Don’t Install iOS 26 Beta Without These Backup Tips

The iOS 26 developer beta is now accessible, giving you a chance to explore exciting new features like the sleek Liquid Glass interface, an overhauled Photos app, and the innovative AutoMix feature in the Music app. If you hold a free Apple Developer account, you can dive in right away, with the public beta slated for release in July.

However, this early access does come with its drawbacks. Prerelease software often harbors bugs and performance issues that can interfere with daily usage, which is why it’s advisable not to install it on your primary iPhone. Plus, if you’re considering testing the WatchOS 26 beta, be aware that rolling back to WatchOS 11 could become quite complicated.

Backing Up Before You Beta Test

Rolling back to the previous iOS version isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. It requires erasing your device and installing the stable release. Thus, ensuring you have a reliable backup of your iPhone before diving into the beta is crucial.

While creating an iCloud backup (Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup) may seem straightforward, there’s a catch: if your latest iCloud backup was made while running the iOS 26 beta, you’ll only be able to restore back to the beta. To restore to iOS 18, it would require either an archive or setting up your phone as new, requiring manual app reinstalls.

A better alternative? Create a local backup. Plug your iPhone into your Mac, choose it from a Finder window, and click the Back Up Now button. For Windows users, open the Apple Devices app, select your iPhone, and press Back Up Now.

No Backup? No Problem!

If you rushed into the beta and neglected a backup, there’s still hope. You can sync essential data—like contacts, photos, and notes—to iCloud. Navigate to Settings > [your name] > iCloud and ensure relevant categories are set to sync.

Ensuring Software Compatibility

Before restoring your iPhone, ensure your MacOS or Windows software is up to date. On a Mac, click the Apple logo in the top-left corner, select System Settings, then General, followed by Software Update. If an update appears and you’ve backed up, proceed with the installation.

On Windows, open the Apple Devices app, which has replaced iTunes for managing Apple devices.

Deactivating Find My iPhone

Before you revert to iOS 18, you must disable Find My iPhone. This feature is integral to the Activation Lock security, requiring your Apple ID and password upon setup. Once iOS 18 is reinstalled, you can enable this feature again.

To turn off Find My, head to Settings, tap on your name, select Find My, then Find My iPhone and toggle it off. If the option is greyed out, disabling Stolen Device Protection may be necessary.

Entering Recovery Mode

With your iPhone connected to your Mac, you’ll need to enter recovery mode. Here’s the button sequence:

1. Press and quickly release the volume up button.
2. Press and quickly release the volume down button.
3. Press and hold the sleep/wake button until you see the recovery mode screen.

Restoring Your iPhone to iOS 18

Your computer will prompt you to update or restore your iPhone. Don’t be alarmed if it sounds like something’s amiss with your device. Click Restore and confirm with Restore and Update.

If you don’t see that dialog, open a new Finder window on Mac or the Apple Devices app on Windows and select your iPhone. Click Restore iPhone and follow the subsequent instructions.

This process will download and install the current iOS release—currently 18.5—on your iPhone. During setup, you’ll be prompted to transfer settings and data from another device:

1. On the Transfer Your Apps & Data screen, choose From Mac or PC.
2. Select your iPhone in the sidebar.
3. Choose to restore from the most recent backup and hit Continue.

If your backup is encrypted, you’ll need to input the password you created. Your computer will then restore your data seamlessly.