How to re-flash iOS 11 and downgrade to iOS 10: without losing data

Apple recently released the official iOS 11 system update. Most mainstream iPhones and iPads can be upgraded to experience the latest generation of iOS system. However, for such a major version update, it is generally recommended to do a fresh installation. Direct OTA is likely to cause some strange and difficult-to-solve bugs. Many users have encountered such a situation.

In fact, there is no need to worry. Here we will teach you how to solve these problems by resetting your phone without losing your personal data, or downgrading back to iOS 10.3.3.

Although iOS 11 is good, many people encountered some problems after upgrading

Backup and Reset

If you have already upgraded to the official version of iOS 11 via OTA, you can manually back up your device through iTunes on your computer (or choose to back up locally during automatic backup).

This backup can completely back up your iPhone's photos, videos, App data lists, web browsing history, system settings, etc. After the backup is complete, erase and reset it on the iPhone, and then use iTunes to restore the backup to the iPhone. It will be basically the same as the content on the iPhone before the reset.

This data backup method can also be used when you change to a new iPhone in the future. You can transfer all the data from the old iPhone to the new iPhone so that you can continue to use it seamlessly.

1. Click to download and install iTunes

2. Connect iPhone to computer via Lightning cable

3. Manually back up data on your iPhone

Click this icon

Back up now

Or select this and click Done.

4. Reset iPhone

On iPhone, go to Settings-General-Reset-Erase All Content and Settings. (You need to log in to your Apple ID to reset, so remember your password.)

5. Restore backup to iPhone

After reconnecting, you will be prompted to restore, or click here

If you haven't upgraded to iOS 11 yet, or if you've upgraded to the GM version and now feel compelled to re-flash, you can follow the steps above to back up the data on your iPhone, then directly click Check for Updates on iTunes, or manually download the firmware (iPhone 7, 7 Plus, other 5.5-inch, 4.7-inch, 4-inch models), press the Shift key on the keyboard + click Restore iPhone, and select the downloaded firmware to update.

Downgrade back to iOS 10.3.3

If you find iOS 11 not easy to use after upgrading, or your old model is not smooth enough, Apple has not yet closed the verification of the old system. You can still downgrade back to iOS 10.3.3, but Apple will close this method later, and you will no longer be able to downgrade, so if you want to downgrade, you should do it as soon as possible.

Resetting after downgrading requires verification of Apple ID, so please remember your password.

1. Back up data on your iPhone

It is impossible to restore an iPhone with iOS 10.3.3 back to iOS 10.3.3 through a local backup of iTunes on iOS 11, so here you can only back up some data through iCloud cloud service, or directly connect to a computer to transfer photos, etc., but you cannot seamlessly restore all the content on the original iPhone.

2. Download iOS 10.3.3 firmware (iPhone 7, 7 Plus, other 5.5-inch, 4.7-inch, 4-inch)

3. iPhone enters DFU mode

Connect iPhone to computer, turn off iPhone, press and hold the Power button + Home button (Power button + Volume down button for iPhone 7 and later models) to turn on the iPhone. The Apple logo will appear on the screen. Continue pressing until the Apple logo disappears, then continue pressing for about two seconds, then release the Power button, but continue to press only the Home button (or Volume button). iTunes will then show that the iPhone has entered recovery mode. At this time, the iPhone is still in a black screen state.

When the iPhone is connected to the computer in DFU mode, iTunes will display this

Note that if an interface with a Lightning cable and iTunes icon is displayed on the iPhone at this time, this is just normal recovery mode, not DFU mode. Please eject the iPhone or long press the Power button + Home button to restart the phone and enter the system. Try again according to the above steps.

4. Restore the firmware

In iTunes, press the Shift key on the keyboard + click Restore iPhone, and select the downloaded firmware to restore.

After the restore is complete, it will be back to iOS 10.3.3

5. Reset and restore personal data

If you encounter other problems during the reset or downgrade process, you can consult Xiao Chaoge (WeChat 9501417) for solutions. If you find this article helpful, you can give me a reward.