Apple now makes it easy to install iOS betas using over-the-air updates. While simple to install, iOS Public Betas can be buggy as well. Fortunately, you can leave the iOS Public Beta at any time.
How iOS and iPadOS Public Beta Program Works
Apple’s iOS/iPadOS Public Beta program works using a profile on your iPhone or iPad. Once the profile is installed, you can request the beta version of the OS from the Software Update section.
You can choose to leave the Public Beta program at any time. But removing the Public Beta profile will have no effect on your iOS or iPadOS device. You’ll still be running the beta version. You can keep running it, and you can wait till the public release comes out to upgrade. If you wish, you can downgrade to the earlier, stable version of iOS or iPadOS as well. We’ll cover all available options below.
A Word About Backups
It’s best to back up your device before you make any big changes, like installing a beta or leaving the beta program. This is especially important to do before installing the Public Beta.
Apple doesn’t allow users to restore a backup from a version that’s higher than what you’re running. For example, if you have a backup of iOS 13 Public Beta 2, but you downgraded back to iOS 12.4, you won’t be able to restore your backup using iTunes.
You’ll have to set your device up as new, or you’ll need to restore the backup from iCloud or a third-party app. If you leave the iOS/iPadOS Public Beta program and choose to restore to the stable version, without an older backup, you’ll end up losing all your data.
Before you begin, take a back up using iTunes. Open the iTunes app on your computer and connect your iOS device. Then go to the device management screen by clicking on the “Device” icon in the top toolbar. From here, find the “Backups” section and select “This Computer.” Then click on “Back Up Now.”
