Facing Issues with iOS 26? Here’s How to Downgrade to iOS 18.6.2

Apple’s iOS 26 features a plethora of new elements. Users are reporting bugs and fast battery drain. The liquid glass interface causes some confusion. iOS 18.6.2 is stable for all users. It is worth downgrading to iOS 18.6.2. If you prefer iOS 18.6.2, you need to act quickly while Apple is still signing iOS 18.6.2 and keep with stability in mind for a smooth user experience with your iPhone.

To undo and down-grade, please follow these steps.

Back Up Your Data

Before you do anything, back up your data off your iPhone. If you have a wiz-out sized back-up option, use iCloud to back-up files is quick. If you have a Mac, create a back up that way. If your own a Windows PC, use Itunes. It would also help to create two back-ups for safety – for example, on both your Mac and iCloud. You could forget you back up off your phone with your Apple ID, apps, and photo files, and that back up will save you time. Backing up creates an easy safety-net to manage data on your phone with convenience. Backing-up is important, crucial, and should be done prior to downgrading.

Disable Find My iPhone

Go into your Settings and find the settings associated with your name. Click on “Find My” and go to “Find My Phone” and switch it off completely. You will have to put in your Apple ID password to disable it. You could also sign-out of your Apple ID option, but disabling the feature is the most critical element to make sure you don’t run into issues when you choose to employ the Activation Lock. This should make downgrading easier. Do not forget to do these steps beforehand.

Download iOS 18.6.2 File

Instead of using the IPSW.me server, you could just go to Apple’s server. Find iOS 18.6.2 (ijmpsw) as a downloaded file, or for your iPhone model. You also need to make sure that Apple still signs iOS 18.6.2, if not the downgrade won’t work. Make sure you save the file on your computer too. When it is already downloaded, you want to verify that it is on your device.

Connect to Computer

Use your USB-C or Lightning cable to connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC. Use Finder or iTunes to recognize it. Ensure the connection remains solid. A loose cable may result in errors. Your iPhone should display under Finder or iTunes.

DFU Mode

Put your iPhone into DFU mode. On the Face ID models, press Volume Up, then Volume Down. Press and hold the Side button until the display goes black. Once the screen is black, you will then press and hold both the Side button and the Volume Down button at the same time for five seconds. After five seconds release the Side button while still holding the Volume Down button. Continue to hold the Volume Down button until detected.

Restoring to iOS 18.6.2

On a Mac, hold down OPTION while clicking Restore iPhone in Finder. On a Windows computer, hold down SHIFT while clicking Restore in iTunes. Select the iOS 18.6.2 IPSW file. The restore process will begin automatically. Your iPhone will boot several times during this process. Keep your iPhone connected and powered on.

Set Up iPhone

Once the restore process is complete, you can set up your iPhone as a new device or restore from a backup. Re-enable Find My iPhone. Once process has been completed, you will sign back into your Apple ID. If you are downgrading because of an unstable version of software act quickly before Apple stops signing version 18.6.2.

Time to Act

Downgrade while Apple is signing version 18.6.2. You will be able to fix bugs and enjoy a fewer function of an iPhone. Follow those steps and you will have a great experience.

Also Read: iOS 26 Update Drains iPhone Battery Fast