Apple
How To: iOS 8.0.1 Downgrade to iOS 8
The iOS 8.0.1 update broke the ability to use the iPhone as a phone today or to use it to connect to data. Reports indicate this major iOS 8.0.1 update is potentially limited to the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus only. Here’s how you can fix the iOS 8.0.1 no service problem by downgrading to iOS 8.
You do not need to use the iOS 8.0.1 downgrade to iOS 8 to fix this problem. Apple is certainly working on an official fix that will likely come as an iOS 8.0.2 release later today or int eh coming days.
For users who can’t wait for the iOS 8.0.2 release to fix these problems, here’s a quick guide on how to downgrade to iOS 8. This is similar to updating using iTunes, but you need to restore the iPhone to factory condition. This means all your data is wiped. But you can restore from a backup after it completes.
If you just need to make calls and can connect to WiFi, here’s a less drastic solution until the iOS 8.0.2 release or fix arrives.
This is how to downgrade from iOS 8.0.1 to iOS 8 on the iPhone 6 to get cell service back.
How to Downgrade from iOS 8.0.1 to iOS 8
The iOS 8.0.1 to iOS 8 downgrade will only take 15 to 30 minutes, but you need to download the right iOS 8 file and you will not be able to use the iPhone while this is taking place. After it is done you need to restore from an iTunes backup or from iCloud.
Make sure you turn off Find My iPhone by going to Settings -> iCloud -> Find my iPhone -> Off.
1. Download the iOS 8 ipsw for your device
2. Plug your iPhone into a computer and open iTunes.
Here’s how to downgrade to iOS 8 on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.
3. In iTunes click on the iPhone option in the upper right. If you see the Restore and Upgrade options you are on the right screen.
5. Special Click on Restore iPhone. A special click involves holding a key while you left click.
- Hold alt/option on Mac when you click Restore iPhone…
- On Windows, hold Shift when you click Restore iPhone…
Do not try the Check for Update option.
Restore to complete the iOS 8.0.1 to iOS 8 downgrade.
6. Find the iOS 8 download and click on the .ipsw file.
After a few minutes the iOS 8 update will complete. If Apple is still signing the iOS 7.1.2 files you are good to go. Just make sure you don’t update to iOS 8 again. If the process fails it is likely Apple stopped signing the iOS 7.1.2 update and you need to Restore to iOS 8.
