How to Undo an Update on iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

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By Matthew Simpson

Accidentally updated your iPhone and not loving the new changes? Don’t worry; you’re not stuck with it forever. In just a few steps, you can undo that update and get your phone back to the way it was. This process involves restoring your iPhone to its previous settings, which means you’ll need to have a backup from before the update. Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step tutorial on how to undo an update on your iPhone.

Step by Step Tutorial on How to Undo an Update on iPhone

Before we start, it’s important to note that this process will erase all the data on your iPhone, so make sure you have a backup ready. The following steps will guide you through the process of undoing an update on your iPhone.

Step 1: Turn off ‘Find My iPhone’

Before you can restore your iPhone, you need to turn off ‘Find My iPhone’. To do this, go to ‘Settings’, tap on your name at the top, then tap ‘iCloud’ and ‘Find My iPhone’. Finally, switch off ‘Find My iPhone’.

Turning off ‘Find My iPhone’ is a necessary security step. This ensures that you’re the rightful owner of the device and have the authority to make changes to it.

Step 2: Put your iPhone in Recovery Mode

Next, you need to put your iPhone into Recovery Mode. This process varies depending on your iPhone model, but generally involves pressing and holding certain buttons while connecting your iPhone to your computer.

Putting your iPhone in Recovery Mode allows your computer to recognize it without loading the iOS, which is necessary for restoring the previous version.

Step 3: Connect to iTunes or Finder

Once your iPhone is in Recovery Mode, connect it to your computer using a USB cable. Open iTunes if you’re using a PC or macOS Mojave or earlier, or open Finder if you’re using macOS Catalina or later.

Connecting to iTunes or Finder is how your computer will communicate with your iPhone to restore the backup.

Step 4: Restore your iPhone

In iTunes or Finder, you’ll see an option to ‘Restore’ your iPhone. Click on this and follow the on-screen instructions. If prompted, choose the backup that was made before the update you want to undo.

Restoring your iPhone will erase all its content and then load the data from the backup, effectively rolling back your iPhone to the state it was in before the update.

After completing these steps, your iPhone will restart, and it should be back to the version before the unwanted update. You’ll need to set up your device again, but if you’ve followed the steps correctly, all your data and settings should be restored.

Tips for How to Undo an Update on iPhone

  • Make a backup before you start any update, just in case you want to undo it later.
  • Remember to turn off ‘Find My iPhone’ before attempting to restore your device.
  • Ensure your computer has the latest version of iTunes or that Finder is ready if you’re using macOS Catalina or later.
  • Be patient; restoring your iPhone can take some time, especially if you have a lot of data.
  • If something goes wrong, don’t panic. You can always contact Apple support for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I undo an iPhone update without a backup?

No, you cannot undo an update without a backup. The only way to revert to a previous iOS version is by restoring your iPhone from a backup made before the update.

Will undoing an update delete my data?

Yes, the process will erase your iPhone, but if you restore from a backup, your data will be reinstated.

Can I undo an iOS update after a long time?

You can only undo an update if you have a backup from before the update. It does not matter how long ago the update was, as long as you have the backup.

What if I don’t have a computer to undo an iPhone update?

Unfortunately, you need a computer with iTunes or Finder to restore your iPhone to a previous version.

Can I pick and choose what to restore from a backup?

No, restoring from a backup is an all-or-nothing process. You can’t selectively restore content.

Summary

  1. Turn off ‘Find My iPhone’.
  2. Put your iPhone in Recovery Mode.
  3. Connect to iTunes or Finder.
  4. Restore your iPhone from a backup made before the update.

Conclusion

So, there you have it: a comprehensive guide on how to undo an update on iPhone. It’s a process that might seem daunting at first, but with the correct preparation and a little patience, it’s entirely manageable. Remember always to keep a backup of your iPhone data before initiating any update; it’s your safety net in case things don’t go as planned. And, if you ever feel lost or unsure, Apple support is just a few clicks or a phone call away. They’re always ready to help you out with any hiccup you might encounter in the world of iOS updates. So, if you’re not happy with the latest update, don’t despair – just follow the steps, and you’ll get your beloved iPhone back to the way it was in no time.