• How to roll back Android to a previous version. How to roll back an Android update

    Surely you have heard about the Android operating system, unless you yourself are the owner of a device running this shell. This platform has appealed to a good portion of gadget owners and is the most common OS among mobile devices. Since 2009, when the first version of the “robot” was released, the developers have not stopped improving and modifying their brainchild. New versions and updates are released regularly. But do you always need to update your device and how to return the old version of Android after updating? We will talk about this in this publication.

    Why are updates needed?

    First of all, for the proper operation of the system. Developers optimize performance, improve the interface, correct lags, because it is almost impossible to release a perfect system right away, and minor faults will only be noticeable during its active use. In most cases, you can find out about the availability of an update using a regular message that appears in the notification line. You can upgrade by going to the update center, downloading and installing the new version.

    Why might gadget owners be unhappy with the update?

    In most cases, after the update procedure, the device should work faster, and all shortcomings should become a thing of the past. All that users can complain about are some changes in the interface or, for example, the disappearance of shortcuts from the desktop (accordingly, the applications themselves disappear). This happens because the installed programs are already outdated and simply do not correspond to the new firmware.

    New versions of applications or their analogues can still be found on the Play Market, and trying to return the previous version of the OS due to the loss of old applications is a rather stupid idea. What else can irritate owners in the new firmware version is the appearance of some programs that cannot be removed. For example, these could be new services from Google. And then all users begin to think about whether it is possible to return the old version of Android. But most of all those who want to return to the old firmware are among those who tried to reflash their device on their own. Here, a huge variety of problems may appear, to the point that your gadget may turn into a “brick”, that is, it may stop showing signs of life altogether.

    So before performing such manipulations, make sure that you have enough knowledge and experience, and best of all, contact a professional. Reflash the device only in extreme cases, when you cannot do without it, because such a procedure completely voids your warranty. But you can still return the previous version.

    How to return to the old version of Android after updating?

    First, come to terms with the fact that standard system resources do not provide a system rollback option, such as in the Windows OS. Accordingly, when you return to the old version, all installed programs and personal files will be deleted. Therefore, immediately before the procedure for returning the old version, make backup copies of all important documents, files, phone numbers, and so on. Be prepared to say goodbye to user settings, saved accounts or applications, they will be erased, everything except the built-in ones.

    Next, you will have to perform a factory reset yourself. How to do this depends only on your version of the operating system, but most often this item is found if you go to “Settings” and “Recovery and reset”. This parameter can also be found in “Confidentiality”. In any case, finding a factory reset will be easy. Next, you will need to perform a series of actions that are a little more complicated, that is, enter recovery. And how to return the old version of Android using it - read on.

    Login to recovery

    "Recovery" is a special boot mode on Android, with which you can reset settings or flash the system. If you buy gadgets in trusted certified stores and with an already installed OS, then they should have the stock “recovery” mode. How to enter recovery depends only on your device model. The most common combination is the power button and the volume down key.

    For example, if you don’t know how to return the old version of Android to Lenovo, then this combination will work for most of their devices. I would like to note that before entering recovery, you need to turn off the phone. If you are looking for how to return the old version of Android Sony Xperia, then you need to press three buttons: those that we have already named, and the camera button. You can easily find more detailed instructions for various models on the World Wide Web. But what to do after entering boot mode?

    How to return the old version of Android after updating through recovery mode?

    You can navigate the menu using the " key" highlight", and to select a specific item you need to press "select". There is no need to be afraid of this mode; if you understand it well, it becomes clear that there is nothing complicated. Now look for the line with " wipe data / and select it. A new menu will open in which you will have to confirm the action. Afterwards, wait for the reboot and the OS will return to factory settings.

    Charge your smartphone

    What is worth noting first of all is that before starting this procedure you need to charge the device well. It doesn’t matter how long it takes to roll back the system and how long the gadget will reboot after that.

    If during such manipulations in the “recovery” mode the device does not have enough charge and it cannot fully complete its task, then, most likely, problems with its further use cannot be avoided.

