Apple has just released iOS 10.3.3 which fixes a number of critical bugs and security issues. The update is available as an over-the-air in Settings > General > Software Update, or you can install it via iTunes.
If you’ve already updated to iOS 10.3.3 but facing issues, such as unexpected lags, crashes, random reboots, and so on, then it is possible to downgrade back to iOS 10.3.2. The signing window for iOS 10.3.2 is still open and downgrading to this firmware is possible as long as Apple is still signing the firmware.
If you’re into jailbreaking, then it’s best that you stay on your current firmware and avoid updating to increase your chances of jailbreaking. You can read our detailed post about the status of the iOS 10.3.2 – iOS 10.3.3 jailbreak. A team going by the name KeenLab demoed a working jailbreak for iOS 10.3.2 during a security conference at MOSEC 2017. Meanwhile, the Pangu team had also demoed a jailbreak for iOS 10.3.1. Despite these jailbreak demoes, we’re yet to hear an update from these teams as to whether they will release a jailbreak or not.
With all this said, if you’re planning to downgrade from iOS 10.3.3 to iOS 10.3.2, then read the steps below to find out how.
Here are some important points to consider before downgrading:
- Ensure that you have updated iTunes to the latest version.
- Downgrading to iOS 10.3.2 is possible only if Apple is signing the firmware. As of this writing, the signing window is open and you can downgrade.
- You can downgrade to iOS 10.3.2 only, and not to older versions.
- Please take a backup of your iOS device using iCloud or iTunes so that if anything happens, you can recover your data from the backup. If you need help, follow our guide:
- Please note that the process involves wiping your device, and then restoring it from a compatible backup, so it can take some time depending on how much data needs to be recovered and your internet connection (if you’re restoring from an iCloud backup).
How to Downgrade from iOS 10.3.3 to iOS 10.3.2
Step 1: Download the iOS 10.3.2 IPSW file from our download page. Make sure that you download the correct firmware that corresponds to your device model.
- Download iOS firmware file for iPhone
- Download iOS firmware file for iPad
- Download iOS firmware file for iPod touch
Note: If you’re downloading the firmware file using Safari and have auto-unzip enabled, then make sure that you disable it. Alternatively, you can use Chrome or Firefox, or rename the .zip file as .ipsw and it should work.
Step 2: Now you need put your device into DFU mode. If you own an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus, then read this guide for entering DFU mode. Otherwise, if you own an older iPhone model or an iPad or iPod, read the steps below:
- Plug your device into your computer.
- Turn off your device by holding the Power button and then sliding to power off.
- Next, press and hold the Power button for 3 seconds.
- Then begin holding the Home button without releasing the Power button for 10 seconds.
- Release the power button and continue holding the home button until you get a popup from iTunes that it has detected your device is in Recovery mode. If you don’t see the popup, try the process of holding the buttons again.
- Click on the Ok button.
Step 4: The file browser popup appears. Browse and select the iOS 10.3.2 IPSW file that you downloaded earlier.
Step 6: In the next screen, it will give you information about the iOS 10.3.2 firmware. Click on the Next button, followed by the Agree button to continue.
Step 7: iTunes will now verify the software and install it on your device. It should take around 10 minutes or less.
- Notes: If you get the error message “This device isn’t eligible for the requested build”, then it might be because you’ve downloaded the wrong firmware file for your device.
Step 8: After it is successfully restored to iOS 10.3.2, you should see the white ‘Hello’ screen on your device. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your device. You can start afresh or restore your device from a compatible backup.
If you face any issues while downgrading, let us know in the below.
