How to downgrade back to iOS 5.1.1 without jailbreaking our phones?

I was expecting Siri, as described on the description of the iOS 6 update on my iPhone 4. Didn't get it. Also, I want features that was a part of my iOS 5 experience I don't have now with iOS 6. I want to downgrade back to iOS 5.1.1. I tried to use my old iTunes to restore the old OS, but got an error.

iPhone 4, iOS 6

Posted on Sep 21, 2012 9:30 PM

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18 replies

Sep 21, 2012 9:37 PM in response to roaminggnome

When I went into the Settings of the phone, and clicked General, Software Update, it gave a nice description of 200 new features with the update, listing new maps, Siri, etc. How was I suppose to know that this didn't include my phone? It was so miss leading. There has to be a way, and I believe Apple should open up that way to go back.

Sep 21, 2012 9:48 PM in response to Christopher Westcott

In fact, I have iTune 10.6.1 on my G5 imac. I can't upgrade iTunes to even support my new iOS on my computer because the lastest iTunes for the iOS 6 can not be installed on my G5 iMac. It is considered too old. I tried to restore the phone using this comptuer, it downloads the iOS 5.1.1 to restore my iPhone, but says it is denied. It should be allowed for people who can't upgrade to the lateset iTunes on their computers. It boils down to a permisions issue. What am I going to do now that my phone can NOT connect to my computer? I wish I was rich and could just go out and buy another computer. It seems iPhones are for rich people who can always stay current.

Sep 21, 2012 9:47 PM in response to Christopher Westcott

"When I went into the Settings of the phone, and clicked General, Software Update, it gave a nice description of 200 new features with the update, listing new maps, Siri, etc. How was I suppose to know that this didn't include my phone? "


Because it said specifically:


"Siri is available on iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPad (3rd generation), and iPod touch (5th generation) "


http://www.apple.com/ios/whats-new/#siri

Sep 21, 2012 9:55 PM in response to roaminggnome

Since I missread it, (in my opinion, it shouldn't even be mentioned on my phone), then I would like to go back. Why does this need to be so difficult? Why can't I have the old product I was using back? It really doesn't make sense to spend so much money, and then because of mistake on my part, by going down a road that Apple led me to, I now can not use my phone the way I was used to using it.

Sep 21, 2012 11:09 PM in response to Christopher Westcott

Christopher Westcott, public school graduate, I presume?


The following are the only correct answers to your question "How to downgrade back to iOS 5.1.1 without jailbreaking our phones".


roaminggnome wrote:


There is no legit way at all to go back


John Galt wrote:


This cannot be done.


You may choose to ignore them, as well as all the other posts on this forum in which the same question has been asked and answered hundreds of times.


If that is the case you are not seeking an answer.

Sep 21, 2012 11:34 PM in response to Christopher Westcott

I agree you should be able to go back.I program software like fox pro and sequel. When I put out update there is always a way to go back. In those 200 new features did it tell what you would lose? Apple just assumes that you do it their way or the highway. Your best bet is to find a used one with the same version you want and sell yours with IOS 6.



Hope you can get what you want.

Sep 22, 2012 12:48 PM in response to Christopher Westcott

Yes the answer is clear now: no legit way to go back. Sadly I liked the maps from Google and YouTube app. Ok... now i have a phone, with a very bad mapping application. The funny thing is that I just did the update on my iphone 4 so i could experinece the new features before getting the iphone 5.... which I doubt I will get this year, maybe in 2 years when my contract is up again... time to experience other systems.

Sep 24, 2012 7:52 AM in response to Christopher Westcott

Welp, I have looked into thoroughly, and I find it interesting that this forum will delete information posted by people who have tried to help. Someone posted a link showing how to restore to iOS 5.1.1, though out of date and no longer posible, it was deleted. When iOS 6 was in beta, people could restore their phones back to iOS 5.1.1. After the official release, it seems Apple closed that door. There is a difference John Galt in not possible, can't be done, from Apple no longer allowing a downgrade to iOS 5.1.1. Apple should allow this at the very least for iPhone 4 owners, who gain little in the iOS 6 upgrade, and lose more in fact.


So, true, it is no longer allowed to downgrade, based on Apple's forced control, not becaus of an imposiblitiy, but because of some sort of egotistical control. This is supported by the John Galts of the world, who mindlessly follow the Man, the Man that Apple once fought against, is now in fact become the Man itself. If you know your Apple history, and remember the 1984 commercial Apple ran, then this would make sense.


I am an American that works in Shanghai, and I can no longer search for locations using the Maps on my phone there. I can no longer use or upgrade Chinese Apps that were on my phone, like the QQ Browser. My experience of not being able to go back my to my formal Apple experience, forces me to look at other options, just like gara63.


Apple's phone is no longer suited for world travel and buisnessman. It also tells me that times are changing again. Time to sell my Apple stock, of which I have enjoyed for many years of growth. I smell stagnation coming. Thank you Apple for the years of fun growth and development, but you have changed, and your not gaining the support from me that you once had.

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How to downgrade back to iOS 5.1.1 without jailbreaking our phones?

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