    The same applies to flashing your phone yourself. For some users, certain system functions disappeared or did not work, even to the point where the touchpad became inoperable. In some cases, the firmware did not install at all and it was simply impossible to enter the OS. But even then recovery helped again. If you cannot enter this mode or it simply does not exist, there are a number of simple utilities for flashing this mode directly through the operating system. Sometimes you may need a PC for this task.

    We told you about how to return the old version of Android after updating. Treat your gadget with care and it will serve you for a long time.

    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 update, 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 the 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 preparing 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.

    Despite the fact that developers strive for perfection, a new update to a familiar application does not always bring pleasure to the user. Although this is more a matter of habit. However, many people want to leave the application as it was before the changes were made and are looking for information on how to.

    It is worth noting that VKontakte completely updated its mobile application in the fall of 2017. This is one of the most noticeable changes that the program interface has undergone recently; before this, a similar upgrade was presented by the developers in April last year. Almost everything has changed, from new user capabilities to the general organization of the workspace. And even “likes” are now red.

    Despite the fact that the optimization is quite good and the application itself has become more convenient, many (like last time) want to continue using the old, more familiar version.

    All Android users are well aware of the PlayMarket service for downloading and installing new applications. Depending on the settings configured in this application, programs installed on the user’s device will be updated in two available modes:

    • Manual – when PlayMarket simply offers and recommends available updates, and the owner of the gadget independently decides which of them to install and which to ignore.
    • Automatic – as soon as a new update appears in the device Market, the installed program automatically accepts it and updates itself. In this case, the user enters the application and sees a new design and interface (as happens with VKontakte).

    In this connection, the first action that a follower of the old VKontakte software should take is to disable automatic application updates and switch it to manual mode.

    To do this, you need to go to the PlayMarket application menu, to do this, click on the “sandwich” in the upper left corner, in the menu that appears, go down and find the “Settings” section. In the group of general settings we find the item “auto-update applications” and select “Never” for the three proposed settings options.

    At this stage, the settings are complete. This was the first step in resolving the issue,how to return the old version of VK on Android.Now PlayMarket will not automatically update installed programs, and the user can safely use the old-style program without fear of auto-correction. If you need to get a new version of the program, just go to the installed applications section yourself and check for updates, and also, if necessary, start the upgrade.

    After the external settings that affect the version update have been installed, you can start working with the program on the device itself., if the Market no longer updates applications automatically? In this case, the process is quite simply divided into two steps, which involve uninstalling the updated program and installing the desired version.

    Uninstalling the updated application

    This step is extremely simple and straightforward, you just need to completely remove the existing . If you are an inexperienced user and are worried that you will lose information or access to your account, then these are groundless fears. The old version will contain everything that is on your page now, this does not depend on the use of the software.

    There are several ways to remove an installed application:


    After the updated version, you can additionally clear the cache and delete unnecessary files on the phone. The procedure is not mandatory, but it won’t be superfluous.

    Install the required version

    After the smartphone's memory has been cleared of remnants of the previous version of the program, it is time to take the final step in resolving the issue,how to return the old version of VK on Android.

    The main question at this stage is where to get the distribution kit of the previous version of VK. Today on the Internet you can find a lot of offers to download and install any program, not just VKontakte. Before turning to any source, you should first check its reliability. Installing software for mobile access to a personal VK page from a third-party resource can be fraught with unpleasant consequences, and VKontakte itself does not distribute previous versions of the application.

    Before downloading a package of files and installing them on your phone, you should look for reviews about the source. Today, old versions of VK can be found on TrashBox or UpToDown.

    Before downloading the distribution, you need to set the settings on the gadget. To ensure greater security, devices have default settings that prohibit downloading and installing applications from third-party resources. To install the old version you need to change these settings. Usually, when you try to install the desired program, a pop-up window pops up. A warning about unauthorized actions and a proposal to prohibit or allow the process.

    Many smartphone owners are wondering: “How to update the Android operating system?”. But there is another category of users. They are trying to roll back the update. Thoughts about this arise after you realize that the device, after receiving a new firmware version, is extremely unstable. So I want to get back the previous version of the operating system. Below you can read about how to perform a system rollback.

