How to roll back Minecraft on Android: 5 proven methods

Rollback Minecraft: Bedrock Edition on Android - a problem that players face after unsuccessful updates, bugs or incompatibility with mods. Unlike on PC, where you just need to select the version in the launcher, on mobile devices the process requires caution: incorrect actions can lead to loss of saves or account blocking. In this guide, we will look at all working rollback methods from official methods through Google Play to manual APK installation, and also tell you how to avoid common mistakes.

It is important to understand: Mojang does not provide a direct rollback function in the application, so most users have to resort to workarounds. Some methods (for example, installing old APKs) may conflict with the policy Google Play Protect, and restoring from a backup will require preliminary preparation. If you have never created backups of worlds - it will be impossible to return them after a rollback without third-party tools.

Why might you need to rollback a version of Minecraft?

The main reasons why players return to old versions:

• 🐛 Critical bugs in a new update (for example, crashes during loading worlds or problems with multiplayer).
• 🔄 Incompatibility with mods or addons that have not yet been adapted to the current version.
• 🎮 Gameplay changesthat the community does not like (for example, updates to the combat system or crafting).
• ⚡ Performance problems —new versions may work worse on weaker devices.
• 🔒 Blocking account due to suspicious activity (rare, but happens when using pirated APKs).

According to statistics Minecraft Feedback, about 15% of Android players have at least once tried to roll back the game after major updates. Most often this is due to 1.18+ (update "Caves & Cliffs"), where many mods stopped working. However, before rolling back, check if the problem was fixed in the latest patches - sometimes it’s enough to update to a fresh subversion.

Method 1: Rollback via Google Play (official method)

The safest, but limited option is to use the built-in function Google Play to return to previous version. Unfortunately, it only works for 48 hours after the update and does not guarantee the safety of worlds.

1. Open Google Play Store and find Minecraft in the list of installed applications.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → select Delete updates.
3. Confirm the action. The game will roll back to the version that was before the last update.

⚠️ Attention: If you haven't updated the game manually and have automatic updates enabled, this method may not work. Also, after the rollback, Google Play will offer to update again - disable auto-update for Minecraft in the application settings.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Does not require manual installation APK.
• ✅ Saves account data (if the cache has not been reset).
• ✅ Does not violate the rules Google Play Protect.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Works only for 48 hours.
• ❌ Does not allow you to select a specific version.
• ❌ May reset some settings.

Method 2: Installing an old version of APK

If 48 hours have passed or you need a specific version (for example 1.16.221 for mods), you will have to manually download and install the APK. This method requires caution: never download APK from unverified sources —the risk of catching a virus or losing your account is too high.

Step 1: Download a reliable APK

Recommended sources:

• 🔗 APKMirror - checks files for viruses and provides version history.
• 🔗 Minecraft Net - specialized resource for Bedrock Edition.

Example: for version 1.17.41 look for a file called com.mojang.minecraftpe_1.17.41.apk.

Step 2: Prepare the device

Go to Settings → Applications → Special access → Install unknown applications and allow installation for your file manager or browser.

Step 3: Install APK

1. Delete the current version Minecraft (do not clear the data if you want to save the worlds!).
2. Run the downloaded APK and follow the instructions.
3. After installation, open the game and log into your account Microsoft/Xbox.

⚠️ Attention: If the game asks for an update the first time startup, cancel it and turn off the Internet on the device until the setup is complete. Some versions may block entry without an update.

APK version	Support dates	Mod compatibility	Risks
1.16.221	2021–2022	High (popular with modders)	New blocks may not work
1.17.41	2022–2023	Medium (requires addon updates)	Bugs with world generation
1.18.32	2023–2026	Low (few supported mods)	Crashes on weak devices
1.19.80+	2026–present. time	Limited (new mods only)	Requires a Microsoft account

What to do if the APK is not installed?

If the "Application not installed" error appears during installation, check:

1) APK compatibility with your version of Android (for example, 1.16.x does not support Android 13+).

2) Availability of sufficient space on the device (~500 MB required).

3) No duplicate package com.mojang.minecraftpe (delete all old ones version).

4) If you use MIUI or EMUI, you may need to disable "Application protection" in the security settings.

Method 3: Restoring from a backup

If you regularly create backups of worlds, a rollback can be combined with restoring saves. This method is suitable for those who use:

• 📁 Local copies (folder games/com.mojang/minecraftWorlds).
• ☁️ Cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox).
• 🔧 Third-party utilities like MCPE Master or Toolbox for Minecraft.

Recovery instructions:

1. Roll back the game using any of the methods described above.
2. Connect the device to the PC or use a file manager (for example, Solid Explorer).
3. Go to /sdcard/games/com.mojang/minecraftWorlds/ and replace the current world folders with saved copies.
4. Restart the game - the worlds should appear in the list.

