#drfoneyourwaytoios18
iOS 18 Downgrade: Guide to Rollback to iOS 17
Experiencing issues with iOS 18? Don’t panic. Follow the step-by-step guide to downgrade to iOS 17.
iOS Downgrade: Risks and Challenges
iOS rollback is inherently more complex than the update process. It is important to make sure that you are well-prepared and informed about any possible risks.
Potential Data Loss
iOS downgrades often entail erasing all device data and reinstalling an older OS. It’s crucial to back up all data beforehand.
Solution:
Backup iPhone data using Dr.Fone/iTunes/iCloud
Device Instability
During and after the iOS downgrade process, it is not uncommon for your device to become stuck or frozen.
Solution:
Fix any iOS issues with Dr.Fone without data loss.
Apple's Restrictions on Downgrading
The Apple signing window, typically 2 weeks, lets you install specific iOS versions. After that, iOS downgrading is impossible.
Advice:
Downgrade iOS before Apple stops signing the older firmware.
How to Downgrade From iOS 18 to iOS 17?
Now that you know the prerequisites for downgrading from iOS 18, you can easily meet the requirements. If you are ready to downgrade to an older iOS version that Apple still signs, here are three methods to revert from iOS 18 to 17.
1. Downgrade iOS 18 to a Version That Apple Still Signs
Things to note: Understand the time limit for iOS downgrade
After every release of a new iOS version, Apple only allows you to downgrade to an older iOS update for a limited amount of time, likely a week or two.
Solution 1：
One-Click Solution to Downgrade iOS 18 (Fast & Easy to Use)
If you are a beginner and do not have much technical knowledge about iOS downgrading, consider picking a third-party tool. Developed by Wondershare, Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) provides a one-click solution to downgrade iOS 18 to a previous stable version.
Top Pick
Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS)
Support to downgrade or update the iOS's current official system without effort.
No need to jailbreak your device.
All the existing data on your device would be kept intact.
Easy & simple process. No skills are required.
Also, it repairs your iOS device and fixes all related issues.
Perpetual
Yearly
Steps to Downgrade iOS 18 With Dr.Fone:
1. Connect the iOS device to your computer, launch Dr.Fone and select the "iPhone" module.
2. Click on "iOS Upgrade/Downgrade" and then on "Downgrade iOS".
3. Choose the previous iOS version you want to downgrade and start to download the firmware package.
4. Wait for a moment, and the iOS 18 will be uninstalled successfully.
Note: Please check on IPSW.me to make sure the previous software version is still signed by Apple.
Solution 2：
Use iTunes to Go Back to the Old iOS
Since you can upgrade your iOS from the iTunes app on your computer, you can also perform an iOS 18 downgrade with iTunes. But it has its cons. For instance, you might lose the existing data on your phone as it would restore your device to its factory settings. The process is also a bit technical, and you might end up damaging your device in the process.
What You Need:
· Install the latest version of iTunes.
· Download the IPSW file to your computer.
Steps to Downgrade iOS 18 Using iTunes:
1. From your iOS device go to "Settings" > "[Your name]" > "Find my" > "Find My [device] " > Disable "Find My [device] ".
2. Get an iOS version you want from IPSW.me and download the IPSW file to your computer.
3. Then connect your iOS device to the computer and click "Trust" in the "Trust This Computer?".
4. Select your iOS device in iTunes. Then, go to its "Summary" tab and hold the Shift key in Windows or the Alt/Option key in Mac as you click the "Restore" Button.
5. Select the IPSW file you downloaded and click "Open".
6. Click Restore to confirm. Wait for a while and let iTunes complete the iOS 18 downgrade.
Note:
If you're using a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open a new Finder window to access your iPhone/ iPad instead of iTunes. Click on Trust and then proceed with the same steps above.
If you're using a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open a new Finder window to access your iPhone/ iPad instead of iTunes. Click on Trust and then proceed with the same steps above.
Solution 3：
Downgrade From iOS 18 Beta to iOS 17
If you've previously installed the iOS 18 Beta or iPadOS 18 Beta through Apple's Developer Program or Software Beta Program, you'll need to follow the specific steps below to safely revert to a public iOS version.
