Many Android users at some point experience the desire or need to restore a previous version of their device's operating system.. Whether due to post-update performance issues, software incompatibilities, loss of features, or simply a worse user experience, the option to revert to a previous edition of Android—a process known as downgrade— arouses great interest and also many doubts.
Downgrading Android involves risks, requires very precise steps, and each manufacturer imposes specific limitations.Therefore, it is essential to fully understand the process, consider alternatives, and follow good practices to minimize associated problems.
Why restore a previous version of Android?
Android updates often include significant improvements in security, stability, and functionality. However, not everything always goes smoothly. The most common reasons for reverting to a previous version of Android include:
- Stability issues: After updating, some devices experience unexpected reboots, freezes, crashes, forced application closures, menu instability, or even boot difficulties.
- Loss of performance: Newer versions may require more resources and cause your phone to run slowly, experience lag in animations, or take longer to load applications.
- Incompatibility with essential applications- Some user-critical apps may stop working due to API changes, new version requirements, or compatibility bugs.
- Battery problems: Power consumption may increase, battery life may be significantly reduced, and fast or normal charging may fail after an update.
- Security errors, serious bugs or vulnerabilitiesIf an update introduces a security hole or a significant bug, rolling back to a previous version may be a temporary solution until the manufacturer fixes the issue.
- Loss of functionality or changes in user experience: Interface elements, settings, customization options, or features that the user is accustomed to may disappear or be modified, causing discomfort or rejection.
- Problems with mobile sensors and interfaces: After some updates, sensors such as the fingerprint reader, camera, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or mobile connectivity may become unstable or stop working properly.
- Personal preferences: The user can simply stick with a previous edition of Android that they find more attractive, lighter, or suitable for everyday use.
- Critical or "brick" errors- In extreme cases, an update can render your phone unusable, and you may need to revert to a previous version to restore its functionality.
Before proceeding with a downgrade, it is advisable to consider less aggressive alternatives. such as factory reset, checking for updates or patches, and reviewing official or community forums where similar issues are reported.
Key aspects before downgrading Android
- Compatibility according to the manufacturerMany lock the bootloader, prevent easy access to advanced recovery, or make it difficult to download legacy ROMs. In some cases, certain models no longer allow reinstallation of older versions for security reasons.
- Complete loss of data: The downgrade process usually involves formatting the entire device. Photos, apps, accounts, messages, and settings are deleted.. Making a full backup is essential.
- Technical risks and loss of warrantyA poorly executed step can leave your phone "brick" (unusable). Furthermore, unlocking the bootloader often voids the manufacturer's warranty and can hinder future support.
- Compatibility issues (apps and components)Some demanding apps may stop working if they require the latest API or updated Google services. Additionally, camera, sensor, and connectivity functionality may be affected or rendered unusable.
- Insufficient storage space: The flashing process, accumulated installations, and debris can take up significant space. You'll need to have enough internal memory to avoid interruptions.
- Inability to revert to very old versions:Dramatic jumps between versions often increase the risk of incompatibility and serious errors.
- Legal and support limitationsSome manufacturers may drop support for older models and even block activation servers or downloads of legacy firmware. Go to to get the ROM.
All these aspects must be carefully considered. before deciding to downgrade. In many scenarios, alternatives such as a factory reset, clean reinstallation, or a well-maintained custom ROM will be less risky and more effective.
Essential preparations before restoring a previous version of Android
The success of a downgrade depends largely on preparation. These preliminary steps help reduce risks and ensure device recovery in case of problems.:
- Make a full backup Using Google Drive, local backup to your PC/Mac, or third-party services. Include photos, videos, documents, contacts, SMS, apps, and important WhatsApp files using its backup system.
- Check the status of the bootloader: Most processes require the bootloader to be unlocked. This erases all content and disables some security features until the bootloader is re-locked. See how to backup of the content and the methods to unlock it.
- Download and install USB drivers appropriate for your device and operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux). This way, your PC will recognize your phone in fastboot, recovery, or other special modes.
- Prepare the tools according to the manufacturer: Odin for Samsung, Mi Flash Tool for Xiaomi, HiSuite for Huawei, Google ADB and Fastboot tools, etc. Always download from official sites and avoid unknown sources.
