How to Downgrade from iOS 26 to 18 [No Data Loss]

Macworld

I upgraded from iOS 18 to 26, but the battery drain on iOS 26 is fast, and the lag is terrible. I want to know how to downgrade from iOS 26 to 18.Apple user report

Have you updated to iOS 26, but are not happy with the results? Many users have experienced problems such as iOS 26 is unable to check for updates, or iOS 26 makes their iPhone overheat, and causes lagging. They are already tired of iOS 26, so they want to uninstall iOS 26 and return to iOS 18. In this article, we’ll explain how to downgrade from iOS 26 to 18 safely and easily, and provide four effective methods to help you go back to iOS 18 without data loss or stress.

Can I downgrade from iOS 26 to 18 on iPhone and iPad?

Yes, you can! It’s possible to downgrade from iOS 26 to 18 on iPhone and iPad, but only under certain conditions. Apple usually allows downgrading to the previous iOS version only while it’s still signed.

For security reasons, Apple adds a signature to the iOS version to confirm its authenticity. If Apple stops signing it, you won’t be able to downgrade on your iPhone/iPad. 

Luckily, iOS 18 is still being signed, and you can download the IPSW file and manually downgrade iOS 26 to 18 via iTunes, or choose a smart iOS downgrade program such as Tenorshare ReiBoot to revert to iOS 18 with just one click.

4 proven methods comparison (downgrade iOS 26 to 18)

MethodsData LossTime ConsumedOperation processSuccess RateTenorshare ReiBootNo Risk< 20 minutes3 steps (Easy & Safe )100%iTunes+IPSWYes> 1 hour6 steps (Difficult to use )80%BetaProfile+IPSWNo Risk> 1 hour7 steps (Difficult to use)80%iPhone SettingNo Risk> 30 minutes5 steps (Only removes beta)80%

How to downgrade from iOS 26 to 18 without data loss

Method 1: One-click downgrade iOS 26 to 18 via iOS professional downgrade program – Recommended method (fast and easy to use, no data loss)

Looking for a fast way to switch from iOS 26 back to iOS 18? This iOS downgrade program Tenorshare ReiBoot allows you to downgrade iOS 26 to 18 without data loss on your iPhone or iPad.

Unlike methods that involve iTunes or Finder, which usually require a full restore and often erase all your data, ReiBoot allows you to downgrade to iOS 18 without iTunes. It doesn’t require jailbreaking your device, and you don’t need to be tech-savvy to use it.

Why use Tenorshare ReiBoot to downgrade iOS?

One-click downgrade/upgrade iOS without iTunes: 100% success rate!

No data loss: Downgrade iOS, but keep your photos, messages, and data safe.

Fast and efficient: Easily downgrade iOS within 20 minutes.

All-in-one tool: Downgrade and repair 150+ iOS problems and recover iPhone, with fast, safe results.

How to downgrade iOS 26 (including iOS 26 beta) to 18 with ReiBoot without losing data?

Step 1: Free Download ReiBoot on your computer. Connect your iPhone or iPad to the computer. Click on “iOS Upgrade/Downgrade” in the ReiBoot menu.




Tenorshare

Step 2: Next, click “Download” to get the iOS 18 firmware package file you want. Tap “Initiating downgrade” to downgrade iOS 26.




Tenorshare

Step 3: In a few minutes, click “Done’. ReiBoot will automatically remove iOS 26 and install the stable iOS 18 on your device.




Tenorshare

Video guide: How to remove iOS 26 beta without losing data

Method 2: Downgrade iOS 26 to 18 via IPSW file import (technical knowledge required)

Another way to downgrade iOS 26 to iOS 18 is to use an IPSW file. This method removes iOS 26 and installs the latest stable version of the iOS 18 IPSW file on your iPhone or iPad via iTunes/Finder, then through Apple’s over-the-air update system updates to iOS 18. You’ll need a computer, a backup of your data, and patience.

Here’s how to downgrade/restore your iPhone by importing an IPSW file via iTunes:

Step 1: Connect your iPhone and computer by USB, open Finder on your Mac, or click the latest iTunes on Windows.

Step 2: Go to ipsw.me, choose your iPhone or iPad model, and download the signed version of iOS 18.




Tenorshare

Step 3: Turn off ‘Find My’ on your iPhone or iPad.

On Mac, hold down the Option/Alt key.

On Windows, hold down the Shift key.

