Downgrade iPadOS 16 To 15 Without Third-Party Apps [How To]
Last updated on March 26th, 2023 at 03:30 am
Posted in News by Tyrone on November 26, 2022
Downgrade ipadOS 16.1.1 to 15.
Yes, you can still downgrade iPadOS 16 to 15 without losing data and without a paid third-party app. Both iPadOS 16.1 and 16.1.1 can be reverted to 15.6 RC, the only iPadOS 15 version that’s still signed by Apple!
Update: Apple has unsigned iOS 15.6 RC on February 26. This downgrade isn’t possible anymore!
Downgrade iPadOS 16.1 To 15
Similar to iOS, the only iPadOS 15 version that’s still signed for iPads that already run iPadOS 16 is 15.6 RC (build number 19G69). This means that you can downgrade any iPadOS 16 release to 15.6 RC as long as you have the appropriate ipsw file for your iPad model.
Tip: After reverting to iPadOS 15.6 RC you can easily update, over-the-air to iPadOS 15.7.1 the latest iPadOS 15 version.
Downgrade iPadOS 16.1 Requirements
- A computer, Mac or Windows and the Finder / iTunes software.
- A Lightning to USB (USB-C) cable to connect iPad to computer.
- Internet Connectivity.
- The iPadOS 15.6 RC ipsw file that matches your iPad model.
iPadOS 15.6 RC IPSW Files
Tap on the link that matches your iPad model to download the appropriate .ipsw file. Links redirect to Apple’s servers:
- iPad (5th gen) – https://updates.cdn-apple.com/2022SummerFCS/fullrestores/012-40442/06DAE56B-7E3E-48FF-8446-F245037C25B0/iPad_64bit_TouchID_ASTC_15.6_19G69_Restore.ipsw
- iPad (6th gen) – https://updates.cdn-apple.com/2022SummerFCS/fullrestores/012-40442/06DAE56B-7E3E-48FF-8446-F245037C25B0/iPad_64bit_TouchID_ASTC_15.6_19G69_Restore.ipsw
- iPad (7th gen) – https://updates.cdn-apple.com/2022SummerFCS/fullrestores/012-40407/210092EB-DE58-4E3A-BB08-3C4261F761CC/iPad_10.2_15.6_19G69_Restore.ipsw
- iPad (8th gen) – https://updates.cdn-apple.com/2022SummerFCS/fullrestores/012-40428/676C130D-40AA-4797-9698-BD871AED153D/iPad_10.2_2020_15.6_19G69_Restore.ipsw
- iPad (9th gen) – https://updates.cdn-apple.com/2022SummerFCS/fullrestores/012-40465/68F0E70B-ECD1-4E50-8563-FF83BF559678/iPad_10.2_2021_15.6_19G69_Restore.ipsw
- iPad mini 6 – https://updates.cdn-apple.com/2022SummerFCS/fullrestores/012-40429/72F7DD9E-51B0-4FCB-A230-A8C4A6907701/iPad_Fall_2021_15.6_19G69_Restore.ipsw
- iPad Air 5 – https://updates.cdn-apple.com/2022SummerFCS/fullrestores/012-40425/09E506E2-F200-4744-ADF6-BB7290216AA5/iPad_Spring_2022_15.6_19G69_Restore.ipsw
- iPad Pro 5 (12.9-inch), iPad Pro 3 (11-inch) – https://updates.cdn-apple.com/2022SummerFCS/fullrestores/012-40449/01F36581-AE42-456D-888A-1A3C0F8BD3A3/iPad_Pro_Spring_2021_15.6_19G69_Restore.ipsw
- iPad Air 4 – https://updates.cdn-apple.com/2022SummerFCS/fullrestores/012-40447/BC4B2EB1-F9F8-47A2-B976-A93233965403/iPad_Fall_2020_15.6_19G69_Restore.ipsw
- iPad Pro 3 & 4 (12.9-inch), iPad Pro 1 & 2 (11-inch) – https://updates.cdn-apple.com/2022SummerFCS/fullrestores/012-40471/CB56EA12-A410-4DDF-A930-720CF079DBFD/iPad_Pro_A12X_A12Z_15.6_19G69_Restore.ipsw
- iPad Pro 2 (12.9-inch), iPad Pro (10.5-inch) – https://updates.cdn-apple.com/2022SummerFCS/fullrestores/012-40404/9D91A6AA-7883-4293-BF3F-A6A0EDD4DA3C/iPad_Pro_HFR_15.6_19G69_Restore.ipsw
- iPad Air 3, iPad mini 5 – https://updates.cdn-apple.com/2022SummerFCS/fullrestores/012-40482/4E95C18A-CD08-42C6-8FF8-7B47841BBF59/iPad_Spring_2019_15.6_19G69_Restore.ipsw
- iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4 – https://updates.cdn-apple.com/2022SummerFCS/fullrestores/012-40411/B7A81337-70CD-4A34-9B8E-2DDF689FCD05/iPad_64bit_TouchID_15.6_19G69_Restore.ipsw
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch – https://updates.cdn-apple.com/2022SummerFCS/fullrestores/012-40424/3E3BD66D-9773-44F1-A4D1-8B8C4657B5A4/iPadPro_9.7_15.6_19G69_Restore.ipsw
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch – https://updates.cdn-apple.com/2022SummerFCS/fullrestores/012-40455/C6B642CE-B8A5-409C-9B9B-93B621EF6C65/iPadPro_12.9_15.6_19G69_Restore.ipsw
- Other iPad models – To be updated.
