How to Downgrade to Older Versions of iOS Apps

Monday, 27 October 2014 00:00 | Written by Aaron Wang | E-mail

Did your favorite App just get an upgrade that is absolutely horrible? Does the App not work or are the “improvements” really just new ways to get you to spend money or look at ads? Do you want to wring the developer's neck because they just ruined your entire way of doing business or relaxing? Then when you want to do is take a deep breath, relax and downgrade to an older version of the iOS App you were using.

How Can I Revert to an Older Version of my iPhone App

In the best possible scenario, your App was updated directly on your iPhone, meaning you didn't plug it into your computer and sync it with iTunes. This means that you still have the App's older version stored on your iTunes so all you have to do is delete it from your iPhone and reinstall it from your iTunes.

1. Delete the updated app from your iOS completely
2. Hook your iPhone up to your Mac or PC and open up iTunes
3. Whatever you do, DO NOT update your Apps in iTunes when it asks
4. Choose to Back Up your iPhone using your iTunes and let it sync
5. After syncing, choose your iPhone on the iTunes menu on the left where it says Devices
6. Click on the Apps tab atop the iTunes window and select the app you want to revert to an older version (under Sync Apps)
7. Check the box next to this App and click Apply 8. The App will downgrade by uploading the older version from your iTunes to your iPhone

What if I Already Synced my iPhone

If you synced your iPhone after you upgraded the App, you will have to look in your Trash Can or Recylcing Bin on your computer and find the App's older version .ipa file. Drag this .ipa file into iTunes and iTunes will automatically ask you if you really wish to replace the new App with the older version. Of course, say yes. Then, start from step one on the list above.

Unfortunately, if you don't have the .ipa file saved in your Trash or Bin, there is not much else you can do for that App. However, it's a good idea to make sure this never happens again. Here's how.

The Best Way to Backup and Manage All Third Party Apps on Your iOS Device

A simple way is using iLike to create a backup of all of your apps right on your iPad or iPhone. Then, whenever you want to revert or reinstall an older version of an App, you can do so right from your iPhone through iLike. Now follow the easy steps below to get started.

Step 1. Download and install iLike on your PC or Mac;

Step 2. Click on the Apps tab, archive the apps you want to backup by clicking “Archive”;

Archive the Apps

Step 3. If you don’t like the upgraded apps, simply downgrade to the previous version of the App and you're all set to go. You can save these Apps on iLike in two different forms: either as an archived file or as the original app, sans user data.

Install the Archived Apps

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