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How to Downgrade from iOS 8 to iOS 7.1.2

by Fahad Saleem
downgrade to ios 7 from iOS 8

How to Downgrade from iOS 8 to iOS 7.1.2

It is natural to be eager to download and install iOS 8, the latest operating system by Apple, on your devices. However, it is not necessary that the updates work according to your wishes. Sometimes, the updated operating system may cause it to crash. If you have installed iOS 8, and are suffering from some technical issues, then you should revert to iOS 7.1.2 immediately. This tutorial describes how to downgrade to iOS 7.1.2 from iOS 8.

Prerequisites to Downgrade to iOS 7.1.2 from iOS 8

You must remember that downgrading to the lower operating system is possible till Apple is granted its firmware files. Downgrading to iOS 7.1.2 is at your own risk. You must remember the following points before downgrading your operating system.

  • This article provides method only for iOS 8 powered devices
  • You can revert to iOS 7.1.2 only
  • If you have backed up your system in iOS 8, you can restore the last backup from the iOS 7.1.2 only.
  • The apps you have downloaded in iOS 8, may not work properly in iOS 7.1.2. You might also have some new apps that require you to upgrade to iOS 8 before downloading because of the new updates.
  • Perform downgrade at your own risk. You must make sure that there is a backup of your media files and settings.

You can download the firmware files from the links provided below.

When you have downloaded the files, you may proceed to the following steps.

Downgrade to iOS 7.1.2 from iOS 8

  • Connect your device to the PC, and launch iTunes.
  • Click on the “Device” in the left pane. The “Summary” will show you the details of your device. You need to hold the “alt/option” key for Mac, and “Shift” for Windows, and then click on “Restore iPhone/iPad/iPod touch”. You must keep in mind that once you have performed this task, all the data on your device will be wiped out. So, make sure that you have created a proper backup. Once you have restored your device to iOS 7.1.2, you can easily perform “Restore from iCloud Backup”, or “Restore from iTunes Backup”.

downgrade to ios 7 from iOS 8

  • A window will pop up and you will find the previously downloaded firmware file.

downgrade to ios 7 from iOS 8

  • Launch the file until iTunes restores your device to iOS 7.1.2.

downgrade to ios 7 from iOS 8

  • When the process completes, you need to activate the operating system on your device. Follow the slide of Set Up and remember the following two points.
    • Either choose “Restore from iTunes Backup” or “Restore from iCloud Backup”. The former will use your PC for restoring the system, while the latter will require a Wi-Fi network for restoring your files.
    • downgrade to ios 7 from iOS 8
      • Instead of clicking restore, open the drop-down menu and locate the older/last backup, which was done in iOS 7.1.2.
    • downgrade ios 8 6

This is how to downgrade your device to iOS 7.1.2 from iOS 8. You may download and install iOS 8 yet again if you desire. However, you need to make sure that the iOS 8 is completely compatible with your device.

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