Guiding You Through the Process of Downgrading Your iPhone 5S Firmware
Downgrading your iPhone 5S from the latest iOS version to an older one, such as iOS 7.1.2, can be a challenging task due to Apple's strict policy regarding firmware support. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process to help you downgrading your device if you still need iOS 7.1.2 for any reason.
Prerequisites
Before attempting to downgrade your iPhone 5S, it is crucial to ensure that you have a complete backup of all your data. This is because the downgrade process will erase all the data on your device. Consider performing the following steps:
Backup Your Data
Make a complete backup of your iPhone 5S to iCloud or an external storage device. This will ensure that you can recover your data if something goes wrong during the downgrading process.
Downloading the Correct IPSW File
To successfully downgrade your iPhone 5S to iOS 7.1.2, you need the correct IPSW (iOS Provisioning System Web) file. This file can be obtained from reputable sources online. Ensure that you download the latest and most accurate version of iOS 7.1.2 IPSW for your device model.
Check for Signing Status
Before you begin the actual downgrading process, it is essential to check if Apple is still signing the iOS 7.1.2 firmware. If it is no longer signed, downgrading will not be possible. You can verify the signing status using websites that specialize in checking iOS firmware signing status. Websites like are useful for this purpose.
Connect Your iPhone to Your Computer
To proceed with the downgrading process, you need to connect your iPhone 5S to your computer using a USB cable. Make sure that you have the latest version of iTunes or Finder on macOS Catalina and later.
Put Your iPhone in DFU Mode
Follow these steps to put your iPhone 5S in DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode:
Press and hold the Home button and the Power button at the same time for about 10 seconds. After 10 seconds, release the Power button but continue holding the Home button for another 10 seconds. Your screen should remain black. If done correctly, iTunes or Finder will notify you that it has detected an iPhone in recovery mode.Restore Using IPSW
Once your iPhone is in DFU mode, you can proceed with the restore process by following these steps:
In iTunes or Finder, select your device. Hold down the Shift key (Windows) or Option key (Mac) and click the Restore iPhone button. A file dialog will appear. Navigate to the location where you saved the iOS 7.1.2 IPSW file and select it. Confirm that you want to restore your device.During the process, iTunes/Finder will erase your device and install iOS 7.1.2. This process may take some time and your device will restart during the process.
Set Up Your iPhone
After the downgrade is complete, you can set up your iPhone either as a new device or restore it from a backup if you backed up on the same iOS version. This process will prompt you to enter your Apple ID and start setting up your device from scratch.
Important Notes
It is essential to note the risks associated with the downgrading process:
Risk of Bricking: There is always a risk of bricking your device during the downgrading process. Ensure you follow each step carefully to minimize the risk. Future Updates: Once downgraded, you may not receive future updates, which could lead to issues with apps that require a newer version of iOS. Data Loss: Downgrading will erase all data on your device. Ensure you have backups of anything important before proceeding.If you encounter any issues during the process or if downgrading is not possible due to Apple no longer signing the firmware, consider keeping the current version of iOS or exploring other alternatives.