How to Go Back to iOS 17 Without iTunes

When a new version of iOS is launched, Apple customers may take advantage of new features. In this case, it's iOS 18 beta. However, you may face several iOS issues following the upgrade, particularly in beta 1, which may make you want to go back to iOS 17 from iOS 18 Beta. Normally, iTunes is the preferred way for downgrading iOS to the prior stable release. What if you don't want to go through the difficult stages on iTunes?

If you wish to downgrade iOS without iTunes, this article provides simple method for downgrading from iOS 18 beta to iOS 17 without iTunes.

Quick Checks Before Downgrading to iOS 17

Before you begin the process of downgrading to iOS 17, it's crucial to take a few preparatory steps to ensure a smooth transition and avoid potential data loss.

1# Ensure Enough Power
Make sure your iPhone has at least 50% battery life before you begin the downgrade process to prevent any interruptions.

2# Check Device Compatibility
Not all iOS versions are compatible with every iPhone model. Ensure that iOS 17 is supported on your device. Typically, Apple’s website will have a list of compatible devices for each iOS version.

3# Full iPhone Backup
Before going back to iOS 17, please do remember to fully backup your iPhone. You can choose the official iCloud or iTunes way or utilize professional iOS backup tool - FoneTool.

With one click, you can backup your iPhone photos, contacts, call history, text messages, memos, calendars, Safari (history, bookmarks), applications (data files, preference), system settings. Download FoneTool by clicking the icon below, and let's started.

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to computer via USB > Launch FoneTool, and lick "Phone Backup", mouse over the "Full Backup" icon and click "Get Started".

Step 2. You could enable backup encryption to backup private data such as Fitness records, Health and Keychain.

Step 3. Select a storage path to save the backup and click "Start Backup".

After downgrading to iOS 17, you can go to the Backup History in FoneTool to restore the full backup to your iPhone.

How to Go Back to iOS 17 Without iTunes

Now, it’s time to go back to iOS 17 without iTunes. Depending on your iPhone models in different iOS versions to go back to iOS 17 from iOS 18 Beta, the steps are slightly different.

For iPhone running iOS 16.31 or earlier
Step 1. Go to Settings > Choose General > Click VPN & Device Management.

Step 2. Select and remove the iOS 18 Beta Profile > Finally, restart your iPhone to apply the change.

For iPhone running iOS 16.4 or later
Step 1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates.

Step 2. Select the Beta Updates and choose to turn it off.

Step 3. Restart your iPhone, and wait for the next cycle of iOS update.

Deleting the beta profile will immediately prevent the device from getting any further beta updates.

Bonus: How to Downgrade with iTunes

If you prefer using iTunes, we also provide you with a detailed instruction on how to downgrade to iOS 17 using iTunes.

To downgrade iOS 18 to 17 free using your computer and iTunes, make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed. iOS 17 is available as a free download from the Apple website, if necessary. Follow these steps to downgrade via iTunes:

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a compatible USB cable and open iTunes.

Tip: iTunes will prompt a window, asking you to backup your iPhone. If you have backed up your iPhone, you can skip it.

Step 2. Navigate to the IPSW website, select your iPhone model, and download the desired version of iOS.

Step 3. Put iPhone in recovery mode > Once in Recovery Mode, iTunes should detect your device and offer you the option to Recover or Update > Choose Recover and select the compatible backup you created earlier.

Once the recovery is complete, your iPhone will reboot and downgrade to iOS 17, and you can continue setting up your device.

Conclusion

Downgrading your iPhone to a previous iOS version can be a lifesaver if the latest update causes issues. While iTunes is a commonly used tool for this process, there are alternative methods available.

Always ensure you have a complete backup of your data before starting the downgrade process to prevent data loss. By following the detailed steps provided in this guide, you can successfully go back to iOS 17 and enjoy a stable and familiar iOS experience.