When Apple released iOS 7.0 back in September 18th, several users were quick to upgrade to the newest version of software. Even though iOS 7 offers the biggest changes to the iOS platform since its launch, it does come with its share of issues. For example the iPhone 4 will feel sluggish and slower on the new update, as the 2010 hardware is unable to cope with the demands from the new platform. Users who have updates to iOS 7 have also been facing various bugs and issues which will make them want to revert back to iOS 6.0 until Apple has resolved all the issues with their new platform.
So how do we downgrade from iOS 7 to iOS 6? Lets find out
If this is the first time you are looking for an answer to downgrading iOS, you may be out of luck. Apple does not allow users to downgrade their version of iOS, even if it has issues. Instead Apple expect users to stick it out until they comes up with a solution.
However if you have downgraded iOS in the past, you'll probably know, that you need to have saved your SHSH blobs in the past to make this work.
SHSH blob is a jargon term for a small piece of data that is part of Apple's digital signature protocol for iOS restores and updates, designed to control the iOS versions that users can install on their iOS devices (iPhones, iPads, iPod touches, and Apple TVs), generally only allowing the newest iOS version to be installable. Developers interested in iOS jailbreaking have made tools for working around this signature system in order to install jailbreakable older iOS versions that are no longer being signed by Apple.
[NOTE] This guide is for Windows users, and is applicable only on iPhone 4.
- Download and install iTunes 11.0.5 or below. If you are running a newer version, make sure you uninstall it first. This is because starting from iTunes 11.1, Apple has killed the ability to restore to custom firmware files from iTunes. When uninstalling, make sure you remove all traces, including services like Apple Mobile Device, Apple Software Update and Bonjour. Then restart your computer.
[NOTE] If you encounter an error relating to "iTunesMusic Library.xml", head over to your iTunes Music folder and delete said file.
- - Download the latest version of iFaith and one of the following firmware update files for your iPhone 4, depending on the SHSH blob files you have saved.
- Download iOS 6.1.2
- Download iOS 6.1.3
[NOTE] You will also need to retrieve your SHSH blobs from wherever you have happened to save them locally. If you previously had them saved on Cydia, you can make use of 'Show Available SHSH Caches on Server' option in iFaith to save them on your HDD now.
- - Run iFaith and click 'Build*signed*IPSW w/Blobs'. This will begin the process of creating your modified firmware file, which you can use to downgrade your iPhone.
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- Locate your SHSH, and then select the stock iOS firmware file that you downloaded in Step 3 above. iFaith will then work its magic and create a custom IPSW.
- - Follow the on-screen instructions to put your device into pwned DFU mode using iFaith’s built-in DFU Pwner:
- Hold Power and Home buttons at the same time for 10 seconds
- Release the Power button whilst continuing to hold Home until the screen is blank.
- Congratulations, you have successfully entered DFU mode.
- - Finally, Load up iTunes, select your iPhone, hold down the left SHIFT key and click on Restore iPhone at the same time, and browse to that custom firmware file created by iFaith. The restore will then proceed.
Once the restore is complete your iPhone 4 will be back to running iOS 6.1.2 or iOS 6.1.3