Downgrade IPad Mini 4: From IOS 15 To IOS 14

Oct 30, 2025 by Team 45 views

Hey guys! Feeling nostalgic or just not vibing with the latest iOS on your iPad mini 4? Maybe iOS 15 is causing some hiccups, draining your battery faster than usual, or just doesn't play well with your favorite apps. Whatever the reason, you might be thinking about taking a step back to the good ol' days of iOS 14. Well, you've come to the right place! This guide will walk you through the ins and outs of downgrading your iPad mini 4 from iOS 15 to iOS 14. But hold on tight, because it's not as simple as tapping a button. Let's dive in!

Why Downgrade?

Before we get our hands dirty, let's address the elephant in the room: Why would you even want to downgrade? Here’s the deal, while new iOS versions often bring exciting features and security updates, they can also introduce unexpected problems. For older devices like the iPad mini 4, these problems might include:

Performance Issues: iOS 15 might be more demanding on the iPad mini 4's hardware, leading to sluggish performance, lag, and slow app loading times. Nobody wants a tablet that feels like it's stuck in slow motion!
Battery Drain: Newer iOS versions sometimes consume more battery power, leaving you scrambling for a charger more often than you'd like. A shorter battery life can be a major pain, especially if you're on the go.
App Compatibility: Some older apps might not be fully compatible with iOS 15, causing them to crash or malfunction. If your favorite apps are acting up, downgrading might be the answer.
Personal Preference: Maybe you simply prefer the look and feel of iOS 14. User interface changes can be jarring, and sometimes the older design just feels more comfortable and intuitive. It's all about what you like best.

Downgrading can solve these issues, bringing back the performance and stability you enjoyed with iOS 14. But it's crucial to understand that downgrading isn't officially supported by Apple, and it comes with its own set of challenges and potential risks.

Is Downgrading Even Possible?

Now for the million-dollar question: Can you actually downgrade your iPad mini 4 from iOS 15 to iOS 14? The short answer is: it's complicated. Apple typically stops signing older iOS versions shortly after releasing a new one. Signing is Apple's way of verifying that the iOS version you're trying to install is legitimate and approved. Without a valid signature, your iPad won't allow you to install the older software.

Unfortunately, Apple has almost certainly stopped signing iOS 14 for the iPad mini 4. This means that the traditional method of downgrading – restoring your iPad with an older IPSW file – won't work. Your iPad will simply refuse to install the unsigned software. So, if anyone tells you it is a simple process, it is best to do your research.

The Potential Solution: Check for Saved SHSH Blobs

However, there's a glimmer of hope! If you were forward-thinking and saved your SHSH blobs for iOS 14 before you upgraded to iOS 15, you might be in luck. SHSH blobs are essentially digital signatures that are unique to your device and iOS version. They act as a backup of Apple's signing certificate, allowing you to bypass the signing requirement and install the older iOS version.

What are SHSH Blobs?

Think of SHSH blobs as a set of keys that unlock the door to installing a specific iOS version on your device. When you try to restore your iPad, iTunes (or Finder) sends a request to Apple's servers for a signing certificate. If Apple is still signing that iOS version, they'll send back the certificate, and the restore process can continue. But if Apple has stopped signing, you're out of luck – unless you have your SHSH blobs.

By saving your SHSH blobs, you're essentially creating a local copy of that signing certificate. This allows you to use a tool like futurerestore to bypass Apple's servers and sign the older iOS version yourself, enabling you to downgrade your iPad.

How to Check if You Have SHSH Blobs

If you're not sure whether you saved your SHSH blobs, don't worry! There are a few ways to check:

Check TSS Saver: If you used TSS Saver (a popular online tool for saving SHSH blobs), visit the website and enter your iPad mini 4's ECID. TSS Saver will tell you if you have any saved blobs for your device.
Check your computer: If you used a local tool like TinyUmbrella to save your blobs, check the folder where you saved them. The blobs will typically be stored as .shsh or .plist files.

If you find your SHSH blobs, congratulations! You've cleared the first hurdle. But if you didn't save them, unfortunately, downgrading is likely impossible at this time.

The Downgrading Process (If You Have SHSH Blobs)

Okay, so you've got your SHSH blobs. Now what? The actual downgrading process involves using a tool called futurerestore, which is a command-line utility that allows you to restore your iPad to an unsigned iOS version using your saved blobs. This is where things get a bit technical, so buckle up!