    Modern electronic gadgets are very software-based. In many cases, the device is tailored for a specific version of the operating system. For example, if a laptop was sold with Windows 8 pre-installed, then with a high degree of probability you won’t be able to install “7” on it unless you replace the hard drive. A similar situation is observed in the case of Android-based smartphones. Only in some cases can you cope with installing a very old version of the operating system if the device came with Android 5.0 or 6.0.

    Not all users know about this, but even mobile components work with the help of drivers - in this regard, they are no different from PC components. To save money, processor manufacturers write drivers only for specific versions of the operating system. So it turns out that some Snapdragon 820 is simply not recognized by the old Android 4.2.

    However, a rollback involves installing the version of the OS that was previously installed on the device. And manufacturers, it would seem, should not interfere with this. But it's not that simple. Rolling back the system would be easy only if a copy of it was stored in the device’s memory. But Android devices do not have such a function - the update completely erases all data about the old version of the operating system. This is due to the fact that there is not very much built-in memory in smartphones and tablets, and no one wants to occupy it with unnecessary load. That is why it is very difficult to rollback on Android; it is better not for an untrained user to do this.

    Differences from the update

    If you have updated Android at least once, you should know that this does not delete the user's personal data. Photos, applications, music and everything else remain in place. But if you decide to roll back Android, then this will be equal to reset to factory settings. Absolutely all information will be deleted.

    Another point is the difficulty of rollback. To update the operating system, you often do not need to do anything. The new version arrives over the air, after which you only need to click on the “Download” and “Agree” buttons. There is no universal guide for rollback. You will have to get a special program, install it on your computer, download a custom Recovery menu and perform many other actions. That is why it is recommended to roll back to a previous version of the system only in case of urgent need.

    Rollback on devices from ASUS

    So, it's time to talk about how to roll back Android to the previous version. On many devices this takes a very long time. But there are also exceptions. Old tablets and smartphones from ASUS require the following steps required for a rollback:

    Step 1. Download the firmware you need, suitable for your model. You can find it on the official website or other resources dedicated to mobile technology.

    Step 2. The downloaded file should be placed in the root directory of the device.

    Step 4. After scanning, a triangle and an exclamation mark should appear on the panel near the clock. Click on this icon.

    Step 5. Agree with the proposed procedure.

    After this, the flashing procedure will begin. Interestingly, it doesn’t matter to the system which firmware version you installed. This means that in this way you can not only rollback, but also update.

    Devices from other manufacturers

    To perform a rollback, you will first need to prepare your device.

    • The first thing you need to do is get root rights. This will give you access to all system files, and as a result you will be able to perform any actions with them.
    • Next, you must download the appropriate firmware to your computer. To do this, you will have to visit the corresponding sites where fans of flashing smartphones and tablets are located.
    • You also need to remember to install drivers on your PC. Without them, it is impossible to get full access to the smartphone’s file system from a computer.
    • You also need to download a special flash driver. It also differs depending on the device manufacturer, so we cannot recommend anything specific.
    • Finally, you may need to install a custom Recovery. But if you find a suitable program and get root access, then you can reflash your smartphone without going to the Recovery menu.

    This should be your preparation. Then all you have to do is connect the device to your computer using a USB cable, launch the program and follow the instructions from its creators. In a word, this way you will perform a flashing, which is essentially what an update rollback is.

    Sooner or later there comes a time when, for some reason, you need to return to an earlier version of the firmware on your Android device. These reasons can be very different: from software failures and errors to dissatisfaction with some unofficial build of the operating system. In any case, you need to be fully armed and know how to undo changes made to the software.

    Possible problems after updating Android

    Android updates do not always improve the life of the device owner

    Not to say that an Android upgrade will completely ruin the life of the device owner, but it is guaranteed to cause moments of headache.

    After the update, some shortcuts periodically disappear from the desktop, and along with them, programs.

    In other cases, after modifying the system, the user discovers new, completely unnecessary programs that cannot be removed.

    Options for returning old firmware

    Backup

    There are many applications that are designed to create backup copies of your Android gadget, all of them have their own advantages and disadvantages. But we will look at the example of one of the first and most universal programs for backup and recovery - Titanium Backup.

