How to Uninstall iOS 18

With iOS 18 introducing a host of new features and improvements, some users might still experience issues or simply prefer to revert to an earlier version of the operating system. Fortunately, Apple allows users to uninstall iOS 18 and downgrade to a previous version, such as iOS 17, as long as the older version is still being signed by Apple.

KEYPOINT: Select the iOS & iPadOS Beta Software Profile by going to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management and tapping it. Select “Remove Profile.” Enter your device passcode if prompted, then select Remove. Your smartphone won’t get iOS betas again if the profile is removed.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to uninstall iOS 18 and revert to a previous version of iOS in 2024:

Step 1: Back Up Your iPhone

Before starting the downgrade process, it’s crucial to back up your iPhone to avoid losing important data. However, note that backups made on iOS 18 will not be compatible with earlier versions of iOS.

To create a backup:

1. Open Settings and tap on your Apple ID at the top.
2. Select iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now.
3. Alternatively, you can back up your iPhone to a computer using iTunes or Finder by connecting your iPhone via USB and selecting Back Up Now under the Summary tab.

Step 2: Download the iOS 17 IPSW File

To uninstall iOS 18, you’ll need the correct iOS 17 firmware file (IPSW) for your device. Ensure you download the file for your specific iPhone model from a reliable source.

To find the right IPSW file:

1. Visit trusted websites like [ipsw.me](https://ipsw.me) to find the firmware version you need.
2. Download the IPSW file for iOS 17, ensuring it matches your iPhone model.

Step 3: Put Your iPhone in Recovery Mode

To begin the downgrade process, you’ll need to put your iPhone into Recovery Mode. This allows iTunes or Finder to detect your device for firmware restoration.

Here’s how to do it depending on your iPhone model:

For iPhones with Face ID:

1. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
2. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
3. Press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen.

For iPhone 8 or iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later:

1. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
2. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
3. Press and hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears.

For iPhone 7/7 Plus:

1. Press and hold the Volume Down and Side buttons simultaneously.
2. Keep holding both buttons until the recovery mode screen appears.

For iPhone 6s or earlier:

1. Press and hold the Home and Top (or Side) buttons together.
2. Keep holding until you see the recovery mode screen.

Step 4: Connect to iTunes or Finder and Install iOS 17

1. Once your iPhone is in Recovery Mode, you can use iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on macOS) to install iOS 17.
2. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
3. Open iTunes or Finder, and a message should appear saying that your iPhone is in recovery mode.
4. Hold down the Option key (on Mac) or the Shift key (on Windows) and click on the Restore iPhone button.
5. A file browser will appear. Navigate to and select the iOS 17 IPSW file you downloaded earlier.
6. iTunes or Finder will now start the process of installing iOS 17 on your device.

Step 5: Set Up Your iPhone

After the installation completes, your iPhone will restart with iOS 17. You can either set it up as a new device or restore from an older iCloud or iTunes backup.

To restore from a backup:

1. During the setup process, select Restore from iCloud Backup or Restore from Mac or PC, depending on where you saved your backup.
2. Follow the prompts to complete the process.

Important Notes

1. Downgrade Window: Apple only allows downgrades while the earlier version (iOS 17) is still signed. Once Apple stops signing iOS 17, downgrades will no longer be possible.
2. Data Loss: Any data not backed up on iOS 17 or earlier will be lost when downgrading from iOS 18.

Conclusion

Uninstalling iOS 18 and reverting to iOS 17 is straightforward as long as you follow the steps outlined above. Make sure to back up your data properly and download the correct firmware file. If you encounter any issues during the downgrade process, consider reaching out to Apple Support for further assistance.