[June 2024] Cannot Downgrade iOS 18 to iOS 17 Explained
Jerry Cook- Updated on 2024-09-04 to iOS 18
Jerry CookDid you just download the iOS 18 but now you feel it’s not what you were expecting? If you’re an iPhone user who wants the iOS 17 back but cannot downgrade iOS 18 to iOS 17, this article is for you! While there is no direct method for iOS downgrade 18 to 17, there are ways to understand why and potentially find workarounds.
In this article, we’re going to tell you the top methods to downgrade iOS 18 to 17.
- Part 1: Why Can't I downgrade from iOS 18 to iOS 17?
- Part 2: How to Fix the Issue of "Cannot Downgrade iOS 18 to iOS 17?
- Method 1: Ensure Network Stability
- Method 2: Ensure Sufficient Storage Space
- Method 3: Restart Your Computer and iPhone
- Part 3: [Tips] How to Downgrade from iOS 18 to 17?
- 1.Downgrade iOS 18 to 17 Without Data Loss [Quick & Safe]
- 2.How to Downgrade iOS 18 to 17 Using iTunes
- 3.How to Downgrade from iOS 18 without Computer
- Part 4: FAQ
Part 1: Why Can't I downgrade from iOS 18 to iOS 17?
A direct downgrade isn't currently offered by Apple. This is likely due to several factors, including prioritising data integrity during the testing phase and the lack of an official method to download the older iOS 17 software. However, before we tell you how to downgrade iOS 18 to 17 without computer, it is important to understand a few reasons why you cannot downgrade iOS 18 to iOS 17.
- Software Glitches: Even on a stable version like iOS 17, unexpected software problems can occur. These glitches might interfere with the downgrade process, making you unable to do iOS downgrade 18 to 17.
- Insufficient storage space: Downgrading an iOS version often requires temporary storage space to hold the installation files. If your iPhone is full of data, it might not be able to downgrade to iOS 17.
- Unstable network connection: A stable network connection is important to downgrade iOS 18 to 17. A shaky or slow connection can lead to errors and failed attempts.
Part 2: How to Fix the Issue of "Cannot Downgrade iOS 18 to iOS 17?
Wondering how to fix the issue of not being able to downgrade iOS 18 to iOS 17? Here are some methods you can try.
Method 1: Ensure Network Stability
Your iPhone needs a stable internet connection throughout downgrading. So when your iPhone is unable to iOS downgrade 18 to 17, you might wanna check your iPhone’s internet connection. Here’s how to do that:
- Step 1: Check Wi-Fi strength. In case of weak signal strength, try moving closer to the router or connecting to a different network.
- Step 2: If you're currently relying on cellular data, switch to a strong Wi-Fi network. Wi-Fi generally offers a more stable and faster connection.
- Step 3: Sometimes, a simple router restart can clear up any temporary glitches. Unplug your router for a few seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to restart completely.
- Step 4: Use an online speed test to verify your internet download and upload speeds.
Method 2: Ensure Sufficient Storage Space
It’s quite obvious you need enough storage on your iPhone for downgrading. In case of low storage, follow these steps if you cannot downgrade iOS 18 to iOS 17.
- Step 1: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. You can then see how the different apps are consuming space on your iPhone.
- Step 2: If you find apps you no longer use, tap and select "Delete App" to remove them.
- Step 3: Or you can “Offload” the apps by tapping on the app icon and choosing “Offload App.”
- Step 4: Consider deleting unnecessary photos and videos, or transferring them to your computer or cloud storage.
- Step 5: Now go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data to remove temporary browsing data that might be taking up space.
Method 3: Restart Your Computer and iPhone
Restarting both your iPhone and computer can help if you cannot downgrade iOS 18 to iOS 17. To restart your iPhone:
- 1. Press and hold the Power button and one of the volume buttons.
- 2. Slide right the “slide to power off” option.
- 3. When your iPhone turns off, press and hold the Power button until it turns back on.
To restart Your computer:
- Windows: Click on the Start Menu, then select the Power icon and choose Restart.
- Mac: Go to Apple Menu and choose Restart.
Part 3: [Tips] How to Downgrade from iOS 18 to 17?
If you're struggling to downgrade iOS 18 to iOS 17, you might be wondering if there are other methods you can try. Here are three different ways to downgrade iOS 18 to iOS 17.
1. Downgrade iOS 18 to 17 Without Data Loss [Quick & Safe]
Downgrading to a previous iOS version comes with the risk of data loss But luckily, UltFone iOS System Repair eliminates all the risks! Unlike standard methods that often require a full system restore, UltFone downgrades while keeping your photos, messages, and apps intact, so you can downgrade iOS 18 to 17 safe and secure.
