How To Downgrade From iOS 9 Beta To iOS 8.3
Switching back to an iOS 8 version is safely done via the iTunes software installed on your Mac or PC. A connection between your iPhone or iPad and your notebook or desktop computer is required. Use the lightning cable to link your smartphone with a computer and perform the following steps to rapidly and safely downgrade from iOS 9 beta to iOS 8.3.
Step-by-Step iOS 9 Beta Downgrade
Please follow the instructions exactly as advised below, or you could seriously compromise this downshift process. The process can last up to 30 minutes. Make sure that you have enough spare time before proceeding.
Step 1: Check that iTunes on your Mac or PC is upgraded to the latest version. Connect your iPhone to the computer via the lightning cable.
Step 2: Open iTunes and go to the connected iPhone tab. Within Backups, tap on Back Up Now to save the files and apps currently available on your iOS device.
Step 3: In the meantime, on your computer, scroll towards the end of this article and download the iOS 8.3 firmware, from the official Apple direct download links listed below.
Step 4: After the backup process completes, return to the iTunes software on your computer, press & hold OPTION button + Click Check for Update (SHIFT Key instead of Command on Windows PC). A pop-up opens up and you have to select the iOS firmware you downloaded while completing the previous step.
Step 5: Confirm your selection by clicking “Update”, when you’re prompted with the “iTunes will upgrade your iPhone to iOS 8.3 and will verify your update with Apple” pop-up. Now, wait patiently for the downgrade to unfold.
Step 6: In some cases iTunes will prompt you that there might be a problem with the update and asks you to allow it to Restore your device to the factory setting, before trying a second update attempt. Agree with this solution because iTunes will automatically help you to install your latest backup when the downgrade finishes.
Step 7: After the iOS 8.3 install completes on your iPhone, iTunes asks you if you wish to set the iPhone up as a new device, or if you to restore all your info from a previously saved backup. The Restore from this backup option should be already selected. Click Continue and you’ll get your iPhone running iOS 8.3 back. The only thing that you have to re-configure are the TouchID fingerprints settings and your Ringtone setup.
Important: Let iTunes run and your iPhone plugged-in after you regain access to your iPhone. The process needs 5 – 10 more minutes to install all third-party apps from the backup!
Apple Watch: If your iPhone was paired to a watchOS device, the wearable also has to be re-paired. But don’t panic, you’ll be prompted to restore all previous Watch settings after you pair the device back.
To be able to re-pair your Apple Watch you’ll have to erase its content first. That’s easily achieved by flicking your wrist and pressing the Digital Crown to get the app bundle.
Next, tap on Settings and browse to General -> Reset -> Erase All Content and Settings.
iOS 8.3 Firmware Download Links
Click on the device model that you currently want to install iOS 8.3 on and you’ll be redirected to the specific official Apple firmware download package.
iPhone 6
iPhone 6 Plus
iPhone 5S (CDMA)
iPhone 5S (GSM)
iPhone 5C (CDMA)
iPhone 5C (GSM)
iPhone 5 (CDMA)
iPhone 5 (GSM)
iPhone 4S
iPad Air 2 (6th generation WiFi)
iPad Air 2 (6th generation Cellular)
iPad Air (5th generation WiFi + Cellular)
iPad Air (5th generation WiFi)
iPad Air (5th generation CDMA)
iPad (4th generation CDMA)
iPad (4th generation GSM)
iPad (4th generation WiFi)
iPad mini (CDMA)
iPad mini (GSM)
iPad mini (WiFi)
iPad mini 2 (WiFi + Cellular)
iPad mini 2 (WiFi)
iPad mini 2 (CDMA)
iPad mini 3 (China)
iPad mini 3 (WiFi)
iPad mini 3 (Cellular)
iPad 3 Wi-Fi (3rd generation)
iPad 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular (GSM)
iPad 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular (CDMA)
iPad 2 Wi-Fi (Rev A)
iPad 2 Wi-Fi
iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G (GSM)
iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G (CDMA)
iPod touch (5th generation)