1. Connect your iPhone/iPad to the computer using a Lightning cable.
2. Launch iTunes on your PC, or Finder on your Mac.
3. Put your iPhone/iPad in Recovery Mode. The methods vary on different devices.
4. Click Restore on the popup window to restore your device and install the latest public iOS/iPadOS version.
5. Wait until the process is complete. This will wipe all data on your device.
2. Downgrade iOS to a Version No Longer Signed by Apple
know, the entire process of downgrading an iOS version is time-sensitive. If you have passed the downgrade validity period but still want to downgrade to a version no longer signed by Apple, then you need to use a third-party tool. By taking the assistance of tools like TinyUmbrella, FutureRestore and TaigOne Downgrader, you can install any supported iOS version on the device. They mimic Apple's signature, letting us install personalized firmware (iOS version) on iDevices.
Note:
The entire process would be pretty technical, and it might not yield positive results. Since these third-party tools are not supported by Apple, you need to jailbreak your device to do it. This is not recommended as it will affect the warranty of your device, and you would no longer have access to the official iOS releases as well. Furthermore, it will make your device vulnerable to unwanted security threats.
The entire process would be pretty technical, and it might not yield positive results. Since these third-party tools are not supported by Apple, you need to jailbreak your device to do it. This is not recommended as it will affect the warranty of your device, and you would no longer have access to the official iOS releases as well. Furthermore, it will make your device vulnerable to unwanted security threats.
iOS 18 Downgrade Troubleshooting
1. iOS 18 Downgrade Failed Many Times
2. iOS Stuck in Recovery/DFU Mode/Apple Logo
3. iOS 18 Downgrade Stuck on "Attempting Data Recovery"
4. iOS 18 Downgrade with iTunes Won't Work
5. iPhone Stuck in a Loop Trying to Restore During Downgrade
6. iOS 18 Downgrade Won't Work Using SHSH
7. Lost All Data After iOS 18 Downgrade
8. Backup Cannot Be Restored After iOS 18 Downgrade
Quick Fixes
Use a Data Restore Tool: You can load a previous iTunes or iCloud backup using an iOS restoring tool and preview its data on its interface. For instance, to restore an iCloud backup, you simply need to log in to your iCloud account. The application will list the available backup files for you to pick an ideal option. In this way, you can easily restore your data without erasing the existing content on your device.
Quick Fixes
Check the iOS version: Make sure the previous software version is still signed by Apple. If you are trying to downgrade your device to an iOS version it no longer supports, you might face unwanted issues.
Check the Internet Connection: An inconsistent internet connection is another prominent cause of this error. It happens when the download of the iOS update is halted in between (due to a poor connection). Go to your phone's WiFi settings to further diagnose this.
Check the Internet Connection: An inconsistent internet connection is another prominent cause of this error. It happens when the download of the iOS update is halted in between (due to a poor connection). Go to your phone's WiFi settings to further diagnose this.
Quick Fixes
Force restart your device: By applying the correct key combinations, we can forcefully restart an iOS device and resolve this issue. The steps to do this vary by iPhone:
● iPhone 8 and Later: Quick-press the Volume Up button first. Let it go and quick-press the Volume Down button. Subsequently, hold the Side button and let it go once the phone restarts.
● iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume down button and the Sleep/Wake button simultaneously. Keep pressing them until the Apple logo appears.
● iPhone 6, 6s Plus, or iPhone SE: Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button simultaneously. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.
Connect it to iTunes: In no time, iTunes will automatically detect that your device is in recovery mode and display the setup prompt. Confirm your choice and restore your device to factory settings to fix this.
● iPhone 8 and Later: Quick-press the Volume Up button first. Let it go and quick-press the Volume Down button. Subsequently, hold the Side button and let it go once the phone restarts.
● iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume down button and the Sleep/Wake button simultaneously. Keep pressing them until the Apple logo appears.
● iPhone 6, 6s Plus, or iPhone SE: Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button simultaneously. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.
Connect it to iTunes: In no time, iTunes will automatically detect that your device is in recovery mode and display the setup prompt. Confirm your choice and restore your device to factory settings to fix this.
Quick Fixes
Check whether your iPhone is jailbroken: Mostly, users get this error while performing an iOS 18 downgrade on a jailbroken device. If your device is jailbroken, then you should not use iTunes to downgrade it. Instead, use a readily available tool like TinyUmbrella or FutureRestore to do the same.
Boot your iPhone in Recovery Mode: You can also take the assistance of iTunes and boot your device in Recovery Mode to resolve this problem. Just connect the iPhone to your computer and open iTunes. Then, forcefully restart your device using the correct key combinations (already listed above). Subsequently, iTunes will detect as soon as your phone boots in the Recovery Mode. When you get the setup prompt, click on the "Restore" button to reset your device.
