How to roll back an Android update? Roll back to previous Android version after updating.
It happens that smartphone users are often dissatisfied with the new version of the operating system for various reasons. Many people are interested in whether it is possible to roll back Android updates by returning the previous version of the system. Any restoration to a previous version means installing the operating system from scratch, in which all files are completely deleted. Let's look at how to roll back the Android version.
Preventing unscheduled updates
To avoid automatic updates on Android, you need to disable the auto-updates function in the settings. Because once the installation procedure starts, it will be impossible to stop it.
To adjust the settings, do the following:
The described algorithm was created using Android 4.4 as an example. These steps will protect you from unexpected downloads of updates, so you don’t have to rack your brains over restoring the original firmware.
A special program will serve as an intermediary in this operation. A common product is Titanium Backup. The utility can work with root rights. Obtaining them is necessary to open access to system documents and archives.
As a result, a Titanium Backup folder will be created on the flash drive, which will contain many files. We advise you to copy the contents to your computer to avoid data loss.
The Odin program helps you remove the firmware on Android and return the old one. Let's say you don't have a backup copy. Then you will have to search the Internet for documents with the desired operating system. The optimal place is the 4PDA site, intended for those who are planning to restore old software. There are many firmwares for smartphones and tablets.
Refund via Titanium Backup
Thus, this program allows you to save copies of data from gadgets and helps to roll back the firmware on Android. Therefore, its use makes it possible to easily downgrade the Android version without searching for files and data.
To roll back an Android update to the factory firmware, just use the smartphone settings.
The Android operating system, which is the brainchild of the Internet giant Google, is constantly being improved, and every six months the company rolls out new versions. First, updates go to the devices of the corporation itself, then the system is taken by manufacturers of other smartphones and remade for their own hardware, with its own additions, features and functions.
It is very good that the system is developing, but updates are good for a well-designed pure Android, which works flawlessly and updates are applied to it smoothly. As for other manufacturers, their modifications do not always work as we would like, especially for budget devices, for which OS modifications will account for the lion's share of expenses. Therefore, situations often arise when you need to abandon the updated version of the OS, but how to roll back Android 7 to 6? This is what we will look at below.
How to roll back firmware on Android
The problem, unfortunately, does not change with the click of one button, since rolling back an Android update is only possible by completely rewriting the system. That is, such a procedure is not officially provided for by standard means. There is logic in this; the developers don’t even think that users will use anything other than the latest version of the software.
So, how to roll back the Android version to the previous one? Just reflash the device by connecting it to the computer. Some users think that they can return the old version of the OS through smartphone Recovery, but this is not the case. A full reset or restoration of factory settings does not remove updates to the firmware itself, and if you managed to update it, then resetting the settings via Recovery will reset the latest firmware for you, since it is now the only one you have.
How to roll back updates on Android without a PC
On some devices, the recovery menu has a function to overwrite from an existing archive. In fact, this is the same as restoring a backup, only the firmware will be with the previous version.
- When you are in the recovery menu and have already selected factor reset and deleting data, you will need to select through Install zip from sdcard/choose the file that contains the firmware of the old version that you want to roll back to.
- Select it and click Yes - install
- We are waiting for the re-recording and installation to take place. We do not interrupt the process, otherwise your device may turn into a brick, which can only be restored by a service for money.
How to roll back updates on Android from backup
Every user of computer devices, be it a mobile phone, laptop or PC, must be aware that the software environment does not last forever, and it is necessary to regularly back up data. In the case of Android, it is better to create copies of the entire system and this should be done immediately after purchasing the device. There are many applications that create backups, the most popular is Titanium Backup.
And remember, before updating the system to the next version, you first need to wait for feedback on its operation, learn about all the nuances, pros and cons. And only then decide to update Android.
Every year, Google releases a new version of its own operating system for mobile devices – Android. It is the most widespread and is ahead of its direct competitor from Apple – the iOS system. Its popularity among users is due to the greater freedom of action that this shell provides and the many settings that are not available to fans of Apple devices. But sometimes situations arise when it becomes necessary to roll back to an older firmware version. This is especially true in cases where the user initially did not uncheck the automatic system update settings item. But not everyone knows how to return the old firmware to Android.
Need for updates
Before we talk about how to return the old firmware to Android, it is worth mentioning why Google releases periodic updates. This includes not only global changes in the form of a completely new version of the OS, but also various patches or patches.
Their main purpose is:
- correcting identified bugs in the system;
- reduction in energy consumption (Android becomes less energy-intensive with each new update, which allows you to get longer battery life without increasing battery capacity);
- resolving hardware problems (this includes camera, sound, multimedia capabilities).
But not every user enjoys innovations. Some people dream of returning to the old firmware version after the next update.
This may be due to a disruption in the stable operation of the device, especially if a new version of the system is released that has not been fully tested on all supported devices. Innovations may also include additions in the form of services that cannot be removed.
It should be noted right away that when deciding how to return the old firmware on Android, you must take into account that, unlike, for example, Windows, a smartphone or tablet does not have a default rollback function. Therefore, when returning to a previous version of the OS, you should be prepared to lose all data.
How to return old firmware on Android using a factory reset
The easiest way to “uninstall” a received system update is to roll back to factory settings. After carrying out these manipulations, the user receives a phone whose internal contents will be similar to the one he recently purchased.
To roll back using this method, you need to go to the desired menu item:
Getting the old firmware version via Hard Reset
The second way to roll back to an earlier firmware version is to use the standard Recovery menu. To gain access to these settings hidden from the inexperienced user, you need to press a certain key combination.
