How to Downgrade from iOS 26 Beta to iOS 25 (Complete Guide)

Installed iOS 26 beta and experiencing frustrating bugs or app crashes? You can return to the stable iOS 25 version by downgrading your iPhone. This guide walks you through the complete process using a computer and your pre-beta backup.

What is iOS Beta Downgrading?

iOS beta downgrading is the process of reverting your iPhone from a pre-release beta version of iOS back to the latest stable public release. When you install a beta version like iOS 26 and experience bugs, crashes, or app incompatibilities, downgrading returns your device to a stable, fully-tested version of iOS. This process requires a computer with Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (older macOS or Windows), completely erases your device, and restores your data from a backup created before you installed the beta.

Current as of: iOS 25 and iOS 26 beta - January 2025

Why Downgrade from Beta?

• Restore stability: Eliminate system crashes, app freezes, and unexpected restarts that commonly occur in beta software
• Fix app compatibility: Return to a version where all your essential apps work properly without beta-related bugs
• Improve battery life: Beta versions often drain batteries faster due to unoptimized code and logging features
• Regain missing features: Some features may be temporarily disabled or buggy in beta releases

Things to Consider Before Downgrading

• You’ll need a pre-beta backup: You cannot restore an iOS 26 beta backup to iOS 25. You must have created a backup before installing the beta, or you’ll set up as a new device and lose your data.
• The process erases your iPhone: Downgrading wipes all data from your device. Everything will be deleted before restoring from your older backup.
• You need a computer: This process cannot be completed using only your iPhone. You must have access to a Mac or Windows PC with Finder or iTunes installed.
• Allow 30-60 minutes: The complete process including download time, restore, and setup typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on your internet speed and backup size.

How to Downgrade from iOS 26 Beta to iOS 25 - Step by Step

Step 1: Remove the beta profile

Open Settings on your iPhone, then tap General > VPN & Device Management. Locate and tap ‘iOS 26 Beta Software Profile’, then tap ‘Remove Profile’ at the bottom of the screen. Enter your iPhone passcode when prompted to confirm the removal.

Step 2: Create a final backup (optional)

Go to Settings > [Your Name] at the top > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap ‘Back Up Now’. This preserves your current beta data, though you won’t be able to restore it to iOS 25. This backup can only be used if you reinstall iOS 26 beta in the future.

Step 3: Locate your pre-beta backup

On your Mac (macOS Catalina or later), open Finder. On Mac (macOS Mojave or earlier) or Windows PC, open iTunes. Connect your iPhone briefly if needed to view backups. On Mac with Finder: click your iPhone name in the sidebar, then view backups under the General tab. On iTunes: go to Preferences > Devices to see backup dates. Verify you have a backup dated before you installed iOS 26 beta.

Step 4: Download the iOS 25 IPSW file

On your computer, visit ipsw.me in your web browser. Click ‘Select a device’ and choose your exact iPhone model (e.g., iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15). From the list of iOS versions, click the latest iOS 25 version—do NOT select iOS 26 or iOS 26 beta. Click the download button and save the IPSW file to your Downloads folder or desktop where you can easily find it. The file is typically 5-7GB and may take 10-30 minutes to download.

Step 5: Connect your iPhone to your computer

Use a Lightning cable (iPhone 8-14 series) or USB-C cable (iPhone 15 and later) to connect your iPhone to your computer. Unlock your iPhone and tap ‘Trust’ if prompted on your iPhone screen, then enter your passcode.

Step 6: Put your iPhone in Recovery Mode

The button combination depends on your iPhone model:

For iPhone 8 and later models: Quickly press and release Volume Up button, quickly press and release Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button. Keep holding the Side button even when the Apple logo appears. Continue holding until you see the recovery mode screen (computer icon with cable).

For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold both the Side button and Volume Down button together until the recovery mode screen appears.

For iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold both the Home button and Top (or Side) button together until the recovery mode screen appears.

Step 7: Restore with the IPSW file

In Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows/older Mac), you’ll see a message stating there’s a problem with your iPhone that requires it to be updated or restored. On Mac: hold the Option key. On Windows: hold the Shift key. While holding this key, click the ‘Restore iPhone’ button. A file browser window will open. Navigate to where you saved the iOS 25 IPSW file (likely Downloads or Desktop), select it, and click ‘Open’ or ‘Choose’. Click ‘Restore’ in the confirmation dialog to begin.

Step 8: Wait for the restore process to complete

Your iPhone will now begin the restore process. You’ll see a progress bar in Finder/iTunes and on your iPhone screen. The device will restart several times during this 15-30 minute process. Keep your iPhone connected to your computer and do not disconnect the cable until you see the ‘Hello’ setup screen with language selection.

Step 9: Set up your iPhone and restore your backup

When you see the ‘Hello’ setup screen, follow the on-screen prompts to select your language and region. Connect to Wi-Fi when prompted. When you reach the ‘Apps & Data’ screen, select ‘Restore from Mac or PC’. Your computer should automatically detect your iPhone and show your available backups. Select the backup dated before you installed iOS 26 beta. Enter your backup password if you created an encrypted backup. Wait for the restore to complete—this may take 15-45 minutes depending on backup size.

Step 10: Verify your iOS version

Once setup completes and your iPhone restarts, go to Settings > General > About. Look at the ‘Software Version’ line and confirm it shows iOS 25.x.x (not iOS 26). Your iPhone is now successfully running the stable public release of iOS 25.

You’ve successfully downgraded from iOS 26 beta to iOS 25 and restored your data from your pre-beta backup. Your iPhone now runs the stable public release, eliminating beta bugs and improving reliability. Remember to keep regular backups before installing any future beta software.