If you have updated your iOS version to iOS 26 Beta, you may encounter many irritating bugs, such as AirPods not connecting. This severe issue causes numerous troubles and inconveniences. Luckily, you can use iTunes or Finder to downgrade iOS because iOS 26 Beta is only a Beta version, while iOS 18 is still the official version.

However, suppose you want to downgrade iOS from iOS 18 to iOS 17 or older, iTunes or Finder cannot help you, nor can any other official approach. In that case, you should find a reliable method to downgrade iOS if you make up your mind to do that. This article will show you how to downgrade iOS in the two situations.

Part 1: [Important] Back Up Your iPhone Before Downgrading iOS

Before you downgrade iOS version on your iOS device, you must back up your device, because whether you downgrade iOS through official or unofficial methods, your iPhone will be erased. You can back up your device with iCloud or iTunes. Note that iCloud requires a payment for larger backup capacity, while iTunes does not.

Back Up Your iPhone with iCloud

Step 1. Open the Settings app and tap your profile. Then, tap iCloud.

Step 2. Tap the Back Up Now button to back up your iPhone with iCloud. You should wait for the backup process to finish before you downgrade iOS.

Back Up Your iPhone with iTunes or Finder

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your Windows or Mac computer.

Step 2. Launch iTunes on Windows and Finder on Mac. Then, the process will vary depending on the different computers:

On Windows iTunes:

Click the Device button on the top left side to open your iPhone's profile.

Locate the Summary tab and click the Back Up Now button to back up your iPhone with iTunes.

On Mac Finder:

Choose your device on the left side and click the Back Up Now button to back up your device with iTunes. When the backup process is over, you can downgrade iOS.

Part 2: How to Downgrade iOS from Beta to Official (Support iOS 26 Beta to iOS 18)

If you have updated to a Beta version like iOS 26 Beta, you can use official methods to downgrade iOS to the official version, like the latest iOS 18. Just use iTunes on Windows or Finder on Mac:

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your computer. Run iTunes or Finder. Then, put your iPhone into Recovery Mode. You only need to follow the on-screen guide below based on different models.

iPhone 8 or Later:

Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, and then do it again to the Volume Down button. Then, press and hold the Side button until you see the Connect to computer screen come up.

iPhone 7 Series and iPod touch 7th Generation:

Press and hold the Top or Side button and the Volume Down button at the same time until you see the Connect to computer screen appear.

iPhone 6s or Earlier, iPhone SE 1st Generation, iPhone touch 6th or Earlier:

Press and hold both the Home button and the Top or Side button at the same time until you see the Connect to computer screen.

Step 2. Your iPhone is in Recovery Mode. iTunes or Finder will detect that that your iPhone has a problem. You only need to click the Restore button to downgrade iOS. If your iPhone runs iOS 26, it will downgrade to iOS 18.

Part 3: How to Downgrade iOS (Non-Beta Versions)

downgrade iOS? Although iTunes or Finder cannot help, Apeaksoft iOS System Recovery can make it! From its name, you can see that it can fix system errors on your iPhone. When it fixes problems, you can also downgrade iOS safely. Besides iTunes or Finder, it is the most reliable approach to downgrade iOS versions.

Step 1. Download and install Apeaksoft iOS System Recovery on your computer and launch it. Connect your iPhone to your computer. Then, choose iOS System Recovery and click the Start button.

Step 2. This program will detect your iPhone. Check it and click the Fix button to go on.

Step 3. In this window, you only need to choose the Standard Mode. It can help you downgrade iOS without a factory reset.

Step 4. Now, you can select an iOS version and download the firmware package. Finally, click the Next button to downgrade iOS easily.

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