There are two ways an iPhone or iPad ends up on the beta track: an old-style beta profile (iOS 16.3 and earlier) or the Beta Updates switch in Settings (iOS 16.4 and later). Here is how to undo either one and get back to the public release.
Option 1 — Turn off Beta Updates (iOS 16.4 and later)
- Open Settings → General → Software Update → Beta Updates.
- Select Off.
Nothing changes immediately: you keep the beta you have installed. When Apple ships the next public version that is newer than your beta, it appears as a normal update and you are back on the stable track — without erasing anything. This is the easiest route if you are near the end of a beta cycle.
Option 2 — Delete an old beta profile
- Open Settings → General → VPN & Device Management.
- Tap iOS Beta Software Profile (or iPadOS / tvOS).
- Tap Remove Profile, enter your passcode and restart.
Can’t find the menu? On iOS 14 and earlier it is called Profiles or Profiles & Device Management. If nothing is listed, no profile is installed.
Option 3 — Go back to the stable version right now
If the beta is too buggy and you don’t want to wait, restore the latest signed public release. This erases the iPhone.
- Check which versions Apple is signing on the signing status page.
- Download that IPSW for your exact model from our iPhone or iPad list.
- Follow our guide to restore with an IPSW. If Finder refuses, use recovery mode.
- Restore an archived backup made before you installed the beta. Backups made on a beta won’t restore to an older version.
Important exceptions
- Apple Watch cannot be downgraded by users. Turn off Beta Updates and wait for the next public watchOS.
- HomePod and Apple TV: turn off beta updates and wait; there is no supported way to restore older software yourself on HomePod.
- Mac: turn off Beta Updates in System Settings → General → Software Update, or reinstall the public macOS from Recovery.
Want to try the beta again later? See how to install the iOS 27 beta.
