Looking to downgrade iOS 16.3 to 16.2 on iPhone or iPad? You recently updated to the latest version of iOS but are not satisfied with this new version? Yes, you can always downgrade to 16.2 and even iOS 15!
Is downgrading iOS 16.3 to iOS 16.2 still possible?
Yes, at the time of writing, iOS 16.2 is still signed, which means you can use its ipsw file to restore an iPhone or iPad.
Point: You can check the iOS 16.2 signed status in real time on tracking websites such as ipsw.me.
Important: Before downgrading iOS 16.3, we recommend that you check our detailed review. We track all user-submitted bugs and available workarounds! You might find a solution and decide to stay on 16.3!
System Requirements to Downgrade iOS 16.3 to 16.2
To be able to downgrade to iOS 16.2 / iPadOS 16.2, you need the following:
- A computer (Mac or Windows) with Finder/iTunes software installed and updated to the latest version.
- One Lightning to USB (USB-C) cable, to connect iPhone/iPad to computer.
- The iOS 16.2 ipsw file, downloaded to your computer. Select your iPhone or iPad model and upload it to here.
- A encrypted iPhone/iPad backup. We recommend that you do it locally on your computer, before starting the iOS 16.2 downgrade!
How to Downgrade iOS 16.3 to 16.2
- 1. Disable Find My on iPhone / iPad in Settings -> Apple ID -> Find My -> Find My iPhone.
- 2. Connect iPhone to Computer (Mac or Windows), using the Lightning to USB/USB-C cable that came with your device.
- 3. Open Finder (on Mac) or iTunes (on Windows).
- 4. In the Finder, click on [iPhone name]available in the left sidebar, under Pitches.
- 5. Save a encrypted backup of your iPhone using the Back up now option.
- 6. Press and hold option key + Click on restore iphone option.
- 7. To select the recently downloaded iOS 16.2 ipsw file. It should be available in Downloads folder on a Mac or Windows computer.
- 8. Click on Openfollowed by Restore to confirm that you want your Mac to erase and restore your iPhone on iOS 16.2.
Point: Be patient while your Mac extracts the software, prepares the iPhone to restore, performs the actual restore, and verifies! The device restarts when the process is complete.
Does: On a Windows computer, use Gap key + restore iphone!
Restore iPhone from Backup
Finally, you need to recover your data from the most recent backup:
- 9. On iPhone, 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!
- ten. Opt for Restore from this backup option. Select the backup and enter the the password to unlock the backup. Click Restore and be patient.
- At last: On iPhone, tap Continueon the Restoration completed screen. 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 screen. Swipe up to get started!
Important: If you are prompted with the “Cannot restore iPhone because the backup was not compatible with the iPhone being restored.” you must modify the backup file to make it compatible with iOS 16.2!
Repeat step 10 after modifying the backup. and be patient until the data is restored! The iPhone will restart to mark the end of the process.
Reasons for Downgrading iOS 16.3 to 16.2
Below we follow a list with downgrade reasons mentioned by users:
- 1.iCloud Drive, Backup and Pictures to extinguish and will only activate if two-factor authentication is enabled. More details here.
- 2. To be updated. (Share your reason in the comments.)
Downgrade iOS 16.3 to iOS 15
Yes, you can still downgrade to iOS 15.6 RC!
If you updated to iOS 16.3 from a 15.x version and you are unhappy with your iPhone’s performance with the new OS, you can downgrade to iOS 15.6 RC!
Guide: Here’s a step-by-step guide that also includes a video!
Did you successfully downgrade iOS 16.3 to iOS 16.2? Are you having problems? Share your impressions in the comments!
Related: Want to downgrade your iPad? It works the same way. Here is the article.