How to Downgrade an iPhone to iOS 16

In this article, we will learn how to downgrade to iOS 16 the more stable and reliable version. We will explore super effective 3 step-by-step methods. Moreover, the article will also cover the reasons why people prefer to downgrade to iOS 16.

Author Avatar Joy Taylor Last Updated: Sep. 06, 2024

Frustrated with the latest iOS update? Worry not! Downgrading to iOS 16 might be the solution. Knowing how to go back to iOS 16 can be technical but not too technical or complex.  Sometimes new versions may not run smoothly on your device. Time to say goodbye to such current versions.  

This article will provide you with step-by-step guidance. Now you can safely downgrade to iOS 16. We will use five effective methods. It is recommended to have a backup of your device for safer side. You can easily follow these steps. It will ensure that you enjoy your iPhone the way you want. Additionally, we will also explore downgrading to iOS 16 via AnyFix

Let’s jump in! 

Part 1. What does it mean to Downgrade to iOS 16?

Switching your iPhone’s iOS to an earlier version is known as “downgrading”. Sometimes the newer versions come with bugs, slower performance, or incompatibility. If you are unhappy with the current version, downgrading can help you. This process requires removing the current version. Then, reinstalling the iOS 16 version. It might require a bit of time. Following the steps in this guide will ensure it’s done safely. 

So, what’s the wait? The sole purpose of this article is to help users downgrade to iOS 16 version smoothly. Let’s move further and explore why and how to go back to iOS 16 using AnyFix and other methods. 

Part 2: Why downgrade to iOS 16?

There can be multiple factors why you need to downgrade to iOS 16. Newer iOS versions can introduce bugs or glitches. Older iPhones may struggle to adopt the latest features. It can also make your mobile slower or less reliableThe important concern of many iPhone users is battery life. The new updates can negatively impact battery life. The background processes or additional features drain the battery faster. Some users simply prefer the look and feel of iOS 16. Knowing how to go back to iOS 16 can again provide a familiar experience. 

Here are the major reasons why users feel to downgrade to iOS 16

  • Instability: The newer versions are often seen as less stable versions. They are more prone to bugs and glitches.  
  • Performance Degradation: The device becomes slower and results in an inefficient state. 
  • Affecting Battery Life: The battery drains faster due to background processes. 
  • Compatibility Issues: Certain apps are not compatible with new iOS versions. 
  • Preference for iOS 16: Some users don’t prefer the layout, features, and design of newer iOS versions.

If you want to enjoy the same stable and reliable iOS 16 version, then let’s dive into the simple methods! 

Part 3: How to downgrade to iOS 16

Downgrading requires many important steps. Please make sure to follow all the steps carefully with attention. It will avoid any of your device’s data loss and ensure a smooth downgrade to iOS 16

Ensure the backup of your device data before starting the downgrading process. All of your important files should be safely stored. 

If you are experiencing issues like your iPhone being frozen or being stuck then downgrading is the solution. It will bring your iPhone back to normal. 

Method 1.  Downgrade to iOS 16 via AnyFix 🔥

Downgrading can be done easily by using AnyFix. It is a top-rated software for iOS system repair and recovery software without data loss. Downgrading to iOS 16 with AnyFix is a piece of cake. 

This software is unique because it provides detailed simple instructions to fix iOS system issues. It fixes issues for any iPhone, iPod, iPad touch, and Apple TV. Moreover, it can fix 200+ iTunes errors. It is free to download for Windows and Mac. People love to use AnyFix for its simple and hassle-free usage.  

Free Download

Free Download

* 100% Clean & Safe

Free Download * 100% Clean & Safe

Steps to Downgrade to iOS 16 via AnyFix 

This is how you can easily and carefully downgrade to iOS 16 via AnyFix: 

Step 1: The first step is to go to the iMobie website and download AnyFix on your computer. Then install the software and ensure a stable internet. 

Step 2:  After launching the software, select the “upgrade/downgrade iOS” Mode. 

AnyFix Upgrade/Downgrade iOS Option

AnyFix Upgrade/Downgrade iOS Option

Step 3: Then connect your iOS device with a USB cable. Model information of the iOS device will be shown on the screen once it is connected. After the successful connection, select “1 click to downgrade iOS/iPadOS” and click the button “Start Now” to proceed further. 

Choose 1 Click to Downgrade iOS/iPadOS

Choose 1 Click to Downgrade iOS/iPadOS

Step 4: The firmware packages lower than the current one for the iOS device will be displayed. Then please select the desired firmware package and click on the “download” button. It will take some time to download please hold on. 

Download Firmware to Downgrade

Download Firmware to Downgrade

Step 5: Once the download process is finished, click the downgrade button to downgrade the iOS version. Please don’t disconnect your device. Wait for the device to restart.

