Hi,
I just updated my iPad (Pro 11-inch, 3rd gen) to iPadOS 26, I really want to go back to iPadOS 18, which was much more stable for me.
I know Apple doesn’t officially allow downgrading, but is there any safe way to do it—ideally without losing data?
Any tools or methods that worked for you?
Appreciate any advice. Thanks!
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
If you are currently enrolled in a beta programme and wish to return to using the current production version, this support page provides the necessary information to remove the beta from your iPhone:
How to uninstall iOS beta software - Apple Support
Be aware that restoring an earlier version of iOS will completely reset and erase your iPad. Assuming that you have a pre-existing iCloud or iTunes backup of your iPad that has not been updated since installing the iOS 26 beta, your locally stored data and files can be restored after returning your iPad to iOS 18.5; if you don't have a pre-existing backup, all locally stored data will be irretrievably lost:
Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support
An iCloud or iTunes backup can only be restored to a device running the same or later version of iOS than created (or last updated) the backup. As such a backup created or updated by iOS 26 cannot be restored to a device running iOS 18.5.
Removing the beta is supported and Apple does provide the steps to do that. I suspect you did not read any of the info before installing the beta and that could be a problem. You will need a computer to restore your iPad and all data will be completely wiped. The information that you may also have overlooked is that that Apple recommends to not install it on a primary device and your should be using it only for testing on a device you do not need for critical use.
iOS 26 isn’t out yet.
How can I downgrade my iPad Pro from iPadOS 26 to iPadOS 18?
