Often, Apple releases new iOS firmware that make it temporarily impossible to take advantage of unauthorized features available when you jailbreak your device. You may need to revert to an earlier version in order to continue with the jailbreak.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Downgrade from iOS 8 to 7.1.2
Step 1. Back up your device
With a backup you will minimize downtime if the operation is unsuccessful.
Step 2. Download the IPSW 7.1.2 file
This file is the firmware that contains the iOS operating system. You will need to download the 7.1.2 signed IPSW file specific to your device. There are different files for each phone and operator.
You can find IPSW files on sites like iDownloadBlog.com
Step 3. Connect the iPhone to your computer
Open iTunes if it doesn't open automatically.
Step 4. Click on your device and then on the Summary tab
Step 5. Upload the IPSW file
Press and hold ⌥ Opt (Mac) or ⇧ Shift (Windows) and click Update. Find the IPSW file you downloaded.
Step 6. Start the downgrade process
Click Update again. The operation will begin.
If this method doesn't work, you may have downloaded the wrong file, or Apple may have stopped digitally signing the files. If Apple no longer signs the files, the downgrade will no longer be possible. Apple continues to sign files for a short time after the update is released, but does not announce when it will pause this operation
Step 7. Configure your device
After the downgrade, you will see the Setup screen on your iOS device. Follow the prompts to set it up.
Part 2 of 3: Set up files and software
Step 1. Save SHSH certificates and APTickets
You may need a program that can capture and save SHSH and APTicket certificates. These are files that your phone uses to communicate with Apple and allow you to install firmware older than the current version. The two best programs are iFaith and TinyUmbrella.
- There are currently no other ways to downgrade without these files.
- You can only downgrade to the level for which you have these files. Capture version 6 files and you will be able to use them when version 7 comes out. IFaith has an option to use files that belong to others. This program will be useful to you, if you don't have any saved files.
- In iFaith, save the blobs by clicking 'Dump SHSH Blobs' or find those of others by clicking 'Show available…'. You will need to have your phone connected to your computer. Tickets should be automatically saved at the same time for most devices.
- The following can be downgraded: iPhone 2G, iPhone 3G, or iPhone 3GS, or iPhone 4; iPad 1G; iPod Touch 1G, iPod Touch 2G, iPod Touch 3G, and iPod Touch 4G.
Step 2. Download RedSn0w
It is the most used program to downgrade iOS devices.
Step 3. Download the firmware for the version you want to downgrade to
There are several sites where you can find it online.
Step 4. Launch the program
If you are using Windows, you will need to run RedSn0w as an administrator (you can do this by right-clicking on the icon).
Part 3 of 3: Downgrade your device
Step 1. Connect your phone to your computer
Use the regular USB cable. Once connected, put your phone into DFU mode.
Step 2. Click "Extra"
Step 3. Click "Even More"
Step 4. Click "Restore"
Step 5. Click "IPSW"
This will allow you to choose the firmware you want to restore.
If you have an unlocked phone, click "Yes" to avoid baseband updates
Step 6. Enter Pwned DFU mode
Click OK and Next to allow this.
Step 7. Locate the SHSH certificates
RedSn0w may try to find them automatically, but if they can't be located, you can find them manually on your computer. Remember where you saved them!
Step 8. Let the program do its job
Once the certificates are located, the program should automatically start downgrading the device.
Step 9. Have fun with your device
Consider an untethered Jailbreak - this way you won't have to repeat this procedure.
Advice
- Before downgrading, remember to back up all applications, music, etc. to iTunes, as all data will be cleared.
- Finally, go ahead and jailbreak your device.
- Be careful to download the correct firmware for your device.
- Whenever you update your phone, always save SHSH certificates and APTickets.
Warnings
- WikiHow and the authors of this article are not responsible for any damage to your device.
- All data will be reset.
- Jailbreaking is legal in some countries, but illegal in others.
- Jailbreaking is legal in the US, but is usually considered a breach of warranty.
