Apple removes the bugs and security patches from each macOS update. But, sometimes, you might experience technical issues after the software update. Downgrade to the previous macOS version in such circumstances to fix the problem. Many MacBook users faced screen freezing issues after installing Mojave.
In some Mac devices, iCloud stops working after switching from High Sierra to Mojave. This macOS version also generated Bluetooth issues in MacBooks.
Fail to connect the Apple product to Wi-Fi? Did the device become slow after upgrading to Mojave? Rollback to macOS to High Sierra to resolve these unwanted glitches.
Wondering how to downgrade from Mojave to High Sierra in this Apple product? Here are different ways to do that:
When Should You Downgrade from Mojave to High Sierra?
Mojave is the best macOS update that offers effective security and privacy protections. It makes the multi-tasking process easier with the standout feature, like Desktop Stacks. However, this macOS might not be compatible with the old Mac devices. And, this will result in system crashing and screen flickering issues.
Do you want to downgrade because Mojave is running slow? You should first remove the temporary files from the device before that. Sometimes, the third-party apps conflict with the macOS apps. And, it can slow down the device’s performance.
Uninstall the problematic apps to increase the MacBook’s speed. And, if the Mac device is still slow, revert to the previous OS version. Many faced battery drainage problems after the Mojave update.
Before you decide to downgrade, replace the battery. If that doesn’t fix the issue, then only consider using High Sierra or earlier versions.
3 Easy Ways to Downgrade from Mojave to High Sierra
There are several ways to downgrade from the latest to the older macOS version. However, the users should backup the MacBook data before that. Otherwise, you might lose the important files if the update gets corrupted. You can restore the data in cloud storage services, like Dropbox or iCloud Drive.
The process of downgrading removes everything from the hard drive, including passwords. This is why you should note down the Apple ID and password. Additionally, the MacBook owners need to check the license keys and other settings. Write these details in any cloud-based tools to protect them from hackers.
Besides, you can take screenshots of the device settings. Connect a USB flash drive, press Ctrl and A keys and move these screenshots there. Or, you can store them in another MacBook or on an external disk. Once done, use the following methods to downgrade from Mojave to High Sierra:
How to Downgrade from Mojave to High Sierra using the Recovery Mode?
Mac users can downgrade to High Sierra by rebooting the device into Recovery Mode. Turn on the Apple device and connect it to a stable internet connection. Place the router close to the MacBook to avoid network issues during the downgrade.
Access the Apple menu and when the pop-up menu appears, tap on “Restart”. Wait until the Apple logo pops up and hold the Command, Option, Shift and R keys simultaneously. Or, you can press the Command and R keys together to get into the Recovery Mode.
However, adding Option and Shift key combos allows you to reinstall High Sierra. And, when you get the Recovery window, opt for “Disk Utility”. Choose the correct disk name which is connected to the Mac device. Select “Erase” and rename the disk name afterwards.
Change the file format to Mac OS Extended or APFS. Head to the Erase tab and remove all the data that are on the MacBook. Close Disk Utility and reboot the Mac device. Open the Apple menu and select “About this Mac” to check if High Sierra is reinstalled.
How to Downgrade from Mojave to High Sierra using Time Machine Backup?
MacBook users can install High Sierra using the Time Machine backup tool. Connect a compatible USB or Thunderbolt drive to the MacBook. Open the Wi-Fi menu and select the correct wireless network from the list. Tap on the Apple menu and opt for “Restart” from the pop-up menu.
Hold the Command, Option, Shift, and R keys together to enable Recovery mode. The macOS utilities window will appear on the Mac screen within a few minutes. Go for “Restore from Time Machine Backup” and select the disk type afterwards.
Did you store the Mac data in a network disk? Choose it from the list and go for “Connect to Remote Disk”. And, when prompted, write the username and password for the disk. Set the date and time when you want to backup the Mac data.
Go through the instructions to complete the data restoration process. Restart the device, and access the Apple menu to check whether the OS is downgraded to High Sierra.
Is the MacBook still running with macOS Mojave? Ensure there is enough disk space on the Mac device. Remove the unwanted files and repeat these steps to reinstall High Sierra.
How to Downgrade from Mojave to High Sierra using a Bootable Installer?
If the Mac device doesn’t have a Time Machine backup tool, create an installer disk. Apple stores all the previous macOS versions in the App Store’s “Purchase Tab”. And, you can reinstall High Sierra from there. Open the App Store, tap on “Download”, and wait for the macOS to download.
The bootable installer will open automatically once the download is complete. Close it and connect an external hard disk to the MacBook. Ensure there is at least 12GB of space in the device. Otherwise, you won’t be able to create the bootable installer.
Open the Finder app, select “Applications”, and search for “Install macOS High Sierra”. Right-click on it and opt for “Show Package Contents”. Choose “Contents”, click “Resources”, and select “Createinstallmedia”.
Restore the necessary Mac data in the external disk and choose “Applications”. Navigate to “Utilities” and double-tap on Terminal. Write “ sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia. Press the Enter key and wait for at least 2-3 minutes.
Write “–volume /Volumes/MyVolume –applicationpath /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app”. Press the Return key and enter the administrator account password when prompted. Mac will display a “Done” message after downgrading Mojave to High Sierra.
Can You Reinstall High Sierra using the Option Key?
Mac users can reinstall High Sierra by pressing the Option button. Open the Apple menu, tap on “Restart” and hold down the Option key for a few seconds. Select the disk installer name when the boot disk window appears. Mac will start installing High Sierra after a while.
Once the macOS installation is complete, the MacBook will restart automatically. And, the Startup Assistant will appear on the screen. Follow the steps to set up the Mac without hassle. Contact MacBook Repair India if you fail to downgrade from Mojave to High Sierra.
