Can I Downgrade iPhone 5 (GSM)?
Downgrade to iOS 10.3.3 is Currently Supported
Apple is currently signing multiple iOS versions simultaneously. This temporary signing window overlap allows you to restore your iPhone 5 (GSM) to the older build(s) listed below using a computer without encountering verification errors.
July 19, 2017
July 22, 2019
July 19, 2017
May 15, 2017
April 3, 2017
March 27, 2017
January 23, 2017
December 12, 2016
November 9, 2016
Can I downgrade from an iOS Beta on iPhone 5 (GSM)?
Yes. If your iPhone 5 (GSM) is running an iOS Beta, you can always restore back to the latest signed public release using Recovery Mode in Finder (Mac) or iTunes / Apple Devices (Windows).
Can I downgrade to the iOS version iPhone 5 (GSM) originally shipped with?
No. Apple permanently closes the signing window for older releases. Even though iPhone 5 (GSM) originally launched with an earlier version, Apple servers will no longer authenticate that installation.
What can I do if I cannot downgrade iPhone 5 (GSM) but experience battery or performance bugs?
You can perform a clean restore to the latest signed firmware using a computer to eliminate software glitches and corrupted cache, or await the next minor point update from Apple that includes targeted bug fixes.
Can I downgrade iPhone 5 (GSM) if the signing window has closed?
No. Apple servers reject restore verifications for unsigned builds (returning iTunes Error 3194). Unsigned firmware cannot be installed on standard Apple devices.
Will restoring or downgrading iPhone 5 (GSM) erase data?
Yes. Flashing an IPSW firmware file requires a restore that wipes on-device storage. Ensure your personal data is backed up to iCloud before proceeding.