- Get the exact ROM for your model and regionDownloading the correct firmware is key. A faulty ROM can render your phone unusable. On some devices, the ROM must match the carrier or regional band.
- Fully recharge the battery Before starting the process, never start a flash with your phone below 70% battery!
- Make sure you have internet access and a stable PC, ideally with a network cable to avoid drops and cuts during the process.
It's a good idea to document each step, review guides and examples for your specific model, and avoid improvising during the procedure. Always have a second screen or device where you can consult tutorials while you're working on your phone.
How to downgrade to a previous version of Android: general steps and warnings
- Take a full backup (optionally with applications such as Titanium Backup, Google Backup or the manufacturer's own).
- Unlock the bootloader following the manufacturer's official instructions. For most phones, this involves enabling developer options and OEM unlocking, powering off the device, entering fastboot mode, and running specific commands from the computer (e.g., fastboot oem unlock o FastBoot Flashing Unlock).
- Install the USB drivers for the device to ensure that the device recognizes the mobile in the different modes.
- Download the appropriate ROM (firmware) for the desired version, from an official or trusted source, and extract or unzip the file if necessary.
- Use the appropriate tool (such as Odin, Mi Flash Tool, Sideload ADB, or Fastboot) to flash the ROM on your phone. Each process varies, but it typically requires connecting your phone to your PC in fastboot, recovery, or download mode, and running the installation from the specific software.
- Wait for the process to finish: Never disconnect or turn off the device during flashing since you could render it useless.
- Reset and configure your mobile from scratchIf everything went well, you'll have the Android version you want. It's time to restore the backup.
- Optionally relock the bootloader if it is relevant to the security of your device.
Important warning: Restoring a previous version of the operating system may void the manufacturer's warranty, leave your phone with limited functionality, expose it to greater security risks, or prevent you from using modern apps. Always do so at your own risk and only if you fully understand the steps and technical risks.
How to restore a previous version of Android on Google Pixel phones
The process on Google Pixel devices is one of the simplest thanks to official support and direct access to factory images. The basic steps are:
- Download the latest version of Android SDK Platform Tools from the official page of Google.
- Install the USB drivers for Windows or Mac, depending on your operating system.
- Download the ROM (factory image) corresponding to your model from the official Google repository.
- Activate the developer options on your mobile and enable the USB debugging and the OEM unlock.
- Connect your Pixel to your computer, open a command window in the Platform Tools folder, and enter the following commands:
- adb reboot bootloader (to reboot the phone in bootloader mode)
- FastBoot Flashing Unlock (to unlock the bootloader, which means losing all data)
Reboot and perform initial setup.
Advanced Tip: If the ROM is in OTA (ZIP) format, you can install it using adb sideload file-name.zip from recovery to perform an incremental downgrade while preserving data (optional).
How to downgrade Android by manufacturer
Instructions for rolling back to a previous version of Android vary considerably depending on the brand. Below is the general guide for major manufacturers:
Google Pixel and Nexus
- Official repositoriesGoogle offers factory images (OTA) for all models from its official websites. Flashing processes using ADB and Fastboot commands are detailed in the documentation.
- Main advantage: Great community support and reliable tools.
Samsung
- Odin Tool: Used to flash the exact ROM for the model. The corresponding firmware is downloaded from repositories such as SamMobile or SamFirm.
- Step by step:
- Download Odin and USB drivers from official portals.
- Download and unzip the ROM specific to your model and region.
- Turn off your phone and go into Download mode (volume down + power).
- Connect the mobile to the PC, load the ROM in Odin and press Start.
- The phone will reboot once the installation is complete.
- Notes: Some newer models may block downgrading between major versions (e.g., from Android 12 to 11) or for security reasons. Not all versions are available in all regions.
- Alternative option: If your phone was participating in a beta program, you can use Smart Switch to return to the previous stable version (“Emergency Recovery” option).
Xiaomi (including Redmi and Poco)
- Difference between 'stable' and 'beta' ROM: Upgrading to a major version is often blocked by the carrier and may require advanced tools, an unlocked bootloader, and Mi Flash Tool.
- Step by step:
- Download the ROM from the official MIUI website, XDA Developers, or reputable forums.
- If it is a ROM recovery, rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of the storage.
