How to Downgrade your iPhone from iOS 14

Why Downgrade iOS 14?

iOS 14 was released in September 2020 and brought with it a host of new features, improvements and updates. Amongst other things, it introduced App Library, Picture-in-Picture mode, enhanced Siri functionality and Home Screen widgets. As exciting as these changes may be, some users have experienced issues with iOS 14 that lead to various problems while using their iPhone or iPad. This has prompted some to take the drastic step of downgrading their iOS 14 to an earlier version. So, in this article, we will discuss some of the reasons why a user may want to downgrade from iOS 14, and how to do it.

The following are a few reasons why a user may want to downgrade from iOS 14:

• Battery Life: iOS 14 comes with many new features and app updates, which may put a significant strain on your battery. This could result in your iPhone or iPad’s battery dying quite quickly. If you see an unexpected battery drain on your device compared to the previous operating system you were using, it could be time to think about downgrading.
• Compatibility issues: While iOS 14 is compatible with devices as old as the iPhone 6s, some older models may not function optimally with the updated system. Some older devices may even experience lag and crashes that will affect your overall experience. If you are using an older device and have experienced compatibility or performance issues with iOS 14, you may want to consider downgrading.
• App crashes and bugs: It’s not uncommon for new operating systems to have teething issues and bugs in the first few months after release. iOS 14 has been no exception, and some users have experienced issues with certain apps crashing or not working correctly. Downgrading to an earlier version of iOS may be a quick solution to these problems.
• Simplicity: iOS 14 introduces lots of new features that can be overwhelming for some users. If you find that the new features are too complicated or confusing, you may prefer to go back to an earlier version of iOS.

If you have decided that you want to proceed with the downgrade, the next step is to check that your device is compatible with the version you want to downgrade to. Keep in mind; Apple only officially supports one version downgrade. So if you want to go back two versions, it might not be possible on some devices.

Next, make sure you have a backup of your device’s data. Although downgrading your iOS won’t delete your files, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Once you have made a backup, follow these steps to downgrade:

1. Download the IPSW firmware file for your device’s previous iOS version. Ensure that you download the right IPSW file for your device.
2. Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable.
3. On your computer, open Finder or iTunes and select your device.
4. Press and hold the Option key (Mac) or Shift key (Windows) and click the “Restore iPhone” button.
5. Select the IPSW firmware file you downloaded earlier.
6. Wait for the restore process to complete.
7. Set up your device and restore any data that you may have lost during the process.

Once you’ve completed the downgrade process, you may need to re-install some apps that were previously removed during the process. However, downgrading to an earlier version of iOS should remove any bugs or issues you were experiencing with iOS 14 entirely, and you can now enjoy your iPhone or iPad without any issues!

How to Downgrade from iOS 14: A Step-by-Step Guide

What You Need to Know Before Downgrading

Before you begin the process of downgrading your iOS 14 to a lower version, there are some important things you need to know.
Firstly, it is important to note that downgrading your device might cause data loss. Therefore, it is advisable to backup your data before you start the process. You can use iCloud or iTunes to backup your data.
Secondly, it is important to note that you can only downgrade to a previous version that is still being signed by Apple. For example, as at the time of writing this article, Apple is still signing iOS 13.7, which means that you can downgrade your device from iOS 14 to iOS 13.7. However, once Apple stops signing a particular version, you cannot downgrade to that version anymore. Therefore, before beginning the downgrade process, it is important to check if the version you want to downgrade to is still being signed by Apple. You can check this by visiting ipsw.me and selecting your device and model.
Thirdly, it is important to note that downgrading your device will erase all the data and content on your device. Therefore, you should be prepared to set up your device as new and restore your data from backup.
Finally, if you have an Apple Watch, it is important to note that downgrading your iPhone firmware will also downgrade your Apple Watch firmware. You will need to unpair your Apple Watch from your iPhone before downgrading your iPhone firmware and then re-pair it after the downgrade is complete.

If you have considered all these factors and still want to proceed with the downgrade, you can continue with the following steps.

Step 1: Download the IPSW File

The first step to downgrading your iOS 14 to a lower version is to download the IPSW file for the version you want to downgrade to. IPSW is short for iPhone software, which is a file format used to install or upgrade iOS firmware.
You can download the IPSW file from websites such as ipsw.me, where you can select your device model and the version you want to download. Make sure you download the correct IPSW file that corresponds to your specific device model and version.

