The Ultimate Guide To How To Downgrade IPhone XR To IOS 15

What to know

If you own an iPhone XR and are craving the stability and simplicity of iOS 15, this guide will walk you through the process of downgrading your device.
Downgrading your iPhone XR to iOS 15 might require a clean install, which means you’ll need to back up your device and restore it from the backup after the downgrade.
While holding the Volume Down button, press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo and the “Connect to iTunes” screen.

Are you longing for the days of iOS 15? Maybe the latest iOS update has left you feeling frustrated with bugs, performance issues, or a lack of familiar features. If you own an iPhone XR and are craving the stability and simplicity of iOS 15, this guide will walk you through the process of downgrading your device.

In This Article

Why Downgrade to iOS 15?
Understanding the Risks
Essential Preparations
Downgrading Your iPhone XR to iOS 15
Post-Downgrade Steps

Why Downgrade to iOS 15?

Before we dive into the technicalities, let’s explore why you might choose to downgrade your iPhone XR to iOS 15. Here are some common reasons:

Performance Improvements: Older iPhones, like the XR, can sometimes struggle with the resource-intensive demands of newer iOS versions. Downgrading to iOS 15 might offer a noticeable boost in performance, smoother app operation, and reduced battery drain.
Bug Fixes: iOS updates, while intended to improve your experience, can sometimes introduce new bugs or glitches. If you’re experiencing issues with the current iOS version, downgrading to iOS 15 could resolve these problems.
Familiar Features: iOS updates sometimes remove or change features that users have grown accustomed to. If you miss a specific feature from iOS 15, downgrading might be the solution.
Personal Preference: Ultimately, the decision to downgrade is a matter of personal preference. If you find yourself more comfortable with the look, feel, and functionality of iOS 15, then downgrading is a valid choice.

Understanding the Risks

While downgrading to iOS 15 can be beneficial, it’s essential to understand the potential risks involved:

Loss of Data: Downgrading your iPhone XR to iOS 15 might require a clean install, which means you’ll need to back up your device and restore it from the backup after the downgrade.
Security Vulnerabilities: Downgrading to an older iOS version could leave your device vulnerable to security exploits that have been patched in newer versions. This is because Apple continuously releases security updates to address vulnerabilities.
Compatibility Issues: Some apps might not be compatible with older iOS versions. Before downgrading, ensure that the apps you rely on are still supported by iOS 15.
Limited Functionality: Downgrading to iOS 15 might limit the functionality of your iPhone XR. Certain features introduced in later iOS versions might not be available.

Essential Preparations

Before you embark on the downgrade journey, take these essential steps to ensure a smooth process:

Back Up Your Data: Create a complete backup of your iPhone XR using iCloud or iTunes. This will preserve your data, including photos, videos, contacts, and app settings, in case you need to restore your device after downgrading.
Find the iOS 15 IPSW File: You’ll need the iOS 15 firmware file (IPSW) for your iPhone XR. You can find these files on reputable websites like ipsw.me or the iOS Beta Software Program. Make sure you download the file corresponding to your iPhone XR model and iOS 15 version.
Download iTunes: If you don’t already have iTunes installed on your computer, download it from Apple’s website. iTunes is essential for the downgrade process.
Disable Find My iPhone: To avoid any issues during the downgrade process, disable “Find My iPhone” on your iPhone XR. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone and toggle it off.

Downgrading Your iPhone XR to iOS 15

Now that you’ve prepared your device and downloaded the necessary files, let’s move on to the downgrade process:

1. Connect Your iPhone XR to Your Computer: Connect your iPhone XR to your computer using a USB cable.
2. Open iTunes: Launch iTunes on your computer.
3. Enter Recovery Mode: Put your iPhone XR into recovery mode. This can be done by following these steps:

Power Off: Completely turn off your iPhone XR.
Connect to Computer: Connect your iPhone XR to your computer using a USB cable.
Volume Down: Press and hold the Volume Down button.
Connect to iTunes: While holding the Volume Down button, press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo and the “Connect to iTunes” screen.

4. Select Restore from IPSW: In iTunes, select your iPhone XR from the devices list. Click on “Summary” and then hold down the Option key (Mac) or Shift key (Windows) while clicking on the “Restore iPhone” button.
5. Choose the IPSW File: Select the iOS 15 IPSW file you downloaded earlier.
6. Start the Downgrade: Click on “Restore” to begin the downgrade process. This may take some time to complete.

Post-Downgrade Steps

Once the downgrade process is finished, you’ll need to set up your iPhone XR as a new device or restore it from your backup:

Set Up as New: If you choose to set up as new, you’ll configure your device from scratch, just like when you first bought it.
Restore from Backup: If you want to restore your data from the backup you created earlier, select “Restore from iCloud Backup” or “Restore from iTunes Backup” during the setup process.

Navigating Potential Issues

During the downgrade process, you might encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

iTunes Error: If you encounter an iTunes error during the downgrade process, try restarting your computer and iPhone XR. You can also try using a different USB cable or USB port.
IPSW File Not Recognized: Make sure you downloaded the correct IPSW file for your iPhone XR model and iOS 15 version. If the file is corrupted, download it again.
Device Stuck in Recovery Mode: If your iPhone XR remains stuck in recovery mode after the downgrade, try disconnecting it from your computer and restarting it. If the issue persists, you might need to seek assistance from Apple support.

The Final Chapter: Embracing iOS 15

After successfully downgrading your iPhone XR to iOS 15, you can enjoy the familiar interface and features of this version. Remember to update your apps to ensure compatibility and explore the settings to personalize your device to your liking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I downgrade to an older iOS version than iOS 15?

A: While it’s possible to downgrade to older iOS versions, Apple doesn‘t officially support this. You might need to use third-party tools, which can be risky and potentially damage your device.

Q: Can I upgrade back to the latest iOS version after downgrading?

A: Yes, you can upgrade back to the latest iOS version at any time. Simply go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone XR and follow the on-screen instructions.

Q: What if I lose data during the downgrade process?

A: If you lose data during the downgrade process, you can restore your iPhone XR from the backup you created earlier. Make sure you have a recent and complete backup to minimize data loss.

Q: Is it safe to downgrade my iPhone XR to iOS 15?

A: Downgrading your iPhone XR to iOS 15 can be safe if you follow the steps outlined in this guide. However, there are always risks involved, such as data loss and security vulnerabilities. It’s essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks before proceeding.

Q: Will I lose warranty coverage if I downgrade my iPhone XR?

A: No, downgrading your iPhone XR to iOS 15 will not void your warranty. However, if you encounter issues as a result of the downgrade, you might need to explain the situation to Apple support.