Tutorial to Downgrade iPhone 3GS from iOS 6 to iOS 5 with Redsn0w and Windows

Apple’s iOS 6 has 200 new features that are quite appealing for the user always looking for the next big thing. However, if for some reasons you want to downgrade to iOS 5, here is a short tutorial to help you do that the right way. Remember though that to perform this process you should have saved your device’s SHSH blobs before upgrading your firmware. The following guide to downgrade iPhone 3GS from iOS 6 to iOS 5 uses Redsn0w, a Windows PC and SHSH blobs.

Step 1
On your PC’s desktop create a folder which you will name Pwnage. Go to the official Redmond Redsn0w website and download the most recent version of the software. Move the downloaded files in the Pwnage folder. Do the same for the iOS version you want to restore as well as for the iOS you are currently running.

Step 2

In the Pwnage folder, extract the Redsn0w zip file. Go to the extracted folder and launch the redsn0w.exe file. It’s advised you launch this operation in Administrator mode.

Step 3

Redsn0w will prompt a window with two options: Jailbreak and Extras. Select Extras > Even More (Device info, IPSW restores, and more). Now click Restore “to an iPSW, with support for saved blobs and downgrades”.

Step 4

In the Restore Menu, select the IPSW feature and then choose the IPSW you want to restore to from the prompted list. Click Open to upload the firmware.

Step 5

The Redsn0w software will prompt the following message: “redsn0w can modify this IPSW during the restore to prevent the baseband from being updated. Would you like redsn0w to do this?”. Click Yes.

Step 6

You will have to enter your device in DFU mode. Click OK when prompted this message. Then turn off your iPhone, connect your device and then click Next. Follow Redns0w’s guide to enter the DFU mode.

Step 7

Redsn0w will do most of the work by itself, including checking Cydia for saved SHSH blobs. You can try the Remote option to try again if the software can’t find the blobs automatically. You can also select the Local button if you have SHSH blobs saved on your computer.

Step 8

Redsn0w will operate a system restore image and then restore your iPhone to the new firmware. The software will announce you when the firmware downgrade is complete.