Step 2: Turn off the Find My Feature and Passcode

Before downgrading your device to a lower version, you’ll need to turn off the Find My feature and passcode on your device. To do this, go to Settings > iCloud > Find My, and toggle off the switch for Find My. Then, go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode, and enter your passcode. Finally, tap the Turn Passcode Off option and enter your passcode again. This will turn off your passcode.

Step 3: Connect Your Device to Your Computer and Open iTunes

Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer using a USB cable and open iTunes. If you’re using a Mac with macOS Catalina 10.15 or later, you’ll need to open Finder instead of iTunes. Make sure that you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer.

Step 4: Put Your Device into Recovery Mode

Putting your device into recovery mode will allow you to install the IPSW file that you downloaded in Step 1. The steps to enter recovery mode differ depending on the model of your iPhone or iPad. Here are the steps:

For iPhone 6s and earlier, iPad, or iPod touch

1. Disconnect your device from your computer and power it off completely.
2. Press and hold the Home button and plug your device into your computer at the same time.
3. Keep holding the Home button until you see the Connect to iTunes screen appear on your device.

For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus

1. Disconnect your device from your computer and power it off completely.
2. Press and hold the Volume Down button and plug your device into your computer at the same time.
3. Keep holding the Volume Down button until you see the Connect to iTunes screen appear on your device.

For iPhone 8 and later models

1. Disconnect your device from your computer and power it off completely.
2. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
3. Press and hold the Side button until you see the Connect to iTunes screen appear on your device.

Step 5: Install the IPSW File with iTunes

Once your device is in recovery mode, you can proceed to install the IPSW file that you downloaded in Step 1. Here are the steps:

1. In iTunes, click on the device icon located in the upper left corner of the window.
2. Click on the Summary tab, and then hold down the Option key (Mac) or Shift key (Windows) and click on the Restore iPhone button.
3. Select the IPSW file that you downloaded in Step 1 and click on the Open button.
4. Click on the Restore button to begin installing the IPSW file.

The process will take several minutes to complete, and your device will restart once the process is finished. You’ll then see the standard iOS setup process, where you can set up your device as new or restore your data from backup.

Now that you know the steps to downgrade your iOS 14 device to a lower version, you can proceed with the process if you decide it is necessary. Always remember to backup your data before beginning the process to avoid losing important information.

How to Backup Your iPhone Before Downgrading

If you’re considering downgrading your iPhone to a previous iOS version, it’s important to backup your device first. This will ensure that you don’t lose any important data or files during the process. Here are some steps you can follow to backup your iPhone before downgrading:

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your Computer

Use a lightning cable to connect your iPhone to a computer. Make sure your computer has the latest version of iTunes installed. If your iPhone displays a “Trust This Computer” message, select “Trust”.

Step 2: Open iTunes

Once your iPhone is connected to your computer, open iTunes and click on the iPhone icon. This should be located at the top left-hand corner of the iTunes window.

Step 3: Begin Backup Process

On the summary page that appears, select “Back Up Now” to start the backup process. You can choose to backup your iPhone to iCloud or to your computer, but we recommend backing up to your computer as it will be faster and more reliable.

Step 4: Wait for the Backup to Complete

The backup process can take some time depending on the amount of data on your iPhone. It’s important to let the backup complete before proceeding to the next steps.

Step 5: Verify Backup Completion

After the backup completes, you can verify that your data has been successfully backed up. To do this, go to iTunes > Preferences > Devices. You should see your iPhone backup listed here with the time and date that it was created.

Step 6: Archive your Backup

It’s important to archive your backup before proceeding with the downgrade process. Archiving the backup means that it won’t be overwritten by future backups. To do this, right-click on your backup and select “Archive”.

Step 7: Disconnect your iPhone from your Computer

Once you’ve completed the backup process, disconnect your iPhone from your computer. You can now proceed with the downgrade process.

Backing up your iPhone before downgrading is essential to ensure that your valuable data is not lost. With these simple steps, you can backup your iPhone to minimize the risk of data loss. All you need is a lightning cable and a computer with iTunes installed to backup your iPhone. Start by connecting your iPhone to your computer, opening iTunes, and then selecting the backup option. Once the backup is complete, verify that the process was successful and archive the backup to prevent future overwrites. It is important to note that creating a backup may take some time, but it is a critical step in the process. Don’t skip this step!

Step-by-Step Guide: Downgrading from iOS 14

Are you having difficulty adjusting to the latest features of iOS 14? Maybe, the performance of your device is not up to the mark after installing iOS 14? If you are experiencing any of these issues, it might be time for you to downgrade to your previous operating system. However, downgrading from iOS 14 can be a little complicated. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you through the process.

