FBishay02
Level 1
(0 points)
Q: How to restore an iPad Air without restoring?
I was trying to downgrade my iPad Air from iOS 8.2.1 to iOS 8.1, I didn't know that Apple had stopped downgrading through iTunes, I just thought they had a little malfunction so I downloaded the software from online. Then I tried to downgrade but instead of downgrading it just became stuck in recovery mode. I keep clicking restore iPad... on iTunes and then extracts the software but then it says that there was an error while updating. Is there any way I could restore my iPad without updating, because it is clearly not working? Is there any way I could get my iPad out of recovery mode?
iPad Air, iOS 8.2
ChrisJ4203
Level 9
(59,818 points)
Try putting the device into DFU Mode. Google for instructions. Also, you will probable need to delete the ispw that you downloaded so the computer does not try to use it again and let iTunes download the correct one. You may also need to check your hosts file since you tried to downgrade iOS which is not supported. The host file may have an incorrect entry. See this about errors dealing with attempts to downgrade software. If you see Error 3194, Error 17, or 'This device isn't eligible for the requested build' in iTunes - Apple Support
You will not be able to restore the device without it loading the most current iOS. The iPad will work fine with iOS 8.3, you just need to try to get it on there.