- From Settings > My Device > System Update, select 'Choose update package' and the corresponding file.
- If the bootloader is locked and the ROM is fastboot, use Mi Flash Tool from PC in fastboot mode (volume down + power).
- Important: Downgrading between major versions may not be allowed and may lead to irreversible errors.
Huawei
- Using HiSuite: the official tool for system management and recovery.
- Step by step:
- Install HiSuite on your PC.
- Active HDB from Settings> Security on mobile.
- Connect your phone and, from HiSuite, select 'Update' > 'Switch to other version' (if the option appears and there are firmwares available).
- Follow the instructions on the screen.
- Limitations: Not all models support this process, and support often depends on the region. Look for specific guides on forums like HTCManía if you have any questions.
OnePlus
- Simple procedure: Download the previous ROM from the official website or specialized forums, transfer it to internal memory and enter recovery mode (power + volume down).
- Select 'Install from storage' and follow the on-screen steps.
- It is possible to roll back to previous versions within OxygenOS, but for larger jumps, a full reboot may be necessary.
OPPO and Realme
- Download the official ROM for your model from the web, official forums or XDA.
- Transfer it to your phone or microSD, turn off the device and enter recovery mode (volume down + power).
- Choose 'Install from storage' and select the ROM.
Other manufacturers (Sony, LG, Motorola, etc.)
- They require specific tools (flashtools, Fastboot, etc.) depending on the brand and model.
- Access to older ROMs often depends on the community. The best places to start are forums like XDA Developers or HTCMania.
How to restore a previous version of Android on Google Pixel phones
The process on Google Pixel devices is one of the simplest thanks to official support and direct access to factory images. The basic steps are:
- Download the latest version of Android SDK Platform Tools from the official page of Google.
- Install the USB drivers for Windows or Mac, depending on your operating system.
- Download the ROM (factory image) corresponding to your model from the official Google repository.
- Activate the developer options on your mobile and enable the USB debugging and the OEM unlock.
- Connect your Pixel to your computer, open a command window in the Platform Tools folder, and enter the following commands:
- adb reboot bootloader (to reboot the phone in bootloader mode)
- FastBoot Flashing Unlock (to unlock the bootloader, which means losing all data)
Reboot and perform initial setup.
Advanced Tip: If the ROM is in OTA (ZIP) format, you can install it using adb sideload file-name.zip from recovery to perform an incremental downgrade while preserving data (optional).
How to downgrade Android by manufacturer
Instructions for rolling back to a previous version of Android vary considerably depending on the brand. Below is the general guide for major manufacturers:
Google Pixel and Nexus
- Official repositoriesGoogle offers factory images (OTA) for all models from its official websites. Flashing processes using ADB and Fastboot commands are detailed in the documentation.
- Main advantage: Great community support and reliable tools.
Samsung
- Odin Tool: Used to flash the exact ROM for the model. The corresponding firmware is downloaded from repositories such as SamMobile or SamFirm.
- Step by step:
- Download Odin and USB drivers from official portals.
- Download and unzip the ROM specific to your model and region.
- Turn off your phone and go into Download mode (volume down + power).
- Connect the mobile to the PC, load the ROM in Odin and press Start.
- The phone will reboot once the installation is complete.
- Notes: Some newer models may block downgrading between major versions (e.g., from Android 12 to 11) or for security reasons. Not all versions are available in all regions.
- Alternative option: If your phone was participating in a beta program, you can use Smart Switch to return to the previous stable version (“Emergency Recovery” option).
Xiaomi (including Redmi and Poco)
- Difference between 'stable' and 'beta' ROM: Upgrading to a major version is often blocked by the carrier and may require advanced tools, an unlocked bootloader, and Mi Flash Tool.
- Step by step:
- Download the ROM from the official MIUI website, XDA Developers, or reputable forums.
- If it is a ROM recovery, rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of the storage.
- From Settings > My Device > System Update, select 'Choose update package' and the corresponding file.
- If the bootloader is locked and the ROM is fastboot, use Mi Flash Tool from PC in fastboot mode (volume down + power).
- Important: Downgrading between major versions may not be allowed and may lead to irreversible errors.
Huawei
- Using HiSuite: the official tool for system management and recovery.
- Step by step:
- Install HiSuite on your PC.
