Downgrade iPhone
Many iPhone users recently had seen complaining that their iPhone started crawling when they upgraded the version of their iOS. By now, many users might have upgraded their iPhone to iOS 5, but as it is an alpha release many issues are still unresolved and some of the features are missing as well. One of the biggest problems that an iPhone user may come across is iPhone starts lagging after upgrading to the higher version of iOS.
Where on one side everything is going smooth for some people, on other side people are getting all sorts of problem upon upgrading their iOS. So if you are one of them getting all sorts of problems, read along for more. If you continue to face such problems for quite a long time, it’s the time for you to downgrade your iOS.
Apple often releases iPhone firmware upgrades to provide various new features like enhanced Google maps, iTunes Wi-Fi music store to users who are already using an iPhone. But problem arises when Apple upgrades iPhone firmware which is unlocked or jail broken illegally. If such iPhone firmware is upgraded, process could actually make iPhone unstable. The reason this happens is Apple has designed its firmware to prevent such hacking attempts. When a user jail breaks his/her iPhone in order to install third party applications, actually he/she loses warranty provided by Apple. Thus only way out of this situation is downgrading to original version of iPhone firmware.
Downgrade iPhone 3G from iOS 4 to 3.1.2
If you accidently have upgraded your iPhone to iOS 4, these tried and tested steps will surely help you to downgrade back to the original version.
- Go to: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts (for windows) or /etc/hosts (for Mac OS).
- Add the following entry at the bottom of the file: 74.208.10.249 gs.apple.com
How to restore your iPhone
- Now you need to connect your iPhone to computer using USB and put it into DFU mode. Once done, iTunes will give an alert stating, you need to restore your iPhone. Click on “Ok” and then option + click on restore. Navigate to your already downloaded 3.1.2 firmware.
- Once the restoring is completed, you are sure to hit with 1015 error. Do not panic, this is a part of the process. Perform all the steps again but this time, do not put iPhone into DFU mode, instead start restore in normal mode and let is complete.
Jail breaking your iPhone
- After this restoration is completed, once again you will be hit with error 1015. This is also expected so relax once again. Just press “OK” and Close iTunes.
- Now start redsn0w (make sure it is the 0.9.4 version) or similar software. Here one precaution should be taken and that is, whatever software you are using, just make sure that it is the same version that is compatible with iOS 4.
- Once started, jail break iPhone through normal steps, but uncheck all the ticks while jail breaking.
- After jail breaking is completed, you device should reboot and here you are! Your iPhone is successfully downgraded to iOS 3.1.2.
Downgrade iPhone 3G
- If by any chance, your iPhone goes into recovery mode loop; use RecBoot software to get out of it. It is one of the brilliant software which can get your out of the never ending loop.
- This process is strictly for advanced users, if you are not one, you probably shouldn’t go for this. Because a single step missed, your iPhone could end up horribly wrong. This article or any tips won’t be responsible for any damage done to your iPhone.
- If you are a Windows user then make sure you provide close attention to the RecBoot process before you dive into downgrading.
Even if these tips are specifically provided for downgrading from iOS 4 to 3.1.2, procedure for shifting on other lower versions may or may not differ much. Every time you are going to try the downgrading, make sure that you have latest version of iTunes and the respective version of jail breaking software otherwise you might permanently damage your iPhone.
Alternative method for downgrading iPhone firmware
- Connect your iPhone to PC using USB cable. If iTunes doesn’t launch on its own, start it manually.
- Now hold down the “Power” and “Home” buttons until the phone turns off itself. This process will probably take 20 seconds.
- Once the screen goes completely blank release the “Power” button but DO NOT release “Home” button. Within 10 seconds iTunes will notify you that your iPhone is recognized and its name will appear in the list of recognized device.
- Now, on your keyboard, press and hold down “Shift” and “Alt” and while holding these buttons click on “Restore” button in iTunes. Now open the original firmware files by clicking on it, thus providing instructing iTunes to downgrade.
- Now let the iTunes downgrade firmware version at own pace. You may receive error message, but do not worry as this message is thrown at you due to the fact that iTunes haven’t been allowed to upgrade your iPhone; just ignore the message by clicking “OK”.
- Now if you are seeing a message on screen of your iPhone reading “Connect to iTunes” with a small yellow triangle sign next to it, this means downgrading has been successful.
- Turn of your iPhone and restart it without disconnecting it from computer. This will make sure that your iPhone is functioning properly and it will also notify to AT&T to restore original service to your iPhone.
Tip and warnings for Downgrading iPhone
You may have to switch to AT&T carrier’s service if your iPhone does not accept other SIM. Read all the information related to downgrading or troubleshooting on Apple support site.
Category Article Downgrade iPhone
