgrading is not a guaranteed process, and errors can occur. If you encounter issues, try searching online for solutions specific to the error message you're seeing.

Conclusion

Removing iOS 26 and downgrading to a previous version can be a solution for performance issues or app compatibility problems. However, it's crucial to proceed with caution, back up your data, and understand the risks involved. If you're not comfortable with these steps, it's best to seek help from a qualified technician. Good luck!