In today’s fast-paced world, technology is constantly evolving, and software updates are a common occurrence. One such update that many Android users may have experienced is upgrading their device to a new version of the Android operating system. While these updates often come with exciting new features and improvements, they may also introduce bugs or compatibility issues that can affect the user experience. In such cases, users may find themselves wanting to go back to a previous version of Android. In this blog post, we will explore different methods that can be used to revert to an earlier version of Android, as well as address the reasons why you might encounter difficulties in doing so.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we dive into the methods for reverting to a previous version of Android, it’s important to understand the requirements for each method. Here are some things you will need:
1. A compatible device: Not all Android devices can be easily downgraded to a previous version of Android. Some manufacturers may restrict this option, while others may only provide official software updates for a limited time. Therefore, it’s essential to check if your device is eligible for downgrading.
2. A computer: Most methods for downgrading Android versions require the use of a computer. This is because you will need to download the necessary firmware files and use specific software or tools to perform the downgrade process.
3. Backup of data: Downgrading Android versions typically involves wiping the device’s data, so it’s crucial to back up any important files, photos, or documents before proceeding. This will ensure that you don’t lose any valuable information during the downgrade.
What Requires Your Focus?
Before you begin the process of reverting to a previous version of Android, there are a few important aspects that you should pay attention to:
1. Research: It’s essential to conduct thorough research about the device model you own and the specific Android version you want to roll back to. This will help you understand the risks, compatibility issues, and potential benefits associated with downgrading.
2. Official vs. unofficial methods: There are official and unofficial methods for downgrading Android versions. Official methods are generally safer and more reliable, as they are provided by the device manufacturer. Unofficial methods, on the other hand, are often community-developed and may come with certain risks. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each method before proceeding.
3. Follow instructions carefully: Each method for downgrading Android versions comes with its own set of instructions. It is crucial to carefully follow these instructions to avoid any errors or complications during the process. Skipping steps or making mistakes can potentially damage your device or lead to a failed downgrade.
4. Be patient: Downgrading Android versions can be a time-consuming process, especially if it involves unlocking bootloaders, installing custom recoveries, or flashing firmware files. It’s important to remain patient and allow the process to complete without interruption.
Now that we’ve covered what you need and what requires your focus, let’s dive into the methods for reverting to a previous version of Android.
Method 1. How to * (Using ADB and Fastboot)
Using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and Fastboot is a commonly used method for downgrading Android versions. It allows you to modify the system files of your Android device through a computer. Here’s how you can use this method to revert to a previous version of Android:
Step 1: Enable USB debugging on your Android device by going to Settings > About Phone and tapping on the build number seven times. This will enable the developer options. Then, go to Settings > Developer Options and toggle on USB debugging.
Step 2: Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable.
Step 3: Download the necessary ADB and Fastboot files for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) from the official Android developer website. Extract the downloaded files to a folder on your computer.
Step 4: Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer and navigate to the folder where you extracted the ADB and Fastboot files.
Step 5: Enter the following command to confirm that your Android device is connected properly:
"`
adb devices
"`
If your device is listed, you’re good to proceed. If not, make sure the USB drivers for your device are correctly installed.
Step 6: Download the firmware file for the previous version of Android that you want to install on your device. Ensure that the firmware file is compatible with your specific device model.
Step 7: Move the firmware file to the same folder where you extracted the ADB and Fastboot files.
Step 8: Boot your Android device into Fastboot mode. This can usually be done by powering off your device, then pressing and holding the appropriate key combination (e.g., Volume Down + Power) until you see the Fastboot screen.
Step 9: In the command prompt or terminal window, enter the following command to flash the firmware file onto your device:
"`
fastboot flash system
"`
Replace `
Step 10: Once the firmware flashing process is complete, reboot your device using the following command:
"`
fastboot reboot
"`
Your device should now boot up with the previous version of Android.
Pros:
| Pros |
|---|
| 1. Offers granular control over the downgrade process. |
| 2. Compatible with a wide range of Android devices. |
| 3. Officially provided by Google, making it a reliable method. |
Cons:
| Cons |
|---|
| 1. Requires advanced technical knowledge and familiarity with command line tools. |
| 2. Can potentially void your device’s warranty if not done correctly. |
| 3. May lead to data loss if not backed up properly. |
Method 2. How to * (Via Custom Recovery)
Flashing a custom recovery is another popular method for downgrading Android versions. This method involves installing a custom recovery like TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) on your device, which provides advanced options for modifying your Android system. Here’s how you can use this method to revert to a previous version of Android:
Step 1: Unlock the bootloader of your Android device. The process for unlocking bootloaders varies by device manufacturer. You can usually find instructions on the manufacturer’s website or community forums.
Step 2: Download the TWRP recovery image for your specific device model from the official TWRP website.
Step 3: Move the downloaded TWRP recovery image to the same folder where you extracted the ADB and Fastboot files in Method 1.
Step 4: Boot your Android device into Fastboot mode (refer to Step 8 in Method 1).
