The idea of downgrading iOS without iTunes may seem intimidating for some users, with so many articles outlining how they should go about doing it online still confusing users as to the most efficient method. This article will detail the process of downgrading from iOS 16 to an earlier version, both with and without iTunes. This guide will offer various methods available for downgrading, as well as its benefits and drawbacks, before explaining how you can actually go about downgrading yourself.
Understand What Downgrading Means
Downgrading refers to restoring an earlier version of iOS on your device. Apple regularly releases updates to their mobile operating system, and usually the newest release offers the most features and performance improvements. However, sometimes the new version may not work with your device, or may become slow and laggy over time. When this occurs, downgrading to an older version could provide relief. Downgrading allows you to select an iOS version which best meets the needs and performance requirements of your device, and meets all your desired features and functionality requirements.
Before You Begin Downgrading
Before taking steps toward downgrading iOS with or without iTunes, there are some essential factors you should keep in mind before beginning the process. First and foremost, check whether the version you wish to downgrade to is still available – Apple might have removed it from public distribution, meaning unless you have access to backup copies or repositories of iOS, you won’t be able to.
Before downgrading iOS, make sure all data on your device has been backed up onto an external source. Remember that downgrading will erase existing data and applications on the device, meaning they’ll be permanently lost.
It is a good idea to put your device into recovery mode before performing an upgrade. This way, your device won’t restart during the update process and any potential software conflicts won’t arise.
Backup Your iOS Device Before Downgrading iOS 16 With or Without iTunes
Before upgrading to iOS 16, it is crucial that all data stored on the device be backed up first in order to avoid data loss during the upgrade process. For this, iCloud or iTunes are great solutions for this process.
To back up with iCloud, connect your device to a Wi-Fi network and open the Settings app. Tap your name at the top of the screen, select iCloud, then back up by tapping “Backup Now”.
For iTunes backups, connect your device directly to your computer and launch iTunes on both machines. On the left menu, select your device from the drop-down list, and click “Back Up Now”.
Using either method will ensure all data is securely backed up in an external source and retrievable even if a device has been downgraded.
How to Downgrade iOS 16 With iTunes
It’s very straightforward and straightforward to downgrade from iOS 16 using iTunes on a computer and your iOS device connected. Simply launch iTunes, connect both, navigate to “Summary”, click on “Restore iPhone”, and complete this step. Start the downgrading of iOS 16 using iTunes by following these steps. iTunes will download any required firmware packages for the version you are seeking to downgrade to, before beginning to restore your device. Once complete, iTunes will facilitate a successful downgrade to iOS 16. Once complete, you will be able to take full advantage of features available within that particular iOS version.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Downgrading iOS 16 With iTunes
The main advantage of using iTunes to downgrade iOS 16 is its convenience; simply download firmware packages, launch iTunes, and initiate the restoring process for your iPhone or iPad. However, iTunes could take longer than expected depending on which version of software you wish to downgrade to and the speed of your internet connection.
How to Downgrade iOS 16 Without iTunes
Downgrading iOS without iTunes can be more challenging, but still quite feasible. The first step involves downloading an IPSW file of the version you would like to downgrade to from various sources online. Once you have an IPSW file in hand, open iTunes on your computer and connect your device.
Navigating to the “Summary” tab while pressing and holding either “Option” (for Macs) or “Shift” (on Windows computers), press and holding either “Option” (for Windows computers), click on “Restore”, and you’ll be asked for your IPSW file before being directed towards “Restore.”