How to Downgrade iOS 26.6.1 to 26.6 [Step-By-Step Guide]

Updating your iPhone to the latest version of iOS usually brings new features, security updates, and bug fixes. However, a new iOS version can sometimes introduce unexpected bugs, compatibility issues, or changes you simply don't like.

If you've updated to iOS 26.6.1 and want to go back to an earlier version, this guide walks you through the available downgrade methods and the things you should know before getting started.

Preparation Before Downgrading iOS 26.6.1

Before downgrading your iPhone, make sure you have a backup of your important data. A downgrade normally erases your iPhone, so having a recent backup is essential.

You can back up your iPhone using iCloud, Finder on Mac, or iTunes/Apple Devices on Windows.

In addition to creating a backup, make sure:

• Your iPhone is connected to your Mac or Windows PC with a reliable USB cable.
• Your internet connection is stable, especially if you need to download an IPSW file.
• You have turned off Find My iPhone on your iPhone.
• Your Mac is running a recent version of macOS, or your Windows PC has the latest version of the Apple Devices app or iTunes installed.
• You have downloaded a compatible IPSW file for your iPhone model.
• The iOS version you want to install is still being signed by Apple.

How to Downgrade iOS 26.6.1 Using Finder or Apple Devices

The standard way to downgrade an iPhone is to restore it using Finder on Mac or Apple Devices on Windows. iTunes can also be used on older Windows setups.

The important thing to remember is that the IPSW file itself is not what determines whether the downgrade is allowed. During the restore process, Apple verifies the firmware with its signing servers. Therefore, you can only restore an iOS version that Apple is still signing for your specific iPhone model.

Once you have downloaded a compatible and signed IPSW file, follow these steps:

1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac or Windows PC using a USB cable.
2. Open Finder on Mac, or Apple Devices on Windows. If you're using an older Windows setup without Apple Devices, open iTunes instead.
3. If you haven't already backed up your iPhone, create a backup before continuing.
4. On Mac, hold down the Option key and click Restore iPhone. On Windows, hold down the Shift key and click Restore iPhone.

   

5. Select the IPSW file you downloaded and click Restore to confirm.

   

6. Wait for the restore process to finish. Your iPhone will restart when the process is complete.
7. Set up your iPhone and restore your data from a compatible backup if available.

How to Downgrade iOS 26.6.1 Using DFU Mode

If a normal restore doesn't work, you can also try DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode.

DFU mode provides a lower-level way to communicate with your iPhone and can be useful when the normal restore process fails or when the device has software-related problems.

However, DFU mode is not required for every downgrade. If Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes can successfully restore the signed IPSW in normal mode, there is usually no need to use DFU mode.

Here's how to downgrade your iPhone using DFU mode:

1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac or Windows PC with a USB cable.
2. Open Finder on Mac, or Apple Devices on Windows. On older Windows setups, open iTunes.
3. Put your iPhone into DFU mode.
4. If you successfully enter DFU mode, the iPhone screen should remain black. Your computer should detect the device and indicate that it needs to be restored.

   

5. On Mac, hold down the Option key while clicking Restore iPhone. On Windows, hold down the Shift key while clicking Restore iPhone.
6. Select the signed IPSW file you downloaded and click Open or Restore.
7. Wait for the restore process to finish, then set up your iPhone.

How to Downgrade iOS 26.6.1 Using BuhoRepair

If you prefer a simpler way to downgrade iOS, you can use an iOS system repair tool such as BuhoRepair.

BuhoRepair can help you download the required firmware and complete the downgrade process without manually searching for and selecting an IPSW file.

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 to and click Download.

   

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

The Bottom Line

Downgrading iOS can be useful if a new version causes bugs, compatibility problems, or other issues on your iPhone. You can use Finder or Apple Devices for a manual restore, try DFU mode if a normal restore doesn't work, or use an iOS downgrade tool such as BuhoRepair for a more convenient process.

Before you start, always back up your iPhone and check whether the iOS version you want to install is still being signed by Apple. Keep in mind that downgrading normally erases your device, and backups created on a newer version of iOS may not work on an older version.