The decision to upgrade to a new version of the operating system is often made in the hope of getting fresh features and improved security. However, flagship users OnePlus often encounter a situation where the OxygenOS update brings instability, problems with autonomy, or an unusual interface. In such cases, the only reasonable solution is to return to a time-tested version of the software.
The rollback, or downgrade, procedure is technically more complicated than a regular over-the-air update. This is due to the fact that the security system of modern smartphones blocks the installation of older versions of the bootloader and system partitions. You will not only have to download the file, but also temporarily change the device configuration to bypass these restrictions. Android 11 technically more difficult than a regular over-the-air update. This is due to the fact that the security system of modern smartphones blocks the installation of older versions of the bootloader and system partitions. You will not only have to download the file, but also temporarily change the device configuration to bypass these restrictions.
This guide describes a universal method that is suitable for most models, ranging from OnePlus 8 to newer devices of the 9 and 10 series. We will analyze each step: from preparing tools to final system setup. Be prepared for the fact that the process will require time and attention to detail.
⚠️ Attention! Any manipulations with system partitions carry the risk of turning the device into a “brick”. The author is not responsible for damage to your gadget. You perform all actions at your own peril and risk.
Equipment preparation and backup
Before starting any work, it is critical to save all personal data. The rollback procedure involves completely clearing the internal memory of the smartphone. Formatting data is a mandatory step for the old version of the system to work correctly on the new bootloader.
Use Google cloud services or local copying to your computer. Don't rely only on contact synchronization, check for backup copies of photos, documents and instant messenger conversations. Make sure you have access to the Google account that was linked to the device.
You will also need a high-quality USB cable. Cheap charging cables often don't support high-speed data transfer or drop the connection when under load. To work with ADB i Fastboot connection stability is a key success factor.
☑️ Preparation for the procedure
Check the battery charge. The flashing process can take from 30 minutes to an hour, and a sudden power outage while recording system partitions can lead to irreversible consequences. It is better to connect the smartphone to power while working with the computer.
Installing drivers and ADB tools
To interact between the computer and the smartphone in debugging mode, you need a special set of utilities. Standard Windows drivers often do not recognize the device in Fastboot or Recoverymode. You will need to install universal Google USB Driver or specific drivers from OnePlus.
Download Platform-Tools from the official Android developers website. This package contains executable files adb.exe and fastboot.exe. Unpack the archive to the root of drive C or to a convenient folder, the path to which does not contain Cyrillic characters.
If the device manager shows an unknown device with a yellow exclamation mark, try manually updating the driver by specifying the path to the folder with utilities.
After installation, open the command line in the tools folder. Connect your phone and enter the command to test the connection:
adb devicesA message about allowing USB debugging should appear on the smartphone screen. Confirm the action by checking the "Always allow" checkbox. If the serial number of the device is displayed in the console, then the connection is established correctly.
Unlocking the Bootloader
Factory firmware OnePlus has a locked bootloader, which prevents the installation of unofficial Recovery and downgrading of system partitions. Unlocking is the first and most important technical step. It automatically initiates a reset of all data on the device.
Put your smartphone into bootloader mode. This can be done through the developer menu or hardware buttons. Turn off your phone, then hold down the Volume Down key and the Power button at the same time. Hold them until the logo appears Fastboot.
⚠️ Attention! Unlocking the bootloader will void your device's warranty in most regions. This also irreversibly deletes all user data, including internal memory.
Connect the device to the PC and execute the unlock command:
fastboot oem unlockA warning will appear on the smartphone screen. Use the volume buttons to navigate and the power button to confirm your selection Unlock the Bootloader. After the reboot, you will see a message that the bootloader is unlocked.
Installing custom Recovery TWRP
OnePlus standard recovery does not allow you to install update packages whose version is lower than the current one. To bypass this limitation, you need to install a third-party recovery, for example TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). This environment allows you to perform a full backup (Nandroid) and flash ZIP archives without verifying the signature.
Find a TWRP image that is compatible specifically with your model and the version of Android you are going to leave with (for example, for Android 12/13). Download the file with the extension .img and place it in the folder with ADB tools. Rename it to twrp.img for convenience.
Switch your smartphone to fastboot mode again and connect it to the computer. Enter the command to temporarily download the image:
fastboot boot twrp.imgThis command does not flash the recovery forever, but only downloads it for the current session. This is a safe method to test how TWRP works. If the sensor works correctly, you can proceed to the next step.
