iPad Pro 2018 stuck in iPadOS 26, unable to enter DFU or recovery mode for downgrade

I've tried downgrading my iPad Pro 2018 to iPadOS 18 because it's currently stuck in iPadOS 26. Imo I don't like it and drains my battery so I want the older version. I've looked everywhere and cannot find the solution.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: My ipad pro is not going into dfu or recovery mode and not charging after trying to downgrade.

iPad Pro, iPadOS 26

Posted on Sep 19, 2025 11:30 PM

Reply
1 reply

Sep 20, 2025 02:50 AM in response to The_subaruFan11

Apple doesn't support downgrading your iPad to an earlier version of iPadOS than your iPad is capable. That said, while iPadOS 18.7 remains signed and available for your iPad, you can restore this earlier version using DFU mode. While the process itself is both valid and officially recognised, you will need to research the process elsewhere.


Be aware that unless you have an archived backup of your iPad that was created prior to updating to iPadOS 26, you will lose all locally stored files and data from your iPad; an iPadOS backup cannot be restored to an earlier version than created (or updated) the backup.


Restoring an earlier version to workaround a current limitation will only have short-term benefit. Older versions of iPadOS will progressively lose update support and functional compatibility. App Developers are also likely to remove support for older versions over time.

iPad Pro 2018 stuck in iPadOS 26, unable to enter DFU or recovery mode for downgrade

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