I recently updated my M2 iPad Pro to iOS 26 and after using it for a couple of days, I decided to downgrade back to iOS 18 because it wasn't compatible with my other devices like it used to be. I used Tenorshare to downgrade to iOS 18.5, but now the iPad is stuck on the recovery screen and neither my Windows nor Mac recognizes it. I reached out to Apple Support, and they suggested getting a new one, while my local repair shop couldn't fix it either. I've tried various button combinations to reset it, and confirmed that the charging port is fine. Changing the iPad isn't feasible for me; it was a meaningful gift and I really want to revive it. I'm looking for any guidance on how to resolve this issue. Thanks!
2 Answers
Give the DFU restore method a try! Just remember that it may not work if you downgraded from a beta version. If you run into issues, check to ensure your iTunes or Finder is up-to-date, as that can affect detection. Good luck!
You might want to try a DFU restore to iPadOS 18.6 instead of just recovery mode. Sometimes downgrades can fail because of firmware incompatibility, especially if the previous version was a beta. Make sure you're using a Mac for this, and check some guides online for the exact steps. It can be tricky but worth a shot!
Any chance of that actually working? I'm a bit worried about messing it up further.