Have you ever updated your Android device only to realize that the new version is causing more harm than good? Whether it’s a bug that’s affecting the performance of your device or an interface change that you simply don’t like, it can be frustrating to deal with a new update that you regret installing. Fortunately, there are ways to roll back an update on Android and revert to a previous version of the operating system. In this blog post, we’ll explore several methods that you can use to undo an update on your Android device and get back to a version that works better for you.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Roll Back An Update on Android:
There are several reasons why you might want to roll back an update on your Android device. Some of the most common reasons include:
1. Performance issues: Sometimes, a new update can cause your device to slow down or experience lag. This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on your device for work or daily tasks. Rolling back to a previous version can help restore the performance of your device.
2. Compatibility problems: Occasionally, a new update may introduce compatibility issues with certain apps or accessories. If you find that a particular app or accessory is no longer working properly after an update, rolling back can resolve the issue.
3. User interface changes: Updates often bring changes to the user interface of your Android device. While some users may appreciate these changes, others may prefer the previous version. Rolling back the update allows you to retain the interface that you’re familiar with.
4. Battery drain: It’s not uncommon for a new update to cause increased battery drain on your device. If you notice that your battery life has significantly decreased since updating, rolling back can help conserve battery power.
Now that we understand the importance of rolling back an update on Android, let’s explore the methods you can use to accomplish this.
Method 1: Via the Settings Menu
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to note that not all Android devices have this option available. However, if your device does, this method is often the easiest way to roll back an update. Here’s how to do it:
1. Go to the “Settings” menu on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on “System” or “About phone,” depending on your device.
3. Look for the “System updates” or “Software updates” option and tap on it.
4. You should see a “Roll back” or “Roll back update” option. Tap on it.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the rollback process.
Pros:
1. Easy and straightforward process to roll back an update.
2. No additional tools or software required.
3. Can be done directly on your Android device without connecting to a computer.
Cons:
1. Not available on all Android devices.
2. May vary depending on the manufacturer and model of your device.
Method 2: Using ADB (Android Debug Bridge)
If the first method doesn’t work for your device, you can try using ADB to roll back an update. ADB is a versatile command-line tool that allows you to communicate with your Android device from a computer. Here’s how you can use ADB to undo an update:
1. Enable USB debugging on your Android device by going to the “Developer options” section in the device settings. If you don’t see this option, go to “About phone” and tap the “Build number” multiple times until the message “You are now a developer!” appears. Then, go back to the settings menu, and you should see the “Developer options” section.
2. Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable and ensure that your computer recognizes it.
3. Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer.
4. Type the command “adb devices” and press enter to confirm that your device is detected.
5. Now, enter the command “adb shell” and press enter.
6. In the command line, enter “su” to gain root access (if your device is rooted).
7. Finally, enter the command “pm uninstall -k –user 0
Pros:
1. More flexible and can be used on devices that don’t have a direct rollback option.
2. Allows uninstallation of specific packages related to the update.
Cons:
1. Requires basic understanding of command-line tools and ADB.
2. May require rooting your device for certain actions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Provides more flexibility in rolling back updates on devices without direct rollback options. | 1. Requires familiarity with command-line tools and ADB commands. |
| 2. Allows uninstallation of specific packages related to the update. | 2. Rooting your device may void the warranty or cause stability issues. |
| 3. Can be used on computers running Windows, macOS, or Linux. | 3. Incorrect use of ADB commands can potentially cause device malfunction. |
Method 3: Via Custom Recovery
Another method to roll back an update is by using a custom recovery, such as TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). This method requires your device to have a custom recovery installed, so make sure you have the necessary knowledge and have created a backup of your device before proceeding. Here’s how you can use a custom recovery to roll back an update:
1. Download the previous version of the Android ROM for your device from a trusted source.
2. Transfer the ROM file to your device’s internal storage or SD card.
3. Reboot your device into recovery mode. The method to enter recovery mode may vary depending on your device. Typically, it involves pressing a combination of hardware buttons during startup.
4. Once in recovery mode, select the “Backup” or “Nandroid” option to create a backup of your current system.
5. After the backup is complete, select the “Wipe” or “Factory reset” option to erase your current system.
6. Next, select the “Install” or “Flash” option and navigate to the location where you stored the previous version of the ROM.
