Update, Downgrading OS 1.1.53.1 -> 3.0 Ipod – Iphone

The question ‘how do I downgrade’ comes up whenever a new firmware is released. It’s a very simple process and you just need to make sure you correctly set your device in DFU mode.

Note: Currently you can’t downgrade OS 3.1 on an iPhone 3GS (unless you backed up your 3.0 sigs via Cydia) or on the 32GB & 64GB iPod touch 3G (no lower firmware available). Also, despite the fact that no one has seen any material hardware changes in the new 8GB iPod touch, reports are that it won’t downgrade below the OS 3.1.1 firmware it was shipped with. However for all other iDevices you can downgrade if you follow these steps:

Instructions:

1. Open iTunes and connect your iDevice via the USB cable.
2. Have the OS 3.0 firmware file location handy.
3. Put your iDevice into DFU (Device Firmware upgrade) mode. How to:
   • simultaneously press the Power and Home buttons for a count of 10 seconds
   • release the Power button while continuing to hold the Home button
   • a pop up ‘device recognised in recovery mode’ message should appear in iTunes
   • note that your device will only be in DFU mode if the screen is black. If the screen shows any kind of image then it’s in recovery mode, in which case repeat the process to activate DFU mode.
4. Once in DFU hold the Shift button on your keyboard and click the Restore button in iTunes. Navigate to your 3.0 firmware file and set the restore process going.
5. All being well your device should now be downgraded.

Troubleshooting

If you have issues with getting your iDevice into DFU then have a look at the following guides here (iCliarified) and here (youtube) to check your process. Keep on trying as sometimes it’s difficult to get the timing exactly right.

Also note that there is some talk you may have to uninstall iTunes 9.0 and install iTunes 8.2 to downgrade, though there are many reports that this is not necessary. I’m including this point here for clarity and discussion.

Some are stating that if you’re getting error codes kicked up after downgrading and your device is not booting, fire up QuickPwn on a Mac follow the onscreen instructions and your iPhone/iPod touch should boot up with the downgraded firmware installed.

Some are also using a prog called iRestore to get out of the device lock up and error message. I’ll post up more details as I find them.

iReb by iH8sn0w

[note that I have not tested or used this program so use it at your won risk] If you are having problems downgrading or if you are getting 16** eroors you may want to look at a small utility to help you called iReb by iH8sn0w. This utility only works for iPhone 2g, iPhone 3g and iPod touch 1G. Currently there is a Widows only version for 3.1 firmwares and below and a MAc version for 2.2 and below. See the iReb iPhone Wiki Entry and the iH8sn0w blog for more details.