You can downgrade your iPhone or iPad to iOS 26.1 or iPadOS 26.1 from iOS 26.2 or iPadOS 26.2 beta using DFU mode.

How to Downgrade from iOS 26.2 or iPadOS 26.2 Beta to iOS 26.1 or iPadOS 26.1 Using DFU Mode

Testing out beta software is not everyone’s thing, and quite honestly, I don’t bother with them on my primary device at all. The reason for that is simple: because when something goes wrong, the downgrade process is not a straightforward one.

When downgrading from beta software to the publicly available one, you have to put your iPhone or iPad in DFU mode and then go ahead with it. It’s not a simple case of turning off Find My and then providing your device with a firmware file using Finder.

If you’re updated to iOS 26.2 or iPadOS 26.2 beta and have decided to downgrade back to iOS 26.1 or iPadOS 26.1, I’ll walk you through the process as patiently as possible. I suggest reading through everything first before you attempt anything here.

Backup Everything First

You will lose all your files and settings the moment you downgrade. Use iCloud or Finder to backup everything, and I’ve covered everything in detail here.

This is an extremely important step and one you should fulfill before moving an inch forward otherwise you’ll lose all your personal data and settings.

Download the iOS 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1 Firmware Files

Download the correct iOS 26.1 or iPadOS 26.1 firmware file from the links below and save it to your desktop:

Put iPhone or iPad in DFU Mode

This is the tough part and one which you have to get right. I suggest reading everything twice before attempting it since the process of putting an iPhone or iPad into DFU mode is a tricky one.

Read this tutorial on how to put an iPhone into DFU mode, and follow the tutorial posted here for putting an iPad into DFU mode.

Once everything is done right, your device will show up in Finder confirming that DFU mode was successful. Just press and hold the Option key on the keyboard and then click the ‘Restore iPhone’ or ‘Restore iPad’ button, then select the iOS 26.1 or iPadOS 26.1 firmware file to begin the downgrade process.

Again, downgrading beta software is not easy, and it takes a bit of skill compared to regular downgrades. 

Categorized in:

Apple, iPad, iPhone, Tips & Tricks,

Last Update: November 5, 2025