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How to downgrade iOS 8 to iOS 7.1.2? Here is the tutorial

Taha Munir··
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Apple has recently rolled out its iOS 8 to the public which is more a refinement to the previous iOS 7. A large number of Apple users are taking leaps to the new OS. As we know, iOS 8 features third party keyboards, widgets, interactive notifications and a lot more enhancements. However, the new OS seems to be creating some issues as well. iPhone 4S users are experiencing less speed and performance. Some users have also complained about low storage as iOS 8 takes about 7.5 GB. Some are missing their old ‘jailbroken’ iOS 7. So is there a way to switch back i.e. downgrade iOS 8? Yes, there is!

Steps to Downgrade iOS 8 to iOS 7.1.2:

As we know, Apple usually stops signing previous versions of newly released iOS in few days. So, if you want to perform downgrade, do it as early as possible. Make sure to switch off Find My feature on the device before you proceed. Also, BACK UP your device. Follow these steps to successfully downgrade iOS 8 to iOS 7.1.2:

  1. First of all, you need to have iOS 7.1.2 firmware file. You can find it from your iTunes section or can download from here. Make sure to choose the correct one depending on your device variant.
  2. Place the file on a folder in your PC or Mac.
  3. Now, simply connect your device with PC or Mac.
  4. Run iTunes.
  5. Select your device.
  6. Click on Summary tab.
  7. Now on PC, hold down the Shift key and click Restore button. Hold Options key if you are on Mac.
  8. Browse the downloaded iOS 7.1.2.ipsw file and click Open.

You will hopefully see the iOS 7.1.2 installing on your device. All apps and data other than the stock one will be lost. This can be gained by running backup later. Instead, you may see a message You are already running the latest version of iOS. So what to do in this case? Here is the procedure,

  1. Boot your device in Recovery mode. To do so, shut down your device. Then, connect your device with PC while holding Home button. As the Connect to iTunes message appears, leave the button.
  2. iTunes will now indicate that the device is in Recovery mode.
  3. Now, simply hold the Shift key (on PC) or Options key (on Mac) and click the Restore button.
  4. Browse the downloaded iOS 7.1.2 firmware file.
  5. Proceed with installation.
  6. Your device will afterwards reboot with iOS 7.1.2 now.

You can later on upgrade to the new iOS 8 if you want to. We have tried to cover each case that you may face while downgrading iOS 8. If you are still having problems, you can ask in comments below. Be quick to downgrade iOS 8, as Apple may stop signing previous iOS versions soon.