The most common way to do this is to press the power button and the volume key (up or down) at the same time. Some devices use triple clicking with the addition of a Camera button.
After entering Recovery mode you need:
After this, the device will reboot, as a result of which the user will receive a “new phone out of the box.”
Reflashing the device
Another way to return the old version on Android is to flash your smartphone. To do this, the first thing you need to do is download the required version of the software. This can be done on specialized forums. After downloading, you need to transfer the archive to a memory card, since it is from it that the firmware process will be carried out.
Operating system updates are always an expected event. Some phone owners find it difficult to wait for official patches from developers, so they choose a more affordable option - installing custom firmware, which is not always successful. There are also users who are frightened by innovations of this kind. This is understandable, because updates do not always help, they can even be worse than older versions. Sometimes fixes for certain programs load the system significantly, making the user experience more difficult, or are so useless that it becomes a little alarming. But the most disastrous result awaits users when the user interface changes irrevocably, naturally, not for the better.
Perhaps we should start with Nexus smartphones. The process of installing new firmware is incredibly simple: we save all the necessary information; On the Internet we find the required image of the version to which we want to upgrade, and carry out the installation. It is necessary to take into account that if you do not open root rights, then it will be impossible to create a backup of the current version of the operating system, as well as extremely important system data. The market also provides the opportunity to download applications that can be used to save almost all information, but they require additional rights.
For Nexus smartphones it is much easier to return the old version of the application if you don’t like the new one. We simply find an older version of the apk file, completely remove the new application, and, using Explorer, install the old version. The main thing is not to forget to open access to install applications from other sources.
Regarding other devices (except Nexus), in particular, in matters of Android rollback to previous firmware versions, the situation is somewhat different. Some, even most, devices running on the Android system are not designed to change the firmware manually. Factory settings limit the ability of the user to interfere with the system files of the smartphone. These restrictions also need to be lifted independently. For example, first you need to unlock the bootloader. The installation of the old firmware version itself takes a little time, but preparation for the entire procedure may even require several hours.
Looking at all the nuances, the most reliable option for updating the system to a more recent build is to use custom firmware. We have already indicated this method a little higher in the context, but now we will try to substantiate the fact why this option is much better than rolling back the Android system to older versions. First of all, reliable assemblies are free of inaccuracies and errors, because huge teams of professionals work to create these updates. Secondly, you have the opportunity to choose the most suitable firmware. Thirdly, if you make every effort, you can always find an update with a better design.
To the original state, you can use the firmware reset code. When using it, all data that is and is not part of the firmware will be erased. You can find out the code by contacting the representative office of your manufacturer. Find it on the official website. Provide your IMEI, then enter the received code.
Download the firmware and install the flashing software. You can find these components on your phone manufacturer's fan sites. Install only the one firmware, which is designated as factory. Make sure your phone battery is fully charged. Do not disconnect the phone under any circumstances until a message appears indicating that the software update is complete. Do not use your phone or turn off your computer until the operation is completed. Try to use only the software that is available, otherwise it is advisable to contact a specialized cell phone repair service.
Sources:
- How to return the “old” Android firmware?
Returning the phone to standard firmware allows you to get rid of problems with the functioning of the software, various freezes and device failures. In this case, after resetting the settings (Hard Reset), the device’s firmware will return to its original state, in which it was installed by the manufacturer.
Android
Resetting an Android phone to the factory firmware is performed using the appropriate setting in the device menu or using a key combination (if it is not possible to turn on the phone). To reset the firmware of a phone that is turned on, go to the “ ” menu of the device. Then tap About Device and select Factory Reset. The name of the menu items for calling the reset operation may change depending on the version of the device’s operating system and the manufacturer that made changes to the standard firmware. If necessary, enter the security code to reset the software, and then confirm the operation.
If you want to return the phone to its factory state if it is impossible to start it completely, hold down the phone key combination, which can be described in the instructions for using the device, on specialized forums or on the official website of the device manufacturer in the technical documentation section. Most devices reset the version of their operating system and return the settings to factory settings when using a combination of the unlock (power) key, menu and volume down button. It is worth noting that some phones use the volume up key to reset settings. In this case, the power button can be released after the smartphone starts up, and the volume and menu keys should be kept pressed for a few more seconds before the formatting process begins.
You can also use the corresponding menu item to reset your iPhone. To do this, go to “Settings” - “General” - “Reset” - “Delete all content and settings.” Confirm the operation twice and wait for the phone to return to its factory state.
You can also reset your device using iTunes. Connect your phone to your computer and open iTunes. After that, select the device name in the upper right corner of the program. In the "Review" section, click on the "Restore" button. Remember that resetting the firmware will result in the loss of all saved settings and data, and therefore it is recommended to make a backup copy before carrying out the operation.
Windows Phone
Resetting the firmware of a Windows Phone is also performed using the corresponding function, which is available in the device settings. Click "Settings" and go to the "Device Information" section, then select "Reset settings". Confirm the operation twice and wait for the notification that formatting is complete to appear.
Some Windows Phone models can be reset to factory settings without having to turn on the device. To do this, hold down the Volume Down button simultaneously with the Power key. Release the power button. Once you see the phone logo, release the Volume Down key. Then press the volume up, volume down, power buttons, and then volume down again. After this, wait until the settings are reset and the corresponding notification appears on the screen.
