# How to Revert from iOS 26 Beta to a Stable Release
Did you come to regret installing the [iOS 26 beta](https://9to5mac.com/2025/07/24/how-to-install-ios-26/) or the [iPadOS 26 beta](https://9to5mac.com/2025/07/24/ipados-26-public-beta-now-available-heres-everything-new/)? Here’s a detailed guide to reverting your iPhone or iPad to an earlier, stable version.
## Hopefully, You Have Backed Up Your Device
To remove the beta, you will need to erase and restore your device, preferably using a previous backup. Luckily, if you lack a recent pre-beta backup, the consequences of a full system wipe are not as severe as they once were, as most applications now store data online.
[Here’s](https://support.apple.com/en-us/108763) what you should do:
1. Confirm your computer is running the [latest version of macOS](https://support.apple.com/en-us/108382) or the [latest version of Apple Devices](https://support.apple.com/guide/devices-windows/welcome/windows).
2. Connect your device to your computer and enter recovery mode:
– **On an iPad without a Home button:** Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button. Press and hold the top button until your iPad starts to restart. Keep holding the top button until your iPad enters recovery mode.
– **On an iPad with Home button:** Press and hold both the Sleep/Wake and Home buttons at the same time. Avoid releasing the buttons when you see the Apple logo. Continue holding both buttons until the recovery mode screen appears.
– **On an iPhone:** Press and quickly release the volume up button. Press and quickly release the volume down button. Then, press and hold the side button until the recovery mode screen is displayed.
3. Click the Restore option when it appears. This will wipe your device and install the current stable version of iOS or iPadOS. If the download exceeds 15 minutes and your device exits the recovery mode screen, let the download complete, then repeat step 2.
4. Wait for the restore process to complete. If prompted, log in to your Apple Account, which [disables Activation Lock](https://support.apple.com/en-us/108794). If the restore fails to finish, [find out what to do](https://support.apple.com/en-us/108308).
Once the restore process has been completed, you can set up your device using your archived backup, which must be from an earlier release of iOS or iPadOS.
## Important Note if You’re Also Using watchOS 26 on Your Apple Watch
Although Apple provides a public beta for the Apple Watch, there is currently no straightforward method to revert the device to a previous stable version of watchOS. Because watchOS 26 requires an Apple Watch to be paired with an iPhone operating iOS 26, you have three choices:
– Avoid wearing your Apple Watch until iOS 26 is officially released in September.
– Reinstall the iOS 26 beta.
– Take your Apple Watch in for servicing, allowing Apple or an authorized service provider to revert it to an earlier watchOS version.
While none of these choices are perfect, the official release is imminent.
What are your thoughts on the betas so far? Are you thinking about downgrading? Share your comments with us.
