You can downgrade iOS 16.1.1 to 16.1 on any compatible iPhone and iPad model. iOS 16.1 and iPadOS 16.1 are still signed, 10 days after the release of bug fix version 16.1.1. Apple typically unsigns outdated versions within a week.
Why Downgrade iOS 16.1.1 to 16.1
Although iOS 16.1.1 has been released with improvements and bug fixes, it fails to fix many annoying issues reported since the initial release of iOS 16.
Apple seems to have rushed the update to patch an urgent ‘issue impacting SKAdNetwork for users on iOS 16.1’ depending on the state of the company’s system page.
All other bugs seem to have been overlooked and delayed for iOS 16.2, which is currently beta tested and expected in December or a potential 2nd iOS 16.1.2 bugfix release.
Do: Our iOS 16.1.1 review page has logged over 30 different reports of errors and issues over the past 10 days, including: battery drain issues, WiFi disconnection bug, mobile data not working , etc.
System Requirements to Downgrade iOS 16.1.1 to 16.1
To roll back, you need the following:
- A computer, Mac or Windows and the Finder / iTunes applications.
- A Lightning to USB (USB-C) cable.
- The appropriate iOS 16.1 ipsw file for your iPhone or iPad model.
- Internet connectivity.
How to Downgrade iOS 16.1.1 to iOS 16.1
- 1. On the computer: download ipsw file iOS 16.1 / iPadOS 16.1 of ipsw.me (direct link). Select the product (iPhone or iPad) -> Click on your iPhone/iPad model -> Click on iOS 16.1 (20B82) -> Click on To download.
- 2. On iPhone/iPad: choose Settings -> Apple ID -> Find My -> Find My iPhone and enable this option Stopped.
- 3. Connect iPhone to Computer (Mac or Windows) using the Lightning to USB/USB-C cable that came with the device.
- 4. Open Finder (on Mac) or iTunes (on Windows).
- 5. In the Finder, click on your [iPhone name]available in the left sidebar under Pitches.
- 6. Perform a encrypted backup of your iPhone using the Back up now option.
- seven. Press and hold the option key + click Restore iPhone option.
- 8. Select the recently downloaded iOS 16.1 ipsw file from Downloads or any other folder you use to store downloaded files on a Mac or Windows computer.
- 9. Click on Openfollowed by Restore to confirm that you want your Mac to erase and restore your iPhone on iOS 16.1.
Important: This only works if iOS 16.1 is labeled green (still signed by Apple). Otherwise, abort the process.
On Windows: press and hold the Shift key + click Restore iPhone to be able to select the iOS 16.1 ipsw file.
Point: Be patient until Mac extracts software, prepares iPhone to restore (Apple logo shows on iPhone), restores software, verifies iPhone restore, and restores iPhone firmware ! The iPhone restarts when the process is complete.
Restore iPhone from Backup
- 10. Swipe up on the “hello” screen and go back to Finder/iTunes, on computer. Click iPhonein the sidebar, under Pitches and wait for the device to be activated!
- 11. Opt for Restore from this backup option. Select the backup and enter the the password to unlock the backup. Click Restore and be patient.
- 12. On iPhone, tap Continueon the Restoration completed filter. Configure Face IDcreate a new Access code (may be the same as your old one), log in to your Apple ID and be patient until iCloud settings are updated! Follow the other on-screen prompts until you reach the Welcome to iPhone filter. Swipe up to get started!
Point: If you are prompted with the “Cannot restore iPhone ‘Mike’s iPhone’ because the backup was not compatible with the iPhone being restored.” you need to modify the backup file and make it compatible with iOS 16.1!
Repeat step 11 after modifying the backup. and be patient until the data is restored! The iPhone will restart to mark the end of the process.
That’s it, you are now back on iOS 16.1! If you are not satisfied, you can also try the iOS 16.2 beta! Here’s how!
Did you successfully downgrade iOS 16.1.1 to 16.1? Do you have questions or other issues to report? Share your feedback in the comments.
Related: If you are not satisfied with this version, you can downgrade again to iOS 15.6 RC.