Boot your iPhone in Recovery Mode: You can also take the assistance of iTunes and boot your device in Recovery Mode to resolve this problem. Just connect the iPhone to your computer and open iTunes. Then, forcefully restart your device using the correct key combinations (already listed above). Subsequently, iTunes will detect as soon as your phone boots in the Recovery Mode. When you get the setup prompt, click on the "Restore" button to reset your device.
Quick Fixes
Check the IPSW file: Firstly, make sure that you have downloaded the correct IPSW file from a trusted source. Also, the IPSW file should be compatible with your iOS device. Else you might face this issue.
Disable Find my iPhone: Before connecting your device to iTunes, make sure that the Find my iPhone feature is disabled. To do this, go to its iCloud Settings > Find my iPhone and turn off this feature.
Update iTunes: You should use an updated version of iTunes to downgrade iOS 18. Launch iTunes on your system and go to Help > Check for Updates. This will make iTunes check for any available updates.
Disable Find my iPhone: Before connecting your device to iTunes, make sure that the Find my iPhone feature is disabled. To do this, go to its iCloud Settings > Find my iPhone and turn off this feature.
Update iTunes: You should use an updated version of iTunes to downgrade iOS 18. Launch iTunes on your system and go to Help > Check for Updates. This will make iTunes check for any available updates.
Quick Fixes
Force restart your device: This will reset the present power cycle of your device and will let you fix any minor issue related to it. To do this, you need to press specific keys on your device (already listed above).
Use a 3rd party tool: If nothing else seems to work, consider using a dedicated iOS repairing tool like Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS). It can fix all kinds of iOS and iTunes-related issues without causing any harm to your device. Just launch the application and follow a simple click-through process to put your phone out of the loop and downgrade it to a stable iOS version.
Use a 3rd party tool: If nothing else seems to work, consider using a dedicated iOS repairing tool like Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS). It can fix all kinds of iOS and iTunes-related issues without causing any harm to your device. Just launch the application and follow a simple click-through process to put your phone out of the loop and downgrade it to a stable iOS version.
Quick Fixes
Use an SHSH blobs dumper: There are tons of readily available third-party SHSH dumpers (like iFaith) that you can try. Though, most of these applications will require a jailbroken device. You can simply connect your device or provide its model to obtain an ideal SHSH blob.
Obtain your device's SHSH blobs: Connect your iPhone/iPad to your computer and open iTunes. Then, select your device and go to Summary. Next, click on the "Serial Number" field until it displays the ECID number. Now, copy the ECID code and go to any online source to convert it into hexadecimal code. Next, open TSS Saver, and input your ECID and Model Identifier. Finally, click Submit and download your SHSH2 blobs.
Obtain your device's SHSH blobs: Connect your iPhone/iPad to your computer and open iTunes. Then, select your device and go to Summary. Next, click on the "Serial Number" field until it displays the ECID number. Now, copy the ECID code and go to any online source to convert it into hexadecimal code. Next, open TSS Saver, and input your ECID and Model Identifier. Finally, click Submit and download your SHSH2 blobs.
Quick Fixes
Use a data recovery tool ASAP: If you have suffered from an unwanted data loss on your device, then take the assistance of an iOS data recovery program. A part of the Dr.Fone toolkit, it is one of the first and the most successful data recovery tools for iOS devices. All you need to do is connect your device and launch the application. Then, follow a simple click-through process to extract all kinds of lost or deleted data from your device. The application will let you preview the extracted data and selectively save it to the location of your choice.
Quick Fixes
Use a Data Restore Tool: You can load a previous iTunes or iCloud backup using an iOS restoring tool and preview its data on its interface. For instance, to restore an iCloud backup, you simply need to log in to your iCloud account. The application will list the available backup files for you to pick an ideal option. In this way, you can easily restore your data without erasing the existing content on your device.
Quick Fixes
Check the iOS version: Make sure the previous software version is still signed by Apple. If you are trying to downgrade your device to an iOS version it no longer supports, you might face unwanted issues.
Check the Internet Connection: An inconsistent internet connection is another prominent cause of this error. It happens when the download of the iOS update is halted in between (due to a poor connection). Go to your phone's WiFi settings to further diagnose this.
Check the Internet Connection: An inconsistent internet connection is another prominent cause of this error. It happens when the download of the iOS update is halted in between (due to a poor connection). Go to your phone's WiFi settings to further diagnose this.
1. iOS 18 Downgrade Failed Many Times
Quick Fixes
Check the iOS version: Make sure the previous software version is still signed by Apple. If you are trying to downgrade your device to an iOS version it no longer supports, you might face unwanted issues.
