You can downgrade your iPhone or iPad from iOS 26.2.1 and iPadOS 26.2.1 to iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2. But for a limited time only.

Apple Still Signing iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2, Downgrade from iOS 26.2.1 and iPadOS 26.2.1 Still Possible

Apple released iOS 26.2.1 and iPadOS 26.2.1 for iPhone and iPad devices earlier this week. Apart from AirTag 2 support, the new updates are packed with bug fixes too.

If you installed the update and ran into issues then you should be pleased to learn that you can downgrade back to iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2. However, you can only do that for a limited time only, and at the time of writing, Apple is still signing the older firmware.

Important Warning

You need to back up your iPhone and iPad using iCloud or Finder, and you must disable Find My in order to restore your device. Downgrading will erase everything off your iPhone and iPad, keep that in mind.

Downgrade the iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2 Firmware Files

Whether you have an iPhone or iPad, download the appropriate iOS 26.2 or iPadOS 26.2 firmware file from the links below and save it to your desktop:

Tutorial

Step 1. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac using a USB-C cable.

Step 2. Launch Finder from the Dock.

Step 3. Once your device is detected, you’ll see it in the left hand side of Finder. Click on it to reveal more options.

Step 4. Press and hold the left Option key on the keyboard and then click on the ‘Restore iPhone’ or ‘Restore iPad’ button in Finder.

Step 5. Select the iOS 26.2 or iPadOS 26.2 firmware file you saved to your desktop.

Step 6. Finder will start to restore your device with the 26.2 firmware file. This may take a while depending on which device you have.

Once the installation is complete, you can start using your iPhone and iPad on the older 26.2 firmware.

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Apple, iPad, iPhone, Tips & Tricks,

Last Update: January 28, 2026