If you’re currently experiencing problems with iOS 10, then you can revert back to iOS 9.3.5. in order to get rid of those issues. This step-by-step guide will show you how.
Update: my research indicated that it’s no longer possible to downgrade from iOS 10 to iOS 9.3.5 since Apple stopped signing both versions. Additional research also indicates that it’s not possible to downgrade from the current iOS (11.4.1) to previous versions since Apple unsigned them as well.
Apple officially released iOS 10 on September 13, 2016, which impressed fans and users alike after they witnessed Apple’s Worldwide Developer’s Conference, or WWDC for short, which detailed the newest features coming to iPhone and iPad.
According to Jeff Benjamin of 9to5Mac, some of those features included the ability to capture smoother Live photos, play music while taking Live photos, 3D touch access, and much more. While these features sound awesome, one can’t help but notice the many problems with this version of iOS.
Both TechRadar and Digital Trends have stated there are many issues surrounding iOS 10, which include battery drain, malfunction of the Mail app, stuttering between app switching, and a plethora of other problems.
Sounds infuriating, right? As a MacBook Pro user, I would be ticked if my system stopped working properly due to an update and that’s because I use a MacBook Pro for almost everything, including video editing, writing, audio work, and much more.
That being said, there are two ways you can solve these iOS 10 problems and that’s by a process called “downgrading”, which allows you to revert back to a previous version of an operating system, application, etc. before the newer version is fully patched.
Together, we’ll take a look at the step-by-step processes for downgrading from iOS 10 to iOS 9.3.5.
Downgrading from iOS 10 to iOS 9.3.5. Part 1
Please consider the following notes:
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At the time of this method, Apple had signed iOS 9.3.5 as a means of downgrading from iOS 10.
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You would have to make a backup copy of iOS 9.3.5. as the process of downgrading includes erasing everything on your device.
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Any backup copies made on iOS 10 cannot be revisited and/or restored on the previous version, which is 9.3.5.
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The first step involves visiting the following site in order to download iOS 9.3.5: https://ipsw.me/#!/version. This is where iOS users can even download and install the latest versions of iOS.
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Warning: a lot of these files are 2 gigabits or more in size, which make take a while to download on your PC, MacBook, or iPhone/iPad.
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The next step involves connecting your iPhone or iPad to your current computer.
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Open iTunes and choose your device from the menu
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For Mac users, you must hold down the Option and Command before selecting “Restore” option.
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For Windows users, you must hold down Shift and select “Restore”.
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Finally, you must select the IPSW file you’ve downloaded for your device
Additionally, iTunes will provide you with an alert about erasing your device’s (i.e. iPhone or iPad) data, which is all part of the process of downgrading. After confirming this process, you should see your device’s welcome screen upon restarting.
But, there is yet another way you can downgrade from iOS 10 to iOS 9.3.5. Check out the guide below for more details.
Downgrading from iOS 10 to iOS 9.3.5. Part 2
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First, you must download the firmware file for iOS 9.3.5. But, this time, you should turn off the “Find my iPhone” option in order to make the process work.
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This can be achieved by going into “Settings”, then “iCloud”, and, finally, turning off “Find my iPhone”.
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Second, you’d once again connect your device (i.e. iPhone or iPad) to either your Windows laptop or MacBook Pro before launching iTunes again.
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Third, place your iPhone into DFU mode by holding down the Power button and the Home button at the same time. This should be done for, at least, 10 seconds.
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Fourth, you must release the Power button, but keep holding down the Home button until your device achieves DFU mode. iTunes should then let you know that they’ve found your device in recovery mode.
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Last, follow the steps listed in points D and E to complete the task.
Then, you’re done!
Conclusion
While downgrading operating systems, applications, and other things can help clear up current or potential problems, the process itself does come with some downsides in the form of losing data or even be stuck in Recovery mode.
That being said, the possibility of downgrading iOS versions becomes slimmer as Apple continues releasing new updates and closing out the previous ones. If you’re going to proceed with this process, then tread carefully.
What do you think about downgrading? Is it helpful? Do you think it comes with more advantages than disadvantages? Let us know what you think down below!
