Getting access to older versions of Android apps can be useful in certain situations. For instance, you may want to downgrade an app if the latest version has bugs or lacks features that were present in an older release. In this tutorial, we’ll explore how you can obtain older versions of Android apps and install them on your device.
Step 1: Begin by going to the Google Play Store on your Android device.
Step 2: Search for the app you want to download an older version of. Open the app’s page in the Google Play Store.
Step 3: Scroll down the app’s page until you reach the “Additional Information” section. Here, you’ll find details about the app, including the current version number.
Step 4: Tap on the version number to open a dropdown menu that displays all available versions of the app.
Step 5: Select the version you want to download and install on your device.
Step 6: After selecting the desired version, scroll down and tap on the “Download APK” button to download the app’s installation file (APK) to your device.
Step 7: Once the APK file is downloaded, open it and follow the on-screen prompts to install the older version of the app on your Android device.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Access to older features and user interfaces. | 1. Security vulnerabilities may exist in older versions. |
| 2. Suitable for devices with limited resources. | 2. Lack of bug fixes and performance improvements present in newer versions. |
| 3. Allows compatibility with older Android versions. | 3. Incompatibility with certain features and functionalities introduced in newer app versions. |
By following these steps, you can easily obtain and install older versions of Android apps on your device. Remember to exercise caution when downloading from external sources and ensure that you download APK files from trusted websites to minimize the risk of malware or other security concerns.
Video Tutorial: How do I downgrade my app version?
How do I change the version of an app on Android?
To change the version of an app on Android, you would need to follow these steps:
1. Ensure app installation from unknown sources is enabled: By default, Android devices only allow app installation from the Google Play Store. To install an app from a different source or a specific version, you need to enable installation from unknown sources. Go to Settings > Security (or Privacy) > Unknown Sources, and toggle the switch to enable it.
2. Download the desired app version: Locate a trusted source that provides the specific app version you want to install. Official app stores like the Google Play Store usually only offer the latest version, so you may need to search for third-party APK repositories or the developer’s official website for earlier versions.
3. Uninstall the current app version (if necessary): If you already have the app installed on your device, you may need to uninstall it before installing an older version. Keep in mind that uninstalling the current app version will delete all associated data, so make sure to back up any important information before proceeding.
4. Enable developer options (if not already enabled): Developer options provide advanced settings and features for Android devices. To enable them, go to Settings > About Phone (or About Device) > tap on the build number repeatedly until you see a notification indicating that developer options have been enabled.
5. Enable USB debugging (if not already enabled): USB debugging enables a connection between your Android device and a computer with the Android SDK platform-tools installed. To enable USB debugging, go to Settings > Developer Options > USB Debugging, and toggle the switch to enable it.
6. Connect your device to a computer: Use a USB cable to connect your Android device to a computer that has the necessary drivers installed.
7. Install the specific app version using Android Debug Bridge (ADB): Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a command-line tool that allows you to communicate with an Android device. Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer and navigate to the folder where the ADB tool is located. Run the following command to install the app: adb install PATH_TO_APP.apk (replace PATH_TO_APP with the actual path to the downloaded APK file).
8. Grant necessary permissions: After the installation is complete, you may need to grant the app the required permissions for it to function properly. Open the app and follow any prompts or instructions that appear.
Remember, it’s crucial to exercise caution while installing apps from unknown sources. Only download APK files from trusted sources to avoid the risk of malware or compromised versions. Additionally, keep in mind that modifying your device’s settings or using unofficial app versions may void warranties or compromise security.
How do I undo an Android app update?
To undo an Android app update, you can follow these steps:
1. Open the Google Play Store: Locate the Play Store app on your Android device’s home screen or app drawer and tap on it to open it.
2. Access the app’s settings: Tap on the three horizontal lines or the hamburger icon in the top-left corner of the Play Store interface to open the side menu. From the menu, select “My apps & games” or “Library” to view the list of installed apps.
3. Find the app to be rolled back: Look for the app you want to revert to an older version. You can browse through the list alphabetically or use the search bar at the top to find it quickly.
4. Check for available updates: If an update for the app is available, you will see an “Update” button next to its name. If you don’t see the update button, it means no update is pending.