Then click “Restore.”




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Step 5: Choose the IPSW file you downloaded. Confirm the selection, then wait 10-30 minutes for it to install.

Step 6: Reboot your iPhone or iPad, and it will restore iOS 18 on your iPhone (but note that all data will be wiped).

Method 3: Remove iOS 26 beta without a computer (limited iOS beta)

Many users would claim that you can downgrade from iOS 26 to 18 without iTunes or a computer, but that’s not possible. You can only remove the iOS 26 beta profile from your iPhone without iTunes and stop future beta updates. You will keep your current iOS 26 firmware until Apple officially launches iOS 26.

Here are the steps to remove iOS 26 beta profile for free and without a PC:

Step 1: Open ‘Settings’.

Step 2: Go to General > VPN & Device Management (or Device Management).




Tenorshare

Step 3: Click iOS Beta Software Configuration Profile, then select ‘Remove iOS 26 beta 1 Profile’.

Step 4: Restart your device and remove the iOS 26 beta.

Method 4: Downgrade iOS 26 to 18 through the BetaProfiles website (version limit)

Lastly, you can downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18 using the BetaProfiles website. But it’s not instant. You’ll need to wait for the public release of iOS 18 before you can downgrade this way.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to downgrading iOS 26 to 18 via BetaProfiles:

Step 1: Open Finder if you’re using a Mac, or iTunes if you’re on Windows. Then, connect your iPhone or iPad to the computer with a cable.

Step 2: Go to the BetaProfile website. Then, choose your iPhone or iPad model and download the iOS 18 profile.

Step 3: Open the file called “Info.plist” using a text editor. Find the line that says “Product Version” and change the number to 18.5. Then, save the file.




Tenorshare

Step 4: Go to “Settings”, then choose “Find My”. Select “Find My iPhone” or “Find My iPad” and turn it off.




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Step 5: In iTunes or Finder, hold down the Option key if you’re on a Mac, or the Alt key if you’re on Windows. Then click on “Restore iPhone/iPad.”




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Step 6: Choose the “.ipsw” file you downloaded before and install it to downgrade from iOS 26 Beta to iOS 18.5.




Tenorshare

How to turn off receiving iOS 26 beta 1 updates？

 Click ‘Settings’> Tap ’ General’>Choose ’ Software Update ‘> Tap Beta Update’> and Click‘ Off ’

Prerequisites before you downgrade to iOS 26 on your iPhone /iPad

1. Downgrading iOS requires setting up as new or using an older backup

Back up everything using iCloud or iTunes. If your backup was made on a higher iOS version (e.g. iOS 26), you won’t be able to restore it after downgrading to an earlier version (e.g. iOS 17.7.2), so you’ll need to set up your device as new or restore from a backup made on the same or earlier iOS version.

2. Disable Find My iPhone

You’ll need to turn off Find My iPhone before downgrading, or the process won’t be effective. To do this:

Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone

Toggle off Find My iPhone

Enter your Apple ID password when prompted

3. Fully charge your iPhone and prepare a USB cable

Downgrading iOS 26 takes time, so make sure your battery is at least 60–70% charged and prepare an original USB cable to connect the computer.

4. Connect to a stable internet connection

Restoring a backup (especially from iCloud) needs a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection. Slow or interrupted internet could pause the process or lead to missing data during the transfer.

FAQ
1.
Should I downgrade from iOS 26 to 18?

iOS 26 Beta is a test version meant for developers and early testers. While it includes new features, it can also have bugs, and cause app crashes, battery issues, or performance problems. Whether you should downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18 depends on your specific situation.

2.
Can I downgrade iOS 26 Beta 1 to iOS 18.5?

Yes, you can downgrade iOS 26 beta 1 and iPadOS 26 beta 1 to iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5. It’s worth noting that iOS 26 works with any iPhone that has an A13 chip or later, so iPhone XR and iPhone XS will not be able to downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18.5.

Conclusion

Whether you decide to use iTunes, remove the Beta Profile, or rely on iOS downgrade tool ReiBoot to uninstall iOS 26, each method has its advantages and disadvantages. Among all the methods discussed, Tenorshare ReiBoot stands out as the easiest and safest option. It simplifies the entire downgrade process without wiping your iPhone, making it ideal for both beginners and advanced users. So, if you’re looking at how to downgrade from iOS 26 to 18, ReiBoot is a smart choice.