- Active HDB from Settings> Security on mobile.
- Connect your phone and, from HiSuite, select 'Update' > 'Switch to other version' (if the option appears and there are firmwares available).
- Follow the instructions on the screen.
- Limitations: Not all models support this process, and support often depends on the region. Look for specific guides on forums like HTCManía if you have any questions.
OnePlus
- Simple procedure: Download the previous ROM from the official website or specialized forums, transfer it to internal memory and enter recovery mode (power + volume down).
- Select 'Install from storage' and follow the on-screen steps.
- It is possible to roll back to previous versions within OxygenOS, but for larger jumps, a full reboot may be necessary.
OPPO and Realme
- Download the official ROM for your model from the web, official forums or XDA.
- Transfer it to your phone or microSD, turn off the device and enter recovery mode (volume down + power).
- Choose 'Install from storage' and select the ROM.
Other manufacturers (Sony, LG, Motorola, etc.)
- They require specific tools (flashtools, Fastboot, etc.) depending on the brand and model.
- Access to older ROMs often depends on the community. The best places to start are forums like XDA Developers or HTCMania.
How to restore a previous version of Android on Google Pixel phones
The process on Google Pixel devices is one of the simplest thanks to official support and direct access to factory images. The basic steps are:
- Download the latest version of Android SDK Platform Tools from the official page of Google.
- Install the USB drivers for Windows or Mac, depending on your operating system.
- Download the ROM (factory image) corresponding to your model from the official Google repository.
- Activate the developer options on your mobile and enable the USB debugging and the OEM unlock.
- Connect your Pixel to your computer, open a command window in the Platform Tools folder, and enter the following commands:
- adb reboot bootloader (to reboot the phone in bootloader mode)
- FastBoot Flashing Unlock (to unlock the bootloader, which means losing all data)
Reboot and perform initial setup.
Advanced Tip: If the ROM is in OTA (ZIP) format, you can install it using adb sideload file-name.zip from recovery to perform an incremental downgrade while preserving data (optional).
How to downgrade Android by manufacturer
Instructions for rolling back to a previous version of Android vary considerably depending on the brand. Below is the general guide for major manufacturers:
Google Pixel and Nexus
- Official repositoriesGoogle offers factory images (OTA) for all models from its official websites. Flashing processes using ADB and Fastboot commands are detailed in the documentation.
- Main advantage: Great community support and reliable tools.
Samsung
- Odin Tool: Used to flash the exact ROM for the model. The corresponding firmware is downloaded from repositories such as SamMobile or SamFirm.
- Step by step:
- Download Odin and USB drivers from official portals.
- Download and unzip the ROM specific to your model and region.
- Turn off your phone and go into Download mode (volume down + power).
- Connect the mobile to the PC, load the ROM in Odin and press Start.
- The phone will reboot once the installation is complete.
- Notes: Some newer models may block downgrading between major versions (e.g., from Android 12 to 11) or for security reasons. Not all versions are available in all regions.
- Alternative option: If your phone was participating in a beta program, you can use Smart Switch to return to the previous stable version (“Emergency Recovery” option).
Xiaomi (including Redmi and Poco)
- Difference between 'stable' and 'beta' ROM: Upgrading to a major version is often blocked by the carrier and may require advanced tools, an unlocked bootloader, and Mi Flash Tool.
- Step by step:
- Download the ROM from the official MIUI website, XDA Developers, or reputable forums.
- If it is a ROM recovery, rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of the storage.
- From Settings > My Device > System Update, select 'Choose update package' and the corresponding file.
- If the bootloader is locked and the ROM is fastboot, use Mi Flash Tool from PC in fastboot mode (volume down + power).
- Important: Downgrading between major versions may not be allowed and may lead to irreversible errors.
Huawei
- Using HiSuite: the official tool for system management and recovery.
- Step by step:
- Install HiSuite on your PC.
- Active HDB from Settings> Security on mobile.
- Connect your phone and, from HiSuite, select 'Update' > 'Switch to other version' (if the option appears and there are firmwares available).
- Follow the instructions on the screen.
- Limitations: Not all models support this process, and support often depends on the region. Look for specific guides on forums like HTCManía if you have any questions.
