After upgrading to iOS 26, have you noticed your phone becoming sluggish, draining battery quickly, apps crashing, or even experiencing system instability? In this case, downgrading to the stable version of iOS 18 may be a wise choice. However, downgrading is not a simple process. This article will provide a detailed guide on how to downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18. Let's take a look.
Yes, you can downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18 as long as Apple is still signing it for your device model. Typically, Apple stops signing older iOS versions shortly after a new release, so it's important to check your iPhone's signing status online to confirm you can revert to iOS 18.
If Apple has stopped signing iOS 18, none of the methods below will work, and you'll be unable to install the older firmware. To avoid potential issues with your device, always verify that iOS 18 is still being signed before proceeding.
Before officially performing the iOS 26 downgrade, make sure to complete the following preparations to avoid any issues during the process.
1. Back up Your Data
Downgrading to an earlier iOS will erase all data on your iPhone. If you have a backup from before you installed iOS 26, you can restore your data after downgrading to iOS 18.5. If not, everything on your device will be lost. Therefore, it's recommended to back up your device using iCloud or iTunes to ensure your photos, messages, and app data are safely stored.
2. Disable "Find My iPhone"
When downgrading using iTunes or third-party tools, it is necessary to disable this feature, or the operation may fail. Go to "Settings" > [Your Name] > "Find My" > "Find My iPhone" and turn it off. You'll need your Apple ID password to do this.
3. Charge Your Device
Ensure your iPhone or iPad is at least 50% charged, or keep it plugged in throughout the downgrade process.
4. Stable Internet Connection
Make sure you're connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network, especially if you're downloading firmware files or using an iOS downgrade tool.
If you have already made a backup of your current device, then you only have to follow the methods listed below. These are four ways to help you go back to iOS 18 or other iOS editions you want.
If you want to downgrade iOS without losing data, iOS System Recovery is the best choice. It is a powerful iOS downgrading tool that allows you to revert to a previous iOS version with just a few clicks. Additionally, it can resolve various other iOS-related issues, such as an iPhone stuck in headphone mode or the Apple logo.
Highlights of iOS System Recovery:
Here is how to downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18 without losing data using iOS System Recovery:
01Download and install the program on your computer, then open it by following the on-screen instructions. On the main interface, select the "iOS System Recovery" option. Connect your iPhone to the computer via USB and tap "Trust" if prompted.
02A pop-up will display various issues the tool can address. Click the "Start" button to proceed.
03Choose either "Standard Mode" or "Advanced Mode". The tool will detect basic information about your iPhone; tap "Confirm" to continue.
04Finally, click the "Repair" button to start downloading the firmware package and fixing your iOS device.
You can also use iTunes/Finder (iTunes for Windows and macOS Mojave and earlier, and Finder for macOS Catalina and later), Apple's officially recommended tool, to downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18. However, you need to back up your data before downgrading, as this could result in data loss.
Here is how to downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18 using iTunes/Finder:
Step 1. Visit the IPSW website (ipsw.me), select your iPhone or iPad model, and download the signed iOS 18 IPSW file (indicated by a green checkmark). Save it to a location you can easily access to remove the iOS 26.
Step 2. Navigate to "Settings" > [Your Name] > "Find My" > "Find My iPhone", and disable this setting. (How to turn off Find My iPhone without a password?)
Step 3. Connect your iPhone to the computer and follow these steps to put your iPhone into recovery mode:
Step 4. iTunes or Finder will detect your device in recovery mode and prompt you to restore or update. Hold down the "Option" key (Mac) or "Shift" key (Windows), then click "Restore iPhone".
Step 5. Browse and select the IPSW file you downloaded in Step 1. Once confirmed, start installing the firmware via iTunes and wait for the downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18 to complete.
After the downgrade is finished, your iPhone will return to iOS 18. If you have a backup, you can restore your data directly after downgrading. If you don't have a backup, you'll need to set up your device as new.
Some users have reported issues downloading the IPSW file from the IPSW.me website. In that case, you can try using another site like Beta Profiles, which also lets you download the IPSW file for downgrading. However, this approach only works if your iPhone is running iOS 16.4 or a later version.
Here is how to downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18 using the Beta Profiles website:
Step 1. Visit the official Beta Profiles site and download the iOS firmware you wish to revert to, such as iOS 18.
Step 2. Open iTunes/Finder on your computer, connect your device via USB, and click "Back Up Now" to create a backup.
Step 3. Locate and open the Info.plist file, then change the version number to the iOS version you just downloaded, such as 18.4.1, and save the file.
Step 4. In iTunes/Finder, hold "Option" (Mac) or "Shift" (Windows) and click the "Restore iPhone" button.
Step 5. Select the .ipsw file you downloaded and wait for the downgrade process to complete, which may take a few minutes.
Once prompted, restore your backup, and you're done—you've successfully downgraded your iPhone.
Many users claim you can downgrade from iOS 26 to 18 without iTunes or a computer, but that's not possible. You can only remove the iOS 26 beta profile to stop future beta updates, while keeping your current iOS 26 firmware until Apple officially releases iOS 26.
To remove the iOS 26 beta profile without a computer, follow these steps:
Step 1. Open "Settings" on your iPhone/iPad.
Step 2. Go to "General" > "VPN & Device Management" (or Device Management).
Step 3. Tap "iOS Beta Software Configuration Profile", then select "Remove iOS 26 Beta Profile".
Step 4. Restart your device to remove the iOS 26 beta.
Q1. Is downgrading from iOS 26 legal?
Downgrading iOS versions is legal as long as Apple is still signing the version. However, Apple does not encourage users to downgrade, as newer versions typically include security updates and feature improvements.
Q2. Can I downgrade iOS if Apple stops signing the version?
Unfortunately, no. Downgrading usually depends on Apple "signing" older iOS versions. This signature acts as a verification key, enabling your device to recognize and install the older software. If Apple stops signing iOS 18, downgrading will become very challenging.
Q3. Will I lose data if I downgrade iOS?
It depends on the method you use for downgrading. If you choose the iTunes method to downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18, it will erase all your phone data. Therefore, you should back up your iPhone data before proceeding with iTunes. If you want to downgrade from iOS 26 without losing your data, it is recommended to use iOS System Recovery, which allows you to downgrade with a single click while preserving your data.
That's all about how to downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18. If you plan to downgrade from iOS 26, make sure to back up your data before proceeding and choose the method that best suits your needs. It is recommended to use iOS System Recovery, which not only supports safe downgrading but also helps prevent data loss. Regardless of the method you choose, following the correct steps will ensure a smooth return to your previous iOS version.
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