iPadOS Downgrade Guides, Methods, and Tips [2025]

iPadOS Downgrade Methods Explained

✅ Method 1: Downgrade via Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) — Free

This method allows you to revert to a previous version of iPadOS as long as Apple is still signing it.

Step-by-step Guide:

1. Download IPSW File:
   
   • Go to ipsw.me, choose your iPad model, and download the latest signed iPadOS 17 version.
     
2. Connect iPad to Computer:
   
   • Use a lightning or USB-C cable and connect your iPad to your Mac (with Finder) or PC (with iTunes).
     
3. Put iPad into Recovery Mode:
   
   • For Face ID iPads: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then Volume Down button, then press and hold the Top button until you see the recovery screen.
     
4. Open Finder or iTunes:
   
   • In Finder (macOS Catalina and later), or iTunes (Windows/macOS Mojave and earlier), locate your iPad under Devices.
     
5. Initiate Restore:
   
   • Hold Option (Mac) or Shift (Windows) and click Restore iPad.
     
   • Select the IPSW firmware file you downloaded.
     
6. Confirm and Install:
   
   • Confirm your selection and wait for the installation to complete. Your iPad will reboot with the downgraded iPadOS version.
     

✅ Method 2: Downgrade Using 3uTools on Windows (Free & Easy)

3uTools is a free utility for Windows users that simplifies iPadOS downgrades.

Step-by-step Guide:

1. Download and Install 3uTools:
   
   • Visit 3u.com and install the tool.
     
2. Connect Your iPad:
   
   • Open 3uTools and connect your iPad using a USB cable.
     
3. Go to Flash & JB > Easy Flash:
   
   • The tool will detect your iPad model and suggest available firmware versions.
     
4. Import IPSW (Optional):
   
   • You can also manually download an IPSW from ipsw.me and import it into 3uTools.
     
5. Select Flashing Mode:
   
   • Choose “Retain User Data” to preserve your data, or “Quick Flash Mode” to perform a clean install.
     
6. Click Flash:
   
   • Wait for the process to complete. Do not disconnect the iPad until it reboots.
     

✅ Method 3: Use ReiBoot or iMazing on Mac

Both tools offer simple graphical interfaces for downgrading without using Finder or iTunes.

ReiBoot Guide:

1. Install ReiBoot:
   
   • Download from Tenorshare ReiBoot and install on Mac.
     
2. Launch and Connect iPad:
   
   • Open ReiBoot, connect your iPad, and click Standard Repair.
     
3. Download Firmware:
   
   • The app will suggest the appropriate firmware to download.
     
4. Start Downgrade:
   
   • Click Start Standard Repair to begin. The process will finish with your iPad on the downgraded version.
     

iMazing Guide:

1. Download iMazing:
   
   • Go to imazing.com and install the app.
     
2. Connect iPad and Choose Reinstall iPadOS:
   
   • From the main menu, choose “Reinstall iPadOS.”
     
3. Select Firmware:
   
   • Either use iMazing’s suggested firmware or import a manually downloaded IPSW.
     
4. Run Downgrade:
   
   • Follow on-screen instructions. Your iPad will reboot once downgraded.
     

Advanced Method: Downgrade with SHSH2 Blobs and Jailbreak (Not for Beginners)

Use only when your target iPadOS version is no longer signed by Apple.

Step-by-step Guide:

1. Verify SHSH2 Blobs:
   
   • You must have saved SHSH2 blobs for the version you want to downgrade to (e.g., using TSS Saver).
     
2. Download Required Tools:
   
   • Install futurerestore and obtain the proper IPSW, SEP, and baseband files.
     
3. Put iPad into DFU Mode:
   
   • Connect to computer and enter DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode.
     
4. Run futurerestore Command:
   

Use Terminal or CMD to execute:

5. Wait for Downgrade to Complete:
   
   • If successful, your iPad will boot into the older version.
     

Important Requirements Before Downgrading

Make sure you:

• Download the correct IPSW for your exact iPad model
  
• Confirm Apple still signs your desired firmware on ipsw.me
  
• Back up all your data beforehand
  
• Have a reliable USB or Lightning cable
  
• Keep your iPad charged at 50% or above
  

How to Back Up iPad Safely Before Downgrade

1. Using iCloud:

• Go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now
  
• Ensure backup completes successfully
  

2. Using Finder or iTunes:

• Plug in your iPad
  
• Open Finder (macOS Catalina+) or iTunes (Windows/macOS Mojave and earlier)
  
• Select iPad > Click Back Up Now
  

3. Using iMazing:

• Open iMazing, connect your iPad
  
• Choose Back Up > Select types of data > Start Backup
  

Common iPadOS Downgrade Scenarios

Downgrade iPadOS 18 to 17

Use iTunes/Finder or 3uTools as long as iPadOS 17 is still signed.

Downgrade iPadOS 18.2 to 17

Not possible via normal tools. Use SHSH2 blobs + futurerestore.

Downgrade iPadOS 18.1 to 18

Still signed? Use Finder/iTunes or 3uTools with IPSW for iPadOS 18.

Downgrade from iPadOS Beta

1. Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management, and remove the beta profile.
   
2. Use iTunes/Finder to restore a public version IPSW.
   

Best Free iPadOS Downgrade Tools

Tool	Platform	Free?	Notes
3uTools	Windows	✅ Yes	Best for beginners
ReiBoot	macOS	✅ Yes	One-click downgrade/repair
iMazing	macOS	⚠️ Trial	Advanced backup + downgrade
futurerestore	All	✅ Yes	Requires SHSH2 + command-line

Common Downgrade Issues + Fixes

• Stuck on Apple Logo: Use ReiBoot’s “Exit Recovery Mode”
  
• iTunes Error 3194/4013: Update iTunes and remove any block in hosts file
  
• Firmware Compatibility Error: Ensure the IPSW matches your iPad’s model exactly
  

iPadOS Downgrade FAQs

Is iPadOS downgrade free?

Yes! Using tools like iTunes, Finder, and 3uTools is 100% free.

How to downgrade iPadOS on iPad without a computer?

Not possible. Apple does not allow downgrading without a computer.

Can I downgrade iPadOS from beta to stable?

Yes, by removing the beta profile and restoring a public version via computer.

Will I lose my data after downgrading?

If you choose to erase, yes. Use options like “Retain Data” in 3uTools to avoid it.

Do I need SHSH2 blobs to downgrade?

Only if the target version is no longer signed by Apple.