OnePlus
- Simple procedure: Download the previous ROM from the official website or specialized forums, transfer it to internal memory and enter recovery mode (power + volume down).
- Select 'Install from storage' and follow the on-screen steps.
- It is possible to roll back to previous versions within OxygenOS, but for larger jumps, a full reboot may be necessary.
OPPO and Realme
- Download the official ROM for your model from the web, official forums or XDA.
- Transfer it to your phone or microSD, turn off the device and enter recovery mode (volume down + power).
- Choose 'Install from storage' and select the ROM.
Other manufacturers (Sony, LG, Motorola, etc.)
- They require specific tools (flashtools, Fastboot, etc.) depending on the brand and model.
- Access to older ROMs often depends on the community. The best places to start are forums like XDA Developers or HTCMania.
How to restore a previous version of Android on Google Pixel phones
The process on Google Pixel devices is one of the simplest thanks to official support and direct access to factory images. The basic steps are:
- Download the latest version of Android SDK Platform Tools from the official page of Google.
- Install the USB drivers for Windows or Mac, depending on your operating system.
- Download the ROM (factory image) corresponding to your model from the official Google repository.
- Activate the developer options on your mobile and enable the USB debugging and the OEM unlock.
- Connect your Pixel to your computer, open a command window in the Platform Tools folder, and enter the following commands:
- adb reboot bootloader (to reboot the phone in bootloader mode)
- FastBoot Flashing Unlock (to unlock the bootloader, which means losing all data)
Reboot and perform initial setup.
Advanced Tip: If the ROM is in OTA (ZIP) format, you can install it using adb sideload file-name.zip from recovery to perform an incremental downgrade while preserving data (optional).
How to downgrade Android by manufacturer
Instructions for rolling back to a previous version of Android vary considerably depending on the brand. Below is the general guide for major manufacturers:
Google Pixel and Nexus
- Official repositoriesGoogle offers factory images (OTA) for all models from its official websites. Flashing processes using ADB and Fastboot commands are detailed in the documentation.
- Main advantage: Great community support and reliable tools.
Samsung
- Odin Tool: Used to flash the exact ROM for the model. The corresponding firmware is downloaded from repositories such as SamMobile or SamFirm.
- Step by step:
- Download Odin and USB drivers from official portals.
- Download and unzip the ROM specific to your model and region.
- Turn off your phone and go into Download mode (volume down + power).
- Connect the mobile to the PC, load the ROM in Odin and press Start.
- The phone will reboot once the installation is complete.
- Notes: Some newer models may block downgrading between major versions (e.g., from Android 12 to 11) or for security reasons. Not all versions are available in all regions.
- Alternative option: If your phone was participating in a beta program, you can use Smart Switch to return to the previous stable version (“Emergency Recovery” option).
Xiaomi (including Redmi and Poco)
- Difference between 'stable' and 'beta' ROM: Upgrading to a major version is often blocked by the carrier and may require advanced tools, an unlocked bootloader, and Mi Flash Tool.
- Step by step:
- Download the ROM from the official MIUI website, XDA Developers, or reputable forums.
- If it is a ROM recovery, rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of the storage.
- From Settings > My Device > System Update, select 'Choose update package' and the corresponding file.
- If the bootloader is locked and the ROM is fastboot, use Mi Flash Tool from PC in fastboot mode (volume down + power).
- Important: Downgrading between major versions may not be allowed and may lead to irreversible errors.
Huawei
- Using HiSuite: the official tool for system management and recovery.
- Step by step:
- Install HiSuite on your PC.
- Active HDB from Settings> Security on mobile.
- Connect your phone and, from HiSuite, select 'Update' > 'Switch to other version' (if the option appears and there are firmwares available).
- Follow the instructions on the screen.
- Limitations: Not all models support this process, and support often depends on the region. Look for specific guides on forums like HTCManía if you have any questions.
OnePlus
- Simple procedure: Download the previous ROM from the official website or specialized forums, transfer it to internal memory and enter recovery mode (power + volume down).
- Select 'Install from storage' and follow the on-screen steps.
- It is possible to roll back to previous versions within OxygenOS, but for larger jumps, a full reboot may be necessary.
OPPO and Realme
- Download the official ROM for your model from the web, official forums or XDA.
