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Software Updates · 5 min read

Can I Downgrade iOS 27 Back to iOS 26?

By iPhone Update Editorial Desk · Reviewed September 19, 2026 ·5 min read
DIRECT ANSWER

You cannot tap a switch in Settings to go back. A downgrade is a computer Restore to a currently signed 26.x IPSW. That erases the phone. Apple stops signing old trains on a short window. If 26.7 is still offered as its own row, staying on 26 is easier than installing 27 and reversing. Banking and authenticator apps are why most people should not try this.

1. Prefer not installing 27 yet

If Software Update still offers 26.7 as a point release, stay there. That is not a downgrade. Model-specific wait advice: 15 / 12 / 13 Pro Max.

2. If you already installed 27

  1. Make a fresh backup. A restore will wipe the device. You can only reload data from a backup taken on 26.x if you want a clean 26 system; a 27 backup may not restore onto 26.
  2. On a Mac: Finder. On Windows: Apple Devices (or current iTunes). Connect the phone.
  3. Put the phone in Recovery Mode (volume up, volume down, hold side until the recovery screen).
  4. Choose Restore, not Update. Restore installs the currently signed OS Apple will allow — which may still be 27 if 26 is unsigned.

3. Unsigned means it is over

If Restore only offers 27, Apple has stopped signing 26. Third-party IPSW sites do not change that. Stop. Stay on 27 and apply point releases.

Do not do these

  • Update in Recovery Mode keeps data and will not downgrade.
  • A 27 iCloud backup will not put you back on 26.

Questions this page actually answers

Will I lose data?

Restore erases the phone. You get data back only from a compatible backup. Assume loss if you do not have a pre-27 backup.

Can Apple Support downgrade for me?

They will not sideload an unsigned OS. They can restore to whatever is currently signed.

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Sources

Prepared by the iPhone Update Editorial Desk. Independent technical reference. Not affiliated with Apple Inc.