Check the Internet Connection: An inconsistent internet connection is another prominent cause of this error. It happens when the download of the iOS update is halted in between (due to a poor connection). Go to your phone's WiFi settings to further diagnose this.
Check the Internet Connection: An inconsistent internet connection is another prominent cause of this error. It happens when the download of the iOS update is halted in between (due to a poor connection). Go to your phone's WiFi settings to further diagnose this.
2. iOS Stuck in Recovery/DFU Mode/Apple Logo
Quick Fixes
Force restart your device: By applying the correct key combinations, we can forcefully restart an iOS device and resolve this issue. The steps to do this vary by iPhone:
● iPhone 8 and Later: Quick-press the Volume Up button first. Let it go and quick-press the Volume Down button. Subsequently, hold the Side button and let it go once the phone restarts.
● iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume down button and the Sleep/Wake button simultaneously. Keep pressing them until the Apple logo appears.
● iPhone 6, 6s Plus, or iPhone SE: Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button simultaneously. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.
Connect it to iTunes: In no time, iTunes will automatically detect that your device is in recovery mode and display the setup prompt. Confirm your choice and restore your device to factory settings to fix this.
● iPhone 8 and Later: Quick-press the Volume Up button first. Let it go and quick-press the Volume Down button. Subsequently, hold the Side button and let it go once the phone restarts.
● iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume down button and the Sleep/Wake button simultaneously. Keep pressing them until the Apple logo appears.
● iPhone 6, 6s Plus, or iPhone SE: Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button simultaneously. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.
Connect it to iTunes: In no time, iTunes will automatically detect that your device is in recovery mode and display the setup prompt. Confirm your choice and restore your device to factory settings to fix this.
3. iOS 18 Downgrade stuck on "Attempting data recovery"
Quick Fixes
Check whether your iPhone is jailbroken: Mostly, users get this error while performing an iOS 18 downgrade on a jailbroken device. If your device is jailbroken, then you should not use iTunes to downgrade it. Instead, use a readily available tool like TinyUmbrella or FutureRestore to do the same.
Boot your iPhone in Recovery Mode: You can also take the assistance of iTunes and boot your device in Recovery Mode to resolve this problem. Just connect the iPhone to your computer and open iTunes. Then, forcefully restart your device using the correct key combinations (already listed above). Subsequently, iTunes will detect as soon as your phone boots in the Recovery Mode. When you get the setup prompt, click on the "Restore" button to reset your device.
Boot your iPhone in Recovery Mode: You can also take the assistance of iTunes and boot your device in Recovery Mode to resolve this problem. Just connect the iPhone to your computer and open iTunes. Then, forcefully restart your device using the correct key combinations (already listed above). Subsequently, iTunes will detect as soon as your phone boots in the Recovery Mode. When you get the setup prompt, click on the "Restore" button to reset your device.
4. iOS 18 Downgrade with iTunes won't work
Quick Fixes
Check the IPSW file: Firstly, make sure that you have downloaded the correct IPSW file from a trusted source. Also, the IPSW file should be compatible with your iOS device. Else you might face this issue.
Disable Find my iPhone: Before connecting your device to iTunes, make sure that the Find my iPhone feature is disabled. To do this, go to its iCloud Settings > Find my iPhone and turn off this feature.
Update iTunes: You should use an updated version of iTunes to downgrade iOS 18. Launch iTunes on your system and go to Help > Check for Updates. This will make iTunes check for any available updates.
Disable Find my iPhone: Before connecting your device to iTunes, make sure that the Find my iPhone feature is disabled. To do this, go to its iCloud Settings > Find my iPhone and turn off this feature.
Update iTunes: You should use an updated version of iTunes to downgrade iOS 18. Launch iTunes on your system and go to Help > Check for Updates. This will make iTunes check for any available updates.
5. iPhone stuck in a loop trying to restore during Downgrade
Quick Fixes
Force restart your device: This will reset the present power cycle of your device and will let you fix any minor issue related to it. To do this, you need to press specific keys on your device (already listed above).
Use a 3rd party tool: If nothing else seems to work, consider using a dedicated iOS repairing tool like Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS). It can fix all kinds of iOS and iTunes-related issues without causing any harm to your device. Just launch the application and follow a simple click-through process to put your phone out of the loop and downgrade it to a stable iOS version.
