macOS Downgrade: Mac Downgrade Methods

Why You May Want to Downgrade macOS

Upgrading isn’t always better. Common reasons for downgrading your Mac:

• App incompatibility after macOS Sequoia or beta install
  
• Performance drops on older Intel Macs
  
• Personal preference for the previous macOS (like Sonoma or Ventura)
  
• Bugs in developer/public beta
  

Important Notes & Requirements Before Downgrade

Before you downgrade macOS, remember:

• Apple only signs a few macOS versions at a time. Older versions may not be available for download or install.
  
• M1/M2 Macs require special handling—you’ll need Apple Configurator 2 in some cases.
  
• You can’t downgrade without erasing your drive unless using Time Machine.
  

✅ You’ll Need:

• A bootable USB installer of the previous macOS
  
• Time Machine or iCloud backup (recommended)
  
• Apple ID and password
  
• Stable internet connection
  
• Enough disk space (20GB+ recommended)
  

How to Downgrade macOS

1. Downgrade macOS Using Time Machine Backup

Best if you made a backup before upgrading.

Steps:

1. Connect your Time Machine drive.
   
2. Restart Mac and hold Command (⌘) + R until the Apple logo appears.
   
3. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
   
4. Choose your backup with the earlier macOS version.
   
5. Follow the prompts to erase disk and install.
   

✔ Works great for Ventura, Monterey, Sonoma, etc.

2. Use Bootable USB to Downgrade macOS

Ideal if you didn’t create a Time Machine backup.

Steps:

1. Download the macOS installer from Apple (e.g., macOS Sonoma).
   

Create a bootable USB via Terminal:

1. Insert USB > Reboot Mac > Hold Option (⌥) key.
   
2. Choose the USB drive and run Disk Utility > Erase disk (APFS).
   
3. Install an earlier macOS version.
   

3. Downgrade from macOS Beta (Public/Developer)

Installed macOS Sequoia or beta? This method is for you.

Steps:

1. Backup with Time Machine.
   
2. Erase beta OS via Disk Utility in Recovery Mode.
   
3. Reinstall stable macOS via:
   
   • USB installer
     
   • Internet Recovery: ⌘ + ⌥ + R
     
4. Disable Beta Profiles via System Settings > Software Update > Beta Updates = Off.
   

4. Downgrade macOS on Apple Silicon (M1/M2 Macs)

M1/M2 Macs require specific steps.

Steps:

1. Use another Mac with Apple Configurator 2.
   
2. Put your M1/M2 Mac in DFU mode.
   
3. Use Configurator 2 to restore to older macOS IPSW.
4. Follow prompts to reinstall from scratch.

Backup Your Mac Before Downgrading

Always back up before downgrading!

🔁 Time Machine Backup:

1. Connect external drive.
   
2. Open System Settings > General > Time Machine.
   
3. Choose backup disk.
   
4. Click Back Up Now.
   

☁️ iCloud Backup:

1. Go to System Settings > Apple ID > iCloud.
   
2. Enable iCloud Drive, Photos, Contacts, Notes etc.
   
3. Ensure everything is synced.
   

Free Tools for macOS Downgrade

Here are trusted downgrade tools for Mac:

Tool	Description	Platform
Apple Configurator 2	Required for M1/M2 downgrade	macOS (free)
gibMacOS	Download any Apple-signed macOS installer	macOS, Windows
InstallAssistant	Create bootable macOS installer (official tool)	macOS
Time Machine	For restoring older macOS from backup	macOS (native)

macOS Downgrade FAQ

1. Can I downgrade macOS without erasing?

No. Downgrading always requires erasing unless restoring from backup.

2. Is macOS downgrade free?

Yes! All tools used (Time Machine, Configurator, gibMacOS) are free.

3. How do I downgrade macOS on Intel Mac?

Use a bootable USB or Time Machine method above.

4. How do I downgrade from macOS Sequoia beta?

Erase disk in recovery > Reinstall older macOS > Remove beta profile.

5. Can I downgrade macOS from another Mac?

Yes. Use Configurator 2 if your Mac is M1/M2.