Apple’s frequent updates to its iOS operating system bring new features and improvements to users’ devices. However, sometimes users may find the latest version, such as iOS 17, less suitable for their needs or experience unexpected bugs. In such cases, downgrading to a previous stable version, like iOS 16, becomes desirable. This article will guide you step-by-step on how to safely downgrade your iPhone from iOS 17 to iOS 16 without losing any data.
Note: Before proceeding with the downgrade, make sure to back up your device properly. Downgrading will erase all data on your iPhone, and you won’t be able to restore your iOS 17 backup to iOS 16.
Also Read: How to Download and Install iOS 17 Public Beta
Prerequisites
To perform the downgrade, you’ll need the following:
- A computer (Mac or Windows) with the latest version of iTunes (for Windows) or the latest version of macOS (for Mac).
- Your Apple ID and password.
- Sufficient storage space on iCloud to create a backup. Alternatively, you can back up your iPhone to your computer.
Step-by-Step Downgrade Process
Create a Backup on iOS 17
- Go to Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap on your name at the top, then scroll down and select “iCloud.”
- Make sure all the data you want to back up is enabled in iCloud (e.g., apps, photos, mail, passwords, etc.).
- If you don’t have enough iCloud storage, consider purchasing more or back up your iPhone to your computer.
Enter Recovery Mode
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using a lightning cable.
- Trust your computer on your iPhone when prompted.
- Open iTunes on your computer and wait for your iPhone to appear on the left side.
- To enter recovery mode, press and hold the volume up and volume down buttons simultaneously. Then, press and hold the power (sleep/wake) button until the device powers off and reboots into recovery mode.
Start the Downgrade Process
- In iTunes, a popup will appear, asking if you want to restore your iPhone to its factory settings. Click on “Restore and Update.”
Wait for the Download and Restore:
- iTunes will download the latest version of iOS 16 from Apple.
- After downloading, it will begin the restore process on your iPhone.
- The time taken for the process will depend on your internet speed and the amount of data to restore.
Set Up Your iPhone on iOS 16:
- Once the restore is complete, your iPhone will reboot.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your iPhone as new or restore from an iCloud backup.
- If you have an iOS 16 backup available, select it for restoration. If not, you will need to set up the iPhone as new and manually reinstall your apps and data.
Wait for Data Restoration:
- If you chose to restore from an iCloud backup, your iPhone will start downloading the data and apps from iCloud.
- The restoration process will include messages, photos, music, contacts, and other data you had enabled for syncing with iCloud.
Finalize the Setup:
- Once the data restoration completes, unlock your iPhone and ensure all your apps and data are back to normal.
Conclusion
Downgrading your iPhone from iOS 17 to iOS 16 is possible, but it requires careful preparation and attention to the steps outlined above. By following the instructions provided and creating a proper backup, you can safely downgrade your device and revert to a stable iOS version. However, keep in mind that downgrading will erase all data on your device, so always ensure you have a backup available before proceeding.