Use a 3rd party tool: If nothing else seems to work, consider using a dedicated iOS repairing tool like Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS). It can fix all kinds of iOS and iTunes-related issues without causing any harm to your device. Just launch the application and follow a simple click-through process to put your phone out of the loop and downgrade it to a stable iOS version.
6. iOS 18 Downgrade won't work using SHSH
Quick Fixes
Use an SHSH blobs dumper: There are tons of readily available third-party SHSH dumpers (like iFaith) that you can try. Though, most of these applications will require a jailbroken device. You can simply connect your device or provide its model to obtain an ideal SHSH blob.
Obtain your device's SHSH blobs: Connect your iPhone/iPad to your computer and open iTunes. Then, select your device and go to Summary. Next, click on the "Serial Number" field until it displays the ECID number. Now, copy the ECID code and go to any online source to convert it into hexadecimal code. Next, open TSS Saver, and input your ECID and Model Identifier. Finally, click Submit and download your SHSH2 blobs.
Obtain your device's SHSH blobs: Connect your iPhone/iPad to your computer and open iTunes. Then, select your device and go to Summary. Next, click on the "Serial Number" field until it displays the ECID number. Now, copy the ECID code and go to any online source to convert it into hexadecimal code. Next, open TSS Saver, and input your ECID and Model Identifier. Finally, click Submit and download your SHSH2 blobs.
7. Lost all data after iOS 18 Downgrade
Quick Fixes
Use a data recovery tool ASAP: If you have suffered from an unwanted data loss on your device, then take the assistance of an iOS data recovery program. A part of the Dr.Fone toolkit, it is one of the first and the most successful data recovery tools for iOS devices. All you need to do is connect your device and launch the application. Then, follow a simple click-through process to extract all kinds of lost or deleted data from your device. The application will let you preview the extracted data and selectively save it to the location of your choice.
8. Backup cannot be restored after iOS 18 downgrade
Quick Fixes
Use a Data Restore Tool: You can load a previous iTunes or iCloud backup using an iOS restoring tool and preview its data on its interface. For instance, to restore an iCloud backup, you simply need to log in to your iCloud account. The application will list the available backup files for you to pick an ideal option. In this way, you can easily restore your data without erasing the existing content on your device.
FAQs About iOS 18 Downgrade
1. Is it possible to downgrade iOS?
Yes, you can downgrade iOS to a previous version signed by Apple. If you have upgraded your device to a version, you can easily downgrade to a stable version about a week or two after a new release.
2. How to install an older version of iOS?
There are many ways to undo an iOS 18 update on an iPhone. If you want, you can take the assistance of iTunes or Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) to do the same. If you have a jailbroken device, you can even give tools like TinyUmbrella a go.
3. Can I downgrade to an unsigned iOS?
Ideally, you can't downgrade your device to an unsigned iOS version. This is because the Apple server won't authenticate your downloading request without a valid SHSH blob. That is why users take the assistance of a previously saved SHSH blob to do the same. You can also use a third-party downgrading tool to do it as well.
4. What does a signed IPSW mean?
When we install an iOS version on the device, the Apple server asks for a digital signature to authenticate it. A signed IPSW file would have a verified signature issued by Apple, letting us upgrade/downgrade the device without any hassle. Therefore, if an IPSW file is not signed by Apple, then it will not be recognized by the server, and the upgrading/downgrading process won't be completed.
5. How to join and leave the Apple Software Program?
The Apple Software Program lets us test the releases of iOS before the public availability. You can join or leave the program anytime you want without spending anything. If you want to leave it, then go to the Unenroll section of the website.
6. How do I remove the software from my iPhone?
After downgrading an iOS update, you might find an existing software profile on your device storage. To remove this, just go to your device's Settings > General > Profile and select the iOS profile from here. Tap on the "Delete Profile" option and confirm your choice to remove it.
7. What are SHSH blobs for iPhone?
Both SHSH and SHSH2 blobs are referred to as digital signatures deployed by Apple on respective IPSW files. This protects the authenticity of the IPSW files, and only signed software would be installed on the device. When Apple releases a new iOS version, it stops signing the previous version. In this way, users need to upgrade to the latest public iOS version. This is where previously saved SHSH blobs are used to forge these signatures in order to downgrade our devices.
8. Can you save SHSH blobs after Apple stops signing?
You can restore a previously stored SHSH blob from your device or forge Apple's signature. There are a few third-party tools like FutureRestore that can help you do the same. You can also choose to dump your SHSH blobs in order to use them afterward. Though, in most cases, users have to jailbreak their iOS device in order to do it.