Everything you need to know about downgrading iOS 10.2 to iOS 10.1.1 or iOS 9.3.3 for jailbreak.
iOS 10.2 is by far the biggest update since iOS 10 with many improvements and new features. However, there is still no news regarding any iOS 10 jailbreak. The closest rumor we have heard so far is that iOS 10.1.1 exploit was released and a public jailbreak for iOS 10.1.1 is on its way soon. Til then, iOS 9.3.3 is the latest available jailbreak (by pangu) and it’s already been around for more than 2 months.
Downgrade iOS 10.2 to iOS 9.3.3 for Jailbreak
If you have accidentally updated to iOS 10.2 and is looking to downgrade iOS 10.2 to iOS 9.3.3 for jailbreak purpose, sadly, it isn’t possible anymore.
It’s crucial for you to know that Apple enforces a signing window for all iOS installations from all its customers. The only way to downgrade to an older iOS version is by restoring using iTunes. When you restore an iOS version via iTunes, it will connect to the Apple server and ask for permission (that’s why an internet connection is always needed when you use iTunes). If Apple is still signing for that particular iOS version, you will be able to install it, otherwise, it will return an error (error 3194, 100, 1671, 53, 1, 7) during the process and there isn’t any way to go around it.
Apple usually signs only the latest iOS version and the version before it. For example, now that iOS 10.2 is the latest iOS version available, you will be able to restore to iOS 10.2 any time as long as it’s still the latest version. You can also downgrade / restore to iOS 10.1.1 given if Apple still signing it. Apple usually stops signing for an iOS version 2 weeks after the newer version is released.
So, since Apple has stopped signing for iOS 9.3.3 a long time ago, you can’t downgrade to it anymore. We’re sorry but you should definitely stop wasting your time trying to find a method that never exist. It’s simply impossible to downgrade iOS 10.2 to 9.3.3 now.
Downgrade iOS 10.2 to 10.1.1 to preserve jailbreak
If you need a jailbreak very badly, instead of staying with iOS 10.2, you should now downgrade iOS 10.2 to iOS 10.1.1 when Apple is still signing for it.
Update: It seems that it is no longer a rumor anymore. It’s proven that iOS 10.1.1 has an exploit and was already released by a jailbreaker team. We’ll now just have to wait for someone to pack all this up and release it as a user-friendly jailbreak tool to jailbreak iOS 10.1.1. Stay tuned, we’ll let you know as soon as it’s released.
There are tons of rumors about iOS 10.1.1 being jailbroken already with a found exploit. Some have even showed how it was done on YouTube videos. It certainly worth to stay with iOS 10.1.1 if you value a jailbreak and looking forward to jailbreak your device as soon as you can.
If you’re now with iOS 10.1.1, it’s highly recommended that you stick with it and stay away from iOS 10.2 update.
Downgrade iOS 10.2 to 10.1.1 step-by-step guide
If you have already updated to iOS 10.2 and want to downgrade to iOS 10.1.1, here’s how.
Update: Apple has officially stopped signing for iOS 10.1.1, killing all kinds of downgrade and restore to iOS 10.1.1. I’m sorry but the following guide will not work anymore.
- Get the latest version of iTunes. It’s important that you have the latest version.
- Download iOS 10.1.1 IPSW file. Make sure to select only the ipsw file that matches your device model exactly.
- Go to Settings > iCloud > Find My iPhone and turn it off. Important step as it would return error when you attempt to restore your device with Find My iPhone remains on.
- Connect your device to your computer running Windows 10 / 8 / 7 or Mac.
- Put your device into DFU mode. A mode that allows iTunes firmware installation without loading the OS.
- For non iPhone 7 users, hold down Power and Home buttons for 10 seconds. Then release the Power button but keep holding Home button until the screen goes black which indicates that it has entered DFU mode. iTunes will alert you when it’s successfully entered DFU mode.
- For iPhone 7, turn off your iPhone. Press and hold On/Off button for 3 seconds. Press and hold volume down button while still holding the On/Off button. Keep holding both buttons for 10 seconds. Let go of On/Off button but keep holding volume down button for around 5 more seconds. If the screen stays black, it means you’ve successfully entered DFU mode.
- On your PC, open iTunes. Click on your device, hold shift + left click (or Alt + click for Mac) on the Restore button. Browse and select the iOS 10.1.1 IPSW file you have downloaded earlier.
- The restoration will begin as soon as you select the ipsw file. Your device will restart multiple times on its own.
- You should see a welcome screen when the restore is completed.
It’s important that you check if Apple is still signing for iOS 10.1.1 before you begin restoring. Apple is still signing for iOS 10.1.1 at the date this post was written. We will let you know as soon as Apple stops signing for it. For now, downgrade iOS 10.2 to 10.1.1 before it’s too late.
