How To Downgrade iOS 18 Beta: Step-by-Step Guide

It can be tempting to install iOS betas as they come with new features waiting to be explored; after all, who would’t want to be a first?

Then again, the excitement can easily fade away. Most of the time, it is because the new version is buggy or some of the features do not work as well as previously.

For example, if you are currently using iOS 18 beta and get annoyed with a couple of glitches, you should roll back to an earlier iOS version that is more stable.

Fortunately, this is relatively easy to do so, although some specific steps have to be adhered to.

This article will walk you through every aspect of downgrade iOS 18 beta. If you’re trying to revert to iOS 17 or any other previous version, we have you figured it out. So, let’s get straight to the point.

Table of Contents

What You Need to Know Before Downgrading

Before we dive into the process, there are a few important things to keep in mind.

1. Backup Your Data

Downgrading iOS is almost giving another chance to an old version of the OS. However, you cannot simply continue from where you last stopped – we are looking at the scenario where you do not back your data.

The downgrade process is going to erase your device. This means you could, unless you have a backup, lose all the pictures, applications, text messages, and anything else saved internally in the device permanently.

To safeguard your data:

Back up to iCloud: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Cloud> iCloud Backup and tap “Back Up Now.”
Back up to Mac or PC: Connect your iPhone to your computer, open Finder (on macOS Catalina and later) or iTunes (on Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier), and select “Back Up Now.”

2. You Can’t Restore From iOS 18 Backup

Here’s the rub: Downgrading to iOS 17 or older means you can’t restore an iOS 18 backup.

That’s right, backups created with iCloud or iTunes while running iOS 18 will not work if the device is on an earlier version of iOS.

Therefore, ensure a backup of the prior version is available before going ahead with the downgrade process.

3. Downgrade Limited to a Stable Version

Apple only allows you to downgrade to the latest stable release of iOS. This means you can’t pick and choose which version to go back to; it’s generally the last public version before the beta.

So, if you’re on iOS 18 beta and iOS 17.6 is the latest stable release, that’s the version you’ll be returning to.

Steps to Downgrade iOS 18 Beta

Given that you have prepared your data and already have an idea of what you will encounter, let’s highlight the procedure of downgrading the iOS version to the previous form.

Step 1: Download the iOS Firmware (IPSW File)

In order to perform a downgrade, you have to obtain the correct version of firmware compatible with the iOS version you wish to install.

Such documentation is referred to as an IPSW file, and it is the full iOS package that one will load into the device.

Here’s how to do it:

Visit a reliable site like ipsw.me, where you can find IPSW files for all Apple devices.
Choose your iPhone model.
Find the most current signed IPSW for iOS 17 (or its latest stable version). Apple only signs firmware for a limited period which is why you may not find some old versions.
Download the file to your computer.

Step 2: Turn Off “Find My iPhone”

The Find My function of Apple enables users to trace devices that are misplaced or stolen.

However, it restricts any unauthorized effort to restore or degrade an iPhone. First, this option has to be turned off in order to continue.

Here’s how to turn it off:

Go to Settings and tap on your name at the top.
Select Find My > Find My iPhone.
Toggle off Find My iPhone.
You’ll need to enter your Apple ID password to confirm the action.

Step 3: Enter Recovery Mode

When you enable Recovery Mode on iPhone, it will allow you to connect to iTunes or Finder, so that update or restore the firmware on your device.

The process of entering Recovery Mode differs by the iPhone you have.

Here’s how to enter Recovery Mode based on device:

For iPhone 8 and later: In a swift motion, tap the Volume Up button and then immediately tap the Volume Down button. Lastly, keep pressing the Side button until you see the Recovery Mode screen show up.
For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Simultaneously press and hold the Side (or Top) button and the Volume Down button. Continue to do so until the Recovery Mode appears on the screen.

After entering Recovery Mode, you’ll be greeted with a screen that displays the iTunes or Finder logo, signaling that you can proceed with the device’s restoration process.

Step 4: Restore Your iPhone Using the IPSW File

Since your iPhone has entered Recovery Mode, the next step is upgrading the older iOS version with the downloaded IPSW file.

Here’s what you need to do:

Using a Lightning cable, link the iPhone to the PC.
Launch Finder (for MacOS Catalina and Newer) or iTunes (for Windows or earlier versions of MacOS).
A notification stating that the iPhone is in Recovery Mode should appear on the screen.
While pressing and holding the Option key on a Mac, or the Shift model on a Windows laptop, press the “Restore iPhone” option.
A file browser will open up—navigate to the IPSW file you downloaded earlier and select it.
Click Restore to begin the process.

The installation of the selected iOS version will now commence on your computer. This may take some time, so please be patient.

Once it is completed, the iPhone will reboot to the earlier version of iOS.

Step 5: Restore Your Backup (If Applicable)

Once you have completed the downgrade exercise, you will be required to undergo the configuration process for your iPhone afresh.

If you have a compatible iOS 17 backup (or older) prepared, it is ideal that you restore it now.

Here’s how to restore your backup:

During the setup process, when asked, choose to restore from an icloud or iTunes/Finder backup.
In case you have created an iCloud backup, proceed to log in with your Apple ID and select the iCloud backup made prior to the installation of iOS 18 beta.
In case you have taken a backup of your device to your computer, attach the iPhone to the computer, launch Hello Finder or iTunes, and select the option to Recover from the computer backups.

If you don’t have a compatible backup, you’ll have to set up your iPhone as new and manually reinstall your apps and data.

Also Read This: Reset iOS 18 Control Center to Default: Quick Guide

Troubleshooting Common Downgrade Issues

Occasionally, however, not everything goes according to plan. Here are a few standard complications you may face and ways to handle them.

1. Error Messages During Restore

In the event that an error message appears while attempting to restore your iPhone, please attempt the following:

Update iTunes or Finder: Make sure you’re using the latest version of iTunes or Finder.
Try a Different Computer: Sometimes switching to a different computer can resolve issues.
Re-download the IPSW File: It is possible that the IPSW file you have against is defective. Consider hitting the download button once more.

2. Stuck in Recovery Mode

In case your iPhone will be frozen in Recovery Mode (iTunes or Finder logo is portrayed and you can’t go any further), you may try some of the options described below:

Force restart your iPhone: Depending on the device, the process might differ but generally entails pressing and holding certain buttons in a given order until the appearance of the apple logo.
Use DFU Mode: Device Firmware Update (DFU) mode is a more advanced recovery mode that might help. The steps to enter DFU mode vary, but it usually involves pressing specific buttons in a set sequence. You can find detailed guides online for your specific iPhone model.

3. iPhone Keeps Restarting

If your iPhone keeps rebooting after the downgrade:

Force restart the device and try setting it up again.
Re-enter Recovery Mode and attempt the restore process again.

Final Thoughts

When you experience glitches during the iOS 18 Beta Test, downgrading from the program can sometimes feel like a savior or when some apps just refuse to cooperate.

It does take a little time and preparation, but the process is on the whole quite simple. Only remember to back up your data, find the right IPSW file and take the precautions properly.

In case, however, you find difficulties, don’t stress out as there are usually straightforward solutions to put things back as they should be.

After you have completed the process of downgrading, you shall have the latest stable version of iOS working on your device without the annoying issues of beta bugs to deal with.