iOS 11 is a great software update with a lot of cool, new features. But sometimes, there can be bugs and glitches that can make it hard to use, and not great at all. That’s where being able to downgrade to an earlier firmware can help. Here is how to do it.
HOW TO DOWNGRADE:
Step 1:
Download the iOS 10.3.3 firmware image straight from Apple right here. You are going to have to login with your Apple ID to access this page. Then, select the file for the device you have. The iPhone 5S and SE share the same file because they are pretty much exactly the same, as with a few other devices.
Step 2:
Open up iTunes and make sure it’s up to date. Also, backup all of your photos to Google Photos or any other photo backup service because they will all be wiped when you restore back to 10.3.3.
Step 3:
Connect your device to iTunes and put the device into recovery mode (hold the home button and power button for iPhone 6S/6S+ and lower, and the use power and volume down buttons for iPhone 7 and 7+).
Step 4:
Shift+Click on Windows or hit the Option key on Mac and click “Restore iPhone”. Then find the file you downloaded earlier and open that. Go through and agree to everything, click OK, and iTunes should verify the update, and your phone should reboot and downgrade your device. It should take about 30 minutes or longer for the whole thing to finish, as it does depend on your internet connection.
Finished!
Your device should be done installing it after about 30 minutes. Set it up, and you are good to go! If you ever want to install it again, you can either join the Apple Beta Software Program (linked here for your convenience) or just wait until September, when iOS 11 officially comes out.
You can also click here to look at our experience with iOS 11 so far! (It’s a great article.)