After launching the latest iPhone 17 series at its Aww Dropping event on September 9th, Apple also made iOS 26 available to everyone via an OTA update on September 15th. A large number of people subsequently installed this update, thanks to the significant changes it brings to its operating system. However, some people are experiencing battery drain and system lag issues with this new update. If you're not happy with this update for some reason, you can revert to iOS 18. Let's take a closer look at what you need to do.

How to Install iOS 18
Before installing iOS 18 on your iPhone, back up all your data using iCloud, Finder on Mac, or iTunes on Windows, and keep at least one additional backup for safety. This will ensure you recover your data in case of any issues.

Then, go to Settings → Your name → Find My → Find My iPhone and turn off Find My iPhone and sign out of your Apple ID to avoid Activation Lock issues.

Download the correct iOS 18.6.2 IPSW file for your iPhone model from Apple's official website or iTunes. You'll need to install this file on your iPhone to downgrade from iOS 26.

Connect your iPhone to a Mac or Windows PC with a USB-C or Lightning cable and confirm that Finder on Mac or iTunes on Windows can detect your iPhone.

Put your iPhone into DFU mode. If you have an iPhone with Face ID, press and release Volume Up, then release Volume Down. Hold down the Side button until the screen goes black. Then, press and hold both the Side and Volume Down buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds. After 5 seconds, release the Side button but continue holding Volume Down until the Finder detects your device.

Now start the restore process. If you're using a Mac, open the Finder, hold down the Option key, and click Restore iPhone. On Windows, open iTunes, hold down the Shift key, and click Restore, then select the downloaded iOS 18.6.2 IPSW file.

After this, just wait for the process to complete. Keep in mind that the iPhone will restart several times during the installation. Keep the device connected and powered on until this process is complete.

Once this process is complete, you can set up your device as a new iPhone. You can also restore your previous backup.

Will your phone's data be deleted?
If you're going to downgrade the iOS version on your iPhone, be sure to back up your data, as the new installation will delete all data on your phone. In such a situation, it will be necessary to have a backup of your data to recover it.

Second Option
There's no doubt that iOS 26 will still have many bugs due to the new software update. Apple will likely fix them and push new updates as soon as possible. If you're unsure about downgrading iOS, wait a few days. Apple will soon fix any bugs you're experiencing in iOS 26 and make the update available.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Navbharat Times. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.