Step 5: Flash the TWRP recovery image onto your device using the following command:
"`
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
"`
Replace `twrp.img` with the actual name of the TWRP recovery image you downloaded.
Step 6: Once the TWRP recovery is successfully flashed, reboot your device into recovery mode. This can usually be done by pressing and holding the appropriate key combination (e.g., Volume Up + Power) until you see the TWRP recovery screen.
Step 7: In TWRP recovery, create a Nandroid backup of your current system. This will allow you to restore your device to its previous state if something goes wrong during the downgrade process.
Step 8: Download the firmware file for the previous version of Android that you want to install on your device. Ensure that the firmware file is compatible with your specific device model.
Step 9: Move the firmware file to the internal storage or SD card of your device.
Step 10: In TWRP recovery, select "Wipe" and then "Advanced Wipe." Check the boxes for "Dalvik/ART Cache," "Cache," "Data," and "System." Swipe to wipe.
Step 11: Go back to the TWRP main menu and select "Install." Navigate to the location where you placed the firmware file and select it.
Step 12: Swipe to install the firmware file. Once the installation is complete, select "Reboot System."
Your device should now boot up with the previous version of Android.
Pros:
| Pros |
|---|
| 1. Offers a user-friendly interface for managing system modifications. |
| 2. Allows for easy installation of custom ROMs and other modifications. |
| 3. Compatible with various Android devices. |
Cons:
| Cons |
|---|
| 1. Requires unlocking the bootloader, which may void your device’s warranty. |
| 2. Can potentially lead to data loss if not backed up properly. |
| 3. May introduce stability issues or compatibility problems with certain apps or features. |
Method 3. How to * (Via Manufacturer’s Official Software)
Some device manufacturers provide official software for downgrading Android versions. This method typically involves using the manufacturer’s software, such as Samsung Smart Switch or LG Bridge, to restore your device to a previous Android version. Here’s how you can use this method:
Step 1: Download and install the official software provided by your device manufacturer. You can usually find these software programs on the manufacturer’s website.
Step 2: Launch the software on your computer and connect your Android device using a USB cable.
Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the software to initiate the downgrading process. The steps may vary depending on the manufacturer and software used.
Step 4: Once the downgrading process is complete, your device should reboot with the previous version of Android.
Pros:
| Pros |
|---|
| 1. Official method provided by the device manufacturer. |
| 2. Generally more reliable and less likely to cause compatibility issues. |
| 3. May include additional features or optimizations specific to your device. |
Cons:
| Cons |
|---|
| 1. Limited to devices that have official software support for downgrading. |
| 2. Requires specific software provided by the device manufacturer. |
| 3. May result in the loss of data if not backed up properly. |
Method 4. How to * (Via Custom ROM)
If you are comfortable with advanced modifications and willing to explore the world of custom ROMs, this method may be suitable for you. Custom ROMs are aftermarket firmware distributions based on the Android operating system, providing additional customization options and features. Here’s how you can use this method to revert to a previous version of Android:
Step 1: Unlock the bootloader of your Android device following the process described in Method 2.
Step 2: Install a custom recovery like TWRP on your device using the instructions provided in Method 2.
Step 3: Download the custom ROM for the previous version of Android that you want to install on your device. Ensure that the custom ROM is compatible with your device model.
Step 4: Move the downloaded custom ROM file to the internal storage or SD card of your device.
Step 5: Boot your device into recovery mode (refer to Step 6 in Method 2).
Step 6: In TWRP recovery, select "Wipe" and then "Advanced Wipe." Check the boxes for "Dalvik/ART Cache," "Cache," "Data," and "System." Swipe to wipe.
Step 7: Go back to the TWRP main menu and select "Install." Navigate to the location where you placed the custom ROM file and select it.
Step 8: Swipe to install the custom ROM. Once the installation is complete, select "Reboot System."
Your device should now boot up with the previous version of Android and the features provided by the custom ROM.
Pros:
| Pros |
|---|
| 1. Offers extensive customization options and features. |
| 2. Can potentially improve performance and battery life compared to stock Android. |
| 3. Provides the ability to install older versions of Android not officially supported by the manufacturer. |
Cons:
| Cons |
|---|
| 1. Requires advanced technical knowledge and familiarity with custom ROMs. |
| 2. May void your device’s warranty and potentially introduce stability issues. |
| 3. Can result in the loss of data if not backed up properly. |
Why Can’t I * (Using any of the methods mentioned above)?
While the methods outlined above are commonly used for downgrading Android versions, there are certain reasons why you may encounter difficulties in doing so. Here are a few possible reasons and their respective fixes:
1. Lack of official support: Some manufacturers may not provide official support for downgrading Android versions beyond a certain point. In such cases, it may not be possible to downgrade using the manufacturer’s software or tools. A possible fix could be to consider unofficial methods like custom recoveries or custom ROMs.
2. Technical limitations: Certain Android devices have specific