How to Downgrade iOS on iPhone: What Works in 2026 (and What Doesn't)

Downgrading means going back to an older version of iOS after an update, usually because of a bug, battery drain or an app that stopped working. It is possible, but only under one strict condition: Apple must still be signing the older version.

The rule: signed versions only

When you install iOS from a computer, your iPhone asks Apple's servers for permission. Apple only approves versions it is still "signing". After a new release, Apple usually keeps signing the previous version for one to two weeks, then stops. After that, the downgrade window is closed for good.

Current situation (October 2026): Apple stopped signing iOS 26.6.2 on September 21, 2026, so iPhones on iOS 27 can no longer go back to iOS 26. Read Can you downgrade iOS 27 to iOS 26? for details.

Step 1: Check what is signed for your iPhone

1. Find your model identifier (how to find it).
2. Open your device page on getIPSW or use the Signing Status tool.
3. If the version you want is marked Signed, you can downgrade. If it is Unsigned, stop here and skip to the alternatives below.

Step 2: Back up, but know the limit

A downgrade erases the iPhone. Back up first, but be aware that a backup made on a newer iOS version cannot be restored onto an older version. If you only have a backup from the new version, you will have to set up the iPhone as new and sync your data from iCloud (Photos, Contacts, Notes and so on).

Step 3: Download the IPSW

• iPhone 18 Pro · iPhone 18 Pro Max
• iPhone 17 · iPhone 17 Pro · iPhone 17 Pro Max · iPhone Air · iPhone 17e
• iPhone 16 · iPhone 16 Plus · iPhone 16 Pro · iPhone 16 Pro Max · iPhone 16e
• iPhone 15 · iPhone 15 Plus · iPhone 15 Pro · iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 14 · iPhone 14 Plus · iPhone 14 Pro · iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 mini · iPhone 13 · iPhone 13 Pro · iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12 mini · iPhone 12 · iPhone 12 Pro · iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11 · iPhone 11 Pro · iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2nd gen) · iPhone SE (3rd gen)

Another model? Browse all iPhone firmware or use the Identifier Lookup tool.

Step 4: Install the older version

On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, use Finder: your iPhone appears in the sidebar. On Windows 10 or 11, install the free Apple Devices app from the Microsoft Store. iTunes still works on older Windows versions and on macOS Mojave or earlier.

1. Turn off Find My on the iPhone if you can (Settings > [your name] > Find My).
2. Connect the iPhone and select it in Finder or the Apple Devices app.
3. Hold Option (Mac) or Shift (Windows) and click Restore iPhone.
4. Select the older IPSW file and confirm.
5. If you get an error, put the iPhone in recovery mode and try again (see below).

How to enter recovery mode

• iPhone 8 and later (including iPhone SE 2nd/3rd generation): press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button. Keep holding when the Apple logo appears and release only when you see the computer-and-cable recovery screen.
• iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: press and hold the Side (or Top) button and Volume Down together until the recovery screen appears.
• iPhone 6s and earlier, iPhone SE (1st generation): press and hold the Home button and the Side (or Top) button together until the recovery screen appears.

When a downgrade is not possible

• Install the latest bug-fix update. Most problems that make people want to downgrade are fixed within weeks.
• Do a clean restore of the current version. A fresh installation often fixes battery drain and lag caused by an update.
• Avoid "downgrade tools". No software can install an unsigned version on a modern iPhone through Apple's servers. SHSH blobs and similar techniques only work in rare, specific cases on older jailbreakable devices.

Prevent it next time

Turn off automatic updates (Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates) and wait a week or two after a major release before updating. That way, if the new version has problems, you never need to downgrade.