Apple just rolled out its first update for iOS 8 with a bunch of bug fixes to resolve problems with third-party keyboards, HealthKit, and other features, but what Apple failed mention is that the update also knocks out your cellular connectivity and breaks Touch ID.
If you haven’t updated already, WAIT! It seems that the bugs might be just affecting users of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus but we’ve reached out to Apple for confirmation.
In the meantime, if you’ve already upgraded to iOS 8.0.1 and want your cellular service back, here’s how to manually restore your device to iOS 8.0.
First disable Find My iPhone on your iPhone by going to Settings >> iCloud >> toggle off Find My iPhone. Then connect your device to a Mac, open iTunes and follow these steps.
1. Download iOS 8.0 (You can find a list here)
2. Open the iPhone page on iTunes.
3. Hold Option and click Restore iPhone
4. Select the iOS 8 IPSW firmware you just downloaded.
5. Click Restore and wait for iTunes to work it’s wonders.
The entire process shouldn’t take longer than 30 minutes.
Buster Hein is a freelance writer who lives in Phoenix, Arizona. Twitter: @bst3r.
41 responses to “How to downgrade from Apple’s buggy iOS 8.0.1 update”
Why release something that doesn’t work, WTF apple
Irresponsible Apple!
This is bullshit they you’d think they’d make sure before they send out the update. Now I have an iTouch 6plus.
And you might wanna take down this post so others don’t make the same mistake.
Does restoring wipe out your other data on the iPhone?
Yes but you can restore the backup after restoring the phone.
Its been pulled from both iTunes and OTA now
You should click “Backup” before doing this. Is iOS 7.1.2 still being signed?
Yeah this doesn’t work as it says it’s not compatible. Apple really did it this time. And yes all my software is completely up to date.
Ok guys, the reason it didn’t work, was because Cult of Mac has the wrong link to the wrong version for the phone. Here’s the correct links for iPhone 6 and 6+ my phone is back working on iOS 8: http://www.iphonehacks.com/download-iphone-ios-firmware
Its the wrong software. Get 12A365.
yep I tried reporting that, but they decided to censor me, because I said cult of mac linked to the wrong link.
That’s just stupid.
yeah I was trying to post the link to the correct forum and my comment wasn’t approved. I was just trying to help everyone since I figured that out and fixed my phone.
I always wait to upgrade. I had to fix a friends iPhone. It worked though. Just not sure why COM wouldn’t want other people to know.
Firmware error is coming…
Funny how I didn’t even get the notification to update. I even checked in settings. This is coming from a iPhone 6+
i downloaded the update, didn’t install because apparently “i’m not connected to the internet”..anybody else getting that?
(i’m assuming that Apple pulled the update at the time i was downloading, so if there’s a way that i can remove the pack i downloaded, i’d appreciate if you could help me on this one) :)
Downloading the correct version here: http://www.iphonehacks.com/download-iphone-ios-firmware then hold Shift on Windows (option on mac) and click “Update software” in iTunes and load your iOS version. If you need help let me know. Fixed my phone
I’m getting the same error
Step 1: Go to Settings > General > Usage > Manage Storage.
Step 2: Select “iOS 8.0.1.” Because it is over 1GB, it is probably towards the top of your list.
Step 3: Tap Delete Update, and tap Delete Update again to confirm.
This will effectively remove the downloaded update from your device and prevent you from accidentally installing it.
iOS 8 firmware does not work from site provided with latest version of iTunes on iPhone 6.
Doesn’t matter, both versions have been pulled from Apple’s servers so it won’t recognize either file (iOS 8 or 8.0.1). We’re stuck with it until Apple fixes it themselves. I tried downgrading and reinstalling the respective versions to no avail.
Instead of restoring to iOS 8.0, you can download iOS 8.0 and hold “option” or “shift” and click “Check for Updates”… this preserves user data… no backup needed!
Updated iPhone 5 T Mobile no problems here
Lucky, mine is buggered. Restoring now.
The build is wrong. It should be 12A365 not 12A366
Go to idownloadblog.com and you can get the correct build.
I have followed the instructions and now have a fully functioning iPhone 6 again, Pheeeeeeeeeeewww i was getting stressed i only managed to get my new iPhone 2 hours before they released the update and honestly thought my phone was simply a dud.
Mine wouldn’t restore on iTunes after they pulled the build, so I just put it into DFU mode and restored it that way with the iTunes build of 8.0. Worked like a charm!
Very helpful, wedel1cm, thank you!
For anyone else like me who may not know how to enter DFU mode, here’s how from http://www.iphonehacks.com :
* Plug your device into your computer
* Turn off the device by holding the Sleep/Wake or Power button and swiping it off
* Hold the power button for 3 seconds
* Begin holding the Home button without releasing the Sleep/Power button for 10 seconds
* Release the power button and continue holding the home button until you get a popup from iTunes that your device is recognized as being in recovery mode.
THEN click “Restore iPhone” in iTunes (w/o holding down option/ctrl) to start downloading the stable 8.0 from apple.
Thanks everybody!
Thank you, it worked great for me!
You need Apple Build 12A365 not Build 12A366
Apple. It just works!
I cant see my screen, how do I go in and shut off the Find my phone,
Buster, on step 5 it should read “work ITS wonders”, no apostrophe. And thanks for the piece, it saved me from the whole drama.
Downloaded 8.0.1 onto my iPad, but didn’t install (good?) before Apple pulled it. But not sure what to do now. Can’t install (b/c it was pulled, the install won’t verify), but can’t remove. iPad is standalone, not paired to a computer. When Apple pushes out a revised version, will I be able to get it?
it killed my iPhone 6 plus, I DFU restored to iOS 8, and none of my back ups will restore from iCloud
However, as to me, i won’t even update to the iOS 8. i would like my iOS 7.1.2. If you are also the one who loves iOS 7.1.2, you can follow this guide to downgrade iOS 8 to iOS 7.1.2. http://iphone-6-data-recovery.blogspot.tw/2014/09/downgrade-ios-8-to-ios-7-1-2.html
There’s now a official workaround (and ipsw) from Apple:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT6487
“It just works.” Except when it doesn’t.