Welcome! In this tutorial, we will be discussing how to downgrade from iOS 9.1. Many users have experienced issues with this version of iOS and wish to revert back to an earlier version. Follow along as we guide you through the steps to safely and successfully downgrade your iPhone or iPad.
Understanding iOS 9.1 and Downgrading
Before you proceed with the downgrade process, there are several things you need to keep in mind:
Back Up Your Data
Before you downgrade your iOS device, make sure to back up your data. This is important because the downgrade process involves erasing all data and settings on your device. You can back up your data using iTunes or iCloud.
Check Compatibility
Make sure that the iOS version you want to downgrade to is compatible with your device. Apple does not allow downgrading to previous iOS versions indefinitely, so you need to check if the version you want to install is still being signed by Apple. You can check the signing status of iOS versions on websites such as ipsw.me.
Download the Correct IPSW
To downgrade your iOS device, you need to download the correct IPSW file for your device and the iOS version you want to install. IPSW files are firmware files that contain the iOS operating system. You can download IPSW files from websites such as ipsw.me.
Downgrading from iOS 9.1
Here are the steps to downgrade your iOS device from iOS 9.1:
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Turn off Find My iPhone: Go to Settings > iCloud > Find My iPhone and turn it off.
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Connect your iOS device to your computer and launch iTunes.
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Put your iOS device into DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode: Press and hold the Home button and the Power button at the same time for 10 seconds. Release the Power button but continue holding the Home button until the device is in DFU mode.
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Click on the device icon in iTunes.
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Hold down the Option (Mac) or Shift (Windows) key and click on the Restore iPhone button.
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Select the IPSW file you downloaded in step 3 and click Open.
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iTunes will verify the software and install it on your device. This process may take several minutes.
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Once the process is complete, your device will restart with the downgraded version of iOS.
A key takeaway from this text is that downgrading an iOS device from iOS 9.1 involves erasing all data and settings on your device, and it is important to back up your data before proceeding with the downgrade. Additionally, you need to check the compatibility and signing status of the iOS version you want to downgrade to and download the correct IPSW file for your device. There are some risks associated with downgrading, such as data loss and app compatibility issues, so it is recommended to seek professional help if needed. Keeping your iOS device up to date with the latest iOS version is also important for optimal performance and security.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues during the downgrade process, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Error 3194
This error occurs when iTunes cannot connect to the Apple server to verify the IPSW file. To fix this error, try the following:
- Make sure you have the correct IPSW file for your device and the iOS version you want to install.
- Check your computer’s hosts file to make sure it is not blocking iTunes from connecting to the server.
- Try using a different computer or internet connection.
Error 3004
This error occurs when iTunes cannot connect to the update server. To fix this error, try the following:
- Turn off your firewall and antivirus software.
- Check your internet connection.
Stuck on Recovery Mode
If your device is stuck on recovery mode after the downgrade process, try the following:
- Put your device into DFU mode again and restore it using iTunes.
- Use a third-party tool such as Tenorshare ReiBoot to exit recovery mode.
Benefits of Downgrading
If you are experiencing issues with iOS 9.1, downgrading to a previous version may solve the problem. It can also improve the performance of older devices that cannot handle the latest iOS version.
Risks of Downgrading
Downgrading your iOS device can also have some risks. It may cause data loss, and you may encounter issues with apps that are not compatible with the previous iOS version. Additionally, Apple does not recommend downgrading your iOS device, and it may void your warranty.
Keep Your iOS Device Up to Date
To ensure the best performance and security of your iOS device, it is recommended to keep it up to date with the latest iOS version. Apple regularly releases updates that include bug fixes, security patches, and new features.
Seek Professional Help
If you are not comfortable with the downgrade process or if you encounter any issues, it is recommended to seek professional help. Apple stores and authorized service providers can assist you with the process and provide guidance on the best course of action.
FAQs for How to Downgrade from iOS 9.1
What is iOS 9.1 and why would I want to downgrade from it?
iOS 9.1 is the ninth major release of Apple’s operating system used for their mobile devices such as iPhones and iPads. It was released in October 2015 and introduced new features such as new emojis, support for Live Photos on the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, and improvements for performance and stability. However, some users may want to downgrade from iOS 9.1 for various reasons such as compatibility issues with certain apps, decreased battery life, or simply wanting to go back to a previous version.
Can I downgrade from iOS 9.1 without losing my data?
Unfortunately, downgrading from iOS 9.1 to an earlier version requires erasing all content and settings from your device. This means that you will lose all of your data such as photos, messages, and apps. Therefore, it is important to back up your device before downgrading so that you can easily restore your data afterward.
How do I back up my device before downgrading from iOS 9.1?
To back up your device before downgrading, you can connect your device to your computer and use iTunes to create a backup. Simply click on the device icon in iTunes and select “Back Up Now” under the “Manually Back Up and Restore” section. This will create a full backup of your device that you can use to restore your data after downgrading.
How do I downgrade from iOS 9.1 to an earlier version?
To downgrade from iOS 9.1 to an earlier version, you will need to use iTunes on your computer. First, download the firmware file for the earlier version of iOS that you want to install. Then, connect your device to your computer and open iTunes. Hold down the Option key (or Shift key on Windows) and click the “Restore iPhone” button. Select the firmware file that you downloaded earlier and let the restore process complete. After the restore is complete, you can set up your device as new or restore from a backup.
Will downgrading from iOS 9.1 void my warranty?
No, downgrading from iOS 9.1 will not void your warranty with Apple. However, it is important to note that any issues that arise from downgrading or using unsupported software may not be covered under warranty. Therefore, it is recommended to only downgrade if necessary and to follow the proper steps to avoid any complications.