Now that you've prepared your device and downloaded the necessary files, it's time to start the downgrade process:

Downgrading an original iPad Mini (1st Gen) to iOS 6 requires jailbreaking and utilizing tools like CoolBooter for dual-booting or Legacy iOS Kit for a tethered downgrade, as Apple no longer signs iOS 6. While iOS 6 offers superior performance and nostalgia compared to the final iOS 9.3.5/9.3.6 firmware, users may face limited app compatibility and should prepare for potential data loss during the process. For more details, visit jamieweb.net

While the downgrade process is relatively straightforward, there are some potential issues you may encounter:

However, Apple no longer "signs" iOS 6 for the iPad mini, making a direct restore via iTunes impossible without specialized tools. Methods to Downgrade Your iPad Mini to iOS 6 1. The "Untethered" Dual-Boot Method (Recommended)

To revert to iOS 9, simply restart the iPad. To boot back to iOS 6, relaunch CoolBooter and tap “Boot.”

Apple stopped signing iOS 6 for the iPad mini in 2013. Consequently, a standard restoration will only offer you iOS 9.3.5 (or 9.3.6 for cellular models). If you attempt to force an iOS 6 restore, iTunes will throw an error: "The iPad could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (3194)."