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How to restore iOS 5.1/5.1.1 backup to iOS 5.0.1

jpetticrew

jpetticrew

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
May 13, 2009
782
2
Texas
For those downgrading from iOS 5.1 or iOS 5.1.1, I have successfully restored from my iOS 5.1.1 backup and kept all my settings after the downgrade.

I don't know if this is common knowledge, but just in case, here's how I did it:
(These instructions are for OS X)

1. Find your iOS backup file. (On a Mac, it's located at /Users/Library/Application Support/Mobile Sync/Backup

2. In the big jumble of files in there, find info.plist

3. Open info.plist with TextEdit

4. Locate <key>Product Version</key> <string>5.1.1</string>

5. Change "5.1.1" or "5.1" depending on which version you're downgrading from to 5.0.1.

6. Save the file.

7. Restore your iPhone/iPad with Redsn0w.

8. Restore to that modified backup with iTunes.

9. Enjoy!

10. Profit.
 
Nice! I'll have to give this a try later today after work. I had my iPhone replaced due to jammed lock button and it was already at 5.1 :(
 
So now wait, you're saying this method took you back to version 5.0.1? But how? Your backup is 5.1.1.

Doesn't make any sense.
 
isoft7 said:
So now wait, you're saying this method took you back to version 5.0.1? But how? Your backup is 5.1.1.

Doesn't make any sense.
Click to expand...

I think the OP means it allowed them to use/restore his 5.1.1 backup (settings, contacts, apps, etc.) with 5.0.1... Not that he was able to JB 5.1.1 (or 5.1) with this method.
 
Candurin said:
I think the OP means it allowed them to use/restore his 5.1.1 backup (settings, contacts, apps, etc.) with 5.0.1... Not that he was able to JB 5.1.1 (or 5.1) with this method.
Click to expand...

Yeah exactly! Thanks OP
iTunes will not let you restore from backups your settings, app data, etc to a earlier iOS version than what the backup was created on. Before reading this I used to backup the mobile backups folder before updating iOS
 
isoft7 said:
So now wait, you're saying this method took you back to version 5.0.1? But how? Your backup is 5.1.1.

Doesn't make any sense.
Click to expand...

Candurin said:
I think the OP means it allowed them to use/restore his 5.1.1 backup (settings, contacts, apps, etc.) with 5.0.1... Not that he was able to JB 5.1.1 (or 5.1) with this method.
Click to expand...

imac9556 said:
Yeah exactly! Thanks OP
iTunes will not let you restore from backups your settings, app data, etc to a earlier iOS version than what the backup was created on. Before reading this I used to backup the mobile backups folder before updating iOS
Click to expand...
Sorry for the confusion. You still have to use redsn0w to restore down to 5.0.1, what I've outlined here only allows you to use the 5.1/5.1.1 backup file once your phone is back to 5.0.1 like Candurin said.

----------
Bleek0323 said:
What files to edit on Windows?
Click to expand...

The file is the same on Windows, I'm just not sure where iTunes for Windows stores the iPhone backup.
 
I have found that my phone runs better if I set up as a new phone and don't restore from backup, but this is a very helpful guide for those who want to restore from backup. Thanks.
 
spamdumpster said:
I have found that my phone runs better if I set up as a new phone and don't restore from backup, but this is a very helpful guide for those who want to restore from backup. Thanks.
Click to expand...

No problem! I haven't really found that to be true in most cases, but at least there's a way to make both camps happy. :)
 
Help

jpetticrew said:
For those downgrading from iOS 5.1 or iOS 5.1.1, I have successfully restored from my iOS 5.1.1 backup and kept all my settings after the downgrade.

I don't know if this is common knowledge, but just in case, here's how I did it:
(These instructions are for OS X)

1. Find your iOS backup file. (On a Mac, it's located at /Users/Library/Application Support/Mobile Sync/Backup

2. In the big jumble of files in there, find info.plist

3. Open info.plist with TextEdit

4. Locate <key>Product Version</key> <string>5.1.1</string>

5. Change "5.1.1" or "5.1" depending on which version you're downgrading from to 5.0.1.

6. Save the file.

7. Restore your iPhone/iPad with Redsn0w.

8. Restore to that modified backup with iTunes.

9. Enjoy!

10. Profit.
Click to expand...


Im stuck on step#4... Where exactly is this?
 
spamdumpster said:
I have found that my phone runs better if I set up as a new phone and don't restore from backup, but this is a very helpful guide for those who want to restore from backup. Thanks.
Click to expand...

I agree completely !
I always start with a clean restore and rarely restore to a backup.

After doing this for years, I can run through the settings in 5 minutes or less.
DataDeposit restores the in-app settings of all your AppStore apps and Cydia hacks.

Restoring to backup of a previously jailbroken phone is always a crapshoot, especially when the jailbreak tools are different from one firmware level to another (for example Absinthe on 5.0.1 to userland JB for 5.1.1)
 
dhlizard said:
I agree completely !
I always start with a clean restore and rarely restore to a backup.

After doing this for years, I can run through the settings in 5 minutes or less.
DataDeposit restores the in-app settings of all your AppStore apps and Cydia hacks.

Restoring to backup of a previously jailbroken phone is always a crapshoot, especially when the jailbreak tools are different from one firmware level to another (for example Absinthe on 5.0.1 to userland JB for 5.1.1)
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip on DataDeposit. Looks good, and will try out. Up until now I thought iphone explorer was the only way to backup in app data (and ifunbox).
 
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