[Full Guide] iOS 17 Back to 16 Without Losing Data

Is iOS 17 better than iOS 16?

iOS 17 makes the iPhone more personal and intuitive. This release incorporates substantial enhancements to communication applications, streamlined sharing through AirDrop, more intelligent text input capabilities, and fresh encounters with Journal and StandBy features. 

So, for most iPhone users, iOS 17 could be considered much better when compared to iOS 16.

However, since iOS 17 hasn't been fully released yet, some apps may not run properly due to the beta version's instability. So some people wish to revert iOS 17 back to 16 until the full release of iOS 17.

This is why this article exists. Now you can continue reading to find suitable methods for downgrading iOS 17 to 16, whether you are using Windows or Mac.

How to downgrade iOS 17 to 16

For Windows users, iTunes is a great choice to go back to iOS 16 from 17. And for Mac users, Finder is available. Of course, you can also realize the process on your iPhone directly. Before the operation, it’s better to fully back up your iPhone to computer to avoid losing any data.  

Preparation: Make an iPhone full backup

Depending on the computer you use, the backup method is also different. You can use FoneTool to make an iPhone full backup on Windows, or fully back up iPhone using Finder on Mac.

Fully back up iPhone with FoneTool on Windows

When it comes to iPhone backup, it's hard to say that FoneTool isn't the best software.

Full or selective backup: FoneTool’s full backup contents are consistent with iTunes backup. You can also preview the files to selectively back up photos, music, videos, contacts and messages according to your preferences.
Universal restore: You can restore your iPhone backup to another device.
Super-fast transfer speed: You can experience amazing speed during the transfer and backup process, which surpasses that of other similar apps in the industry.
Wide compatibility: Sometimes, you might encounter frequent iTunes errors. However, FoneTool can operate stably on various iOS models, including iPhone 4 to iPhone 14, iPad, and iPod Touch, as well as the latest iOS 16/17.

Now please click the download button to get this useful tool and fully back up your iPhone.

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to the PC with a USB cable > Launch FoneTool and choose Phone Backup > Go to Full Backup > Click Get Started to continue.

Step 2. Check Enable Backup Encryption as you like to protect your privacy > Choose a backup storage path on PC > Tap on Start Backup to start. (You can also change the storage path to backup iPhone to an external drive.)

Back up iPhone with Finder on Mac

Mac users can back up iPhones with Finder: Launch Finder on Mac > Connect your iPhone to Mac with a USB cable > Click the device in the left panel and choose General > Click Back Up Now to back up your iPhone to Mac.

Now you can downgrade your iOS without any worry.

To begin, you should deactivate the Find My iPhone feature: Go to Settings app on iPhone > Disable the Find My iPhone option on the Find My section. This feature’s activation could potentially interfere with the downgrading process. 

Certainly, ensuring your iPhone has enough power is necessary. Now, power on your computer to initiate the task and ensure that you have the latest version of iTunes or Finder installed on your computer.

Downgrade iOS 17 to 16 using iTunes on Windows

Step 1. Open a web browser on your computer and visit IPSW Downloads. Then, choose your current iPhone model and click on the download button to obtain the latest iOS 16 version.

Step 2. After finishing the download, connect your iPhone to the PC > Launch iTunes and click on the iPhone icon.

Step 3. Hold the Shift key, then click on Restore iPhone to view the downloaded IPSW file > Choose it and click Open > A pop-up window will emerge, conveying the message that iTunes intends to restore your device to the iOS 16 version. Click on Restore to confirm.

When your iPhone is back to 16, you can relaunch the FoneTool to restore the iPhone backup: Backup History > Restore.

iOS 17 back to 16 using Finder on Mac

Step 1. Launch the browser on your Mac, then go to https://ipsw.me/. Select iPhone model you are using now and click on the download button to obtain the latest iOS 16 version.

Step 2. Connect your iPhone to the Mac > Launch Finder and choose your device > Press and hold the Option key on Mac and tap on the Restore iPhone option to locate the IPSW file you have downloaded before.

Step 3. Choose the files and click Open > Then you’ll see a pop-up window asking for your confirmation. Click on Restore to confirm.

Go back to iOS 16 from iOS 17 beta on iPhone directly

Downgrading from iOS 17 to iOS 16 on iPhone directly can present a slightly heightened challenge. It’s not officially endorsed by Apple and may not yield success universally and might entail certain risks. Nonetheless, it’s also a potential approach worth considering.

Step 1. Begin by accessing the Safari browser and go to the website: https://ipsw.me/. Choose your iPhone model and download the latest iOS version.

Step 2. Navigate to Settings app > General > iPhone Storage to locate the iOS 17 beta profile in the list and choose it. Then click Remove Profile and confirm the action.

Step 3. Restart your iPhone and launch the Files app on your device. Navigate to the folder where you stored the downloaded iOS 16 IPSW file. Tap on the file to begin the installation process, and then follow the on-screen instructions to complete it.

Final words

That’s all about how to revert iOS 17 back to 16. You can finish the process using iTunes on Windows or Finder on Mac. And it’s available to remove iOS 17 beta software profile on iPhones directly. Before the downgrading, it’s important to keep in mind that you’d better back up your iPhone data.