Click Downgrade

Click Downgrade

Step 6: After clicking the button, AnyFix will start to downgrade the iOS version automatically. After the process is completed, you will see the below interface.

Downgrade Completed Page

Downgrade Completed Page

So, this is how you can downgrade to iOS 16 easily via AnyFix. It is quite helpful but if you want to explore more effective methods then continue reading. 

Method 2. Downgrade to iOS 16 using iTunes with IPSW File for FREE 

iTunes is an official Apple software that you can use to manage the music and find your device. Please carefully follow the instructions. If you will make a mistake your mobile can stuck in recovery mode and can be difficult to recover.  iTunes is free to use. If you are comfortable with the process then it is a worth considering tool. It is easy to access it. iTunes is for Windows. 

As discussed earlier, it is free to use but attentively following the steps is very important. So, let’s learn how to go back to iOS 16 step-by-step. 

Steps to Downgrade to iOS 16 using iTunes

Step 1: Open the home page of settings. Click the name at the top > Find My > Turn it off.

Turn Off Find My iPhone from Settings

Turn Off Find My iPhone from Settings

Step 2: Take a backup of your iPhone data using iCloud or iTunes to avoid any data loss. Make sure your backup is completed. 

Step 3: Download the iTunes on your computer. 

Step 4: Open the ipsw.me website. Select your device (iPhone/iPad/iPod) and its model. 

Select Your Device and Model

Select Your Device and Model

Step 5: Click on the signed IPSW iOS 16. Then click on the download button. It will take some time, so be patient.  

Click Download Button

Click Download Button

Step 6: Once the download is complete. Look for iTunes on your computer. Open iTunes. Then connect your iPhone to the computer. 

Step 7: While holding the shift key, click on the “Restore iPhone” button and select the IPSW file. It will downgrade to iOS 16. 

Clicking the Restore iPhone Button

Clicking the Restore iPhone Button

iTunes may prompt you with an error but you can always go back to explore the efficient AnyFix software to smoothly and easily downgrade to iOS 16

Step 8: Go to iTunes and click “Restore Backup”. Selected the recent backup file. iTunes will start the restore process and your iPhone will restart. You can set up your iPhone once the restore is completed. 

There you go! Enjoy your desired iOS version. If you are a Mac user, then worry not. You can still downgrade to iOS 16. Please continue reading the next effective method. 

Method 3. Downgrade to iOS 16 using Finder on MacOS 

Users using MacOS rather than Windows can use Finder instead of iTunes to downgrade to iOS 16. It is an Apple software designed to manage music. 

Finder is easy to access. Another plus point is that it is free to use. Using Finder requires steps that need careful attention to avoid mistakes.  

As discussed earlier, it is a convenient option for MacOS users. Let’s dive into the detailed steps. 

Steps to Downgrade to iOS 16 using Finder  

The easy and detailed steps to downgrade to iOS 16 are:

Step 1: Ensure that your MacOS is updated. Take a backup of your iPhone data through Finder to avoid any data loss.

Step 2: Search for settings. Open the home page of settings. Click the name at the top then click Find My and then Turn it off.

Step 3: Then open the ipsw.me website. After selecting your device (iPhone/iPad/iPod) and its model, Click on the signed IPSW iOS 16. 

Click on the Signed IPSW iOS 16

Click on the Signed IPSW iOS 16

Step 4: Download the IPSW file and wait until its downloading is completed.

Download the IPSW File

Download the IPSW File

Step 5: Open Finder in your MacOS and connect your iPhone to the MacOS.

Step 6: Select your iPhone on Mac and click “Trust” on the Mac and then on your iPhone. Then by holding the Option key on Mac, Left-click the “Restore iPhone” button. 

Step 7: Then select the downloaded firmware file. Then click on the restore button. Wait for it to finish. 

If it gives any compatibility error it means that you have downloaded the wrong firmware file for your iPhone. 

Step 8: Once your iPhone is restarted you can set up your iPhone and restore backup data. 

Conclusion 

This article has explored in detail how to go back to iOS 16. Downgrading is not too technical when using the right tools with the right steps. We have learned various methods including downgrading using AnyFix, iTunes with an IPSW file, and Finder on MacOS. You can freely use any method according to your requirements. 

Among all these, AnyFix stands out as the most user-friendly and effective method to downgrade to iOS 16. This is because it does not require a lot of technical knowledge. People with little technical knowledge can easily downgrade to iOS 16 with just a few clicks. So, give it a try! 

Free Download

Free Download

* 100% Clean & Safe

Free Download * 100% Clean & Safe

Author Avatar
Joy Taylor Twitter Share Facebook Share

Senior writer of the iMobie team as well as an Apple fan, love to help more users solve various types of iOS & Android-related issues.

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