Apple fans who are running iOS 10.1 have a myriad of reasons to be happy, but some are experiencing performance drops or were simply more content with the previous version of the iOS.
We will guide you through an easy downgrade to iOS 10, should you feel that the iOS 10.1 is not your cup of tea.
Despite the fact that Apple does not officially support iOS update downgrades, there is a way to accomplish this in iTunes, but the window of opportunity is rather slim. Apple no longer offers users the possibility to install iOS 9.3.5, but downgrading to iOS 10.0.2 is still an option.
There are strong reasons for using iOS 10, and you can read all about it in our coverage.
Downgrade From iOS 10.1 To iOS 10
Read on to see the exact steps required to backpedal to iOS 10. Unfortunately, for those who want to revert to iOS 9.3 from iOS 9.2, this is no longer possible. Also, keep in mind that jailbreak-able variants of iOS cannot be a destination for your downgrades.
Back Up First!
An important first step in any OS change is to back up your data on your PC or Mac. It should be mentioned that, after a downgrade, the iOS 10.1 backup will not make its way to iOS 10. However, it is better to have your data in backup form, in case the downgrade process misfires. Simply put, downgrading the OS will erase everything from your phone.
iOS 10 Update Download And Installation
To start the download, plug in to your PC or Mac computer via the Lightning cable and verify that you have the iOS 10.0.2 update file.
Here is the official repository, and you can download the appropriate .ipsw files for iOS 10.0.2 from here, for both the iPad and iPhone.
Make sure that the table row is green and that next to the Apple Signing Status there is a check mark. If Apple no longer signs iOS 10.0.2, we advise you to stop.
Installing iOS 10.0.2
After you download the necessary file to your PC or Mac, make sure to unzip it if necessary. With the mobile device, connect via Lightning cable and open iTunes. Open the device summary page of your iOS carrying phone or tablet.
Before you start, disable "Find my iPhone."
Tap the "Restore iPhone" button, which will open up a prompt. From there, find and select the iOS 10.0.2 ipsw file you recently downloaded.
The installer will notify you that iTunes is about to delete everything on your device and restore your iPhone to iOS 10.0.2. The restore will be Apple-verified. Simply click "Restore" to begin and wait until the process finishes.
You now have a clean slate iPhone/iPad running iOS 10.0.2.
Here is a list of more tips and tricks showing you how to make the most out of the OS version.