7. Select the ROM file and confirm the installation.
8. Wait for the installation to complete, and then reboot your device.
Pros:
1. Allows you to roll back to a previous version of the Android ROM.
2. Can be used regardless of the manufacturer or model of your device.
3. Provides a comprehensive backup and restore process.
Cons:
1. Requires advanced knowledge of custom recoveries and flashing ROMs.
2. Incorrect installation can potentially brick your device, causing it to become unusable.
3. The availability of custom recoveries may vary depending on your device.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Provides the ability to roll back to a previous version of the Android ROM. | 1. Requires advanced knowledge of custom recoveries and flashing ROMs. |
| 2. Compatible with various Android devices, regardless of the manufacturer or model. | 2. Incorrect installation can potentially brick your device, rendering it unusable. |
| 3. Allows for a comprehensive backup and restore process. | 3. The availability of custom recoveries may vary depending on your device. |
Method 4: Using Manufacturer Tools
Some manufacturers provide their own tools or software to help users roll back updates on their devices. These tools are often specific to the manufacturer and may vary in functionality. Here’s a general outline of how you can use such tools:
1. Visit the manufacturer’s website and look for their official software or tools.
2. Download and install the software on your computer. Make sure it’s compatible with your device.
3. Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable.
4. Launch the manufacturer’s software and follow the on-screen instructions to roll back the update.
Pros:
1. Official tools provided by the manufacturer are usually reliable.
2. Designed specifically for the manufacturer’s devices, ensuring compatibility.
Cons:
1. May not be available for all manufacturers.
2. The process may vary depending on the tool and manufacturer.
3. Requires downloading and installing additional software on your computer.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Official tools provided by the manufacturer are generally reliable. | 1. Not all manufacturers provide dedicated tools for rolling back updates. |
| 2. Designed specifically for the manufacturer’s devices, ensuring compatibility. | 2. The process may vary depending on the tool and the manufacturer. |
| 3. Additional software needs to be downloaded and installed on your computer. |
What to Do If You Can’t Roll Back An Update
If none of the methods mentioned above work for your device or situation, there are a few alternative fixes you can try:
1. Factory reset: Performing a factory reset on your Android device will erase all data and settings, including the latest update. This should bring your device back to its original state before the update was installed. However, keep in mind that this will delete all your data, so make sure to back up any important files beforehand.
2. Contact manufacturer support: In some cases, the best course of action is to reach out to the manufacturer’s support team for assistance. They may provide specific instructions or solutions tailored to your device and situation.
3. Seek professional help: If you’re not comfortable performing any of these methods yourself, consider taking your device to a professional technician or an authorized service center. They have the expertise to diagnose and resolve the issue you’re facing.
Bonus Tips:
1. Back up your data: Before attempting any method to roll back an update, it’s crucial to back up your important data. This ensures that if something goes wrong during the process, you won’t lose valuable files or information.
2. Check for official updates: Once you have successfully rolled back an update, it’s important to check for official updates from the manufacturer. These updates often include bug fixes, security patches, and performance improvements, so staying up to date is recommended.
3. Disable automatic updates: To prevent future unwanted updates, consider disabling automatic updates on your Android device. This gives you more control over which updates are installed and allows you to review them before proceeding.
5 FAQs:
Q1: Can I roll back an update without losing my data?
A: Unfortunately, rolling back an update often involves removing the entire system and replacing it with a previous version. As a result, it’s likely that you’ll lose all the data stored on your device in the process. That’s why it’s important to back up your data before attempting any rollback method.
Q2: Will rolling back an update void my warranty?
A: Rolling back an update using official methods provided by the manufacturer typically does not void your warranty. However, if you use unofficial methods or modify the device beyond the manufacturer’s recommendations, it may void your warranty. It’s always a good idea to check with the manufacturer before proceeding.
Q3: Can I roll back an update on a rooted device?
A: Yes, if your device is rooted, you may have additional options available to roll back an update, such as using ADB commands or custom recoveries. However, keep in mind that rooting your device may void the warranty and introduce additional risks. Proceed with caution and ensure you have a backup of your data.
Q4: Why can’t I find the rollback option in the settings menu?
A: Not all Android devices have a built-in rollback option in their settings menu. Manufacturers have different approaches when it comes to providing this feature. If you can’t find the rollback option, you may need to explore alternative methods such as using ADB or custom recoveries.
Q5: Can I roll back an update on Android tablets?
A: Yes, the methods mentioned in this blog post can be used on both Android smartphones and tablets. The process and steps are generally the same, regardless of the device type.
Final Thoughts:
Rolling back an update on your Android device can be a valuable solution when you encounter issues or unwanted changes after installing a new version. From using the settings menu to leveraging ADB commands or custom recoveries, there are several methods you can try to roll back an update and revert to a previous version of Android. Remember to back up your data before proceeding and proceed with caution, especially when using advanced methods like ADB or custom recoveries. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with the process, it’s always wise to seek professional help. By following the steps and considering the bonus tips in this blog post, you’ll be equipped to roll back an update on your Android device effectively.