Downgrade from macOS Sequoia to macOS Sonoma or Earlier Versions

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Apple's macOS is renowned for its regular software updates, which bring new features, improved security, and enhanced user experience. The latest update, macOS Sequoia, introduced a variety of new tools and interface improvements designed to streamline productivity and improve system performance.

However, while many users embrace the newest features, others may encounter unexpected issues, such as software compatibility problems, reduced performance, or simply a preference for an earlier interface. If you're one of the users considering a downgrade from macOS Sequoia to an earlier version, whether it's macOS Sonoma or an even older system, this guide will walk you through the process and provide essential tips.

Why Downgrade macOS?

Regardless of the reason, downgrading macOS involves careful preparation and planning. In this article, we'll explore how to downgrade from macOS Sequoia, the steps involved, potential risks, and important tips for a smooth transition.

Preparing for the Downgrade: What You Need to Know

Before starting the downgrade process, it's crucial to prepare adequately. Downgrading involves erasing the existing macOS installation and replacing it with an older version. This means you will lose all data on your Mac unless you take the necessary steps to back up your system.

1. Backup Your Data

Since downgrading requires wiping your Mac's hard drive, creating a complete backup is essential to avoid losing important files, applications, and settings. There are several ways to back up your data:

• Time Machine: Apple's built-in backup utility, Time Machine, allows you to create a full system backup. However, note that previous macOS versions might not be able to use Time Machine backups made in macOS Sequoia. To avoid this issue, consider backing up your data manually.
• External Storage: Use an external hard drive or cloud storage service to copy essential files, documents, and media. This method ensures that you can easily access your data after the downgrade without the risk of compatibility issues.
• Cloning Your Mac: You can also use a cloning tool, like Donemax Disk Clone for Mac, Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper, to create an exact replica of your Mac's current system (or even bootable clone backup). This method allows for easy restoration of your files and settings after downgrading.

2. Check App Compatibility

Before downgrading, verify whether the apps you rely on will still work with the version of macOS you plan to install. Some apps may not be supported on older macOS versions, and reverting to an earlier system could result in compatibility issues or the loss of key functionalities.

3. Download the macOS Installer

You will need a copy of the macOS installer for the version you want to downgrade to. Unfortunately, Apple does not offer direct downloads for every past version of macOS on their website. However, if you previously downloaded a version of macOS from the App Store, it should be available in your "Purchased" section.

Alternatively, Apple's support page offers downloads for some older macOS versions like macOS Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey, etc. You may also find older versions via third-party websites, but be cautious and ensure you download from a trusted source to avoid malware.

4. Create a Bootable macOS USB Installer

To reinstall the previous macOS version after downloading the installer, you must make a bootable USB device. This can be done with a USB drive that has at least 16 GB of storage. Here's how:

• Step 1: After connecting the USB device to your Mac, launch Disk Utility. Format the USB drive as "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)" or "APFS" using a GUID Partition Map after wiping it off.

• Step 2: Open Terminal and enter the appropriate command to create a bootable installer. For example, if you downloaded macOS Sonoma, the command would look like this:

  sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sonoma.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume

  Replace "MyVolume" with the name of your USB drive (such as SonomaInstaller).

• Step 3: Press Enter, and after a few minutes, your bootable USB drive will be ready.

5. Ensure a Stable Internet Connection

Even though you're installing an older macOS version from a USB drive, you'll still need a stable internet connection for certain steps, like verifying the macOS installer and accessing your Apple ID.

The Downgrade Process:

Once you've prepared your Mac, it's time to begin the actual downgrade process. Be aware that this process will erase your Mac's hard drive, so ensure you've backed up all essential data.

Step 1: Erase Your Mac's Hard Drive

The first step in downgrading macOS is to erase your Mac's current installation. To do this:

• To access macOS Recovery Mode, restart your computer and press and hold Power button until you see Loading Startup Options. Choose Options and click on Continue button.
• Choose Disk Utility from the macOS Recovery window, then click Continue.

• Click Erase after selecting your Mac's initial disk (sometimes referred to as "Macintosh HD") in Disk Utility.
• Format the disk as APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled) depending on the macOS version you plan to install, and then click Erase.

Step 2: Install the Older macOS Version

Now that your Mac's hard drive is clean, you can proceed with installing the older version of macOS:

• Plug in the bootable USB installer you created earlier and restart your Mac while holding down Power button.
• When it boots into macOS Recovery mode, select the USB installer, click Continue to start installing macOS.
• To install the previous version of macOS, adhere to the on-screen instructions. Be patient; the procedure can take a while.

Step 3: Restore Your Data

You can restore your files from your backup when the installation is finished and your Mac has restarted. Depending on the backup method you used, you may need to manually copy files from your external hard drive or cloud storage.

If you used Time Machine and the backup was created with the same macOS version you downgraded to, you can restore from the Time Machine backup by selecting Restore from Time Machine Backup during setup.

Common Downgrade Issues and Troubleshooting

Downgrading macOS is generally a straightforward process, but there are several potential issues you may encounter. Here's how to address them:

1. Installer Verification Errors

If your Mac cannot verify the macOS installer, this could be due to an expired certificate. You can bypass this issue by setting your Mac’s system date to a time when the certificate was still valid. To do this:

• Restart your Mac in Recovery Mode (Power button) and open Terminal.
• Enter the command: date 0201010115 (which sets the date to February 1, 2015, for example).

After resetting the date, retry the installation.

2. Restoring Incompatible Backups

If you're unable to restore a Time Machine backup because it was created with a newer macOS version, you’ll need to manually transfer files from your backup. Unfortunately, there is no way to directly restore system settings or apps in this case.

3. Reactivating Apps and Services

Certain apps or services may require reactivation or reinstallation after downgrading macOS. Be sure to have your app licenses and Apple ID credentials handy, as you may need to re-enter them to fully restore your system.

Risks and Considerations When Downgrading macOS

While downgrading macOS can help resolve compatibility or performance issues, there are several risks to consider:

• Security Risks: Older macOS versions may not receive security updates, leaving your system vulnerable to malware or other threats.
• Loss of Features: You'll lose access to any new features introduced in macOS Sequoia or later versions. If you rely on any of these features for work or personal use, consider whether downgrading is the best option.
• Incompatibility with Future Software: As software developers update their apps to work with newer macOS versions, you may encounter compatibility issues with older software.
• Time-Consuming Process: Downgrading macOS is not a quick process. Between creating backups, reinstalling macOS, and restoring your data, it can take several hours to complete. Be sure to plan accordingly.

Recover Lost Data After macOS Sequoia Downgrade

macOS Sequoia downgrade may cause data loss. If you don't have a backup, just try Mac data recovery software.

Step 1. Download and install the reliable Mac data recovery software - Donemax Data Recovery for Mac.

Step 2. Open Donemax Data Recovery for Mac, select the internal drive to start data recovery.

Step 3. Click on Scan button to deeply scan the drive and find all recoverable files.

Step 4. Once the scan is completed, you can preview all recoverable files. Select the wanted files, click on Recover button to save them.

Conclusion

Downgrading from macOS Sequoia to an earlier version is possible, but it requires careful preparation and consideration. From backing up your data to ensuring compatibility with your favorite apps, the process can be complex but manageable. Whether you're experiencing performance issues, software compatibility problems, or simply prefer an older version of macOS, following the steps described in this article will help you successfully revert to a version that better meets your needs.

Before you proceed, weigh the pros and cons of downgrading, and make sure it's the best decision for your workflow and system stability. Once you've completed the downgrade, you can enjoy a more familiar and functional environment, optimized for your preferences.