Lots of developers and beta users are presently taking advantage of iOS 10. However, with rumors about the iOS 9.3.2 jailbreak to be released soon, many iOS 10 users are thinking about downgrading to their old OS version.

To downgrade from iOS 10, there are a couple of ways to do so. One is the clean-restore approach where you wipe your unit clean and start all over again. The other is the update approach where you’re able to keep majority of your unit data and configurations.

Both ways have pros and cons, but for many tech reviewers and vendors who sell iPhones, the preferred method is the clean-restore approach. This method is better because the “restore” step will clear all your data and configurations. This guarantees everything will function accordingly upon restoration.

And though the update approach enables you to keep some of the data, your history for both the Messages app and the Phone app won’t be restored. The process may also create crash problems, particularly with the Music app.

The Backup Issue

If you upgraded to iOS 10 and enabled iCloud to do backup, then you’ll be unable to restore that backup when you do an OS downgrade. The backups generated on iOS 10 can’t be used in older editions of the operating system.

If you want to restore your backup data once you’ve downgraded from iOS 10, then make sure you’ve completed a backup of iOS 9 first to bring back your data and configurations. To do this, you need to disable iCloud backups immediately after updating to iOS 10. You may also backup through iOS 9 using iTunes, but the backup process has to be done prior to updating your operating system to iOS 10.

Downgrade to iOS 9 via a Clean-Restore Approach

• Back up your unit.
• Download the most recent iOS 9 IPSW file on your Mac or PC.
• Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer.
• Open iTunes and go to “Summary.”
• Click the ⌥ key and tap the “RESTORE IPHONE” option.
• Launch and open the iOS 9 IPSW file (downloaded from step 2).

Your iOS unit will then start the downgrade process. The downgrade can take a while to complete so just be patient and wait for it to finish.

Downgrade to iOS 9 via the Update Method

• Back up your unit.
• Download the most recent iOS 9 IPSW file on your Mac or PC.
• Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer.
• Open iTunes and go to “Summary.”
• Click the ⌥ key and tap the “CHECK FOR UPDATE” option.
• Launch and open the iOS 9 IPSW file (downloaded from step 2).

Your iOS unit will then start to downgrade back to iOS 9. This approach enables you to retain most app data and settings.

• Slide the unit (when prompted) and key in your passcode to complete the process.

If you applied a configuration profile to update to iOS 10 beta, the settings will remain in your unit, which enables you to easily update back to iOS 10 beta at another time. Otherwise, you can delete the configuration profile from your device’s Settings.