Downgrade iOS 16.2 beta To 16.1 Without Data Loss [How To]

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iPhone Tricks > How To

Posted in How To by Tyrone on November 8, 2022

Downgrade iOS 16.2 to 16.1

Yes, it’s possible to downgrade iOS 16.2 beta to iOS 16.1 without losing data! If you’re not satisfied by the current iOS 16.2 beta performance and are not able to cope with bugs like Camera not closing or App Store crashing you can easily revert to the current public version.

Downgrade iOS 16.2 beta to 16.1

To perform this reversal you need the following:

  • A Mac or Windows computer with Finder (pre-installed in macOS) or iTunes (has to be downloaded from here).
  • An USB (USB-C) to Lightning cable.
  • Internet connection for both computer and iPhone.
  • The iOS 16.1 ipsw file, or any other signed iOS 16 version which can be downloaded from ipsw.me (direct link).

How To Downgrade iOS 16.2 to 16.1

  • 1. Connect iPhone to computer and open Finder or iTunes depending on what OS your machine uses.
  • 2. Backup iPhone using the Back Up Now option in Finder (make sure that Encrypt local backup is selected).
  • 3. On iPhone, go for Settings -> Apple ID -> Find My -> Find My iPhone and turn it Off. Else, you won’t be able to restore iPhone using a computer.
  • 4. On Mac, press & hold option key + click Restore iPhone in Finder.
  • 5. Select the recently downloaded iOS 16.1 ipsw file from the windows that opens up and click Open.
  • 6. Click Restore to confirm that you want your Mac to erase and restore your iPhone to iOS 16.1. Be patient until Mac extracts software, prepares iPhone to restore (the Apple logo is displayed on iPhone), restores the software, verifies the iPhone restore and restores iPhone firmware.
    downgrade iOS 16.2 to iOS 16.1
  • 7. iPhone reboots when downgrade is completed. Swipe-up on the ‘hello’ screen and return to Finder, on Mac. Click on iPhone, in the sidebar, under Locations. Wait until device is activated!
  • 8. Use the Restore from this backup option. Select the backup that you want to use and enter the password to unlock backup. Click Restore and be patient.

    • Tip: If you’re getting the “Could not restore the iPhone ‘Mike’s iPhone’ because the backup was not compatible with the iPhone that is being restored.” you have to tweak the backup file.
    restore iphone from backup ios 16.1

  • 9. On iPhone, tap Continue, on the Restore Completed screen. Configure Face ID, set up a new Passcode (can be the same as your old one), sign in to your Apple ID and be patient until the iCloud settings are updated!
  • 10. Follow the other on-screen prompts including Location Services and Share iPhone Analytics with Apple until you reach the Welcome to iPhone screen. Swipe up to get started! That’s it your device has been successfully downgraded to iOS 16.1!

Tip: To remain on the public release versions you have to browse for Settings -> General -> VPN & Device Management, remove the iOS 16 Beta Software Profile and restart your device.

Have you managed to downgrade iOS 16.2 beta to iOS 16.1? Did you encounter any problems or have any issues to report? Share your feedback in the comments.

Related: For more details about all iOS 16 version available and upcoming you can check our iOS 16 timeline over here.


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