Why Choose UltFone iOS Downgrade Tool?
- Free to downgrade iOS 18 to iOS 17 without losing data or using Time Machine.
- Fix over 200 different macOS/iOS/iPadOS issues, including app crashes, installation errors, and network connectivity problems.
- Repair booting issues and re-install missing drivers for smooth system performance.
- User-friendly interface with step-by-step instructions for easy operation.
- Supports multiple versions of macOS/iOS/iPadOS, including macOS 15, iOS 18, Sonoma, Ventura, and Big Sur...
Here’s how to use UltFone to downgrade iOS 18 to 17:
- Step 1Download and install UltFone iOS System Repair on your computer. Connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable. Launch the UltFone app and select the “iOS Upgrade/Downgrade” option.
- Step 2Choose “Downgrade.” UltFone will detect your iPhone and the iOS version it’s running on. Click “Downgrade.”
- Step 3UltFone will download the iOS 17 IPSW file for your iPhone. This process might take some time. Make sure your internet connection is stable and your iPhone remains connected during the download. Once downloaded, UltFone will put your iPhone in recovery mode.
- Step 4Wait for the download to complete, then click “Done.”
- Step 5Finally, you successfully downgraded iOS 18 to 17.
2. How to Downgrade iOS 18 to 17 Using iTunes
Alternatively, you can downgrade iOS 18 to 17 using iTunes. However, this comes with data loss - so make sure you have a recent backup of your iPhone. To downgrade via iTunes:
- Step 1: You'll need the iOS 17 IPSW firmware file specifically compatible with your iPhone model. So go ahead and download it.
- Step 2: Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable. Open iTunes on a Windows PC or Finder on a Mac.
- Step 3: Now put your iPhone in DFU mode by pressing the Volume Down and Power button together for 10 seconds. Then release the Power button but keep pressing the Volume Down button for 5 more seconds. Your iPhone will enter DFU mode.
- Step 4: Hold Shift on your computer (or Option on Mac for Finder) and click “Restore.”
- Step 5: Select the downloaded iOS 17 profile to initiate downgrading.
- Step 6: iTunes/Finder will verify the IPSW file and restore your iPhone to iOS 17. This process may take several minutes. Be patient and avoid disconnecting your iPhone during this time.
3. How to Downgrade from iOS 18 without Computer
Don’t have a computer? This method involves removing the iOS 18 profile you downloaded to install the iOS version on your iPhone. Here’s how to downgrade from iOS 18 without computer.
- 1. Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.
- 2. Tap on the iOS 18 profile you downloaded.
- 3. Tap “Remove Profile.” Once the profile is removed, restart your iPhone.
There you go! That’s how to downgrade from iOS 18 without computer with simple steps.
Part 4: FAQ
Q1. Can I downgrade iOS 18 with 3uTools?
3uTools currently does not support downgrading iOS 18, but it can downgrade the following devices:
- iPhone 3GS without SHSH file backups can be downgraded to iOS 4.1 using 3uTools.
- iPhone 4 with SHSH file backups can be downgraded to any compatible firmware using 3uTools.
- iPhone 4s/5/5s/6/6 Plus/6s/6s Plus, iPad 2/3/4, iPad Pro, iPad Air 1/2, iPod Touch 5/6, and iPad mini 1/2/3/4 can be downgraded from iOS 9.3 to iOS 9.2.1 using 3uTools.
Q2. Does updating iOS 18 take up storage?
Yes, updating to any new software version, including updates, will require additional storage space on your iPhone. This space is needed to download the update files and perform the installation process.
Q3. What is a profile on an iPhone?
A profile is a configuration file installed on your iPhone that allows you to access and install versions of iOS software. Once you're enrolled in the iOS program and install the profile, your iPhone can identify and download the latest updates.
Conclusion:
We just told you how to downgrade iOS 18 to 17 if Apple doesn’t allow it. If you cannot downgrade iOS 18 to iOS 17 due to an issue within your iPhone, you can try restarting, connecting to a stable internet, or clearing some storage.
To downgrade iOS 18, you can do it with iTunes, or even better - UltFone. UltFone iOS System Repair stands out because it allows you to downgrade without wiping your data. This can be a game-changer if you need to return to a more stable version but want to keep your precious information intact.
- 1-click to enter/exit iOS recovery mode free
- Fix 100+ iPhone update/restore errors.
- Factory reset iPhone without passcode.
- Support iPhone 16/15/14/13/12/11 Pro/XR/XS/X and iOS 18/17/16/15.