Download and install from the official website.
Context and motivation
This guide specifically applies to the iPod Touch 5th Generation (iPod5,1) . Do not attempt this on an iPod Touch 6 or newer.
Downgrading an iPod touch 5 to iOS 6 is not a trivial process, but it is one of the most rewarding retro-tech projects you can do. The tethered limitation is minor once you understand it: simply never shut down the device, or only do so near a computer. downgrade ipod touch 5 to ios 6
Before proceeding, understand this crucial distinction:
Restoring an iPod touch 5 to the classic skeuomorphic look of iOS 6 is a popular project for enthusiasts of legacy Apple hardware. While Apple stopped "signing" iOS 6 for this device years ago—meaning you cannot simply restore it through iTunes—several community-developed methods still allow you to achieve this.
Because Apple no longer signs iOS 6 for this device, you must use specialized community tools to accomplish this. Below is the complete, step-by-step guide to dual-booting or untethered downgrading your iPod Touch 5. Prerequisites and Requirements Download and install from the official website
Step-by-step checklist (if you are an experienced tinkerer who already has SHSH blobs and accept the risks)
The script will ask for your iPod's IP address (found in your iPod's Wi-Fi settings) to establish an SSH connection. Enter it, and use the default password alpine if prompted. Step 5: The Restore Process
Ultimate Guide: How to Downgrade Your iPod Touch 5 to iOS 6 The iPod Touch 5th Generation is a classic piece of hardware, but running modern compatible software like iOS 9 can make the dual-core A5 processor feel sluggish. Downgrading to iOS 6 restores the blazing-fast performance, skeletal skeuomorphic design, and nostalgia of the early 2010s. Downgrading an iPod touch 5 to iOS 6
(Original or MFi-certified cables work best)
This process will wipe the data on your device. Back up your music, photos, and files before proceeding.
That depends on your use case.
Use this if you have a Mac or Linux machine and want iOS 6 as the primary OS, accepting that you'll need a PC to turn the device on.