Updates Google Chrome on Android usually bring new features, security fixes and performance improvements. However, sometimes the latest version of the browser works worse than the previous one: it slows down, does not open pages, conflicts with other applications, or simply does not like the new interface. In such cases, users are looking for a way roll back Chrome to the previous version —but there are no standard tools for this. Android No.

In this article we will analyze all the current rollback methods, from simple ones (via Settings phone) to complex (using ADB and third-party APKs). It is important to understand that Rolling back system applications may interfere with stability Android, especially on devices with custom firmware or root access. Therefore, before starting, we recommend that you create a backup copy of your data.

Note: the instructions are relevant for Android 10–14. On older versions (for example Android 8–9), some steps may differ due to changes in security policy Google Play.

📊 Why do you want to roll back Chrome?
It's too slow
I don’t like the new interface
The necessary sites do not open
Conflict with other applications
Another reason

1. Is it possible to roll back Chrome via Google Play?

Unfortunately the standard rollback method via Google Play for Chrome is not available. Unlike regular applications, the browser Google Chrome on most devices is system a (pre-installed) application. This means:

  • 🔄 Button "Cancel update" in Google Play missing.
  • 📦 Removing updates through Settings → Applications blocked.
  • 🔒 System APK files are protected from changes without rights root.

However, there are workarounds. For example, you can delete updates via ADB (without superuser rights) or install the old version manually. About this in the following sections.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Samsung with shell One UI or Xiaomi s MIUI) system applications may have additional protection. Before rolling back, check whether this will lead to failures in other services Google (for example, Play Market or Gmail).

2. Rollback Chrome via ADB (without root)

The most reliable The way to roll back Chrome without obtaining rootrights is to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method works on most devices, but requires connecting to a computer.

You will need:

  • 💻 Computer with installed drivers ADB (you can download from official website Android).
  • 📱 Enabled software debugging USB on the phone (Settings → About phone → Build number —press 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers).
  • 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Steps to rollback:

  1. Connect your phone to the computer and confirm permission to debug.
  2. Open the command line (CMD on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the folder with platform-tools.
  3. Enter the command to remove updates Chrome: 
    adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.chrome
  4. Reboot the phone. After that Chrome it will return to the factory version (usually Chrome 70–90, depending on version Android).

Install platform-tools on the PC

Enable USB debugging on the phone

Connect the phone with the original cable

Run CMD/Terminal as administrator

Download a backup copy of Chrome data (optional)-->

If the command did not work, try an alternative option:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.chrome
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo or Funtouch OS from Vivo) Chrome can be deeply integrated into the system. In this case, rolling back through ADB will cause the browser to crash before executing commands, check whether Chrome is critical to operation. data-i="120">(responsible for displaying web pages in other applications). WebView (responsible for displaying web pages in other applications).

3. Installing an old version of Chrome manually (APK)

If ADB didn’t help or you don’t want to connect your phone to the computer, you can try install the old version Chrome via an APK file. To do this:

  1. Download the desired version Chrome from a reliable source (for example, APKMirror). Pay attention to the bitness of your phone's processor (arm64, armeabi or x86).
  2. Before installation, uninstall the current version Chrome (if possible) or disable automatic updates in Google Play.
  3. Allow installation from unknown sources (Settings → Security → Unknown sources).
  4. Install the downloaded APKfile.

Important nuances:

  • 🔒 Google Play can update automatically Chrome to the latest version. To avoid this, disable auto-update for the application in the settings Play Market.
  • 🚫 On some devices (for example, Huawei without services Google) manual installation Chrome may be impossible.
  • ⚠️ Installing APK from unreliable sources is dangerous - there is a risk of getting a virus or spyware.
💡

Before installing the old version Chrome export bookmarks via chrome://flags/#enable-sync or synchronize them with your account Google. After a rollback, the data may be reset.

Android version Minimum supported version of Chrome Risks during rollback
Android 10–11 Chrome 80+ Conflicts with WebView, errors when opening some sites
Android 12–13 Chrome 90+ Problems with displaying adaptive sites, failures in Google Account
Android 14 Chrome 115+ Blocking installation files older than 2023 due to security policy

4. Rollback by resetting Chrome settings

If the problem is not in the browser version, but in its settings (for example, after an update, the synchronization or extension settings were lost), you can try reset Chrome to factory settings. This will not roll back the version, but will return it to its original state:

  1. Open Chrome and go to ⋮ → Settings → Reset settings.
  2. Confirm the reset. This will delete:
    • 🔖 Bookmarks (if not synchronized with Google Account).
    • 📁 Browsing history.
    • 🔧 Site settings (permissions for notifications, geolocation, etc.) etc.).
  • Restart the browser.

