Restoring an iPhone 6 without updating the software can be useful if you want to keep the current iOS version or jailbreak. Updating during a restore often causes issues like slower performance or app incompatibilities. Thankfully, there are ways to restore without the update using iTunes or iCloud.
Can I restore an iPhone 6 without updating?
Yes, it is possible to restore an iPhone 6 to factory settings without installing the latest iOS version. There are a couple methods to accomplish this:
- Restore iPhone using iTunes on a computer while decline any software updates
- Restore from a previous iCloud backup which retains the older OS
As long as you have the latest backup and actively avoid updates during the process, you can successfully restore while maintaining your current iOS.
How to restore iPhone 6 without updating using iTunes
Restoring with iTunes on a computer allows you to decline any software updates that would normally install. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Connect your iPhone to the computer and open iTunes
- Select your device by clicking the Phone icon in iTunes
- In the Summary section, click Restore iPhone
- A dialog will appear asking if you want to update. Click No to decline the update.
- iTunes will download the previous IPSW firmware file without updating iOS
- Once the restore completes, you can set up your iPhone again
As long as you manually decline the update prompt, iTunes will restore the iPhone using the existing system version. Just be sure to have a current backup beforehand.
Important notes
- This process only works if you have the specific IPSW file for the iOS version already saved on your computer
- iTunes will automatically download the latest firmware file if unable to find the matching IPSW
- To avoid any updates, download the older IPSW file from a reputable source before restoring
Using iCloud to restore without updating
You can also restore your iPhone 6 from an existing iCloud backup. As long as the backup was made before any software updates, this method will retain the old OS.
- Backup your iPhone to iCloud before making any changes
- On the iPhone, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings
- Wait for the reset to complete. The phone will boot to the Hello screen
- When asked, choose to restore from your previous iCloud backup
- Follow the setup prompts until restore completes
- Once finished, your iPhone will restart with the original OS still installed
This process is very simple but requires an iCloud backup made prior to any software updates. Be sure your desired backup is available before erasing and restoring your iPhone.
How to download older IPSW firmware files
In order to restore with iTunes and decline updates, you’ll need the IPSW firmware file for the current iOS version on your iPhone 6. Here is where you can find the correct file:
- ipsw.me – Database of iOS firmware files, simply enter device info
- The iPhone Wiki – Direct IPSW download links organized by device
- Apple Developer Center – Official IPSW files available if registered developer
Always download IPSW files only from reputable sources like the ones above. Various filesharing sites may contain altered firmware that can brick or jailbreak your device during restore.
Checking your current iOS version
To find the exact IPSW file matching your iOS version:
- Go to Settings > General > About on your iPhone
- Look for the number next to Software Version
- This is the iOS version currently installed. Download the IPSW file matching this number.
Reasons to avoid updating during restore
There are a few good reasons you may want to intentionally avoid software updates when restoring an iPhone 6:
- Jailbreaking – Updating firmware often patches exploits needed to jailbreak
- Speed/performance – Some updates have been known to slow down older iPhones
- App incompatibility – Apps sometimes have issues running on new iOS versions
- Personal preference – You simply like your current OS and don’t want to update
Additionally, updating can be undesirable if you have an aging or nearly full iPhone. The update itself takes up storage space and can slow the device down further.
Risks and precautions
While avoiding iOS updates during restore has valid use cases, there are some risks/drawbacks to note:
- Security vulnerabilities – Older iOS versions often lack the latest security patches
- App support – Many newer apps require features only present in newer iOS releases
- Missing features – You’ll miss out on any major features introduced in later updates
- Eventual forced update – At some point, your iOS version will be too outdated to use app stores, services, etc
To minimize risks, be selective about avoiding major updates vs incremental ones. For example, jumping from iOS 10 to 12 would pose fewer issues than remaining on iOS 6 or earlier. Additionally, don’t avoid updates indefinitely or your iPhone will eventually cease to function normally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it bad to never update my iPhone OS?
It is generally not recommended to avoid iOS updates indefinitely. Over time, your version of iOS may lose support for critical apps and security updates. Most experts recommend updating at least once per year or when your current OS is more than 2 major versions old.
Can I still restore if I lost my old IPSW file?
If you cannot locate the IPSW for your current iOS, iTunes will automatically download the latest version during restore. Your options would be to either update iOS or otherwise obtain the necessary IPSW file.
How can I get files off my iPhone before restoring?
To preserve any data/media before a restore, you have a few options:
- Back up iPhone to iCloud
- Connect to computer and sync with iTunes
- Use file sharing services like Dropbox to transfer files
- Store photos/videos directly on iCloud Photo Library
As long as needed files are transferred from the device, you can safely erase and restore your iPhone without data loss.
Will restoring delete everything on my iPhone?
Yes, restoring your iPhone 6 will wipe all contents and settings. Be sure to have a complete backup before performing a restore.
Conclusion
Restoring your iPhone 6 without upgrading iOS can be accomplished by using iTunes and manually selecting the IPSW firmware file matching your current version. This prevents any unwanted software updates during the process. Alternatively, you can restore from an existing iCloud backup made before any updates. In both cases, declining the latest iOS upgrade allows restoring your iPhone while keeping the older operating system intact.