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Sofashaffqc's avatar
Sofashaffqc
Copper Contributor
Oct 23, 2024

How do I Downgrade iOS 17 to 16 on my PC?

I'm seeking assistance with downgrading iPhone from iOS 17 to iOS 16 using my Windows 11 computer. Since updating to iOS 17, I've faced a number of performance issues and some features I rely on have become less functional. I’ve done some research and know that downgrading is possible, but I'm unsure of the specific steps I need to take or the tools required for the process on a Windows platform.

 

If anyone has experience with this, I would greatly appreciate any detailed guidance on how to properly downgrade, including any software I need to install and any potential risks involved. I'm particularly concerned about data loss or any complications that could arise during the process.

6 Replies

  • Whamite's avatar
    Whamite
    Iron Contributor

    Apple does not allow iOS downgrade by default. You need to backup iPhone, download the iOS 17 firmware and install it manually. Here is a tutorial you can follow to downgrade iOS 17 to 16 on a PC:

    https://www.egardget.com/downgrade-ios-17-to-ios-16

    P.S. Make sure you have backed up the data before downgrading!

  • Lenasob's avatar
    Lenasob
    Iron Contributor

    To downgrade iOS 17 to iOS 16 on Windows PC. If you’ve recently updated some apps or even if they’ve been optimized for iOS 17, rolling back to iOS 16 might lead to compatibility issues. Some apps may not function correctly, or you might miss out on features that were only available in iOS 17. It can be super frustrating when you want to use an app and it’s like, "Sorry, not gonna work!"

    Let’s be real, this process isn’t the quickest. Depending on how tech-savvy you are, you might end up spending quite a bit of time troubleshooting if things don’t go as planned. I've seen friends take hours just trying to get everything to work. And once you start going down the rabbit hole, it’s hard to crawl back out!

  • somodysalahu4's avatar
    somodysalahu4
    Copper Contributor

    Downgrading from iOS 17 to 16 on a Windows PC can present several dangers and challenges, including:

    1. Downgrading typically requires restoring the device to factory settings, which can lead to data loss if you haven’t properly backed up your data. Important information, such as photos, messages, and app data, may not be recoverable.

    2. Some applications that were updated to work with iOS 17 might not function or may have compatibility issues when running on iOS 16.
  • JaydenSu's avatar
    JaydenSu
    Copper Contributor

    It is necessary to download the Right IPSW File before you downgrade iOS 17 to iOS 16 on Windows 11. Head back to IPSW.me, select your device, and download the correct firmware file. Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes. Open it up and connect your device again. It’s always good to have it updated to avoid compatibility issues.

    1.Put Your iPhone in Recovery Mode:
    This part can be a little tricky, but here’s the lowdown on how to do it:

    • For iPhone 8 and newer: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button. After that, press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen.
    • For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold the Volume Down and the Side button together until you see the recovery screen.
    • For iPhone 6s and earlier: Hold the Home and the Top (or Side) buttons together until you see the recovery screen.

    2. Downgrade Your iPhone:

    • With your iPhone in recovery mode, iTunes should prompt you about a device in recovery.
    • Hit the Shift key (for Windows) and then click on the “Restore” button. This will let you select the IPSW file you downloaded.
    • Find your IPSW file, select it, and sit back while iTunes does the magic.

    3. Wait for the Restore Process: This part takes a bit, so don’t touch anything! Let iTunes work its thing. When it’s done, your device will restart. You might have to set it up again.

     

    4. Restore Your Backup: Once you’re back on iOS 16, you can restore the backup you made earlier. Just go back to iTunes, click your device, and select "Restore Backup." Pick your most recent backup and let iTunes do its thing.

  • vidosrosulj's avatar
    vidosrosulj
    Iron Contributor

    Sofashaffqc If you're facing any issues or need to download iTunes when downgrading iOS 17 to 16 on Windows PC, using the Microsoft Store can streamline things, making sure everything is legit and ready to use. Use a reliable USB cable to connect your iPhone to the PC. If you have a Microsoft Surface or a good quality USB cable, that should work great!

  • neyaneotsubo's avatar
    neyaneotsubo
    Copper Contributor

    Sofashaffqc  Downgrading iOS 17 to iOS 16 can lead to data loss, especially since the backup from iOS 17 might not be compatible with iOS 16. Use iTunes or iCloud to back everything up before you take the plunge.

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