Revert back to Sequoia from Tahoe - any easy ways to do it?

What is the easiest way to revert back to Sequoia from Tahoe?


I've been doing my best to put up with Tahoe's UI for a few weeks, but just can't do it, and would like to revert back to Sequoia. The info I've seen seems to point to doing a complete OS re-install with the Tahoe installer, then use a Time Machine or disk-copy type backup to get everything back.


I'd prefer not to go through all that hassle if possible - so was just wondering if there is any more automated way to do it?


[Edited by Moderator]

MacBook Pro 13″

Posted on Nov 11, 2025 3:35 PM

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Posted on Nov 11, 2025 3:43 PM

Reverting to Sequoia is not simple. You need to boot into Recovery OS, erase your internal drive, then install the older macOS, then restore from a backup made prior to the Tahoe upgrade. Even then, the firmware on the Mac will likely have been updated, meaning potential conflicts and a possible need for DFU mode and a Configurator revive/restore, which would need to be done via another Mac connected to yours. If that sounds complicated and risky, then you're assessing the situation correctly.


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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 11, 2025 3:43 PM in response to dreaming in esperance

Reverting to Sequoia is not simple. You need to boot into Recovery OS, erase your internal drive, then install the older macOS, then restore from a backup made prior to the Tahoe upgrade. Even then, the firmware on the Mac will likely have been updated, meaning potential conflicts and a possible need for DFU mode and a Configurator revive/restore, which would need to be done via another Mac connected to yours. If that sounds complicated and risky, then you're assessing the situation correctly.


Apple is not listening here in these user forums. To have Apple consider your feedback, submit it here:

Feedback - macOS - Apple

Nov 12, 2025 4:15 AM in response to dreaming in esperance

What is the users tolerance for " Risk " ?


1 - Is this your Only computer and you would not be able to live without it for a fews days if the downgrade procedure goes wrong ?


2 - Does the user have access to another Apple computer, that currently is running macOS 15 / 26 , that could be used to Revive or Restore the computer  Firmware  ?


3 - Understand that once the computer has upGraded to macOS 26 Tahoe. there is a strong probability there was a Firmware upGraded that was applied to the computer 


Downgrading back to an older version of macOS, say Sequoia 


It runs the Risk that doing the downgrade, there could be issues with the existing Firmware  also being downgraded.


I have seen and worked with at least 3 different users who upGraded to Tahoe. For one reason or another, they decided to downgrade back to Sequoia


In all three cases the Firmware in the Secure Enclave became an issue after the downgrade


4 - Does the user have at least 2 -  no -  make that 3 backups from a time before the computer was upGraded to macOS 26 Tahoe ?


Have a 3-2-1 Rescue Plan in place and always current


3 Backups using 2 methods and 1 off site incase of natural disaster or un-natural disaster.


Each of the above should be done to a Dedicated Single Purposed External Drive 


Below link is intended to augment what TM Backup does 


https://bombich.com


If the owner of this computer should answer NO  to any of the above questions


Then downgrading the computer Is Not Recommended 

Revert back to Sequoia from Tahoe - any easy ways to do it?

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