If you used Google Play Games for cloud saves, check whether the selected version of Minecraft supports this function. For example, in 1.16.x cloud saves work differently than in 1.19+.

⚠️ Attention: When restoring worlds from backups do not mix files of different versions this can damage the map. If the world does not load, try opening it in Amplitude Studio (tool for repairing worlds).

Method 4: Using alternative launchers

For experienced users, installation through third-party launchers is suitable, such as:

• 🎯 PojavLauncher — supports Java Edition i Bedrock on Android, allows you to select versions.
• 🔄 MCPE Launcher - specializes in Bedrock Edition with the ability to rollback.

Advantages of launchers:

• ✔️ Supports several versions simultaneously.
• ✔️ Automatic backup of worlds.
• ✔️ Additional features (mods, shaders).

How to install:

1. Download the launcher from the official website (for example, pojavlauncher.com).
2. Install the APK and follow the setup wizard.
3. In the launcher settings, select the desired version Bedrock and download it.
4. Import worlds from the standard folder Minecraft.

Cons:

• ❌ More complex setup for beginners.
• ❌ Some launchers require root access for full operation.
• ❌ Risk of account blocking when using pirated builds.

💡

Alternative launchers are the best choice for those who often switch between versions or use mods. However, they do not replace the official client for multiplayer with friends on consoles.

Method 5: Rollback via ADB (for advanced users)

If you are familiar with Android Debug Bridge (ADB)you can rollback Minecraft without deleting data. This method is suitable for devices with unlocked USB debugging.

Steps:

1. Connect your phone to the PC and enable USB debugging in Settings → For Developers.
2. Download Platform Tools from Google and extract it into a separate folder.
3. Open a command line in the folder with ADB and run:

   adb shell pm list packages | grep minecraft

   This will show the current game package (usually com.mojang.minecraftpe).

4. Roll back to the factory version:

   adb shell pm install --downgrade /path/to/old.apk

   (replace the path with the current one).

Warning: incorrect ADB commands can damage the system. If you are not sure, use other methods.

How to save worlds before rolling back?

If If you didn’t make a backup in advance, use these tips:

• 📂 Manual copy: Copy the folder minecraftWorlds to the cloud or on your PC Path: /sdcard/games/com.mojang/.
• 🔄 Export through the game: In the world menu, select Settings → Export world (not available in all versions).
• 🛠️ Third-party tools: Applications like World Edit for Minecraft PE allow you to save copies directly in the game.

If worlds are damaged after a rollback, try:

1. Rename the world folder (add _old to the name).
2. Download the utility NBTExplorer for PC and correct errors in files .mcworld.
3. Restore the world from the cloud (if used Xbox Live).

⚠️ Attention: Worlds created in new versions (for example 1.19+) may not open in old ones due to changes in the data storage format. Before rolling back, check the compatibility on the forums Minecraft.

Common errors and how to avoid them

Error 1: "The game requires an update"

Solution: Disable the Internet on your device before launching the old version. If the game has already been updated, try clearing the cache in Settings → Applications → Minecraft → Memory.

Error 2: "Worlds do not load"

Solution: Make sure that the APK version is compatible with the format of the worlds. For example, worlds from 1.18 will not open in 1.16 without conversion.

Error 3: "Unable to log into your account Microsoft"

Solution: Check whether the selected version supports authorization through Xbox Live. For 1.16.x and below, a local account may be required.

Error 4: "The game crashes when startup"

Solution: Delete the folder com.mojang.minecraftpe in /Android/data/ and reinstall the APK. If that doesn’t help, try another version.

💡

Before downgrading, check on the forums (for example, Reddit r/MCPE) to see if there are any known bugs in the selected version. For example, in 1.17.30 there was a critical bug with items disappearing from the inventory.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

Is it possible to roll back Minecraft without losing worlds?

Yes, if you have previously made a backup copy of the folder minecraftWorlds. Without a backup, worlds may become damaged or disappear, especially when rolling back to an older version. 1.16.

How to find out which version of Minecraft is installed?

Start the game, click Settings → Global resources. The version is indicated at the bottom of the screen (for example, 1.19.80.24).

Will multiplayer work after a rollback?

Depends on the version:

• If you rolled back to 1.16–1.18, multiplayer with friends on 1.19+ will not work.
• For a local network (LAN), the versions must be the same for all players.
• Servers (for example, Lifeboat or Mineplex) usually support only current versions.

Is it possible to roll back Minecraft on Android without root access?

Yes, all the described methods (except ADB for some commands) work without rootHowever, for full control over the game files (for example, editing .mcworld) may require root access.

What to do if after a rollback the game asks to update?

Disable auto-update in Google Play:

1. Open the page Minecraft in the Market.
2. Click on the three dots → uncheck Auto-update.
3. Turn off the Internet when starting the game if it forcibly checks for updates.