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If you’re eager to switch from the iOS 18 Beta back to the more stable iOS 17, fear not! Despite the potential pitfalls, a smooth transition is absolutely achievable. Follow these precise steps to ensure you don’t lose valuable data during the downgrade process.
Before You Begin: The Essential Checklist
- Backup Your iOS 17 Data: It’s crucial to create a full backup of your current iOS 17 setup before you upgrade. This backup can’t be created after you’ve already moved to iOS 18 Beta because Apple doesn’t allow restoring from a higher version backup file.
- Required Tools:
- A computer (PC or Mac)
- iTunes or Finder (macOS Catalina and later)
- A Lightning cable
- Stable internet connection
Step-by-Step Downgrade Process
Step 1: Create a Backup
- Open iTunes/Finder: Connect your iPhone to your computer.
- Backup Data: Click on your device in iTunes/Finder, and select “Back Up Now.” Ensure the backup is completed and stored securely.
Step 2: Download the Correct IPSW File
- Visit IPSW.me: This is a reliable website for downloading iPhone firmware files.
- Select Your Device: Find your iPhone model and download the appropriate iOS 17 IPSW file.
Step 3: Preparing for the Downgrade
- Disable ‘Find My iPhone’: Go to Settings > Your Name > Find My > Find My iPhone. Turn it off.
- Open iTunes/Finder and Connect Your Device: Ensure your iPhone is detected.
Step 4: Enter Recovery Mode
- Recovery Mode Entry:
- For iPhone 8 or later: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, followed by the Volume Down button. Then, press and hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears.
- For iPhone 7: Simultaneously press and hold the Volume Down and Sleep/Wake buttons until the recovery mode screen appears.
- For iPhone 6s and earlier: Simultaneously press and hold the Home and Sleep/Wake buttons until the recovery mode screen appears.
Step 5: Restore iOS 17
- Restore Device: In iTunes/Finder, you’ll see an option to Restore or Update. Choose Restore while holding down the Option key (Mac) or Shift key (Windows) and select the downloaded iOS 17 IPSW file. Confirm the action and allow the process to complete.
Step 6: Restore Backup
- After Downgrade Completion: Once the downgrade process is finished, your device will restart.
- Restore from Backup: Go back to iTunes/Finder, click on your device, and select “Restore Backup.” Choose the iOS 17 backup you created earlier.
Additional Resources
- IPSW.me: Download firmware files.
- Apple Configurator: For Mac users to manage and deploy iOS devices.
- Mohamedovic.com: Tutorials on Android and iOS.
By following these steps, you can confidently downgrade from iOS 18 Beta to a more stable iOS 17 version, ensuring all your vital data stays safe and sound.
