iPhone Tips

How to Download SHSH Blobs for Downgrade iPhone [iOS 17/16]

by Sophie Green   Updated on 2024-03-28 / Update for  Downgrade

Ever since you updated your iPhone to the latest iOS 17, things just haven't been the same. Maybe your battery drains faster, or some apps keep crashing. Or maybe you just don’t like the update overall. If you’re thinking of downgrading and going back to the previous iOS update, you can do that with something called SHSH blobs.

But wait, what exactly are these SHSH blobs? In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about iPhone SHSH blobs. We'll explain what they are, why they're important, and how you can download SHSH blobs in 3 different ways. We also have an alternative way to downgrade your iPhone if you don’t have SHSH blobs saved.

Part 1: What are SHSH Blobs?

SHSH blobs refer to a digital signature generated by Apple that acts like a unique fingerprint for your device and a specific iOS version. This signature verifies the legitimacy of the firmware (IPSW file) you're trying to install on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Apple creates this signature using a complex algorithm that factors in your device's hardware details (like the ECID) and the specific iOS version you're targeting.

Here's the twist - Apple only signs SHSH blobs for a limited window, typically for the currently available iOS version and sometimes a few versions back. This aims to ensure software stability and security on your device.

Part 2: Why are SHSH Blobs Important?

So, why are SHSH blobs important? These blobs become valuable if you ever want to downgrade your device to an older, unsigned iOS version. With a saved SHSH blob for that specific version, you can potentially bypass Apple's signing restrictions and restore your device. In case you update your iPhone and the new software has bugs or just feels weird to you, you can downgrade to the previous update with a saved SHSH blob for an older version.

Normally, Apple decides which versions of iOS you can install. SHSH blobs give you a chance to take some control back. If you're comfortable with a specific version, you can potentially hold onto the option to go back to it if needed.

Part 3: How to Save SHSH Blobs with Top 3 Ways

Now that you understand the importance of SHSH blobs, let's explore how to save them for future use. There are three main methods: using tools, online services, and a more manual approach. Here’s a breakdown of each of these methods to help you decide which one you wanna go for.

1. Using Tools

This method involves downloading a dedicated tool on your computer. Here's a general guideline, but specific steps might vary depending on the tool you chose.

1. Search for a trusted SHSH blob saving tool. Make sure you download from a trusted source.

2. Connect your iPhone to your computer and launch the tool. The software should be able to identify your device's details, like the ECID (a unique identifier).

3. Follow the on-screen instructions or select the specific iOS version you want to save the SHSH blob for.

4. The tool will typically provide an option to save the SHSH blob as a file on your computer. Choose a secure location and keep it safe!

2. Online Services

Several online services allow you to save SHSH blobs without any software download. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to save SHSH blobs using a trusted online service like TSS Saver:

  • Find Your Device's ECID via iTunes: Connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to your computer. Open iTunes and locate your device in the left sidebar of iTunes. Click on your device's name or icon to display its details. Look for the "Serial Number". This is where you'll find the "ECID" (Exclusive Chip ID). This is the unique identifier you'll need. Note it down somewhere.
  • Open TSS on Web: The service might ask you to enter your device's ECID or model number. You might also need to select your device model from a dropdown menu. Click on “Submit”.

    Open TSS on Web
  • Download the SHSH Blob: The website will process your request and attempt to retrieve the SHSH blob for your chosen iOS version. If successful, it will typically generate a link for you to download the SHSH blob file or provide a way to save it within the service itself. Save the SHSH blob according to the service's instructions.

3. Manual Method

For most users, the first two methods mentioned offer a safer and more user-friendly approach. These methods often come with clear instructions and minimize the risk of errors. This method uses RedSn0w, an older tool that might have compatibility issues and security vulnerabilities. So proceed with caution when jailbreaking your iPhone as it might harm your device.

Here's a guideline on how to save SHSH blobs with RedSn0w:

  • Download RedSn0w, locate the downloaded file in your computer, and extract the contents of the downloaded file. Move the RedSn0w application to your Applications folder.

    Download SHSH Blobs for Downgrade iPhone
  • Open the RedSn0w application > Click on “Extras” > Select "SHSH Blobs” > Click on “Fetch”.
  • RedSn0w will attempt to retrieve the SHSH blobs for your connected device.

    Download SHSH Blobs for Downgrade iPhone
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to enter DFU mode. Once your device is in DFU mode, the SHSH blobs will be sent to Cydia servers.

Part 4: How to Use SHSH Blobs to Downgrade iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch

Here’s how to use the saved SHSH blobs to downgrade your iOS device using FutureRestore:

Step 1: Plug your iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch into your computer with a USB cable. Open Terminal on Mac or Command Prompt (CMD) on Windows.

Step 2: Drag and drop the FutureRestore file into the Terminal/CMD window (this adds the tool's path).

Step 3: Type a space, then "-t" (space hyphen t) to tell FutureRestore you're using SHSH blobs.

Step 4: Drag and drop the SHSH blob file for your desired iOS version into the window (this adds the file path).

Download SHSH Blobs for Downgrade iPhone

Step 5: Depending on your device, enter one of these flags:

  • For iPhones with a SIM card: Type a space followed by "--latest-sep --latest-baseband" (space two hyphens latest-sep space two hyphens latest-baseband).
  • For iPhones without a SIM card: Type a space followed by "--latest-sep --latest-no-baseband" (space two hyphens latest-sep space two hyphens latest-no-baseband).

Step 6: Drag and drop the unsigned IPSW file for your target iOS version into the Terminal/CMD window (this adds the file path).

Step 7: Once all file paths and flags are correct, press Enter on your keyboard. This initiates the downgrading process using FutureRestore and your SHSH blob.

Download SHSH Blobs for Downgrade iPhone

Part 5: Downgrading iOS Devices without SHSH Blobs hot [100% Sure]

Downgrading an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to a much older iOS version typically requires having saved SHSH blobs beforehand. However, there might be situations where you don't have SHSH blobs but still wish to downgrade. If that’s the case, let us introduce you to Tenorshare ReiBoot. Beyond assisting with downgrading your iPhone, Tenorshare ReiBoot offers various repair options for common iOS issues like getting stuck on the Apple logo, boot loops, and more.

Here’s how to use Tenorshare ReiBoot to downgrade your iOS devices without SHSH blobs.

  • Download and install the Tenorshare ReiBoot software on your computer from the official website. Launch the program and connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to your computer using a genuine Apple cable. Click on the iOS Upgrade/Downgrade option on the main menu.

    launch reiboot
  • Select the Downgrade option, and click on the Downgrade button at the bottom of the screen.

     advanced mode
  • If downgrading is possible, Tenorshare ReiBoot might display a list of downloadable firmware versions. Select the specific iOS version you'd like to downgrade to (if available).

    download firmware
  • Once you've confirmed the downgrade selection, click on Initiate Downgrade to start the downgrading process.

    start downgrade

    The downgrading process can take some time depending on your device and internet connection. After a successful downgrade, your device should reboot on the chosen iOS version.

    downgrade completed

The Bottom Line

In this article, we explored what SHSH blobs are, how to save them, and how you can use those SHSH blobs to downgrade your iPhone to a previous update. In case you don’t have saved SHSH blobs, Tenorshare ReiBoot is your go-to option.