My brother gave me his old iPhone 4 to use. However, he wants me to keep iOS 6.1.3 on the device, because he does not like iOS 7 at all and because iOS 7 slows down the iPhone 4. I would like to respect that. Is there any way to restore the iPhone without upgrading to iOS 7.1?
iPhone 4, iOS 6.1.3
No. You cannot.
iOS 7.1 is made especially for the iPhone 4. It runs much faster that 7.0
If your brother gave you the phone, why should he care if you run 7 or not. Isn't it your desicion?
How about the "Erase All Data and Settings" option?
Good question. Don't know as I have never tried doing that with an older iOS when a new one is available. I have tried finding documentation here, but have not been able; maybe you can search.
This might be a good starting off point:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2110
In anycase,I would think erasing is not the same as restoring so perhaps the phone would not be upgraded. There is only one way to find out; take the plunge 😉. Whatever you do or find, post back here, with results.
Great, I was searching the last hour as well and then hoped that the official Apple Forums would offer help. Then I will continue my search and be back here with an answer if I find one.
Missed this on the sidebar of the page where your thread is:
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5379990?answerId=23192355022#23192355022
This seems to answer the question...
Restore an iPhone 4 running iOS 6.1.3 without upgrading to iOS 7.1
