While most iOS updates will only improve the experience on your iPhone, some can cause more havoc than good. If an update unexpectedly interrupts or degrades certain functions of your iPhone, you may be able to revert to the previous software.
Like Windows computers, Apple has a rollback feature available for iPhone in case you need to uninstall certain iOS updates, but that hasn’t always been the case. It’s only available on iOS 16.0 and later, and iPadOS 16.1 and later for iPad, and it only applies to Apple’s new rapid security responses.
What are Security Quick Responses?
Rapid Security Responses are intended to fix significant iOS security vulnerabilities, such as more destructive zero-day exploits, as soon as possible. They can even fix attackable system files, issues with Safari and WebKit, and vulnerable supported accessories like AirPods.
As soon as an RSR is available, Apple pushes it to your device, and your iPhone downloads and installs it automatically. You can also go to Settings -> General -> Software Update to manually download and install the RSR if it hasn’t already done so automatically.
These software updates are primarily used to resolve and fix issues that need immediate attention, but they can also cause issues. This is because RSR updates are hastily developed and sent out as quick band-aids for serious issues. They may be refined before they appear in the next iOS 16.X minor update, but if you run into any issues before then, you can remove the RSR.
Uninstalling Security Quick Response
Quick Security Answers is enabled on your iPhone by default, and you can check the preference by going to Settings -> General -> Software Update -> Automatic Updates -> Security Answers and System Files. If you would rather risk possible attacks through known vulnerabilities than potential performance issues, you can disable the switch to prevent automatic installation of RSR updates.
If you keep the switch on but have problems after installing an RSR update (or after installing one manually), you can always remove it from your iPhone and wait for improvements in the next update. minor iOS software update.
To do this, go to Settings -> General -> About -> iOS Version, then tap “Delete Security Answer” under the installed RSR, which will be under the main iOS version information. Next, tap “Delete” when prompted to confirm that you want to erase the update from your iPhone.
Your iPhone will remove the update and you will need to restart your iPhone to complete the removal process. It should automatically restart your iPhone after a short time, but you can tap “Restart Now” when prompted to do so immediately.
Once you are back and running the RSR update, you can confirm it by going back to Settings -> General -> About -> iOS Version.
Keep your connection secure with no monthly bill. Get a lifetime subscription to VPN Unlimited for all your devices with a one-time purchase from the new Gadget Hacks store, and watch Hulu or Netflix without regional restrictions, increase security when browsing public networks, and more.
Shop now (80% off) >
Other great deals to check out: