Downgrading from macOS Tahoe using Time Machine backup

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Downgrading from macOS Tahoe using Time Machine backup

I want to revert to the previous version from a Time Machine backup. I am trying to use Command R on restart, but it keeps coming back to the standard login screen. Is there some other way to get to the “restore from Time Machine “ options?

FYI Pages doesn’t work reliably in Tahoe - it intermittently stops saving but doesn’t tell me - so I need to downgrade.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Downgrade from MacOS Tahoe

MacBook Air, macOS 26.0

Posted on Oct 30, 2025 9:51 AM

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Answer 1

Oct 30, 2025 9:57 AM in response to JimmyPal

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.

Regarding your issue with Pages, bugs can be reported to Apple here:

Feedback - Pages - Apple

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Answer 2

Oct 30, 2025 10:17 AM in response to JimmyPal

You might also post a question about the issue you're having in the Pages forum:

Pages - Apple Community

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Answer 3

JimmyPal Author

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Oct 30, 2025 10:08 AM in response to neuroanatomist

Thanks, I don’t fancy that. I’ll report the Pages error and hope it gets fixed soon.

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