Instructions for downgrading iOS 26 to iOS 18 on iPhone

How to downgrade iOS 18 is not difficult. If you want to downgrade iOS 26 to 18, please refer to the instructions below.

iOS is a mobile operating system developed by Apple, used mainly on iPhones. First launched in 2007, iOS has gone through many versions with improvements in interface, performance, security and connectivity with devices in the Apple ecosystem.

One of the outstanding features of iOS is its intuitive interface, optimized for Apple hardware. The operating system provides an App Store for users to search and install applications, and supports many services such as iCloud, Apple Music, Apple Pay and FaceTime in supported markets. iOS also has the ability to synchronize data between iPhone and other Apple devices, making use more convenient.

Regarding security, iOS provides many data protection and privacy mechanisms, allowing users to control application access to personal information. Apple regularly releases updates to add features and fix security bugs. Thanks to its rich application ecosystem, stable performance and hardware-software integration, iOS is one of the popular mobile operating systems today.

Apple updates iOS every year, bringing iPhones with a host of new features and security improvements as well as user interface redesigns. Most iPhone users will upgrade to the new operating system immediately, and the majority will certainly like the changes. Recently, Apple officially launched iOS 26 along with the iPhone 17 product line.

However, after updating, people may discover unexpected errors and the new iOS may not meet their expectations, or you simply feel inconvenient with the new interface on your phone.

If you have upgraded to iOS 26 and encounter similar problems, the fastest way to fix it is to downgrade the operating system. In this article, let’s learn the instructions How to downgrade iOS on iPhonefrom iOS 26 to 18, to return to a familiar and convenient experience on your iPhone.

Table of Contents

Instructions for downgrading iOS on iPhone

Quick guide

Back up data via iCloud, Finder (Mac), or iTunes (Windows). It’s best to create multiple backups.
Turn off Find My iPhone: Enter Setting > [Tên bạn] > Find > Find iPhone → off. Simultaneously Sign out of Apple ID to avoid Activation Lock error.
Download iOS 18.6.2 IPSW file from Apple server or IPSW.me, correct iPhone model and still signed.
Connect iPhone to computer using a USB-C/Lightning cable. Make sure Finder/iTunes recognizes the device.
Put the device into DFU Mode:
- Press drop Volume Uppress drop Volume Down.
- Hold Side until the screen goes black.
- Continue keep Side + Volume Down ~5s, drop Side But Hold Volume Down until Finder/iTunes recognizes the device.
Start Restore:
- On Mac: Hold Options → select Restore iPhone.
- On Windows: Hold Shift → select Restore iPhone.
Select the iOS 18.6.2 IPSW file loaded.
Wait for the process to complete. The iPhone will reboot several times, keeping the cable plugged in throughout.
After installation is complete:
- Select Set Up as New iPhone (most stable), or
- Restore a compatible backup.

⚠️ Note: Downgrading can only be done when Apple still signs iOS 18.6.2. After returning to iOS 18, remember to turn on Find My iPhone again and log in to your Apple ID.

Detailed instructions

Prepare before downgrading iOS

Since unexpected things can happen during an iOS downgrade, the first thing everyone should do is back up their iPhone. Users can easily do that using iCloud, Finder or iTunes. In addition to creating a backup for iPhone, users need to do the following:

Make sure iPhone is well connected to PC or Mac.
Stable Internet.
Turn off Find My on your iPhone.
Windows PC with the latest iTunes installed.
Download the old IPSW file to your iPhone.

Apple does not provide an option to download iOS firmware but people can download it from third-party sites like ipsw.me. All you need to do is select your iPhone model and then select the firmware file you need.

Typically, Apple stops signing old iOS firmware files within two weeks of releasing a new iOS. That means the iOS firmware may not be available for download.

How to downgrade iOS 26 using Finder or iTunes

The official way to downgrade an iPhone is to use Finder or iTunes. While Apple doesn’t allow direct iOS firmware downloads, users don’t have to worry about tampering with IPSW files downloaded from third-party sites, as Finder and iTunes will verify the signature and integrity of the firmware people download before performing an iOS downgrade.

To download IPSW files, users need to follow these steps:

Select version to download.

Once you’ve downloaded the available iOS firmware, see how to downgrade your iPhone:

Connect iPhone to computer via USB cable.
Open iTunes on Windows or Finder on Mac.
If you haven’t backed up your iPhone, use Finder or iTunes to do so.
If in use Finderhold down the key Options while clicking Restore iPhone. If in use iTuneshold down the key Shift.
Select the iOS firmware file downloaded and clicked Restore to confirm.
Once the restore is complete, set up your iPhone.

Theoretically, the same process should be in effect with any update, as long as Apple is still releasing the previous version. So before starting this process, check here to see if an older version is currently supported.

How to downgrade iOS 26 using DFU mode

DFU mode is a more advanced mode than Recovery mode, which can be used to downgrade iOS. If the above method cannot help you restore iOS successfully, follow the steps below to do it in DFU mode.

Connect your iPhone to your Mac or PC.
Open Finder on your Mac or iTunes on your PC.
Put iPhone into DFU mode. If it successfully enters DFU mode, the iPhone will be on a black screen and a window will pop up in Finder or iTunes indicating it has detected the iPhone in DFU mode.
If in use Finderhold down the key Options while clicking the button Restore iPhone. If in use iTuneshold down the key Shift while clicking the button Restore iPhone.
Select old iOS firmware downloaded and clicked Open > Restore.
Wait for the restore to complete, then set up iPhone.

Frequently asked questions about downgrading iOS 26 to iOS 18

Applying the same process, users can also proceed to downgrade iOS 26 to the current official iOS 18.6.2. Everyone will need a Mac running the latest version of macOS or a Windows computer running the latest version of Apple Devices.

Is it possible to downgrade iPhone from iOS 26 to iOS 18 without a computer?

Are not. Users are required to use a Mac or PC to perform the downgrade process. Erasing an iPhone from the Settings app only deletes data, does not change the iOS version.

Which iOS 18 will be installed when downgrading?

The system will automatically install the latest official version of iOS 18, currently iOS 18.6.2.

Does the downgrade process erase all data?

Have. The iPhone will be wiped clean during this process, so users must back up their data before doing so if they want to restore it later.

What to do if the recovery process fails or fails?

Wait for the iOS download process to complete, then put your iPhone back into recovery mode and try again. If you encounter an error with a code, people can look up the error code on Apple’s support page to find a fix.

What is Activation Lock and why do I need to sign in to Apple ID after restoring?

Activation Lock is Apple’s security mechanism, requiring you to log in with your Apple ID to confirm you are the device owner. This helps prevent theft and protect data.

Is it possible to downgrade to iOS versions older than iOS 18?