IOS – restoring ipod touch forces update

iosipod-touchrestoreupgrade

I have been trying to restore my 5th Generation Ipod touch from a backup which is stored on my computer. The restore process works fine, however after its' completion there is a white screen lock with a SLIDE TO UPGRADE option that prevents me from using the Ipod, unless I upgrade.

Since I do not wish to upgrade the software on the Ipod from the currently installed iOS version (9.2.1), is there some way to circumvent this lockout by Apple?

Best Answer

The "slide to upgrade" screen doesn't update your iOS firmware; it simply prepares your backup for iOS 9.