iOS 16.5 and iPadOS 16.5 is out now for iPhone and iPad. But, if you're reading this, you're not interested in Apple's new software update. Instead, you're interested in how to downgrade back to iOS 16.4.1 or iPadOS 16.4.1 for whatever reason you may have. Here's a complete step-by-step tutorial on how to downgrade iOS 16.5 or iPadOS 16.5 to iOS 16.4.1 or iPadOS 16.4.1 on iPhone and iPad.
Apple is still signing iOS 16.4.1 and iPadOS 16.4.1 - here's how you can downgrade iOS 16.5 and iPadOS 16.5 back to older firmware
The good news is Apple is still signing iOS 16.4.1 and iPadOS 16.4.1 right now. This means you can downgrade your iPhone and iPad using a firmware file straight from Apple. Once Apple stops signing the older firmware, you won't be able to do anything and have no option but to download and install the latest update from Apple.
Before you go ahead, you have to ensure all your data is well-protected and backed up. You can either use iCloud, iTunes, or Finder to back up your data. It's entirely up to you how you want to do this. Once your data has been backed up, download the iOS 16.4.1 or iPadOS 16.4.1 firmware file from the links below. Please download the correct file; otherwise, you'll have to re-download from scratch.
iOS 16.4.1 for iPhone IPSW files
- iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XS
- iPhone 11, iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone SE 3
- iPhone SE 2
iPadOS 16.4.1 for iPad IPSW files
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro (6th-gen, 5th-gen, 4th-gen, 3rd-gen, 2nd-gen, 1st-gen)
- 11-inch iPad Pro (4th-gen, 3rd-gen, 2nd-gen, 1st-gen)
- 10.5-inch iPad Pro
- 9.7-inch iPad Pro
- iPad (5th-gen, 6th-gen, 7th-gen, 8th-gen, 9th-gen, 10th-gen)
- iPad Air (3rd-gen, 4th-gen, 5th-gen)
- iPad mini (5th-gen, 6th-gen)
Once the file is downloaded, you're now ready for the downgrade. But first, turn off Find My on your iPhone and iPad. You can do this by going to Settings > Apple ID > Find My > Find My iPhone/iPad and then turning off the Find My iPhone/iPad switch at the very top. You will be required to enter your Apple ID and password.
Tutorial
Step 1. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your PC or Mac using a Lightning or USB-C cable.
Step 2. Once your device is detected, launch iTunes or Finder.
Step 3. You'll see your device detected on the left-hand side. Click on it to reveal more details.
Step 4. You are now face to face with a 'Restore iPhone/iPad' button. Click on it while holding down the left Shift key (Windows) or the left Option key (Mac).
Step 5. Select the iOS 16.4.1 or iPadOS 16.4.1 IPSW file you downloaded and saved. That's all.
The file will be extracted, verified, and restored to your device. The whole thing may take a while. Once everything is complete, you can either set up your device as new or restore the backup you created before jumping into the downgrade tutorial. This is all you have to do to downgrade iOS 16.5 or iPadOS 16.5 to iOS 16.4.1 or iPadOS 16.4.1 on your iPhone and iPad.
About the author: Uzair has been writing about tech for a little under 10 years. Started off in the Symbian days, migrated to Android, eventually settling on iOS and Mac to make a living. Loves photography, drones, talking about the latest tech, and firmly believes that iPad is the future of computing. Served as Editor-in-Chief with Redmond Pie for five years, author at The Readers Eye and many other freelance gigs. Wccftech is now his current home.
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