Downgrade iOS 6 to iOS 5

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Downgrade iOS 6 to iOS 5

I had a working iPhone 4 running iOS 5. I carelessly let it upgrade to iOS 6. Now it can't access the internet via the LAN at all. I would therefore like to downgrade to iOS 5.

I have read on the internet that Apple does not support that. Is that correct? If so, can someone link to an official statement from Apple to that effect? If not, can someone link to the official procedure for downgrading?

I know that I can wait until hopefully Apple finds out about this problem and then hopefully fixes it but in the meantime I have 2 very expensive telephones.

iPhone 4, iOS 6

Posted on Nov 22, 2012 6:41 PM

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Answer 1

roaminggnome

Level 10

106,365 points

Nov 22, 2012 6:43 PM in response to 73fcb01e

There is no legit way at all to downgrade.

Sorry

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Answer 2

Nov 22, 2012 6:45 PM in response to 73fcb01e

You can downgrade (at least not in an apple supported way). What exactly is the issue? Are you having trouble accessing a particular wifi network or your home network? Can you access wifi and just not internet? What steps have you tried to resolve?

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Answer 3

73fcb01e Author

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Nov 22, 2012 7:05 PM in response to GrumpyGator

>Are you having trouble accessing a particular wifi network or your home network?

My home network. Was working perfectly for some years with iOS 5. Does not work at all with iOS 6. (2 phones)

>Can you access wifi and just not internet?

Correct. Definitely can access WiFi. Can't access internet.

>What steps have you tried to resolve?

Downgrading would be a step to resolve !! I'm not just taking the **** here. Having one working phone and one not working phone would definitely help to diagnose the problem as it may highlight what has changed in iOS 6.

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Answer 4

73fcb01e Author

Level 1

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Nov 22, 2012 7:06 PM in response to roaminggnome

>There is no legit way at all to downgrade.

Official statement from Apple?

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Answer 5

Nov 22, 2012 7:08 PM in response to GrumpyGator

*can't downgrade, and since this is a user group, no apple

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Answer 6

Nov 22, 2012 7:09 PM in response to 73fcb01e

A lot of iPhone users not limited to iPhone 5 who upgraded to iOS6 are having difficulties with WIFI. You may want to check this thread https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4322714.

Rather than trying to solve this issue which you should not have to do (isn't the reason why we buy iPhone, not andriod phones?), please call Apple Support directly and let them know your problem. They are responsible for it, because you paid for it.

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Answer 7

Nov 22, 2012 7:24 PM in response to 73fcb01e

Okay, well there are a few steps to try with the devices first.

I know how simple it sounds, but first step is to power down both devices AND your router, it may not be reading the devices correctly and preventing internet (or vice-versa).

Failing that, try a Reset of Network settings on the devices.

Last step would be a backup and full restore of the devices, in case the version of software downloaded had a bug in it (which admitedly is odd considering it's happening on two devices).

As for official statements from Apple;

"Downgrading to a previous version of iOS is not supported. If you have installed software to performunauthorized modifications to your iOS device, that software may have redirected connections to the update server (gs.apple.com) within the Hosts file. Uninstall the unauthorized modification software from the computer."

This is outlined in TS3694 under the "This device is not eligible for the requested build" section.

Other than that, I am not sure the exact quoting, but if you had read the Terms and Conditions of your iPhones when setting them up, it is also included in there under the Software section.

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Answer 8

73fcb01e Author

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Nov 23, 2012 1:39 AM in response to ThatguyfromThatplace

>Reset of Network settings

I've tried "Reset Network Settings"

I've tried "Erase All Content and Settings"

By the way, there is no irregular software on the phones. There are no "unauthorized modifications".

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Answer 9

73fcb01e Author

Level 1

0 points

Nov 23, 2012 1:46 AM in response to GrumpyGator

>can't downgrade

It turns out that it's worse than I thought.

Not only is downgrading not supported by Apple but Apple actively prevent you from doing so. Attempting to install an earlier version just gives an error message from some Apple server on the internet.

THIS IS INSANE

If you upgrade software and the new version breaks badly (as here), the very first thing you do is revert to the previous version of the software.

I am not whining about Google Maps v. Apple Maps. This is a barely functional phone !

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Answer 10

73fcb01e Author

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Nov 23, 2012 2:14 AM in response to glitchpaw

>A lot of iPhone users not limited to iPhone 5 who upgraded to iOS6 are having difficulties with WIFI.

Yes, so I see. I think my WiFi is OK however. iPhone is reliable communicating with other devices on the LAN. There is only a problem accessing the internet.

>please call Apple Support directly

I am pursuing this option.

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Answer 11

Nov 23, 2012 2:20 AM in response to 73fcb01e

iOS6 issues are not limited to WIFI and Map. For some custom unicode ( lesser know languages which is not standardized yet), all the appliations which need to disiplay these characters will hang and just quit including built in apps. What a disaster!

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Answer 12

73fcb01e Author

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Nov 25, 2012 12:39 PM in response to 73fcb01e

>please call Apple Support directly

I made an appointment at my local Apple store. The guy at the "Genius" Bar was not able to make any progress. I am pusuing other Apple support options.

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Answer 13

73fcb01e Author

Level 1

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Nov 26, 2012 12:50 PM in response to 73fcb01e

Update: At this stage I am not pursuing other Apple support options.

I think it is the height of arrogance that Apple will neither downgrade phones for users nor assist users to downgrade their phones themselves, when the users have legitimate and serious problems. However there appear to be any number of other discussions that make the same point and Apple has not acted, so 'nuff said.

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Answer 14

balqees

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Apr 27, 2013 12:10 AM in response to 73fcb01e

Hi.

Please refer to: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4316783?answerId=20389564022#20389564022&tstart=0#20389564?tstart=0

my response to it all is the message dated:

Apr 27, 2013 12:08 AM (in response to gail from maine)

May give you some insight into some of this stuff. Not much help, actually, but may save you some time in useless search of answers.

Balqees Mohammed

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Answer 15

Apr 27, 2013 4:06 AM in response to balqees

balqees wrote:

Please refer to: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4316783?answerId=20389564022#20389564022&tstart=0#20389564?tstart=0

my response to it all is the message dated:

Apr 27, 2013 12:08 AM (in response to gail from maine)

May give you some insight into some of this stuff. Not much help, actually, but may save you some time in useless search of answers.

You really want to refer people to a thread where you were pretty soundly discredited? If you really wanted to help people, you would be answering current questions, not dredging up six month old threads to rant. There are lots of opportunities to help people and become an asset to the community. The best way to start is to answer fairly basic questions to which you have a tested solution.

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