- Transfer it to your phone or microSD, turn off the device and enter recovery mode (volume down + power).
- Choose 'Install from storage' and select the ROM.
Other manufacturers (Sony, LG, Motorola, etc.)
- They require specific tools (flashtools, Fastboot, etc.) depending on the brand and model.
- Access to older ROMs often depends on the community. The best places to start are forums like XDA Developers or HTCMania.
How to restore a previous version of Android on Google Pixel phones
The process on Google Pixel devices is one of the simplest thanks to official support and direct access to factory images. The basic steps are:
- Download the latest version of Android SDK Platform Tools from the official page of Google.
- Install the USB drivers for Windows or Mac, depending on your operating system.
- Download the ROM (factory image) corresponding to your model from the official Google repository.
- Activate the developer options on your mobile and enable the USB debugging and the OEM unlock.
- Connect your Pixel to your computer, open a command window in the Platform Tools folder, and enter the following commands:
- adb reboot bootloader (to reboot the phone in bootloader mode)
- FastBoot Flashing Unlock (to unlock the bootloader, which means losing all data)
Reboot and perform initial setup.
Advanced Tip: If the ROM is in OTA (ZIP) format, you can install it using adb sideload file-name.zip from recovery to perform an incremental downgrade while preserving data (optional).
How to downgrade Android by manufacturer
Instructions for rolling back to a previous version of Android vary considerably depending on the brand. Below is the general guide for major manufacturers:
Google Pixel and Nexus
- Official repositoriesGoogle offers factory images (OTA) for all models from its official websites. Flashing processes using ADB and Fastboot commands are detailed in the documentation.
- Main advantage: Great community support and reliable tools.
Samsung
- Odin Tool: Used to flash the exact ROM for the model. The corresponding firmware is downloaded from repositories such as SamMobile or SamFirm.
- Step by step:
- Download Odin and USB drivers from official portals.
- Download and unzip the ROM specific to your model and region.
- Turn off your phone and go into Download mode (volume down + power).
- Connect the mobile to the PC, load the ROM in Odin and press Start.
- The phone will reboot once the installation is complete.
- Notes: Some newer models may block downgrading between major versions (e.g., from Android 12 to 11) or for security reasons. Not all versions are available in all regions.
- Alternative option: If your phone was participating in a beta program, you can use Smart Switch to return to the previous stable version (“Emergency Recovery” option).
Xiaomi (including Redmi and Poco)
- Difference between 'stable' and 'beta' ROM: Upgrading to a major version is often blocked by the carrier and may require advanced tools, an unlocked bootloader, and Mi Flash Tool.
- Step by step:
- Download the ROM from the official MIUI website, XDA Developers, or reputable forums.
- If it is a ROM recovery, rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of the storage.
- From Settings > My Device > System Update, select 'Choose update package' and the corresponding file.
- If the bootloader is locked and the ROM is fastboot, use Mi Flash Tool from PC in fastboot mode (volume down + power).
- Important: Downgrading between major versions may not be allowed and may lead to irreversible errors.
Huawei
- Using HiSuite: the official tool for system management and recovery.
- Step by step:
- Install HiSuite on your PC.
- Active HDB from Settings> Security on mobile.
- Connect your phone and, from HiSuite, select 'Update' > 'Switch to other version' (if the option appears and there are firmwares available).
- Follow the instructions on the screen.
- Limitations: Not all models support this process, and support often depends on the region. Look for specific guides on forums like HTCManía if you have any questions.
OnePlus
- Simple procedure: Download the previous ROM from the official website or specialized forums, transfer it to internal memory and enter recovery mode (power + volume down).
- Select 'Install from storage' and follow the on-screen steps.
- It is possible to roll back to previous versions within OxygenOS, but for larger jumps, a full reboot may be necessary.
OPPO and Realme
- Download the official ROM for your model from the web, official forums or XDA.
- Transfer it to your phone or microSD, turn off the device and enter recovery mode (volume down + power).
- Choose 'Install from storage' and select the ROM.
Other manufacturers (Sony, LG, Motorola, etc.)
- They require specific tools (flashtools, Fastboot, etc.) depending on the brand and model.
- Access to older ROMs often depends on the community. The best places to start are forums like XDA Developers or HTCMania.
