In this tutorial, we will be discussing how to downgrade iOS 9.1 to an earlier version of iOS. Downgrading your iOS can be a useful troubleshooting step, as it can help resolve compatibility issues or address unforeseen bugs that may have been introduced in the latest update. However, it’s important to note that downgrading is not always possible, and there are some risks involved, such as loss of data or changes to device functionality. We will walk through the steps to safely downgrade your iOS device to an earlier version of iOS.

Understanding iOS Downgrading

Before we delve into the steps of downgrading iOS 9.1, it’s essential to understand what downgrading is all about. When you downgrade your device, you are essentially moving from a newer version of iOS to an older version. Downgrading your iOS device can be necessary for various reasons, such as compatibility issues with certain apps or because the new iOS version has bugs that make it unstable.

Checking Apple’s Signing Status

Before you start the downgrading process, you need to check if Apple is still signing the iOS version you want to downgrade to. Apple signs every iOS version before it’s released to the public. Once a new iOS version is released, Apple stops signing the old version, which means you can no longer downgrade to that version.

To check Apple’s signing status, visit the IPSW.me website and select your device model and the iOS version you want to downgrade to. If the website shows a green tick next to the iOS version, it means Apple is still signing the version, and you can proceed to the next step.

One key takeaway from this text is that before downgrading your iOS device from a newer version to an older version, you must check if Apple is still signing the version you want to downgrade to. Additionally, it’s important to back up your device’s data via iTunes or iCloud before starting the downgrading process, as it will erase all of your data. In case of any issues during the process, there are troubleshooting steps available for resolving common errors.

Backing Up Your Data

Before you start the downgrading process, it’s essential to back up your data. Downgrading your iOS device will erase all the data on your device. To avoid losing your data, back up your device using iTunes or iCloud.

To back up your device with iTunes, connect your device to your computer, launch iTunes, and click on the device icon. Click on the “Back Up Now” button to start the backup process.

To back up your device with iCloud, go to “Settings” on your device, select “iCloud,” and then “Backup.” Turn on the “iCloud Backup” toggle, and then click on the “Back Up Now” button.

Key takeaway: Downgrading iOS 9.1 can be necessary for various reasons, but before starting the process, it’s essential to check Apple’s signing status, back up your data, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise during the process, such as error 3194 or error 4013. Additionally, if you encounter issues while downgrading using iTunes, you can use DFU mode as an alternative method.

Using iTunes to Downgrade iOS 9.1

Once you’ve checked Apple’s signing status and backed up your data, you can proceed to downgrade your iOS 9.1 using iTunes.

  1. Launch iTunes on your computer and connect your iOS device to your computer.
  2. Click on the device icon in iTunes and then click on the “Summary” tab.
  3. Hold down the “Shift” key on Windows or the “Option” key on Mac, and then click on the “Restore iPhone” button.
  4. Select the IPSW file for the iOS version you want to downgrade to and click on the “Open” button.
  5. iTunes will now start the downgrading process. Wait for the process to complete.
One key takeaway from this text is that before you start the iOS downgrading process, you need to check if Apple is still signing the iOS version you want to downgrade to. It’s also important to back up your data and troubleshoot common issues that you might encounter during the process.

Using DFU Mode to Downgrade iOS 9.1

If you encounter issues while downgrading your iOS 9.1 using iTunes, you can use DFU mode to complete the process. DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is a type of recovery mode that allows you to restore your device to a previous iOS version.

To put your device in DFU mode, follow these steps:

  1. Connect your iOS device to your computer and launch iTunes.
  2. Turn off your device by holding down the power button.
  3. Hold down the power button for 3 seconds and then hold down the home button for 10 seconds.
  4. Release the power button while continuing to hold down the home button for an additional 10 seconds.
  5. iTunes will now detect your device in DFU mode, and you can proceed to restore your device to the previous iOS version.

One key takeaway from this text is that downgrading iOS can be necessary for various reasons, such as compatibility issues with certain apps or because the new iOS version has bugs that make it unstable. Before downgrading, it’s important to check if Apple is still signing the iOS version you want to downgrade to and backup your data using iTunes or iCloud. The downgrading process can be done using iTunes or DFU mode, but you may encounter common issues such as error 3194 or error 4013. To troubleshoot these issues, you may need to edit your computer’s host file or try using a different USB cable or port.