Did you install iOS 27 on your iPhone only to realize that you want to go back to iOS 26? Whether you are running iOS 27 Beta or have installed the iOS 27 Public version, you still have time to downgrade iOS 27 to iOS 26.
While iOS 27 brings many great features to iPhones, some users might want to downgrade back to iOS 26 for a variety of reasons, including app compatibility issues, battery drain, problem issues, or lack of stability when compared with a mature iOS 26.
The good news is you can still downgrade your iPhone however, the process isn’t as simple as installing a regular software update. Downgrading requires connecting your iPhone to a computer and restoring the iOS 26 firmware file on it.
The window for downgrading back to iOS 26 is also limited, as Apple stops signing the last version of iOS 26 soon after iOS 27 is released to the public. Once Apple stops signing that version, you generally cannot downgrade to it.
Things to remember
Before downgrading your iPhone from iOS 27 to iOS 26, keep the following points in mind.
- Downgrading erases all data stored on your device.
- Your iOS 27 backup cannot be restored on iOS 26, although you can still restore the backup you created when you were running iOS 26.
- You can still sync the data that is synced with your iCloud account. This can be done after setting up the iPhone as new after installing iOS 26.
Things you need
- iOS 26 IPSW – Download iOS 26.6.2 IPSW Here
- Verify that iOS 26.6.2 is still being signed here
- If you are on Windows, you need iTunes (download) or Apple Devices software (download)
Downgrade iOS 27 to iOS 26 – Guide
- On your iPhone, turn off Find My by going to Settings -> Your Name – >Find My -> Find My iPhone.
- Connect your iPhone to a computer using a USB cable. Launch Finder or iTunes/Apple Devices software if they don’t open automatically.
- Put your iPhone in Recovery Mode:
1. Press and release the Volume Up button.
2. Press and release the Volume Down button.
3. Press and hold the Side button
4. Keep holding the Side button until you see the Connect to Computer recovery screen. - When you see the Recovery Screen on your iPhone, your computer should recognize it and give you the option to Update or Restore.
- Close the dialog box and hold the Option Key on Mac or the appropriate modifier key on Windows, and click on the Restore button.
- From the File Selection screen, select the iOS 26 IPSW file you had downloaded earlier.
- Wait for Finder or iTunes to verify the firmware file from Apple’s servers, after which the installation process will begin.
During iOS 26 installation, your iPhone might restart a number of times. Do not unplug the device from the computer. Your computer will erase the device, install iOS 26, and restart the iPhone.
Once the installation process finishes, set up your device and restore an iOS 26 backup if it is available. Alternatively, you can restore iCloud Backup on your device.
Conclusion
Downgrading from iOS 27 to iOS 26 is possible if you meet the conditions listed above. Most people do not need or have the desire to downgrade to an older version of iOS, however if you are one of those few who prefer stable versions of iOS and regret upgrading to iOS 27, then you can use this guide to downgrade.