⚠️ Attention! Do not try to flash TWRP with the commandfastboot flash recoveryon devices with dynamic partitions (A/B partition), this may lead to an error. Use the temporary download method (boot).
Searching and preparing Android 11 firmware
The key point of the whole process is having the correct firmware file. You need the full package of the OxygenOS version based on Android 11. It is important to understand the difference between incremental (update) and full (full) firmware. To roll back, you need the full ZIP archive.
Official full firmwares are often hidden on the manufacturer’s website. They can be found on specialized forums, such as XDA Developers, or in the archives of firmware aggregator sites. Make sure to download the version for your region (EU, IN, NA), since firmware from the Indian version on a European device may cause problems with Bands. communication.
| Device model | Recommended OxygenOS version | File type | Archive size |
|---|---|---|---|
| OnePlus 8 / 8 Pro | 11.0.2.2 / 11.0.4.4 | Full OTA ZIP | ~2.1 GB |
| OnePlus 9 / 9 Pro | 11.0.5.5 / 11.0.6.6 | Full OTA ZIP | ~2.4 GB |
| OnePlus Nord | 11.0.1.1 | Full OTA ZIP | ~1.9 GB |
| OnePlus 7T | 11.0.1.1 | Full OTA ZIP | ~2.0 GB |
Copy the downloaded ZIP file to the internal memory of your smartphone or to an SD card. If you are using internal memory, make sure that TWRP has access to it. In some cases, you may need to format the Data section inside TWRP itself for removal. encryption.
Where to look for full firmware?
Official full firmware (Full OTA) are often not readily available. Look for them in threads for specific devices on the XDA Developers forum in the "Guides, News, & Discussion" sections. There are also Telegram channels that aggregate links to archives. OxygenOS. Avoid third-party file hosting services with suspicious advertising.
Installation process and cleaning partitions
Now that all components are ready, the immediate rollback procedure begins. Boot into TWRP (with the command fastboot boot twrp.img). data-i="107">, then Wipe, then Advanced Wipe.
It is necessary to clean the sections Dalvik / ART Cache, Cache, System and Data. It is not recommended to touch the Vendor section unless the instructions for a specific one. the firmware does not indicate otherwise. Swipe the slider to confirm the cleaning. This will remove the old system and prepare space for the new one.
Return to the main menu and select Install. Find the ZIP file with Android 11 firmware. Before installation, in the slider settings (the "Install" button at the bottom), you can uncheck "Reboot after installation" to control the process.
Run the installation The process may take several minutes. Watch the logs at the bottom of the screen: if red lines with errors appear (Error 7, signature verification failed), then the firmware file is damaged or is not suitable for this model.
If the system does not boot after the first time, repeat the Wipe System and Data procedure, then install the firmware again.
Initial boot and system setup
After installation is complete, click the button Reboot System. The first boot after downgrading to an older version of Android always takes longer than usual. The smartphone may freeze on the logo OnePlus for 5-10 minutes. This is normal behavior, the system is optimizing applications.
If the download was successful, you will have to go through the initial setup. Restore your data from a previously created backup. Please note that some applications updated for Android 12 or 13 may not work correctly on Android 11. You may need to reinstall them or roll back the application versions.
Check the functionality of the main functions: calls, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and camera. Make sure that the fingerprint sensor is working correctly, as sometimes after a downgrade you need to re-register fingerprints in the menu Settings → Security.
What to do if the phone is stuck on the logo (Bootloop)?
If the device reboots cyclically, boot into TWRP. Try Wipe Dalvik/Cache and repeat the firmware installation. If this does not help, perhaps the bootloader version is too new for this firmware, and you will need to search for a specific patch or another version of Android 11.
Is it possible to roll back from Android 13 directly to 11?
Direct rollback after two generations of the Android version is often blocked by checking the bootloader version. In some cases, it is safer to first roll back to an intermediate version (Android 12), and then to Android 11, or use special scripts to force a change in the bootloader version, which increases risks.
Will unlocking the bootloader disappear after a rollback?
No, the status of the unlocked bootloader is saved in a separate memory section and is not reset when flashing the system. However, if you decide to lock the bootloader again (fastboot oem lock), this will erase all data and return the device to the factory security state.
Will I lose Widevine L1 after unlocking?
On most OnePlus devices, unlocking the bootloader will move the Widevine certificate from L1 to L2. This means that streaming services (Netflix, Amazon Prime) will only play content in HD quality, and not in Full HD or 4K. It is usually impossible to return L1 without re-locking the bootloader and resetting to stock.