How to Downgrade iOS 18.1.1 to 18.1 [Step-By-Step Guide]

Updating your iOS to the latest version is exciting as Apple consistently enhances the iOS for a better iPhone user experience. However, after the update, you may find unexpected bugs, and the new iOS may not live up to your expectations.

If you're wondering how to downgrade your iOS 18.1.1 to an earlier version, explore this blog for detailed steps.

Preparation Before Downgrading Your iOS 18.1.1

Since unexpected things can happen during an iOS downgrade, the first thing you need to do is back up your iPhone. You can easily do it using iCloud, Finder, or iTunes.

In addition to creating a backup of your iPhone, you need to do the following:

• Make sure your iPhone is well connected to your PC or Mac.
• Your network is stable.
• You have turned off Find My iPhone on your iPhone.
• Your Windows PC has the latest iTunes installed.
• You have downloaded an old IPSW file for your iPhone.

How to Downgrade iOS 18.1.1 to 18.1 Using Finder or iTunes

The official way to downgrade your iPhone is to use Finder or iTunes. While Apple doesn't allow you to download iOS firmware directly, you don't have to worry about tampering with IPSW files downloaded from third-party sites, as Finder and iTunes will verify the signature and integrity of the firmware you download before performing the ios downgrade.

Now that you have downloaded the available iOS firmware, let's see how to downgrade your iPhone.

1. Connect your iPhone to a computer via a USB cable.
2. Open iTunes on Windows or Finder on Mac.
3. If you haven't backed up your iPhone, use Finder or iTunes to do so.
4. If you're using Finder, hold down the Option key while clicking Restore iPhone. If you're using iTunes, hold down the Shift key.

   

5. Select the iOS firmware file you downloaded, and click Restore to confirm.

   

6. After the restore process is complete, set up your iPhone.

How to Downgrade iOS iOS 18.1.1 to 18.1 Using DFU Mode

DFU mode is a more advanced mode than recovery mode. It can be used to downgrade your iOS. If the above method cannot help you restore iOS successfully, follow the steps below to do it in DFU mode.

1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac or PC.
2. Open Finder on your Mac or iTunes on your PC.
3. Put your iPhone into DFU mode. If you successfully enter DFU mode, your iPhone will be on a black screen, and a window will pop up in Finder or iTunes saying it detected your iPhone in DFU mode.

   

4. If you are using Finder, hold down the Option key while clicking the Restore iPhone button. If you're using iTunes, hold down the Shift key while clicking the Restore iPhone button.
5. Select the old iOS firmware you downloaded and click Open > Restore.
6. Wait for the restore process to complete, then set up your iPhone.

How to Downgrade iOS 18.1.1 to 18.1 Using BuhoRepair

Another option to downgrade iOS is by using an iOS downgrade tool like BuhoRepair. This tool is specifically tailored to cater to your needs. What sets it apart is that you can download the necessary firmware directly without having to visit any third-party websites. It offers a comprehensive list of iOS versions available for downgrading. With a simple click, you can effortlessly restore your iOS to an earlier version.

Here's how it works:

1. Download, install, and launch BuhoRepair on your computer.
2. Click Upgrade/Downgrade iOS > Downgrade Version > Downgrade Now.

   

3. Select the iOS version you want to downgrade and click Download.

   

4. When the download is complete, click Downgrade Now.
5. Wait for the downgrade process to complete.

The Bottom Line

Now that you have three ways to downgrade your iPhone, which one would you like to try?

Please be aware that unexpected things may happen during the downgrade, and the best way to avoid data loss is to back up your iPhone.