How to get back from iOS 13 beta to iOS 12

The first beta version of iOS 13 is for developers (and clever Apple fans who like to live on the edge), but it's not just fun and games. Beta testers may try to impose new features if they currently install iOS 13, but the operating system is incomplete and Apple still has a few months of testing before iOS 13 is ready for publication.

If you've made the quick leap to the iOS 13 beta and you're feeling the remorse of the publisher, do not worry. You can restore iOS in the comfort and stability of iOS 12, at the very least, until the release of the public beta later next month, which should be a little more stable than the first beta for developers.

Download the necessary system files

First, find and download the .IPSW file for your device at https://ipsw.me/. You can use the "Identify My iOS Device" tool in the menu located in the right sidebar or you can search for the model name of your iPhone or iPad (for example, iPhone X, iPad Pro, iPhone 8, etc. .). Save the .IPSW file for iOS 12.3, 12.3.1, or 12.3.2 on your computer. When downloading, this is a good opportunity to make sure that iTunes is installed if you restore to a Windows PC.

Setting up your iOS device

Do not worry about backing up your device before downgrading. Although it is generally a good practice to upgrade to a new version of iOS, you can not restore to iOS 12 using an iOS 13 backup. (One of the reasons why we always recommend performing an offline iTunes-based backup of your old version of iOS when you want to install a beta version.)

You will also need to disable the "Find My iPhone / iPad" option in iOS 13. This may sound strange, but you must disable it to prevent the feature from causing errors during the restore.

1. Open the settings on your iOS device.
2. Tap your account name at the top of the configuration window, then go to "Find my"> "Find my iPhone / iPad", and press the "Find my iPhone / iPad" slider to disable it.
3. Enter your Apple ID and password to apply the changes.

Installing old versions of iOS

Once you have disabled the "Find my device" When the .IPSW file is complete, you are ready to begin the restore.

1. Connect your iOS device to your Mac or PC. iTunes should launch automatically.
2. In the sidebar, click the iPhone icon under Devices to open the device summary screen.
3. Hold down the Option key on Mac or the Shift key if you are on Windows, and then click "Restore iPhone."
4. In the file browser that appears, locate and open the IPSW file that you downloaded earlier.
5. A pop-up window will appear and tell you that you are installing a new version of iOS. Click on "Restore".
6. Wait for the process to progress. You may be required to enter the password for your device during the installation process. The installation is complete when the device restarts automatically and the "Welcome" startup screen appears.
7. If you backed up your phone while using iOS 12 and want to restore your data, tap "Restore from iCloud" or "Restore from iTunes backup". Otherwise, tap "Set as new iPhone". on-screen instructions to complete setup and restore.

Once these steps are complete, your device is safely back into the loving and stable embrace of iOS 12.