Article
Downgrading iOS on iPod touch 2G
Ask iLounge offers readers the opportunity to get answers to their iPod-, iPhone-, iPad-, iTunes-, or Apple TV-related questions from a member of the iLounge editorial team. We'll answer several questions here each week, and of course, you can always get help with more immediate concerns from the iLounge Discussion Forums. Submit your questions for consideration using our Ask iLounge Submit Form. We reserve the right to edit questions for grammar, spelling, and length.
Q: I have an iPod touch 2G, I recently did an upgrade of the OS and have experienced a number of problems with apps such as Pandora and interaction with an Apple dock. I had resisted upgrading for a few years since I had heard that the 2G was experiencing problems with past upgrades. I guess I thought that by now the problems had been worked out, but apparently not. Anyway, my question is whether it’s possible to revert back to an earlier version of the OS, and if so, how? Thanks.
- Steve
A: You should be able to revert the iPod touch 2G back to an earlier firmware version, provided you actually have the firmware package. Unfortunately, newer versions of iTunes automatically delete the older firmware bundles following an update. iPod software update packages are stored in a folder named “iPod Software Updates” which on lives under your home folder’s “Library/iTunes” folder on Mac OS X, your home folders’ “Application DataApple ComputeriTunes” on Windows XP or “AppDataRoamingApple ComputeriTunes” on Windows Vista or Windows 7. You can check these folders to see if the older firmware package is there, but it’s likely iTunes has already removed it following the update; if you have backups of your computer however you may be able to find it there. If all else fails, there are also sources on the Internet where older firmware packages can be found, however these are unofficial distributions as Apple does not support downgrading to older firmware versions, and in fact on newer iPhone and iPod touch models has taken steps specifically to prevent users from doing this.
Once you’ve managed to locate the appropriate IPSW file for the older iPod touch 2G firmware, you can force iTunes to use it to restore your iPod touch by simply holding down the OPT key (Mac) or SHIFT key (Windows) and clicking the “Restore” button on the Summary screen for your device. iTunes will prompt you to select the firmware package you want to use and will then attempt to restore your device using that version.
Note that this process will erase everything on your device, as you’re effectively returning it back to factory settings. Once the firmware restore completes, you may be able to restore your settings and application data from a backup as long as you have one made before you upgraded the firmware—it will not be possible to restore the backups made after you upgraded onto your device running an older firmware version.
Related Stories
- Will removing a credit card from Safari also remove it from Apple Pay?
- Can I mute Handoff calls coming into my Mac from my iPhone?
- How do I keep my iPhone calls from ringing on my Mac?
- Why doesn’t Traffic show up on my Today Notifications Screen?
- Why doesn’t my iPhone reconnect to Wi-Fi after I turn it on?
- Why can’t I see the iPad-style landscape view on my iPhone 6 Plus?
Recent News
- Apple struggling to cut its dependence on Samsung for OLED displays
- New iPhone SE could launch in May, sans headphone jack
- Apple releases 2018 Environmental Responsibility Report
- Report: Apple considering dual-SIM 6.1” LCD iPhone model
- OtterBox releases new case designs for Solo: A Star Wars Story
- Agile Tortoise releases Drafts 5
- Report: New iPhone models may be coming this spring, likely iPhone SE updates
- Cultured Code releases Things 3.5 with better tag filtering and other UI improvements
- August Apple Watch app now allows untethered Smart Lock control
- Apple to leverage Texture acquisition to bring new magazine subscription plan to Apple News
Recent Reviews
- Cinemood Storyteller Portable Projector
- Fluance Fi70 Three-Way Wireless High Fidelity Music System
- Creative Labs Sound BlasterX Katana Multi-Channel Gaming Soundbar
- Case-Mate Power Pad Wireless Charger
- Solis SO-8000 Stereo Bluetooth Vacuum Tube Audio System
- FurniQi Wireless Charging Side Table
- Marshall Mid ANC Bluetooth Headphones
- Divoom ADOT Speaker for Amazon Echo Dot
- Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro & DT 990 Pro Over-Ear Headphones
- Creative Aurvana Trio In-Ear Headphones
Recent Articles
- Sponsored: 10 iPhone X Wireless Charging Stands & Docks
- Instant Expert: Secrets & Features of iOS 11
- Inside the betas: watchOS 4.1 adds Apple Music streaming
- Instant Expert: Secrets & Features of watchOS 4
- Instant Expert: Secrets & Features of tvOS 11
- Instant Expert: Secrets & Features of iTunes 12.7
- Inside the betas: iOS 11 Control Center gets customizable, adds Screen Recording
- Inside the betas: iOS 11 HomeKit adds timers, multi-person occupancy support
- Inside the betas: tvOS 11 adds auto Dark Mode, iCloud Home Screen Sync
- Top Five: The Best Products for Building a Smart Home with HomeKit