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Downgrading from iOS 26 to iOS 18.6.2 wipes all data, so make sure you back up everything before starting.
You will have to boot your iPhone into DFU mode and reset it using an IPSW file through Finder or iTunes.
Apple signs iOS 18.6.2 for a short period, so users need to move fast before the downgrade option ends.
Apple launched iOS 26 on September 15, 2025, and the new Liquid Glass interface stole the show. However, many iPhone users are already reporting stutters, battery drain, and random crashes. This is usual as Apple’s first versions of big iOS updates often come with bugs that get fixed later through smaller updates.
The silver lining? The tech giant is still allowing users to go back to iOS 18.6.2. So, if you are not enjoying iOS 26, you can go back to a more stable version. Although it is not as simple as tapping a ‘downgrade’ button. You will need to erase your iPhone, install iOS again, and then restore data. If you don’t know where to start, read below!
Downgrading the iPhone will wipe all your data, including Photos, apps, messages, and files. So, create a backup before you start, and remember that Apple is only allowing a downgrade while it is ‘signing’ the old version. You need to make sure that the download is from Apple’s official website or a trusted source. Random files from unverified sites can be dangerous and even harm your phone.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18.
You can use iCloud, Finder on a Mac, or iTunes on Windows for creating the backup. It will save your pictures, notes, and contacts. This way, even if something goes wrong during the downgrade, you can still get your files back. To be extra safe, it would be smart to have more than one backup.
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Next, turn off Find My iPhone from the settings. This is important because if you don’t, your phone may get stuck with Activation Lock when you try to restore it while signing out of your Apple ID.
Download the iOS 18.6.2 IPSW file that matches your iPhone model. You can get it directly from Apple’s servers or trusted sites like IPSW.me. Before downloading, first check whether Apple is still signing this version, because if it’s not, the downgrade won’t work.
Use a USB-C or Lightning cable to plug your iPhone into your Mac or Windows PC. Open Finder on Mac or iTunes on Windows to make sure your computer recognizes your phone. If your iPhone is not detected properly, you won’t be able to continue the downgrade.
The next step is to put your iPhone into DFU mode (Device Firmware Update mode). This lets your iPhone connect with iTunes or Finder without loading iOS. For Face ID phones, press and release the Volume Up button, then do the same with the Volume Down button. After that, hold the Side button until the screen goes black.
When it turns off, keep holding the Side button and also hold the Volume Down button together for about five seconds. Then let go of the Side button, but keep holding the Volume Down button. If done right, your computer will detect your iPhone in DFU mode.
Once in DFU mode, you can start the actual downgrade. On a Mac, open Finder, press the Option key, and click on ‘Restore iPhone.’ On Windows, open iTunes, press the Shift key, and click ‘Restore iPhone.’ A window will pop up asking you to select the IPSW file you downloaded earlier, pick that file, and the restoration will begin.
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By now, your iPhone will restart many times while the software is installing. Be patient and do not disconnect it until the process is complete. If you unplug it too soon, the restore could fail and cause errors.
Once your setup is complete, your phone will boot up fresh, meaning it will either be set up as a fresh new phone or you will choose to restore from a backup and have all your apps, photos, settings etc a second time, after setup you'll want to remember to turn Find My iPhone on again and sign in with your Apple ID to have full security.
If you are bothered by iOS 26 feeling too buggy, you can always go back to iOS 18.6.2 where you would get a smoother, less buggy experience. This won't last forever, though. Once Apple stops signing iOS 18.6.2, you won't be able to downgrade. So if you really want to go back, don't wait too long!
1. How can I downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18.6.2?
To downgrade, you will first need to save your data, unpair the Find My iPhone function, download the proper IPSW file, and restore the phone via Finder on a Mac or iTunes on a Windows machine. It will remove everything, so it will be best to plan ahead.
2. Does the downgrade from iOS 26 clear all data on my iPhone?
Yes, a downgrade is a full wipe of your device. Consequently, all photos, apps, files, and settings will be lost. Hence, it is very important that all necessary data is backed up ahead of the downgrade.
3. Is a downgrade safe for my iPhone?
Downgrading is safe while using a proper firmware file from Apple. The biggest risk appears if the restore is interrupted because you unplugged it, or you downloaded a bad file. Follow instructions, and you should be fine.
4. Can I restore my apps and photos after I downgrade?
Yes, if you set Cloud or iTunes to back up, you can restore your apps and photos after the downgrade. However, you need to back up the data while running iOS 18.6.2 or earlier. A backup that was done using iOS 26 or later might not work.
5. How long will Apple continue to sign iOS 18.6.2?
Apple does not provide an official timeline. Usually, Apple stops signing older versions a few days to a couple of weeks after a new version of iOS has been released. So if you're thinking about downgrading, it is best to do it quickly because that option could quickly vanish.
