! In this tutorial, we will be discussing how to downgrade your iPhone or iPad from iOS 10.2 or later to iOS 10.1. Downgrading your iOS version can be helpful if you encounter compatibility issues with certain apps or if you simply prefer the features and functionality of an older iOS version. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps required to safely and effectively downgrade to iOS 10.1. Let’s get started!
Back Up Your Data
Before we begin, it’s crucial to back up your device. Downgrading iOS will erase all data from your device, so it’s essential to have a backup in case anything goes wrong. You can back up your device using iCloud or iTunes. Here’s how to do it:
- Connect your device to your computer or Wi-Fi network.
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup (or Settings > iCloud > Backup on iOS 10.2 or earlier).
- Turn on iCloud Backup if it isn’t already enabled.
- Tap Back Up Now, and wait for the backup to complete.
Alternatively, you can back up your device to iTunes:
- Connect your device to your computer and open iTunes.
- Click on the device icon in the upper left corner of the iTunes window.
- Click on Back Up Now under the Manually Back Up and Restore section.
Download the iOS 10.1 IPSW File
To downgrade to iOS 10.1, you’ll need to download the iOS 10.1 IPSW file for your device. IPSW stands for iPhone Software, and it’s the file format used by Apple to distribute firmware updates. You can find the iOS 10.1 IPSW file for your device on websites such as ipsw.me or download it directly from Apple’s developer website if you have a developer account.
Make sure to download the correct IPSW file for your device. To find out which device you have, go to Settings > General > About and look for the Model number.
One key takeaway from this text is that it is crucial to back up your device before attempting to downgrade to iOS 10.1 as the process will erase all data on your device. This can be done via iCloud or iTunes.
Put Your Device in Recovery Mode
Once you have downloaded the iOS 10.1 IPSW file, it’s time to put your device in recovery mode. Here’s how to do it:
- Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button simultaneously for ten seconds.
- Release the Sleep/Wake button but continue holding the Home button until iTunes detects your device in recovery mode.
One key takeaway from this text is that before downgrading iOS to version 10.1, it is crucial to back up your device using iCloud or iTunes to avoid data loss. Additionally, it is necessary to check your device’s compatibility with iOS 10.1 before attempting to downgrade.
Restore Your Device to iOS 10.1
With your device in recovery mode, it’s time to restore it to iOS 10.1 using the IPSW file you downloaded earlier. Here’s how to do it:
- In iTunes, click on the device icon in the upper left corner of the iTunes window.
- Hold down the Option key on a Mac or the Shift key on a PC and click the Restore iPhone button.
- Select the iOS 10.1 IPSW file you downloaded earlier and click Open.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your device to iOS 10.1.
Key takeaway: Before downgrading to iOS 10.1, it’s crucial to back up your device as the process will erase all data from your device. You can back up your device using iCloud or iTunes. Also, make sure to download the correct iOS 10.1 IPSW file for your device and check if your device is compatible with iOS 10.1 before attempting to downgrade.
Set Up Your Device
Once the restore process is complete, your device will restart and display the “” screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your device. You can restore your data from the backup you created earlier or set it up as a new device.
Always remember to back up your device before attempting to downgrade iOS. This will ensure that you have a copy of all your important data and settings in case something goes wrong. You can back up your device using iCloud or iTunes. Then, make sure to download the correct iOS 10.1 IPSW file for your device and put your device in recovery mode before restoring it to iOS 10.1 using the IPSW file. Finally, set up your device and restore your data from the backup you created earlier.
Check Compatibility
Before attempting to downgrade to iOS 10.1, it’s essential to check if your device is compatible. iOS 10.1 was released on October 24, 2016, and is compatible with the following devices:
- iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
- iPhone 6s and 6s Plus
- iPhone 6 and 6 Plus
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 5s
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch and 9.7-inch models
- iPad Air 2
- iPad Air
- iPad 4th generation
- iPad mini 4, 3, and 2
If your device is not on this list, it’s not compatible with iOS 10.1.
Back Up Your Device Using iCloud
- Connect your device to Wi-Fi.
Back Up Your Device Using iTunes
FAQs for Downgrading to iOS 10.1
What are the requirements for downgrading to iOS 10.1?
Before downgrading to iOS 10.1, you need to have a computer with iTunes installed, a USB cable, and an iOS 10.1 IPSW file compatible with your device. It is important to note that downgrading to iOS 10.1 will erase all the data on your device, so it is crucial to create a backup of your device.
How do I find the right IPSW file for my device?
You can download the correct IPSW file for your device from reliable third-party websites or by using iTunes. Firstly, connect your device to your computer and launch iTunes. After that, select your device from the list and click on the ‘Summary’ tab. Next, press the ‘Option’ key (Mac) or ‘Shift’ key (Windows) while clicking on the ‘Restore’ button. This will launch the file browser from where you can select the downloaded IPSW file.
Can I downgrade to iOS 10.1 from any iOS version?
You can only downgrade from specific iOS versions that allow it. Currently, you can only downgrade to iOS 10.1 if you have a device that supports it and you previously updated to iOS 10.2.1, 10.3, or any version after that.
How do I place my device in DFU mode?
DFU mode, short for Device Firmware Update, is essential when downgrading iOS as it prepares the device for the installation process. Firstly, ensure that the latest version of iTunes is installed on your computer. Next, connect your device to your computer and turn it off. After that, simultaneously press the ‘Home’ and ‘Power’ buttons for 10 seconds. Release the ‘Power’ button while continuing to hold the ‘Home’ button for at least ten more seconds. iTunes should notify you that it has detected a device in recovery mode.
How do I begin the downgrade process?
Once your device is in DFU mode, locate your device in iTunes, hold the ‘Option’ key (Mac) or ‘Shift’ key (Windows) and click on the ‘Restore iPhone’ button. This should open a file browser from where you should select the downloaded iOS 10.1 IPSW file. Click on the ‘Restore’ button to initiate the downgrade process. Your device will reboot several times during the installation process, and all data on your device will be erased. Once the process is complete, you should set up your device like you would when setting up a new device.