    Titanium Backup has long gained fame as the most effective backup program

    First, let's figure out why you need to use special software at all, because Android natively has backup capabilities. For example, when you change your phone or after a full reset to factory settings, just log into your Google account and your contact data will be restored. However, do not forget that in this case all applications and games, Wi-Fi and other network settings, system settings, etc. are lost. And this is a very significant problem if dozens of those same applications are installed - since restoration can take an prohibitively long time.

    So, to create a backup, we need Root rights on the device and the Titanium Backup program itself. Root rights are needed to gain access to system files and folders in which the settings and data of interest to us are stored. Next, install the Titanium Backup program. Don't forget to allow installation of applications from "Unknown sources". After the first launch, Titanium Backup will ask for superuser rights, we give them and we can remember the decision. Don’t rush to click everything - the program is quite powerful, and with full access to the system, an inexperienced user can do a lot of things. Adhere to the principle: “never use functions unless you are sure what they do.”

    To create a backup, you will need a memory card installed in the appropriate slot with sufficient free space, since the backup will be made to it. On the main work screen, select the “Backups” tab. Press the “Menu” button on the phone and select “Processing” at the bottom of the screen. In the menu that opens, select “Back up all user software and system data” and click “Start” next to it. The program will prompt you to select all applications for backup. We are interested in a complete copy of the system, so we don’t change anything. After this, I start the process of creating a backup. The process may take varying amounts of time depending on the number of programs installed. Now in the “TitaniumBackup” folder on your memory card you can see a large number of backup files, it is advisable to copy them to a computer or other device - you never know, the microSD card may fail. It is also possible to configure automatic creation of backups in the “Schedules” menu.

    When the time comes and you need to restore the contents of your Android device, you can do this in several ways. Firstly, you can restore both applications and settings. Through the “Processing” menu item, go to the “Recovery” section and click “Restore all software with data”. You can also restore only individual applications - then in the “Backups” section, select specific applications and click “Restore”. Don't forget that sometimes you need to reboot your device before the changes take effect. In any case, Titanium Backup offers a huge number of options for creating and restoring backups, so you can always return your Android gadget to its original state. If you need to restore a full copy of the operating system, that is, the firmware, then you need to use the alternative recovery menu ClockworkMod Recovery or similar.

    Other rollback methods

    Reset to menu

    The path to the treasured option depends on the type and model of your device:

    • Android phones version 2.3: Settings > Privacy >
    • Android phones version 4: Settings > Device memory > Reset to factory settings;
    • tablets on Android version 4: Settings > Backup & reset > Reset settings.

    Hard reset

    The path to a hard reset starts from the Android system recovery menu

    Go to the “Android system recovery” () menu. First you will need to turn off your smartphone or tablet, and then use the key combination, which again differs depending on the device manufacturer:

    • a more or less universal option is to simultaneously hold down the power and volume down buttons;
    • Samsung – simultaneously hold down the power and volume up buttons;
    • Sony Ericsson – simultaneously hold down the power, volume down and camera buttons;
    • Huawei – simultaneously hold down the power, volume down and volume up buttons;
    • LG – simultaneously hold down the power, volume down and home screen buttons for more than 10 seconds. Release the power button after the LG logo lights up on the screen, hold the rest until you go to the recovery screen;
    • HTC (the most interesting) - hold down the volume down key, then briefly press the power button. Once you see the recovery menu on the screen, you can temporarily leave the volume down button alone. Find the “Clear storage” item, select it by pressing the power button and confirm the action by clicking on volume down.

    For more confident navigation through the “Android system recovery” menu, it would be useful to remind you of the button assignments: highlight is to move through the menu, and select is to select a menu item.

    We get to the line “wipe data / factory reset” and select this item. Then in the new menu we find the action confirmation sub-item and select it.

    With both the hard and the lighter reset options, a reboot will occur, after which your device will wake up with standard factory settings.

    Video: How to restore firmware on Android

    As you can see, the process of returning to the old version of Android is not as scary as many people think. Follow our instructions and don’t forget to make backups.

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