Downgrade iOS 5.1 on my iPad to iOS 5.0

New version of iOS is out & I have upgraded my iPad to iOS 5.1 from iOS 5.0. I didn't realize that some other software will not work with iOS 5.1 so I would like to go back. How can I downgrade iOS version on my iPad?

Solution 1:

Apple is still signing iOS 5.0.1. You will need to download the 5.0.1 ipfw and then place your device into DFU mode. From there, hold the ALT/OPTION key as you hit the restore button in iTunes. Then point iTunes to the newly downloaded firmware.

You must act fast. When Apple closes this window and stops signing the old firmware, it will not be possible to downgrade iOS.

Solution 2:

Well there is not easy route to accomplish a 5.1 to 5.0 downgrade even if you were to have a backup from a previous version. The upgrade process is typically one way. By upgrading you essentially lock yourself out of downgrading iOS to an earlier version. This is due in large part to Apple imposed changes and restrictions in iOS 5. You can Jailbreak your iPad which does offer other avenues for downgrading but at present there is no route from 5.1 to 5.0 that I could find.