Introduction
Downgrading to a previous version of an app on iOS can be invaluable, especially when new updates introduce bugs or remove features you rely on. This article will guide you through the process in two main steps: first downloading the older IPA file, and then installing it on your device.
Step 1: Download the Older IPA File
Using IPATool-py
To get an older version of an app’s IPA, you can use IPATool-py.
This Python script automates the process.
Prerequisites
Since my account uses 2FA, I choose “Manually way”
The app ID can be found in the URL. For example, the ID for whatsapp is 310633997.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/whatsapp-messenger/id310633997
Retrieve Historical Versions:
To get the list of historical versions, you will need to enter your password. For 2FA login, append the verification code to your password.
The last ones in array are the latest versions
python main.py lookup -i 310633997 -c JP historyver -e xxxxxx.me.com -p password**XXXXXX**
[20:40:40] INFO Got available version ids [810966964, 811508437, 811605107, 811665391, 811697870, main.py:228
811896671, 812709507, 813540747, 813542080, 813600295, 813611378, 813746665, 813855082,
813881213, 813927122, 813930071, 813933695, 813948592, 814406518, 814411283, 814515271,
814515313, 814725427, 814924234, 814927723, 815221534, 816643134, 817730183, 819320471,
819639646, 820315902, 822522903, 823798838, 824265044, 827442043, 829151210, 834089469,
834300079, 839081156, 842420281, 847978960, 848278804, 857236394, 860456971, 860475885,
860668745]
To download a specific version:
python main.py lookup -i 310633997 -c JP download -s http://127.0.0.1:9000 --appVerId 860668745
Step 2: Install the IPA File
Once the IPA file is downloaded, you can easily install it through iTunes. Simply drag and drop the file into iTunes (Music App).
Troubleshooting: If iPhone Content Cannot be Read
If you encounter an issue where Finder is unable to read your iPhone’s content, you can resolve it using mobile file management software like iTools. Connect your iPhone, navigate to iTunes_Control
> iTunes
, and delete the file named iTunesCDB.