How To Downgrade iPhone 3g

Learning how to downgrade iPhone 3g is not nearly as complicated as you may think. Previously it was necessary to learn how to downgrade iPhone 3g for jailbreaking purposes however that is no longer true. There are still several reasons to learn how to downgrade iPhone 3g including personal preference of older firmware. In addition, many users choose to downgrade their iPhone 3g to utilize programs which do not function on the newer iPhone firmware.

Things you'll need:

• Computer
• USB Cable (iPhone to PC)
• Internet connection

1. Backup your iPhone 3g. Connect the iPhone 3g to the computer using the USB cable. Open iTunes and right-click on the iPhone 3g in the list of devices on the right side. Select "Backup" and allow iTunes to make a complete backup of your iPhone 3g to prevent loosing your contacts, photos, etc.
2. Download necessary tools. Download the iPhone firmware which you wish to downgrade to. Most users downgrade to the 3.1.3 firmware . Download the RecBoot tool as well as you will need it during this process.  You can use your favorite search engine to find it.
3. Put iPhone into DFU Mode. Press and hold the sleep/wake button. Now press and hold the power button while continuing to hold the sleep/wake button. Hold both buttons down for ten seconds and then release the sleep/wake button. Continue to press the home button until iTunes displays the following message, "iTunes has detected an iPhone in recover mode". Repeat this step several times if you do not get the message from iTunes the first time.
4. Restore the iPhone. Click on the iPhone in the devices on the right side of iTunes. Hold down the shift key on the right side of the keyboard and click on the "Restore" option in iTunes. Select the firmware which you downloaded in step two when prompted for a iPhone firmware to restore. Wait patiently while the iPhone 3g is restored back to that firmware by iTunes.
5. Ignore any errors. Ignore any errors that iTunes may display during the restore of the iPhone 3g. Ignore errors such as "1011" or "1015" by simply clicking OK. These errors will not affect the downgrade of your iPhone 3g.
6. Exit recovery mode. Launch the RecBoot tool which you downloaded in step two. Choose the "Exit Recovery Mode" option. Wait for a few seconds while your iPhone 3g returns back to life with the new downgraded firmware.
7. Restore the backup. Choose the backup you made in step one when iTunes prompts you to "Set up as new iPhone" or "Restore from backup". Wait as iTunes restores all the information to your iPhone 3g.

Tips & Resources:

• Run the RecBoot tool in recovery mode for Windows XP if it does not function for you.
• RecBoot tool is not compatible with 64-bit windows although it may still function.