How do I reinstall iOS 13.1.3, or possibly even downgrade to 13.1.2?

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Level 1

76 points

How do I reinstall iOS 13.1.3, or possibly even downgrade to 13.1.2?

Since installing the 13.1.3 update my iPhone SE has been a mess. Safari searches often produce only the spinning wheel, apps are slow to launch or, in one case, (WeatherCAN) fail outright. TuneIn Radio, aside from becoming launch-resistant, has become slow to open stations. Also my normally reliable wifi drops (but not on my non-updated device).

To top it off I can no longer back up the SE in iTunes (in Mojave 10.14.6), previously not a problem. iTunes reported the phone as "new", and back-up efforts result in an error message.

So, I'd like to reinstall the update without doing a full restore. My guess is something went wrong during installation although I suppose it's possible 13.1.3 introduces a bug.

Suggestions?

iPhone SE

Posted on Oct 20, 2019 11:07 AM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Oct 20, 2019 11:12 AM in response to duncantho

You cannot downgrade, but to reinstall first make a backup of your current data preferably using Backup to the computer which backs up some things that a cloud Backup does not. Then Restore the device. Upon completion of the restore you have the options to Restore as New or Restore a Backup. Choose whichever you prefer. Although it takes longer to Restore as New then reinstall your third-party software. You will also lose any backed up data. But this is cleaner and assures that no problems are restored from anything you backed up.

Restore: Connect your iPhone to iTunes on your computer, backup, and then select Restore to Factory. Also, see Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings and If you forgot the passcode for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, or your device is disabled - Apple.

For help with the above on later models, including iPhone 7, 7s, 8 or later, iPad Pro 11" and iPad Pro 12.9" models, please refer to If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch won't turn on or is frozen.

If all else fails then make an appointment at the Apple Genius Bar for service. If you need to find an Apple Store - Find a Store - Apple. If you did not purchase it from Apple then you will need to look to the vendor for service or How to find your nearest Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) or Distributor (AAD).

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Answer 2

duncantho Author

Level 1

76 points

Oct 21, 2019 7:27 AM in response to Kappy

FYI I was eventually able to do a back-up after turning off the Mac's firewall and unplugging USBs. A few obstacles along the way but I eventually did a successful restore. The SE now purrs along on 13.1.3.

Thanks again for your thoughts, Kappy and KiltedTim.

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Answer 3

KiltedTim

Level 10

226,518 points

Oct 20, 2019 11:12 AM in response to duncantho

Downgrading is not supported at all. The only way to re-install is to restore iOS using iTunes (or Finder if you're running Catalina).

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Answer 4

duncantho Author

Level 1

76 points

Oct 20, 2019 11:49 AM in response to Kappy

Thanks!

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Answer 5

duncantho Author

Level 1

76 points

Oct 20, 2019 11:21 AM in response to Kappy

Thanks for your reply, Kappy.

I mentioned that iTunes will no longer let me back up the phone. I had thought of backing up before applying the update but decided not to because I've not previously had problems with updates. Dumb move!

Would Restore get me back to an iOS version I was running when I last did a back up (probably an earlier version of 13)? Or does restore do everything other than OS?

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Answer 6

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Oct 20, 2019 11:38 AM in response to duncantho

Restoring at this point would be to Restore as New since you cannot restore a backup. The iOS restored this way is the current version release which now is 13.1.3. There's no going back, as they say.

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How do I reinstall iOS 13.1.3, or possibly even downgrade to 13.1.2?

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