iPhone Data Recovery
 
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5 Ways to Restore iPhone Without Updating iOS Firmware [Trustworthy]

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When restoring an iPhone, the system usually prompts you to update the device to the latest version. This may not be ideal for some users, especially if the new system has compatibility issues or they prefer an older version of iOS. So, is it possible to restore an iPhone without updating? Of course. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to restore an iPhone without updating. Let's look together.

restore iphone without updating

 

Part 1. How to Restore iPhone Without Updating via Settings

If your iPhone is still functional and responsive, restoring it via the Settings app is the easiest way to reset the device without triggering a system update. This method wipes all content and settings but retains the current iOS version.

Here is how to do it:

Step 1. Open your iPhone and go to "Settings" > "General" > "Transfer or Reset iPhone".

Step 2. Tap "Erase All Content and Settings".

Step 3. Enter your passcode and Apple ID password to confirm.

Step 4. Wait for the device to erase and reboot.

Step 5. Follow the on-screen setup prompts, and either set up as new or restore from backup.

restore iphone without updating via settings

Part 2. How to Restore iPhone Without Updating in Recovery Mode

You can also restore your iPhone by entering Recovery Mode, which lets you skip the update process when restoring via iTunes. Here are the steps:

Step 1. Update iTunes to the latest version and connect your iPhone to the computer.

Step 2. Enter Recovery Mode on your iPhone, which varies depending on the model.

  • iPhone 8 or later: Press "Volume Up" → "Volume Down" → Hold the "Power" button.
  • iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold "Volume Down" + "Power".
  • iPhone 6s or earlier: Hold "Home" + "Power".

Step 3. Once your iPhone enters Recovery Mode, the iTunes interface will display the options to "Restore" or "Update". At this point, select "Restore".

restore iphone without updating in recovery mode

Part 3. How to Restore iPhone Without Updating via iCloud.com

If Find My iPhone is enabled, you can use iCloud to restore your iOS device without updating the software. Just make sure you have your Apple ID and password handy before you begin.

To restore iPhone without updating via iCloud.com, follow the steps:

Step 1. Open a browser on your computer or mobile device and go to iCloud.com.

Step 2. Sign in with your Apple ID, and you'll see the "Find My" feature. Click on it to proceed.

Step 3. Click on "All Devices" and select the iPhone you want to restore.

Step 4. Click on the "Erase iPhone" option. iCloud will then restore your device without updating the software.

restore iphone without updating via icloud.com

Step 5. Once the process is complete, you can set up your iPhone as a new device or restore a backup from iCloud or iTunes, all while keeping the old iOS version.

Part 4. How to Restore iPhone Without Updating from Backups

If you have previously created a backup of your iPhone, either through iTunes or iCloud, you can restore your iPhone without updating.

4.1 Restore iPhone from iTunes Backup

Step 1. Plug your iPhone into the computer using a USB cable and run the latest version of iTunes.

Step 2. Locate and select the iPhone in the iTunes window and tap "Summary".

Step 3. Click "Restore Backup" under the "Backups" section. Pick the most recent backup file when a pop-up appears and hit "Restore".

restore iphone without updating from itunes backup

4.2 Restore iPhone from iCloud Backup

Step 1. Open the iPhone's "Settings" > "General" > tap "Reset".

Step 2. Choose "Erase All Content and Settings" and confirm your operation.

Step 3. After erasing your iPhone, it will automatically restart. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your iPhone until you reach the "Apps & Data" screen.

Step 4. Click "Restore from iCloud Backup" and sign in with your Apple ID and password. Once done, select the backup file you wish to restore and hit "Restore".

restore iphone without updating from icloud backup

Part 5. How to Restore iPhone Without Updating Using iOS System Recovery

For users experiencing system issues but who do not want to update the system, using a professional tool is the most reliable solution. iOS System Recovery offers both "Standard Mode" and "Advanced Mode", with Standard Mode restoring the iPhone to normal without erasing data and without updating iOS.

Key features of iOS System Recovery:

  • Restore your iPhone without updating to the latest iOS versions.
  • Fix various iOS system issues, such as iPhone stuck in Recovery Mode, Touch ID not working, reboot loops, charging problems, Apple logo, and more.
  • Upgrade or downgrade iOS to any supported version with ease.
  • Repair iOS system problems using two modes: Standard Mode and Advanced Mode.
  • Compatible with nearly all iOS devices, including iPhone 16/15/14/13/12 series, and more (iOS 26/18 supported).
  • Safe and easy to use, with no data loss during the iOS system repair process.

Here is how to restore iPhone without updating using iOS System Recovery:

01Download and install iOS System Recovery on your computer. Connect your iPhone and open the program. Then, click on "iOS System Recovery" > "Start".

click the start the button

02Then, select "Standard Mode" and click "Confirm" to continue. The tool will start downloading the required iOS firmware.

select the repair mode

03After the download is complete, click "Repair" to begin restoring the iPhone without updating or erasing data.

restore iphone without updating using ios system recovery without data loss

Final Words

Surely, you understand how to restore iPhone without updating iOS. If you're looking for the safest and most efficient way to restore iPhone without updating, iOS System Recovery is the tool you can rely on. Of course, you can also restore your iPhone without updating if there's an iTunes or iCloud backup.

Related Articles:

iPhone Won't Restore? 11 Effective Fixes for Your iPhone Woes

How to Factory Restore iPhone with Broken Screen in 3 Effective Ways?

How to Recover Data After Factory Reset iPhone? Solved in 3 Ways

Does Recovery Mode Delete Everything on iPhone? Here's the Answer!

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