Now that iOS 26 has been announced and you can also download the iOS 26 beta and test version of iPados 26, it is possible to use all new functions and possibilities. Yet there are some iPhone and iPad users who want to go back to the previous version of iOS or iPados.
The current (test) version is quite stable, but can still have a negative influence on, for example, the performance of your device. This includes the shortened battery life, regularly stuck from apps or the slower functioning of the system. In that case you can still downgrade iOS 26. You have to take into account that you have lost all collected data on the new software.
iPados 26 or iOS 26 downgrading
Returning the iOS version must be carried out via an update or recovery process. Depending on your macOS version you have to do this in iTunes or Finder. Of course, a Windows user can also perform downgrading via iTunes.
Downgrading is only possible up to ± 14 days after the release of a new iOS version, you can only go back to the previous version. If there is beta version installed on your iDevice, you can always go back to the last official iOS version
Steps via Finder
- Download the last IPSW version here
- Connect your iDevice to your Mac or PC and unlock it
- Open Finder (Mac) or Apple Devices app for Windows
- Search for your iDevice in the navigation column at ‘locations’
- Click this and immediately the overview will be opened
- Keep the Option⌥-Stress pressed (Windows:shift⇧)
- Click on ‘Search for update’
- Select the downloaded .ipsw file and attach by clicking on ‘Open’
- Start the installation by selecting ‘Work at’
Steps via iTunes
- Download the last IPSW version here
- Connect your iDevice to your Mac or PC and open iTunes
- Navigate to your iDevice and open the overview
- Keep the Option⌥-Stress pressed (Windows:shift⇧)
- Click on ‘Search for update’
- Select the downloaded .ipsw file and attach by clicking on ‘Open’
- Start the installation by selecting ‘Work at’
Downgrade is started
After you have carried out one of the above steps, your device will immediately be downleg to iOS 18 without carrying out a recovery process. If this does not work, you have to go through the above steps again, but then click ‘look for update’ on ‘Recovery iPhone/iPad’. Your device will then complete are erased and reinstalled with the ‘old’ software.
iOS 26 and iPados 26 downgrading in recovery mode
If the above steps do not work you have to use the recovery mode, this is a special procedure to ensure that Finder, Apple Devices app or iTunes is going to recover and recover. You can read here how you activate the recovery mode.
If this is activated, Finder, Apple devices or iTunes will then detect your iPhone or iPad in ‘Recovery mode’ and you can follow the above Finder, Apple devices or iTunes for recovery. Click on ‘recovery’ while you Option⌥-S key presses (Windows:shift⇧). Select the just downloaded .IPSW file, click on ‘Open’ and confirm by clicking on ‘Recovery’
Restore iOS backup copy when recovering
Your iDevice will be restored and the last available version of iOS or iPados will be reinstalled, it is possible to return a backup (backup) again after this. NByou can only replace an iOS 18 backup and no backup of iOS 26 or iPados 26 (reason). If you do not have a recent old iOS reservopy, you can set your iDevice as new or select an old backup that Apple has saved for you (more info).
Downgrading is only possible up to ± 14 days after the release of a new iOS version, you can only go back to the previous version. If there is beta version installed on your iDevice, you can always go back to the last official iOS version