5. Uninstall the app update: If the update button is visible, long-press on it until a dropdown menu appears. From the menu, select “Uninstall updates.” This action removes the most recent update and brings the app back to its previous version.
Please note that rolling back an app update will erase any new features, bug fixes, or improvements introduced in the latest version. It is always recommended to keep your apps updated for security and performance reasons.
Is there a way to get an older version of an app?
Yes, there are ways to get an older version of an app. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Check if the app developer provides older versions: Start by visiting the official website or app developer’s page. Some developers maintain a repository of older versions of their apps that you can download.
2. Third-party app repositories: Look for reputable third-party websites that host older versions of apps. These websites often keep archives of APK files for Android or IPA files for iOS. However, exercise caution and only download from trusted sources to avoid malware or security risks.
3. App version history on app stores: On both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, you can check the version history of an app. If the app developer has not removed the older versions, you may find the version you are looking for listed there. However, keep in mind that not all app stores show the complete history, and once an app is updated, older versions may no longer be available for download.
4. Rollback from a backup: If you have a backup of your device that contains the desired older version of the app, you can restore your device from that backup. However, keep in mind that this will revert your entire device to the state it was in when the backup was created.
5. Contact app support: If the methods above don’t work, you can try reaching out to the app developer’s support team. They may be able to provide you with a direct download link to the older version.
Remember to exercise caution when downloading and installing apps from untrusted sources, as they may pose security risks or contain malware. Additionally, older versions of apps may lack important bug fixes and security updates, so it’s recommended to update to the latest version whenever possible.
Can you revert to an old version of an app on Android?
Yes, it is possible to revert to an old version of an app on Android. Here are the steps to do so:
1. Locate the APK file: APK files are the installation files for Android apps. You’ll need to find the specific APK file of the older version you want to revert to. You can look for it on APK mirror websites, third-party app stores, or by searching online.
2. Enable app installation from unknown sources: By default, Android devices restrict the installation of apps from unknown sources for security reasons. To install an APK file, you’ll need to enable this option. Go to Settings > Security (or Privacy) > Unknown sources, and toggle it on.
3. Uninstall the current version of the app: Before installing the older version, you’ll need to uninstall the current version of the app from your device. This can be done by going to Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Uninstall.
4. Install the older version of the app: Once you have the APK file and have uninstalled the current version, you can proceed to install the older version. Locate the APK file using a file manager app or the Downloads folder, tap on it, and follow the on-screen instructions to install the older version.
5. Disable automatic updates: To prevent the app from updating to the latest version automatically, you should disable automatic updates for that particular app. Open the Google Play Store, go to the app’s page, tap on the three dots in the top right corner, and uncheck the “Enable auto-update” option.
Please note that installing apps from unknown sources can pose security risks, as the APK files might not have gone through the same security checks as those available on the official Google Play Store. Therefore, it is recommended to exercise caution and only download APK files from trusted sources.
How to rollback to previous version of Android app playstore?
Rolling back to a previous version of an Android app from the Play Store can be done by following these steps:
1. Uninstall the current version: Go to your device’s settings, then find the “Apps” or “Applications” section. Locate the app you want to roll back and tap on it. From the app’s details page, press the “Uninstall” button to remove the current version from your device.
2. Find and download the APK file: Search for the specific version of the app you want to rollback on reliable third-party APK hosting sites or forums. Make sure to download from a trusted source. It is crucial to note that APK files sourced from unknown or untrustworthy sites may pose security risks.
3. Enable installation from unknown sources: Before installing the APK file, you need to enable installation from unknown sources on your Android device. To do this, go to your device’s settings, then navigate to the “Security” or “Privacy” section. Look for the “Unknown sources” option and toggle it on.
4. Install the previous version: Locate the downloaded APK file, usually in the “Downloads” folder or location where you saved it. Tap on the file to initiate the installation process. Follow the prompts and grant any necessary permissions to successfully install the older version of the app.
5. Disable automatic updates: To prevent the Play Store from automatically updating the app back to the latest version, open the Play Store app, tap on the “Menu” icon (usually three horizontal lines or dots), and go to “Settings.” Inside the settings menu, select “Auto-update apps” and choose the “Don’t auto-update apps” option.
By following these steps, you should be able to rollback to a previous version of an Android app from the Play Store. Remember to exercise caution when downloading APK files from external sources and be mindful of potential security risks.