Apple enthusiasts who have taken the plunge and upgraded to the latest iOS 13 software may find that it's not quite what they were hoping for, with bugs or compatibility issues making the experience less than optimal. If you're in this boat and looking to downgrade back to the iOS 12 version on your device, you might be concerned about losing your precious data in the process. The good news is, it is possible to rollback to iOS 12 without losing any data if you follow a few simple steps.
Before diving into the process, it's essential to note that Apple typically stops signing older iOS versions shortly after releasing a new one. This means that downgrading may not be an option if too much time has passed since the release of iOS 13. However, if the window is still open, here's how you can safely downgrade from iOS 13 to iOS 12 without losing any data on your iPhone or iPad.
First things first, you'll need to have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer. Using a lightning USB cable, connect your device to the computer and open iTunes. Make sure to back up your device before proceeding with the downgrade process to ensure your data is safe and secure.
Next, download the iOS 12 firmware for your specific device model. Several websites offer firmware downloads, but be cautious and only download from trusted sources to avoid any security risks.
To initiate the downgrade, put your device into recovery mode. For iPhone 8 or later models, quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then do the same with the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears. For iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, hold the Volume Down and Sleep/Wake (Power) buttons simultaneously until recovery mode is displayed. Other iPhone models have specific steps to enter recovery mode, so ensure you're following the right instructions for your device.
In iTunes, you'll be prompted to either Restore or Update your device. Hold down the Shift key on Windows or the Option key on Mac and click on "Restore iPhone/iPad." Locate the downloaded iOS 12 firmware and select it to begin the downgrade process.
Once the installation is complete, your device will restart, and you'll have successfully downgraded from iOS 13 to iOS 12. During the process, your data should remain intact as long as you've followed the steps correctly and backed up your device beforehand.
It's essential to remember that downgrading from iOS 13 to iOS 12 is not officially supported by Apple and could potentially lead to unforeseen issues. However, if you're experiencing significant problems with iOS 13 and are willing to take the risk, this method can help you return to a more stable version of the software while safeguarding your precious data.