How to Downgrade iPhone From iOS 15 to iOS 14.8?

Apple recently released iOS 15, the latest version of its operating system for iPhones. While many users eagerly updated their devices, some may find that iOS 15 is not to their liking or is causing issues with their device’s performance. If you are one of those users and want to go back to the previous version, iOS 14.8, you’re in luck. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of downgrading your iPhone from iOS 15 to iOS 14.8.

Important Considerations

Before you proceed with the downgrade, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

1. iOS 14.8 Compatibility: You can only downgrade to the previous build that is iOS 14.8 if you are currently on iOS 15. You cannot downgrade to a lower version than iOS 14.8 as Apple does not support older iOS builds.
2. Backup Compatibility: After downgrading, you can only restore iOS 14 backups from iCloud. Backups made on iOS 15 will not be compatible with the lower iOS build.
3. Backup Your Data: Before starting the downgrade process, it is crucial to backup all your important files and documents. We recommend creating a backup on a secondary device like a PC or MacBook, in addition to iCloud.
4. Apple Watch Compatibility: If you have an Apple Watch running on watchOS 8, you will not be able to pair it with your iPhone after downgrading to iOS 14.8. You will also need to downgrade your Apple Watch to watchOS 7 for it to be compatible with iOS 14.8.

Now that you are aware of the important considerations, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of downgrading your iPhone from iOS 15 to iOS 14.8.

Step 1: Prepare for the Downgrade

Before you begin the downgrade process, make sure you have done the following preparations:

1. Find My iPhone: Go to Settings > iCloud > Find My iPhone and ensure that the Find My iPhone service is turned on. This will be necessary during the restore process.
2. Download iOS 14.8 Firmware: Open your browser and download the iOS 14.8 firmware file from a trusted source. Make sure to select the correct firmware file for your specific iPhone model.
3. Disable Auto Unzip Feature: If you are using Safari to download the firmware file, make sure to turn off the auto unzip feature. This will prevent Safari from automatically extracting the firmware file.

Step 2: Download the iOS 14.8 Firmware

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
2. Open iTunes on your Windows computer or the Finder on your MacBook.
3. If you are using a Windows computer, download and install iTunes if you haven’t already. If you are using a MacBook, accept the pop-up asking if you trust the computer.
4. In iTunes or the Finder, select your iPhone device from the sidebar on Windows or the new Finder windows on a MacBook.
5. Downloaded the iOS 14.8 firmware file, locate it on your computer, and then click on “Restore iPhone.”
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. You may need to press specific key combinations depending on your computer’s operating system.

Step 4: Restore Your iPhone to iOS 14.8

1. Choose the iOS 14.8 firmware file that you downloaded and click on “Restore and Update.”
2. Read and agree to the terms and conditions by clicking on “Next” and then “Agree” on the next screen.
3. The restore process will begin, and it may take around 10 to 15 minutes to complete. During this time, your iPhone will reboot several times.
4. Once the process is complete, your iPhone will display the “hello” screen, indicating that you have successfully downgraded to iOS 14.8.

Step 5: Complete the Downgrade Process

Now that you have successfully downgraded your iPhone to iOS 14.8, there are a few final steps to complete the process:

1. Restore Your Backup: To get all your files and data back, you need to restore your backup. However, keep in mind that only iOS 14 or 14.8 backups can be restored. iOS 15 backups are not compatible with the lower iOS build.
2. Re-pair Your Apple Watch: If you downgraded your iPhone from iOS 15 to iOS 14.8 and have an Apple Watch running on watchOS 8, you will need to downgrade your Apple Watch to watchOS 7. This will allow you to pair it with your iPhone running on iOS 14.8.

Conclusion

In this guide, we have provided a step-by-step process on how to downgrade your iPhone from iOS 15 to iOS 14.8. Remember to carefully follow each step and consider the important considerations before proceeding with the downgrade. While downgrading is a viable option for those who are not satisfied with iOS 15, it’s important to note that Apple may stop supporting iOS 14.8 in the future. If you encounter any difficulties during the process, refer to our FAQ section or consult Apple’s official support resources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I downgrade to an iOS version lower than 14.8?

No, Apple only supports downgrading to the previous build, which is iOS 14.8. You cannot go to a lower version than that.

Can I restore an iOS 15 backup after downgrading to iOS 14.8?

No, iOS 14.8 only supports restoring iOS 14 or 14.8 backups. Backups made on iOS 15 are not compatible with the lower iOS build.

Can I pair my Apple Watch running on watchOS 8 with an iPhone running on iOS 14.8?

No, you need to downgrade your Apple Watch to watchOS 7 in order to connect it with an iPhone running on iOS 14.8.

Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.