How to Downgrade iOS on iPhone or iPad without iTunes

"Hey guys, I want to downgrade from iOS 13 to iOS 12 without iTunes, how can I do it without losing any data?"

Apple has released the latest iOS 13 alongside iPhone 11, 11 Pro, Pro Max. iOS 13 is fantastic but still, some of you would like to downgrade to the old iOS versions.

So, here I'll show you how to downgrade iOS 13(12) to iOS 12(11) without iTunes or with iTunes.

Part 1. Why Downgrade iOS on Your iPhone or iPad?

Do you regret after updating to the newest iOS version? Downgrade from iOS 13 to 12 or from iOS 12.4 to 11/10 can help you deal with some issues like:

1. Your iPhone or iPad is running slower than before. The lagging could be because your device model is old, or the latest iOS Software takes up much available storage on device.

2. Probably you are accustomed to the previous iOS version and don't like the changes.

3. Some apps are not fully compatible with the newly released iOS. Then you can't use them after the upgrade.

4. There's a bunch of bugs. In this case, it's wise to downgrade and wait for months until the new iOS is much optimized.

All in all, that's quite urgent to downgrade iOS system. Hence, this post would show you how to install IPSW with/without iTunes verify.

Part 2. Before Downgrade, Back up Your Data

Since you don't want to use iTunes, give iCloud or assistant software a try to make a full backup.

However, please note that iCloud takes long to back up an iPhone if many files are stored on device. And using assistant software is very convenient but most of them are not freeware.

Part 3. Easily Downgrade iOS without iTunes (Not Data Loss)

The first introduced method, FoneCope iOS System Recovery, can help you easily downgrade without iTunes and won't cause data loss. This program is safe and virus-free.

Also, it can fix various iOS system issues with simple steps, for example, restore iPhone without updating.

Step 1. Download and install FoneCope iOS System Recovery on your computer. Then launch it and use a USB cable to connect your device to computer.

Step 2. Select Standard Mode in the main interface.

Step 3. Click Start and follow the steps of how to put your device into DFU mode. (Tip: If DFU doesn't work, try to get into the Recovery mode.)

Step 4. Next, the program would automatically detect your iPhone or iPad and select the newest firmware. Here, make sure you click and manually choose a lower firmware version you want, then click Download.

Step 5. After the firmware download completes, next, just click to Start to Fix. The software will verify and install older version of iOS without iTunes to your iDevice.

iPhone software downgrade would take some time to finish. And the progress bar lets you know how's it going.

Part 4. Manually Force Install IPSW File with Finder or iTunes

I think it's necessary to talk about how to downgrade iOS 13/12 to iOS 11/10/9 by using Finder or iTunes to install IPSW. (Note: don't forget to back up your data as this solution will erase everything on your device.)

Here let's see how to downgrade iOS with Finder or iTunes.

Step 1. Disable "Find My iPhone" if you've turned it on.

Go to Settings > tap iCloud > toggle off "Find My iPhone"

When your device prompts you, you'll need to enter your Apple ID and password.

Step 2. You need to download IPSW (the restore image) that is available for you to downgrade. Visit the resources and get one on your computer.

Step 3. After that, connect your iPhone to PC or Mac with a USB cable.

Step 4. Launch Finder or iTunes on your computer and make sure it's up to date. And then downgrade your iPhone/iPad.

Using Finder:

iPhone appears under "Locations" section > click on your iPhone > select General > click "Restore iPhone" while pressing the Option key

When a menu pops up, browse and select the downloaded IPSW file and click "Open". Then Finder will prompt you "Your Mac will erase and restore your iPhone". Now click Restore to start the process.

Using iTunes:

Click on your iPhone's icon (or device's name under Devices tap) to open the Summary. If you're on a Mac, click Restore iPhone while pressing the Option key. (If you're on a Win PC, click Restore iPhone while pressing the Shift key.)

Next, in the pop-up window, locate and select the downloaded IPSW, then click on the Open button. Once you see "iTunes will erase and restore your iPhone", select Restore to continue.

Step 5. When the restore completes, your iOS will reboot and then you should check it.

Attention: All current data will be erased on iPhone/iPad if you downgrade iOS through Finder or iTunes. If you want to extract data from backup and restore to device, Fone Toolkit iOS Backup&Restore can do so perfectly.

Part 5. Jailbreak iPhone to Downgrade iOS (Risky)

The very last option to downgrade iOS without Apple signing is Jailbreak. The only issue, jailbreaking is quite complicated and risky if you're not a techie. Jailbreak failure may brick your device.

Now let's see how to jailbreak iPhone and downgrade iOS version.

Step 1. Go to www.ijailbreak.com/ijailbreak-downloads-section/ and download Tiny Umbrella. Then, install and launch it on your computer.

Step 2. Plug your iPhone to computer via lightning USB.

Step 3. It should show "This device is connected". Then, click "Save SHSH". Next, you need to click on "Start TSS Server".

Step 4. Once the server has finished its job, you'll receive the error 1015. Now you need to select your device and click "Exit Recovery".

Step 5. Click on Advanced and then uncheck "Set Hosts to Cydia on Exit"

Step 6. Save SHSH one more time. Then, your iPhone will restart and begin downgrading the firmware.

Don't try to jailbreak iPhone to restore unsigned IPSW without iTunes unless you can't find any other solutions.

The Bottom Line

To sum up, you'll know why and how to downgrade iOS without/with iTunes after you read through this post. Again, remember to back up your data before the downgrade begins.

As ways, contact us if you come across any suggestions or questions about install ipsw without iTunes, and we'll try our best to help you.