Disclaimer: This process is advanced and carries some risk. If you're not comfortable with command-line tools and technical procedures, it's best to seek help from someone who is experienced with futurerestore. Incorrectly using futurerestore can potentially brick your device, so proceed with caution!

What You'll Need

Your iPad mini 4
A computer (Windows or macOS)
The latest version of iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina or later)
The correct IPSW file for iOS 14 for your iPad mini 4
Your saved SHSH blobs for iOS 14
futurerestore (download the appropriate version for your operating system)
img4tool (often included with futurerestore, but download separately if needed)

Step-by-Step Guide

Download the necessary files: Download the correct IPSW file for iOS 14 for your iPad mini 4. Make sure it matches the exact model number of your device. Also, download the latest version of futurerestore and img4tool for your operating system.
Extract futurerestore: Extract the contents of the futurerestore ZIP file to a folder on your computer. Place the img4tool executable in the same folder.
Put your iPad into DFU mode: This is a crucial step. DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is a special state that allows you to restore your iPad even if the operating system is corrupted. To enter DFU mode on an iPad mini 4:
- Connect your iPad to your computer.
- Open iTunes (or Finder).
- Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
- Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side (Power) button until the screen goes black.
- Continue holding the Side button and press and hold the Volume Down button for 5 seconds.
- Release the Side button but continue holding the Volume Down button for another 10 seconds.
- If done correctly, your iPad's screen will remain black, and iTunes (or Finder) will detect it in recovery mode.
Open a command prompt or terminal: On Windows, open a command prompt as an administrator. On macOS, open the Terminal app.
Navigate to the futurerestore folder: Use the cd command to navigate to the folder where you extracted futurerestore. For example:
```
cd C:\futurerestore (Windows)
cd /Users/yourusername/futurerestore (macOS)
```
Run the futurerestore command: This is the most important step. The command will vary depending on your specific setup, but here's a general example:
```
futurerestore -t your_shsh_blob.shsh -i iPad_mini_4_iOS_14.ipsw
```
Replace your_shsh_blob.shsh with the actual name of your SHSH blob file and iPad_mini_4_iOS_14.ipsw with the name of your iOS 14 IPSW file. You may need to add additional flags to the command depending on your specific situation. Consult the futurerestore documentation for more details.
Wait for the process to complete: Futurerestore will now begin the downgrading process. This may take some time, so be patient and do not disconnect your iPad during the process.
If all goes well: Your iPad should reboot into iOS 14. Congratulations, you have successfully downgraded! If you encounter any errors during the process, consult the futurerestore documentation or seek help from an experienced user.

Potential Problems and Solutions

Downgrading with futurerestore isn't always smooth sailing. Here are some common problems you might encounter and how to fix them:

Error: Unable to find SEP or baseband: This error usually means that the SEP (Secure Enclave Processor) or baseband firmware is incompatible with the iOS version you're trying to restore. To fix this, you may need to specify a compatible SEP and baseband using the -s and -b flags in the futurerestore command. Consult the futurerestore documentation for more information.
Error: Unable to get nonce: This error indicates a problem with the nonce (a random number used for security). Try setting a custom nonce using the -g flag in the futurerestore command.
iPad stuck in recovery mode: If your iPad gets stuck in recovery mode, try force-restarting it by pressing and holding the Side and Home buttons (or Volume Down button on newer iPads) until the Apple logo appears.

Important Considerations

Before you jump into downgrading, keep these important considerations in mind:

Data Loss: Downgrading will erase all data on your iPad. Make sure you have a backup of your important data before you begin. You can use iCloud or iTunes to create a backup.
Jailbreaking: Downgrading might be appealing if you want to jailbreak your iPad on iOS 14. However, keep in mind that jailbreaking comes with its own risks and can void your warranty.
Future Updates: Once you downgrade, you won't be able to receive official iOS updates from Apple unless you upgrade back to a signed iOS version.

Conclusion

Downgrading your iPad mini 4 from iOS 15 to iOS 14 can be a complex process, but it's possible if you have your SHSH blobs. However, if you don't have the blobs, you might be out of luck for now. Remember to proceed with caution, back up your data, and be prepared for potential problems along the way. Good luck, and happy downgrading!

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. I am not responsible for any damage that may occur to your device as a result of following these instructions.