    • If this method did not help, but you need to roll back urgently, try clear the cache and application data:

    1. Go to Settings → Applications → Google Chrome → Memory.
    2. Click “Clear cache" and "Clear data».
    ⚠️ Attention: Clearing data will delete all local settings, including saved passwords (if not synchronized with Google Account). Before performing, export important data.

    5. Using alternative browsers (if rollback is not possible)

    If none of the methods did not work, consider switching to another browser. Modern alternatives Chrome often offer similar functionality without the problems of the latest updates:

    • 🦊 Mozilla Firefox - supports extensions, synchronization and is open source.
    • 🌍 Microsoft Edge - based on the same engine Chromium, but with a different one interface.
    • 🛡️ Brave —blocks ads by default and focuses on privacy.
    • 🔍 DuckDuckGo Browser —a minimalistic browser with an emphasis on privacy.

    Advantages of alternatives:

    • ✅ No connection to system updates Android.
    • ✅ Often work faster Chrome on weak ones devices.
    • ✅ You can import bookmarks and history from Chrome.

    To transfer data from Chrome to another browser:

    1. Export bookmarks via chrome://bookmarks (click ⋮ → Export bookmarks).
    2. Import the file into a new browser (usually the option is in the settings).
    How to transfer passwords from Chrome to Firefox?

    1. Chrome go. in chrome://flags/#password-import-export and enable the flag.

    2. In the settings Chrome export passwords to CSVfile.

    3. In Firefox import the file. via: Settings → Privacy and protection → Saved logins → Import work Settings → Privacy and Security → Saved Logins → Import.

    6. What to do if the rollback leads to errors?

    In rare cases, a rollback Chrome may cause malfunctions Android, especially if the browser is connected to system components (for example, WebView). Symptoms of problems:

    • 🔄 Constant restarts of applications.
    • 🚨 Error "Android System WebView stopped».
    • 📱 The phone freezes when opening any links.

    Fixing methods:

    1. Update Android System WebView:
      • Go to Google Play i find the application “Android System WebView».
      • Update it to the latest version.
  • Reset settings WebView: 
    adb shell pm clear com.google.android.webview
  • Return to factory version Chrome: 
    adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.chrome

    • If errors persist, the only reliable way is reset the phone to factory settings. Before doing this, be sure to save important data!

    💡

    Before rolling back Chrome check whether it is used as a system component for WebView. On devices with Android 10+ WebView it is updated separately, but on older versions it may depend on Chrome.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about rolling back Chrome on Android

    Is it possible to roll back Chrome without a computer?

    Yes, but with limitations. You can:

    • Install the old version via APKfile (see Section 3).
    • Clear data and cache (see Section 4).

    However, to completely roll back a system application without ADB you will need rootrights.

    Why does Chrome ask for an update after a rollback?

    Google Play automatically offers to update applications to the latest version. To avoid this:

    1. Open Google Play, find Chrome.
    2. Click on ⋮ → Disable auto-update.

    On some devices (for example, Samsung), auto-update may be blocked by the manufacturer's policy.

    Will Chrome work after a rollback on a new version of Android?

    Depends on the difference in versions. For example:

    • 🟢 Chrome 100 on Android 12 - most likely it will work.
    • 🟡 Chrome 80 on Android 13 — errors are possible with WebView.
    • 🔴 Chrome 70 on Android 14 —high probability of failures.

    If the browser does not start, try installing Chrome Beta or Chrome Dev —they are often compatible with new versions Android.

    How to return synchronization with Google Account after a rollback?

    If bookmarks or history are missing after a rollback:

    1. Make sure you are logged into the same account Google.
    2. B Chrome go to Settings → Synchronization and turn it on.
    3. If the data is not loaded, check if it has been reset on the servers Google (for example, due to long inactivity).
    Is it possible to roll back Chrome on a rooted phone?

    Yes, with root there are more opportunities. You can:

    • Delete the current version via Root Explorer or Titanium Backup.
    • Replace the system one APK with an old version file (for example, via Magisk).
    • Freeze updates using Lucky Patcher or AppOps.

    ⚠️ Be careful: incorrect actions with system files can lead to bootloop (loopy reboot of the phone).