How to download/downgrade to earlier os version for iPad mini?

[Straitsfan]

Hello. I'm using an Ipad mini 4, ad I'm having recent troubles with video playback sometimes, and slow operation in general. I was wondering that maybe the current OS version is the problem. It's currently running iOS 15.8.4, and I would like to try to go backwards to see if it solves the problem.

Is it possible to do this, and can anyone direct me to a webpage or instructions on how?

 

[Rod]

Firstly, it's unlikely that a current compatible iPadOS is going th be the cause of your problem. The most likely culprit is lack of free storage space but there are other possibilities.
Secondly downgrading your iPadOS is a complex and risky Business. Just as an example here is an AI generated summary;

How to Downgrade iPadOS​

"To downgrade the operating system of an iPad, you can follow these steps:

1. Backup Your Data: Before proceeding, ensure you have a backup of your iPad using iCloud or iTunes. This is crucial as downgrading will erase all data on your device.
2. Download the Correct IPSW File: You need to download the appropriate IPSW file for your iPad model from a reliable source. Make sure the IPSW file matches your iPad model and is signed by Apple.
3. Connect Your iPad to Your Computer: Use a USB cable to connect your iPad to your computer. Ensure the connection is stable and your computer recognizes the iPad.
4. Enter DFU Mode: Press and hold the power and home buttons for about 10 seconds, then release the power button but keep holding the home button until iTunes/Finder detects your iPad in recovery mode.
5. Restore Your iPad: In iTunes or Finder, hold down the Shift key (Windows) or Option key (Mac) and click on the "Restore iPad" button. Select the IPSW file you downloaded and initiate the restore process.
6. Restore from Backup: Once the downgrade is complete, you can restore your iPad from the backup you made earlier.

Note that you can only downgrade to versions of the iPad OS that Apple is still signing. Additionally, downgrading will erase all data on your iPad, so the backup step is essential.
For specific instructions on how to downgrade from iPadOS 18 to 17, you can refer to guides like the one provided by UltFone, which offers detailed steps including using profiles or third-party tools like Tenorshare ReiBoot for a simpler process."

As you can see, not a simple process. The most difficult part of which is obtaining a signed IPSW version of the older iPadOS. Failure to do this could end up "bricking" your device.

I suggest we look at other possible causes first.

 

[Rod]

Just further to my reply above; my concern is that the iPad Mini 4 can only run iPadOS 15 I believe so, finding a signed IPSW version may not be possible.

So, how much free storage do you have left on the device? Look in Settings > Search for Storage in the search bar choose Storage General. This will show you a bar graph of overall storage and a list of what uses what.
What app are you using to play videos? I use VLC so VLC shows 16.66GB of Storage used.

 

[Slydude]

Firstly, it's unlikely that a current compatible iPadOS is going th be the cause of your problem. The most likely culprit is lack of free storage space but there are other possibilities.
Secondly downgrading your iPadOS is a complex and risky Business. Just as an example here is an AI generated summary;

How to Downgrade iPadOS​

"To downgrade the operating system of an iPad, you can follow these steps:

1. Backup Your Data: Before proceeding, ensure you have a backup of your iPad using iCloud or iTunes. This is crucial as downgrading will erase all data on your device.
2. Download the Correct IPSW File: You need to download the appropriate IPSW file for your iPad model from a reliable source. Make sure the IPSW file matches your iPad model and is signed by Apple.
3. Connect Your iPad to Your Computer: Use a USB cable to connect your iPad to your computer. Ensure the connection is stable and your computer recognizes the iPad.
4. Enter DFU Mode: Press and hold the power and home buttons for about 10 seconds, then release the power button but keep holding the home button until iTunes/Finder detects your iPad in recovery mode.
5. Restore Your iPad: In iTunes or Finder, hold down the Shift key (Windows) or Option key (Mac) and click on the "Restore iPad" button. Select the IPSW file you downloaded and initiate the restore process.
6. Restore from Backup: Once the downgrade is complete, you can restore your iPad from the backup you made earlier.

Note that you can only downgrade to versions of the iPad OS that Apple is still signing. Additionally, downgrading will erase all data on your iPad, so the backup step is essential.
For specific instructions on how to downgrade from iPadOS 18 to 17, you can refer to guides like the one provided by UltFone, which offers detailed steps including using profiles or third-party tools like Tenorshare ReiBoot for a simpler process."

As you can see, not a simple process. The most difficult part of which is obtaining a signed IPSW version of the older iPadOS. Failure to do this could end up "bricking" your device.

I suggest we look at other possible causes first.

Assume for a moment that your phone was currently working well and you want to upgrade to the next IOS version. Backing up your device before performing the upgrade is almost a necessity. If the upgrade proves problematioc you can clear the phone and restore from the 'known good" backup.

That is a bit of a pain but much easier than trying to locate valid, signed copies of the files you need. Apple tends to remove those files shortly after a new IOS version is released.

Edited to correct typos.