Fact: At the time of posting we could only find iPadOS 15.6 ipsw download links for the above listed iPad models. We will add more models once available. Don’t hesitate to help out if you find a better source.
Credits for these IPSW download links to theiphonewiki.com!
How To Downgrade iPadOS 16 to 15
Reverting software on iPad is almost identical to downgrading an iOS version on iPhone. We’ve already provided a step-by-step tutorial for downgrading iOS 16.1 to 15.
Check it out here and proceed accordingly! Use the iPadOS 15.6 RC .ipsw file that you’ve downloaded from the list available above.
Downgrade iPadOS 16.1.1 to iPadOS 15 Video
Or simply watch our YouTube video guide:
Have you managed to downgrade iPadOS 16.1 to 15? Do you need additional help or want to share some suggestions. Share your feedback in the comments.
Related: Not able to downgrade? Check our detailed iPadOS 16.1.1 review and you might find a fix or workaround for your ongoing iPad issue.
I downloaded and installed the Ipsw file for my iPad . It was still being signed by Apple today, Dec. 8th. Afterwards I upgraded from iPad iOS 15.6 to 15.7.1and restored my Apps and Data from a backup I had made before I upgraded to iPad iOS 16.0. Now I am iOS 15.7.1 with my backed up Apps and Dat? Thank you very much.
You’re welcome. Glad it worked. Thanks for confirming. What iPadOS 16 issues made you downgrade?
I wanted to downgrade because some of my apps were unstable and would stay on, like there was no longer enough ram to support them.
Thanks for the follow up. So the apps you mention would crash unexpectedly while in use?
Yes Particularly Apple anews which I submitted to you as a “bug” problem.
Gotcha. Thanks for the follow ups.
this still works on the 21st , just tested. Was stuck on 16.2 on a new purchase, this article saved my ass, THANK YOU
You’re welcome. Glad it did!
I really need to downgrade my iPad Pro (12.9-inch). Why is every model included except for this one? :-(
Sorry for leaving it out. Here you go:
https://updates.cdn-apple.com/2022SummerFCS/fullrestores/012-40455/C6B642CE-B8A5-409C-9B9B-93B621EF6C65/iPadPro_12.9_15.6_19G69_Restore.ipsw
Can’t restore 15.6 RC version from Ipados16.2. Please help
Can you provide more details? Do you get an error code?
This rc version shows that this 15.6 rc version is not compatible for ipad pro m1 11 inch
Is that the iPad Pro 3 11-inch? Link is available in the article.
It isn’t possible to downgrade to 15.7 on M2 iPad Pros, is it?
The M2 Pros came shipped with 16.0, but all versions of 16+ so far have an incredibly nasty bug: there’s all-pervasive, nonstop stutter due to ProMotion that pops up in all games because of the display’s variable HZ conflicting with app FPS settings.
It makes everything run 10 times worse than 15+ did, even iPhone 10 and 11 work markedly better with their native 60 HZ. So far even 16.3 doesn’t solve it.
Thanks for reporting. No, it’s not possible to downgrade a new iPad that shipped with iPadOS 16.0. However, what happens if you Limit the frame rate does it still cause the stutter?
That was my initial workaround too, but it doesn’t solve it – manually limiting the screen to 60 HZ only allows ProMotion to move between 10 – 60 HZ, but it still stays inconsistent (albeit it becomes much less visible in-app for gaming at 60 FPS).
Thanks for the follow up. In this case we’ll have to fait for a fix in an upcoming software release.
Can this still be done janurary 2023? Ughh I been looking everywhere to downgrade mine geeshh cant find anything. Ipad mini 5th generation. Ipsw files is not avaliable but can this still be done with the information you provided?
Yes, this still works and the iPad mini 5 ipsw file for iPadOS 15.6 RC is available in the article next to iPad Air 3.
I just got ios16.3 and want to downgrade to 15 cause sob restore purchases in an app no longer works with update it seems this function is broken on some apps since 16 I wonder if this will work if im at 16.3
Yes, the downgrade will work from iPadOS 16.3 too. Just grab the appropriate iOS 15.6 RC ipsw file for your device.
On my iPad mini 5 it doesn’t work anymore (Feb. 24 2023). Trying to restore iOS 15.6 RC it says: Declined to authorize this image on this device for this user.
I get an iTunes error when I attempt to load 15.6 IPSW onto my iPAD Air 3 via Itunes. “The ipad ‘ipad’ could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (3194).” Any suggestions? iPAD was freezing up when we tried to use accessibility settings (e.g., zoom, voiceover) in iPadOS 16.3.1.
i am looking at downgrading from ipad ios 16.3.1 to ios 15.6, is this possible?
Unfortunately, this isn’t possible anymore. Apple has unsigned iOS 15.6 RC on February 26.
Can I still downgrade my iPad Air 3 today? The company app that I use for work does not work with iOS 16 (I forgot to turn off the auto update).
Unfortunately, downgrading to iPadOS 15 is not possible anymore as Apple has closed the last remaining loop towards the end of February.