Important Note:Before you proceed, remember that downgrading iOS 14 might result in the loss of your data. It is recommended that you take a backup of your device before the downgrade process. If you have already upgraded to iOS 14.0.1, then you can’t downgrade to iOS 13.7 or any other lower version.

Step 1: Install the latest version of iTunes on your computer. The downgrade process can only be done using a computer. You can download iTunes from the official Apple website.

Step 2: Connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to your computer using a USB cable.

Step 3: Open the iTunes application and click on your device icon. Check for updates and click on “Download and Update”. iTunes will download and install the latest version which is available for your device. If no new version appears, then you have already installed the latest version of iOS.

Step 4: Download the IPSW file of the iOS version you want to downgrade to. You can download the required firmware file from several websites like ipsw.me or ipswdownloader.com. Ensure that you select the correct IPSW file for your device based on the model and the version of the operating system. Also, make sure to download the IPSW file which is signed by Apple, as the downgrading is only possible with the signed files.

Finally, ensure that you download the IPSW file from a reputable source to avoid any malware or virus risk. Download the IPSW file to your computer’s desktop or a location where you can easily locate it. You can skip this step if you already have the required IPSW file on your computer.

Step 5: Put the device into Recovery Mode. First, power off your device, then press and hold the Home button (on the front of your device) and connect it to your computer using a USB cable. If your device doesn’t have a home button, press and hold the volume down button instead. Continue holding the button until you see “Connect to iTunes” message on your device.

Step 6: Once in recovery mode, iTunes will detect your device and prompt you with a message stating that there is a problem with your phone. Click on “Restore” and then press the Shift key (for Windows) or Alt key (for Mac) and click on the “Restore iPhone” button. A window will appear. Navigate to the IPSW file you downloaded in step 4 and select it. This will begin the downgrade process.

Step 7: Wait for the process to complete. The phone will restart several times, indicating the steps of the installation process. It may take some time for the process to complete. Do not disconnect the device from the computer until it is done, otherwise, it will abort the installation process. Once the installation is complete, you will be taken to the welcome screen and prompt you to set up your device.

Step 8: Restore your device from the backup (if you have any). If you had created a backup, then you can easily restore your device from the same. Connect your device to iTunes and restore the backup that you created. After a successful restore, you can enjoy your device as per the previous operating system.

In conclusion, the Downgrade process is not very complicated, but it is essential to follow each step carefully. In case you encounter any issue, it is recommended that you reach out to the Apple support team. So, by following these steps, you can easily bring your device back from iOS 14 to the previous operating system.

Troubleshooting Issues During the Downgrade Process

Downgrading your iPhone from iOS 14 to a previous version is not always a smooth process. There are some common issues that you may encounter and it is important to know how to troubleshoot them. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you during the downgrade process:

1. Software update failed

One of the most common issues during the downgrade process is the “software update failed” error message. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as an unstable internet connection, low battery, or insufficient storage space. To fix this issue, ensure that your internet connectivity is strong, your device has enough battery power, and your phone has sufficient storage space.

2. Stuck on recovery mode or Apple logo

If your device is stuck on the recovery mode or Apple logo during the downgrade process, it can be frustrating. This could happen if the firmware you are downgrading to is not compatible with your iPhone model. To overcome this issue, make sure you have downloaded the correct firmware and try the downgrade process again. Or, restart your device to see if it progresses further.

3. Data loss during the downgrade process

During the downgrade process, all data on your iPhone will be erased. However, there are instances where you may lose data during the downgrade process. One possible cause could be that you have not backed up your iPhone before starting. To avoid data loss, ensure your iPhone is backed up before starting the downgrade process. Additionally, you can use iCloud or iTunes to backup your files.

4. Device freezing during the downgrade process

During the downgrade process, your iPhone may freeze. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as low battery, unstable internet connection, or software issues. To resolve this issue, check your battery level and ensure you have sufficient power. Also, make sure your internet connectivity is strong and try restarting your iPhone.

5. iTunes Error 4013 or 4014

iTunes error 4013 or 4014 can occur when trying to upgrade or downgrade an iPhone from iOS 14. This error can be revealing of issues with the software or hardware of your iPhone. iTunes may show error 4013 or 4014 when there is an issue with the USB connection. It can result in some data loss during the downgrade process. To troubleshoot this, make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer, try updating the firmware, or get your iPhone checked out for any hardware issues.

In conclusion, downgrading your device from iOS 14 back to a previous version can be a daunting process. Similarly, it can encounter several issues. However, by knowing the possible issues and how to troubleshoot them, you can overcome them and downgrade your iPhone smoothly.

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