Regret installing the iOS 14 or iPadOS 14 public beta? Go back to iOS 13

Apple opened iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 beta testing to the general public, allowing anyone to get a preview of the features coming to the iPhone and iPad later this fall. But as with any beta program, there will almost certainly be bugs and issues that have the potential to frustrate those who decide to install it. In fact, there are four reasons you shouldn’t install it right now. 

If you want to try it out, here’s how to download iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 on your iPhone and iPad. But if at any point you have installer’s remorse after joining the public beta program, find solace in knowing you can go back to iOS 13 or iPadOS 13. 

Wiping the beta from your iPhone or iPad takes a little bit of effort and time. You’ll need to have access to a computer and a Lightning or USB-C cable to connect your device to your Mac or PC. 

Restore your iPhone or iPad to iOS 13

1. In order to uninstall iOS 14 or iPadOS 14, you’ll have to completely wipe and restore your device. If you’re using a Windows computer, you need to have iTunes installed and updated to the latest version. If you’re on a Mac, make sure your Mac’s software is updated by clicking on the Apple logo at the top of your screen then selecting System Preferences > Software Update.

2. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer using a Lightning or USB-C cable. 

3. Place your iPhone or iPad into recovery mode by using the steps, which are specific to your device, listed below. You’ll know when you’re in recovery mode when your device’s screen is black, showing a cable pointing toward a MacBook (like the picture at the top of this post). Your iPhone or iPad will likely restart during this process, but don’t let go of the button(s) until you see the recovery mode screen. 

• If you have an iPhone 6S or older, an iPad with a home button or iPod Touch sixth generation or older, hold in the sleep/wake button and the home button at the same time until you see the recovery mode screen.
• For an iPhone 7, 7 Plus or iPod Touch seventh generation, hold in the sleep/wake button and the volume-up button at the same time until you see the recovery mode screen.
• For iPhone 8 or later, quickly press the volume-up followed by volume-down buttons, and then hold in the side button until you see the recovery screen.
• iPad Pro users will quickly press the volume-up, then the volume-down buttons, followed by holding in the top button until you see the recovery screen.

4. You should see a prompt on your computer, letting you know a device in recovery mode has been detected. It will ask if you want to Restore or Update your device, select Restore. Your computer will download and install the latest official version of iOS 13 on your device. 

If you don’t see a prompt, you’ll need to open Finder (on a Mac) or iTunes (on a PC), select your device, and then select Restore.

If created a backup of your phone or tablet before joining the beta program, once iOS 13 is installed you’ll be asked if you want to use that backup to restore your device. If you didn’t back up, you’ll have to start from a fresh install. 

There’s nothing wrong with going back to iOS 13 — there are plenty of features worth your attention. There’s even a bunch of hidden features we thoroughly enjoy. Of course, if you’re tempted by iOS 14, you can always install the beta again, closer to its full launch.