It has been a while since Apple released iOS 6.0.1 update for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch which came with many bug fixes, but not with any new features. There are constant attempts by iOS folks around the globe to potentially jailbreak and unlock the latest version of iOS; however, no successful jailbreak has been achieved so far. Meanwhile there is something to cheer for those who look to revert from the latest iOS 6.0.1 back to iOS 5.1.1 - this can be done with relative ease.
It should be noted that the downgrade works only on A4-enabled devices, which means users of the newer version of iOS devices such as the iPhone 5, the iPhone 4S, the iPad 2, the iPad 3, the iPad 4, the iPad mini and the iPod Touch 5 will not be able to revert to the previous version. However, since Apple has stopped signing iOS 5.1.1, you need to have your SHSH blobs (Signature HaSH blobs) saved for iOS 5.1.1 to enable the downgrade. Meanwhile, the iPhone Dev team has already matched the iOS update with the release of RedSn0w-v0.9.15b3, which fixes Redsn0w error 2601 experienced by Windows users while using the Restore function. The update also fixes a related Windows iTunes error 14 for stitched files.
Here is the description on compatible devices, requirements and a 9 step how-to do guide to downgrade iOS 6.0.1 to iOS 5.1.1 using the popular jailbreaking tool Redsn0w.
Compatible Devices:
- iPhone 4
- iPhone 3GS
- iPod Touch 4G
Prerequisites:
- As mentioned earlier, the method will work only if you have saved your SHSH blobs for iOS 5.x.x either using TinyUmbrella or had jailbroken your iPhone when it was running iOS 5.x.x and ran Cydia at least once, which would have cached the SHSH blobs on its servers, according to iPhone Hacks.
- As it restores your iPhone with iOS 5.x.x, ensure you have a back-up of your important files.
- Also note that when you restore from backup, you will see only iOS 5.x.x or lower compatible backups, not iOS 6.0.x backups.
As you understand the prerequisites, the steps are:
Step1: Download Redsn0w 0.9.14b3 (Windows / Mac).
Step 2: Download the 5.1.1 IPSW file for your device.
Step 3: Double-click RedSn0w zip file, extract it and run the redsn0w file.
Step 4: Click Extras -> Even more -> Restore. Then click IPSW and navigate to the 5.1.1 IPSW file.
Step 5: If you want to go for Ultrasn0w unlock, when prompted by Redsn0w, click Yes to "Prevent Baseband Update?" and then click the OK button on the following Pwned DFU screen.
Step 6: Switch off device, connect to computer and follow the steps to put it into DFU mode.
Step 7: Once the device is put safely into DFU mode, it will be exploited with limera1n, after which Redsn0w will scan Cydia for the required blobs. In the event of a failure to locate the blobs via Cydia, try again to double-check, or alternatively, navigate to them locally on your computer.
Step 8: Redsn0w will begin cooking up an image before restoring your device to the old firmware.
Step 9: Once Redsn0w is done with its work, you will see the "restore successful" pane, which means that your device will be completely restored on iOS 5.1.1.
[Source: Redmond Pie]
