Preserve Your iOS Version: Step-by-Step Guide to Restoring iPhone Without Updating

Part 1: Using iTunes and Recovery Mode

For years, the go-to method for restoring an iPhone involved putting it into Recovery Mode and using iTunes on a computer. It's a classic approach that still works for many people today.

To start, you'll need to power off your iPhone and then follow a specific button combination to enter Recovery Mode. The steps vary depending on your iPhone model:

• iPhone 8 or newer: Press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
• iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold both the Side and Volume Down buttons until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
• iPhone 6s or older: Press and hold both the Home and the Top (or Side) buttons until you see the Recovery Mode screen.

Once in Recovery Mode, connect your iPhone to a computer running the latest version of iTunes. iTunes should detect a problem and give you the option to Restore your device. Select this, and iTunes will restore your iPhone without installing the latest iOS update.

The downside? This process will completely wipe your iPhone's data and settings. You'll need to set it up as a new device or restore from an old backup, which may contain obsolete data you didn't want.

Part 2: A Backup Plan: Restoring from iTunes or iCloud

If you've been diligently backing up your iPhone to iTunes or iCloud, you have another restore iPhone without updating option that can avoid updates - revive your device from one of those backups! The logic is simple - the backup contains your older, preferred iOS version, so restoring from it reinstalls that release instead of the latest one.

For iTunes backups:

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes.

Step 2: Click the iPhone icon in iTunes, then choose "Restore Backup."

Step 3: Select the backup you want to use and follow the prompts.

For iCloud backups:

Step 1: Start the setup process after factory resetting your iPhone.

Step 2: On the "Apps & Data" page, choose the option to "Restore from iCloud Backup."

Step 3: Sign into iCloud and select your preferred backup.

This approach has the advantage of restoring your familiar data and settings along with the older iOS version. The downside is that backups can become outdated, so you may lose newer data, documents, settings changes, etc. The further back your backup dates, the more inconsistencies you may face.

Part 3: Reset and Restore: The Settings Shortcut

Did you know you don’t even have to use iTunes, iCloud, or Recovery Mode to erase your iPhone and restore it to its factory settings? In fact, there is even a shortcut for this tool directly in the Settings app, which can help to erase the device and restore it without updates.

Step 1: Basically, just click settings and look for general, then search for the last option which is transfer.

Step 2: After that, select Reset iPhone and then select Erase All Content and Settings. This will make your iPhone look new again but maintain the current iOS that is currently on the device.

However, like in the case of the Recovery Mode, this method also has the same primary disadvantage – it removes all the data and customized settings. After that, you will need to set up your iPhone as a new device or restore from backup with the mentioned above data loss risks.

Part 4: Restore Your iPhone at Any Time without Updating

While all those methods can work in a pinch, they require some technical steps and have frustrating limitations. Thankfully, there's an easy, risk-free way to restore your iPhone at any time without updating - and it's called Wondershare Dr.Fone.

Dr.Fone is an incredibly powerful iOS utility that does so much more than just backups. With one click, it can enter or exit Recovery Mode, reset any iPhone passcode, fix major system issues, and yes, restore your device without updating the iOS version.

Dr.Fone - Phone Backup (iOS)

Restore Your iPhone at Any Time without Updating!

• One-click to backup the whole iOS device to your computer.
• Allow previewing and selectively export contacts from iPhone to your computer.
• No data loss on devices during the restoration.
• Works for all iOS devices. Compatible with the latest iOS version.

Available on: Windows Mac

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The beauty of Dr.Fone is its simplicity. There are no complicated steps or menus to navigate.

Step 1: Select the File Type - Once the backup process completes, Dr.Fone will display all the file types. Or access the Backup History on the left panel, select a backup, and click View.

Step 2: View Specific Data to Restore - Click on a file type like "call history" to preview its contents. Mark the specific data you wish to restore, then select Restore to Device.

Step 3: Check the File Types That Will Restore - A window will show which file types can and cannot be restored to your device. Review and tap Continue.

Step 4: Restore Supported File Types - The restoration begins, with a progress bar displayed. You can cancel at any point by clicking Cancel.

Step 5: When done, you are presented with the entire list of restored data. To do this, click Done and within a few moments, your device will be prepared for use.

It is founded upon such a simple yet efficient concept !!

But wait, are you now thinking about your files being gone forever? Don't be! Dr. Fone is here for you. In addition to that, prior to restoration, you have a chance to preview the photos, messages, contacts, notes, and anything else. This way, with a couple of clicks you can back up anything that you want to save. After the reset, to bring back the easy charge companion only the data and settings archived can be retrieved without the previous backup copy.

All these are some amazing features of Dr. Fone without even changing the iPhone’s iOS at all. It only reboots the system and all the setup that is done remains intact. It is easy to use, specifically designed, and assures that the device will not slow down or start making weird changes.

With Dr.Fone, you get a comprehensive solution for maintaining your iPhone exactly how you want it. No more worrying about updates messing up your favorite apps or workflows. Just one click and everything is refreshed while staying on your preferred iOS version.

The Bottom Line

Restoring an iPhone to its cleanest state shouldn't mean being forced to reset the iPhone without updating to the latest software and sacrificing your favorite apps, customizations, and workflow along the way. Thanks to flexible solutions like Wondershare Dr.Fone, you can reset with confidence while keeping your preferred iOS version.

So don't settle for the restrictions and limitations of iTunes, iCloud, or fiddly Recovery Mode tricks. Download the free trial of Wondershare Dr.Fone and experience the simplicity of one-click, comprehensive restore and backup capabilities tailored to your needs. Trust us, once you see how incredibly easy Dr.Fone makes maintaining your ideal iPhone setup, you'll never look at another utility again!

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